The Springfield-Greene County Library District has received the 2008 Economic Impact “Innovator of the Year” Award from the Springfield Business Journal for its new downtown facility, the Park Central Branch Library, and its concept of library service to an urban area. The Library was one of three finalists for the honor, including the Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.

The notion of innovation applies to the Library in a variety of ways, but perhaps no recent project highlights the idea more than the opening of the Park Central Branch Library. Located at 128 Park Central Square, the arts-and-media-themed facility is unlike any other in the district and serves as a cornerstone for the revitalization of the square as other businesses and organizations consider redevelopment projects.

“The Park Central Branch Library will be witness to the rebirth of Springfield’s square as we’ve positioned ourselves in the perfect location to watch its growth,” said Executive Director Annie Busch. “The branch is already becoming an integral part of the lives of the people who live, work and play downtown.”