Controversial Library Opens To Rave Reviews

INDIANAPOLIS -- It's been a long time coming, but the Central Library in downtown Indianapolis reopened to ecstatic patrons Sunday, two years behind schedule and $50 million over budget.

Doors were unlocked with a golden key and music accompanied the event. The grand atrium immediately got the attention of the first people in the door, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

"It's gorgeous. We've been looking forward to the opening. We've used the library for years," said Lynette Stubbs. "We're home-schoolers, so they have supplied us with a lot of our curriculum. So, we just couldn't wait for the opening and to come and see the new building and all the new books that are here."

"The library now has so many other things to offer compared to the way it was before, and obviously the design is amazing," said Kevin Osburn.

Despite controversy and ongoing litigation involving contractors in the project, officials said the facility is designed to last for decades and will serve Indianapolis well.

The new library features a state-of-the-art center for children, featuring more than 700,000 books and audio-visual materials.

"I think it's real great. They have a lot of stuff for everybody here," said Alma Lopez. "I haven't finished looking everywhere, but it looks beautiful."

The library has its own underground parking garage on Pennsylvania Street, just south of Ninth Street.

Free parking and a shuttle service is also available from the Safeco Insurance garage on Illinois Street.