Building Project

Since 1901 our library has worked to serve thousands of patrons each year through our resources, programs, and services. Our current building is the original library built over 120 years ago and is the only building in the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our community has agreed that we need a more accessible and updated space to continue to meet our area’s learning and resource needs for the next 100 years.

The beautiful space we currently have is unfortunately aging and in desperate need of restoration. This will include replacing the windows, improving insulation, upgrading the electrical to meet new codes, and ensuring ADA accessibility. To address the space needs of our library a complementary addition to the existing library is planned. The addition will feature increased programming and technology spaces, meeting space, comfortable reading and computer areas and relaxed seating as well as plenty of room for special events and programing.

We are fortunate to have a generous community and a supportive City Council! The best way to support the library right now is to join our Friends group or make a donation to our building fund. We have a variety of ways to donate online, by mail, or by stopping in to the library.

Other ways to support the project:

• Share library stories and interest in the project.
• Provide media coverage of support for the project.
• Join the campaign committee.
• Attend City Council meetings to express support for the library.

If you are interested in supporting in other ways, stop by and talk to us!

The current library building, while beautiful and well-made, is over 120 years old. It is not energy efficient or handicapped-accessible, and was not built with the current needs of the library and community in mind. Besides the structural problems, the one problem you may notice repeated in this list is the significant space limitations: we have a challenging lack of space for the community, for staff, for programming, and for the collection.

• The first floor of the building is not wheelchair accessible, and the entire building does not meet ADA standards.
• The lower entrance is unsafe in bad weather.
• Main entrance door is difficult to open and at odds with the floor.
• Hazardous substances including asbestos and lead paint have been found in certain areas of the building. It is not immediately dangerous to staff or public health but does need to be addressed during the project.
• Limited accessible shelving, books are too high and too low for patrons to access and spacing between shelving units do not fulfill the minimum ADA requirements.
• No designated comfortable seating and reading spaces for adults, teens, and children.
• No designated program space.
• Limited collection space.
• Cracks in the walls on the first floor, water damage.
• Windows are cracked in places and the wood around them is rotted.
• Limited community engagement space.
• No private meeting rooms or study spaces.
• No space to hold larger meetings, community forums, and larger programs/events.
• No designated quiet space.
• Limited or difficult to access storage space.
• Circulation area not accessible for patrons in wheelchairs or to children.
• Limited designated staff work space.
• Not enough space for Library of Things/makerspace collection.
• No moveable shelving.