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City moves forward to expand library
Could an expansion for the library be in the city's future? Voters will have an opportunity to make that decision in May thanks to action by the Mountain Home City Council during its Feb. 23 session.
The Council voted unanimously to authorize the staff to move forward for a $1.5 million bond election at the next opportunity.
Librarian Luise House explained the plan to expand the library in its present location actually began in 2001 as she and the library board began drafting its master plan. The city's population growth and increase in the library's use made it evident that it would soon exceed its limits.
In 2003 as the city prepared its draft for the five-year Capital Improvement Plan, the library expansion was slated for 2004.
Dan Hutchison, of Hutchison, Smith Architects, was asked to evaluate and determine the potential for expansion at the library's current location. He came back with a proposal that should meet the needs of the community well into the future.
Taking into account the size of the property, the required setbacks and the city ordinances for off-street parking requirements, he soon determined the site would allow an expansion that could more than double the size of the current facility.
As he took into account the library board's desire for an expanded reading area, an addition to the juvenile section as well as an expansion of the collection for adults, a new multiuse meeting room and audio/video area, he began to formulate a design that could meet each need.
The board had stressed the desire for the library to be a comfortable gathering place for the community as well as a resource center designed to meet its needs well into the future.
With that thought in mind, Hutchison's design brings a 'Barnes and Noble concept' to the forefront. A reading area that would include a coffee bar could offer an opportunity to generate some revenue. The plan also features an inviting patio area that will provide an additional gathering place.
A new multipurpose meeting room also offers an opportunity to generate revenue. The library's current meeting room is being used by the city parks and recreation department for its Discovery program.
The proposed youth addition could accommodate the library's many programs designed especially for the young readers.
The new design will allow the library to add up to 20 computer stations, some specifically for the juvenile area as well as others for the adult section to offer an independent learning center for all patrons.
The plan also will allow the both juvenile and adult book collections to grow as well as providing the library an opportunity to meet the needs of its bilingual patrons.
Hutchison's design will add 7,058 sq. ft. to the facility which was originally constructed in 1976. A new roof was added 15 years ago and is no longer under warranty.
The initial rough cost estimates of $1,058,177 to construct do not include engineering fees, furnishing/fixture costs, minor interior changes and some grounds improvements such as concrete and sprinkler system updates.
The city can use general obligation bonds to finance an addition to the library. The bonds will require a super majority voter approval (66 2/3 percent) and will result in an additional tax levy to make the debt service payments on the bonds. The library board asked the city to move forward with a proposed bond of $1.5 million.
State code allows elections only four times per year: the first Tuesday in February, the fourth Tuesday in May, the first Tuesday in August or the Tuesday following the first Monday in November.
After a successful bond election and a decision as to how the bonds will be sold, a bond ordinance is prepared, adopted and published, setting forth the terms of the bonds.
With the decision by the city council to move forward and place the bond issue before the voters, the library board will now step forward to sell the plan to the public.