A new chapter in Kenosha’s Uptown neighborhood opened Saturday at the grand opening of the city’s newest children’s library. Local officials and community leaders celebrated the opening of the KPL Kids @ Uptown Library, 6144 22nd Ave. Hundreds including many children turned out to check out books and the new amenities offered.
The more than 7,600-square-foot library is on the ground level of the new Uptown Lofts, and includes an art room, book nooks, a community room and a calming room — as well as plenty of children’s books. It’s decorated with bright splotches of various shades of green to mimic trees and grass. Paige Graham, 2, reads “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” with her mom, Coleen, during the grand opening of KPL Kids library in Uptown on Saturday.
Barbara Brattin, director of the Kenosha Public Library, highlighted the $2.7 million project as a positive example of a private/public partnership. The only public money used fwas from federal pandemic relief funds.
The rest came from private donations. The facility is primarily designed for K-5th grade students. “The library is absolutely gorgeous and it’s everything we dreamed of,” Brattin said.
“This will inspire kids to learn and make learning a part of their whole lives.” Brattin said it’s “really a hybrid between a children’s museum and a library.” “People are going to want more of these throughout the city,” she said.
Lydia Spottswood, a member of the Kenosha Plan Commission, was .
