- The present building on Monument Square was dedicated in
1907.
- In 1908 fewer than 3% of the county residents had library
cards; today approximately 40% of residents have library cards.
- We serve a county population of over 42,000 spread over 823
square miles, plus thousands of part time residents.
- In 2006, over 115,500 visitors came to the main library and
the three branches borrowing 250,446 items (approximately 818
items per day the facilities were open).
- The main library and 3 branches house an inventory of 93,793
items.
- Each year we add between 6000 and 7500 items county wide.
- For every item added to the main library, one must be removed
due to lack of space.
- During 2006, 221 Books-by-Mail customers were sent 5,779
items by our Outreach Department.
- During 2006, Outreach packed and delivered 260 boxes to classrooms
in the county’s 6 school districts, served 12 personal
care/nursing homes and senior centers, and eight deposit stations.
- The library currently occupies the main floor and basement
of the Monument Square building, a total area of approximately
6250 square feet.
- A grant-funded analysis conducted by a state-licensed consultant
determined that based on the population and area served, the
library requires a building of at least 20,000 square feet.
- The current Library and Historical Society have only 6 to
8 parking spaces (dependent on size of vehicles).
- The grant-funded analysis calls for a minimum of 61 parking
spaces. Our new plan will provide 65 to 70 spaces.
- The size of the new building and necessary parking require
a site of at least 3 acres. The new library site of 3.3 acres
was donated by the Board of Education and does not add anything
to the cost of the project. Required water, sewer and electrical
services are already in place for access.
- The estimated cost of the new building is $4 million, based
on projected building costs of $175 per square foot, and furnishing,
etc, of $25 per square foot.
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