From the Director:
John D. Richmond
It can be odd to have to meet a deadline a month before words appear in print. What is true today can change (or not) in one month’s time.
A district resident recently asked me, “Is the library planning to expand over there?” with “over there” meaning “on the west side of Airport Road.” I thought: Oh, no, here it comes. This person has been reading the library board’s published minutes, and I am about to get whacked upside the head about library expansion ideas/dreams in a poor economy, and other unpleasantness.
Never assume anything. The response to my response was a mild, “You don’t have much room to do anything on that lot, do you?” Whew!
Per State library standards, the board must review buildings and programs every ten years. Our review has taken the form of a building program. “Building program” is a technical term for a written document describing the library’s current state, and what is needed for the future. APL hired Fred Schlipf, retired director of the Urbana Free Library, as consultant for the building program. Mr. Schlipf has worked with over 100 libraries on similar projects.
The library was built in 1985 and expanded in 1995. When I arrived in 2001, it was full. Not enough meeting room space; the take-over of space by computers (six Internet computers when I came, with 20 now); the loss of quiet reading and study room because of technology; inadequate storage and staff work areas, necessary to provide for planning new programs and processing of new materials; and shelves crammed from top to bottom with all sorts of things—books included, but not just books—are the realities of life in our attractive, well-used, highly regarded building.
By the time you read this, the board will have accepted Mr. Schlipf’s written building program, with recommendations for a library approximately twice the size of the one we’ve got. Mr. Schlipf worked with board and staff to produce his report; he did not just pick a number, any number, for possible expansion. The board also should have hired an architect to do the most preliminary of studies, called a feasibility study. If the library were to grow, do we have room here? If not, then what?
Economic times are tough. In the midst of that, the State is selling bonds in the amount of $50 million to finance library construction, statewide. If we want to be eligible for any kind of grant, we must apply for a construction grant by April 16. Not to apply would be irresponsible on our part. How could we responsibly look to anyone for any expansion help, without first going for a grant?
One thing we know: The library has outgrown its space. Our consultant and an architect may be able to suggest options for the future. The board and staff are committed to careful thought, taking deliberate action, and prudent stewardship of public dollars. Whatever we do, it is, and will be, for the growth of excellent service to all district residents. Stay tuned, and thanks for all your support!