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The Prairie Commons Branch of St. Louis County Library will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Sept. 14 and 15 with an open house, refreshments and historical photo display. The open house will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Prairie Commons, located at 915 Utz Lane, Hazelwood, debuted Sept. 14, 1986. The branch opened with 50,000 books and audiovisual items. The one-level branch is 16,000 square feet. The exterior is made of square bricks in three shades of earth tones.

The branch can be seen from Interstate 270, though the careful placement of a continuous band of windows provides a view from inside of only of the sky and trees beyond the busy highway. Hastings & Chivetta, Inc. was the building’s architect and it was built by Schaefer Construction Co. The cost for land, furniture and equipment was $1.6 million.

Although it has never been significantly remodeled, the Prairie Commons is now very different from the library it was at its opening. Customers can pick up their own holds and check out their own material. There are 24 personal computers for use by the public and a computer lab for free classes. Since many reference resources are now offered in electronic format the reference room is smaller than in the original branch. More programs are offered for babies, kids, teens and adults.

Since opening in September 1986, the Prairie Commons Branch has issued 7.2 million items.

For information about other programs and events at the Prairie Commons Branch please call 314 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Program sites are accessible. Upon two weeks’ notice, accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Contact St. Louis County Library by phone 314-994-3300, or visit www.slcl.org.

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