A visit to the newly renovated Jamestown Bluffs Library branch that opened on Nov. 12, 2015 reveals some of IBEW/NECA’s best work.

ST. LOUIS — Brightly lit, state-of-the-art technology -- even a quiet room for group discussions -- all make the library an anchor of the community it serves. It is just one of 19 library branches being upgraded by the St. Louis County Library District. IBEW/NECA contractor Briner Electric Co’s modernization of the Jamestown Bluffs branch can be seen in this story on its grand opening by Fox 2 News. Briner is also performing upgrades at nine other library branches.

St. Louis County Library “Your Library Renewed” capital campaign is supported by a $.06 tax increase approved by voters in 2012 to fund new facilities and upgrade existing structures, as well as enhance library programs and services.

“We certainly concur with the St. Louis County Library District that St. Louis loves its public libraries,” said Doug Martin, chief executive officer, St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). “We are providing optimal value on a taxpayer-funded project that is strengthening the communities we serve.”

“Our NECA contractors and the IBEW workers they employ can apply its vast experience in modernizing education facilities to projects such as the library branch upgrades,” said Frank Jacobs, business manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local One. “We work with school districts, both urban and rural, to help design and install technology and energy efficient upgrades that deliver great learning environments. These skills are easily leveraged on projects like the library improvements.”

In addition to the newly reopened Jamestown Bluffs branch, improvements are being made to the Lewis and Clark, Grant’s View, Indian Trails, Weber Road, Rock Road, Samuel C. Sachs, Natural Bridge, Prairie Commons, Cliff Cave and Oak Bend branches. Phase two will upgrade the Daniel Boone, Grand Glaize, Bridgeton Trails, Florissant Valley, Mid-County, Meramec Valley and Thornhill branches.

The final phase of the project will renovate the St. Louis County library headquarters on Lindbergh Boulevard in Ladue, Mo.