Saginaw Prepares for a New Library and Senior Center

Saginaw is preparing to unveil a game-changing addition to its community — a combined library and senior center designed to meet the needs of its growing and diverse population. This multi-functional facility is expected to open its doors in the fall of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city’s development. 

Saginaw voters approved a $25,900,000 bond proposition in 2021 to build a new library and senior center. Saginaw is a city that has seen steady growth over the years and has prioritized enhancing its public infrastructure to meet the needs of its expanding population. The new library and senior center, set to be built across the street from Saginaw City Hall, reflects this commitment to community development.

City officials and planners have envisioned the facility as more than just a building. They see it as a catalyst for social connection and lifelong learning. With Saginaw’s current library and senior center facilities aging and limited in space, this new project addresses longstanding community needs.

The new building will integrate the library and senior center under one roof, allowing for shared resources while maintaining distinct spaces for their respective purposes.

This innovative project combines two critical community spaces into one building. The library will span an impressive two stories and 30,000 square feet, while the senior center will occupy a thoughtfully designed 10,000 square feet on a single level. Together, the facilities promise to provide an inviting and dynamic environment for learning, recreation, and connection.

DESIGN & AMENITIES

The library will cater to patrons of all ages, featuring modern technology, collaborative spaces, and an extensive collection of books and digital resources. The library’s Adult Education program will also include English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), GED classes, Spanish classes and  citizenship classes. 

The senior center will offer tailored amenities, including a multi-purpose room, a fitness center, and dedicated arts and crafts areas. These spaces will foster creativity, health, and social engagement for seniors, particularly those aged 55 and older who call Saginaw home, though non-residents will also be welcome to join. Current membership boasts over 700 patrons and is growing.

The Saginaw Library Board has approved a heartfelt tribute to former library director Yvonne Flippo, who served from 1994 to 2010, leaving an enduring legacy of lifelong learning and community connection. The board voted to fund and donate a bronze statue depicting a grandparent reading a book to a grandchild, with the figures modeled after Flippo herself and a young child. This touching tribute celebrates her dedication to fostering a love for reading and education in the community and will serve as a timeless reminder of her impact for generations to come. 

The statue of Yvonne Flippo reading to a child symbolizes the essence of the project — a community united by its love of knowledge, the care for its residents, and its commitment to a brighter future.

The design of the facility reflects a deliberate focus on versatility and accessibility. By combining the library and senior center into a single building, city planners aim to create a shared space that bridges generational divides. For instance, seniors visiting for fitness classes or arts and crafts could also enjoy the library’s serene reading areas or participate in intergenerational programs.

Residents have expressed excitement about the new facility, particularly its ability to foster community connections. The inclusion of diverse amenities, from a fitness room to arts and crafts spaces, ensures that the senior center will become a vibrant gathering place for Saginaw’s older adults. Similarly, the expanded library will provide ample space for children’s story hours, study groups, and innovative programming.

As the project progresses, the city has planned an open house and opening ceremony to celebrate the grand debut in fall 2025. This event will give residents a chance to explore the facility, meet the staff, and experience its features firsthand.

A key design piece will be the green space that will provide space for reading on sunny days, and movie nights. A balcony on the second floor showcases a view of the iconic Grain Elevators. 

OTHER PROJECTS

As the city looks ahead to 2025, the May 2021 bond also approved improvements for two memorial parks — Brian Schwengler, and Opal Jo Jennings. Both of these parks will see inclusive playgrounds for the kids, basketball courts at the Brian Schwengler park,  new lighting, and a new sense of revitalization to both areas.

The City of Saginaw will continue its bond project with Knowles Drive Phase 2/3, extending from Woodcrest to Longhorn. This phase includes the installation of a roundabout at McLeroy Boulevard and a new traffic light at Longhorn, along with the addition of sidewalks and stormwater drain upgrades. Expected to be completed by Fall 2025, these improvements aim to enhance safety, traffic efficiency, and infrastructure for residents.

GET INVOLVED

Residents who want to make a difference in the community can run for a seat on the City Council. In the upcoming election, Places 1, 3, and 5 will be on the ballot, each carrying a three-year term. These positions provide an excellent opportunity to shape the future of the community. Interested residents can submit their applications between January 15 and February 14 by contacting the City Secretary for more information. Serving on the council is a meaningful way to contribute to the growth and development of Saginaw.

For those looking to get involved in other ways, several positions are available on the City’s Boards and Commissions. These groups play a vital role in advising the council on various matters, including how to allocate donations collected through water bills for city initiatives. Board and commission members provide valuable recommendations and help guide community-focused projects. Residents are encouraged to explore these opportunities to actively participate in Saginaw’s progress and strengthen their connection to the city.

Lastly, the Big Event happens late March for a variety of volunteer projects. The Big Event is a one-day, citywide volunteerism day in which volunteers are matched with qualifying service projects at homes of people who need help. This initiative was first introduced in 2023 and was well received in helping out in 13 different areas. Groups can sign up soon and can work on park clean up, elder care with yard clean up, and a host of other small but important tasks.

Go to saginawtx.org for more information for all the exciting news and events that are happening in Saginaw for 2025.