Claire's Courtyard

[caption id="attachment_2079" align="alignright" width="411"] Pictured: Kerry Storey, Chair, Library Board of Trustees; Judi Stork, Chair, Library Foundation Board; Matt McGivern and Cindy Hill, Senne Company; David Heit, Tevis Architects; Gina Millsap, CEO, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library; Mayor Michelle De La Isla; Nancy Lindberg, Executive Director, The Library Foundation and Dr. Glenn Swogger, Jr.[/caption] The Library Foundation and supporters broke ground for Senne Company to begin construction of Claire's Courtyard, an outdoor space at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library that includes a pavilion, an amphitheater and eating area. This project is made possible by a gift from Dr. Glenn Swogger and the Redbud Foundation and named after Glenn's beloved late wife Claire. "I’m pleased to honor Claire by giving back to the community and creating this fabulous space for all to enjoy," said Swogger. “Claire’s Courtyard will change the library’s future and improve the quality of life in our community," said Gina Millsap, library CEO. "We are committed to creating a culture of literacy and learning. Thanks to the generosity of Glenn and Claire Swogger, this is an opportunity to encourage everyone to read and learn by making their library an irresistible destination." “Once again the Redbud Foundation has enhanced Topeka and Shawnee County," said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO, Greater Topeka Partnership. "Claire’s Courtyard adds another layer of excellence to our community’s award-winning library. The investments of Glenn and Claire’s Redbud Foundation in our community will pay dividends and provide returns for years into the future.” The courtyard designed by Tevis Architects will be built by Senne Company on the southwest side of the library with anticipated completion by the end of the year. The space will be used for library events and outdoor dining for customers of the Millennium Cafe.