By Teri Knight
The Library Board gave a thorough presentation to the Council this week on their plans for improvement with each member having a say. For years an $8 to 10 million expansion had been bandied about but that became increasingly unrealistic and now, seems to be unnecessary as the ways that people use the library have changed. Chair Char Carlson gave a history of the library including the last major renovation in 1986, the thought in 2002 that the space should be doubled. Since then “electronics have changed the way we use and view information but the need for community space has not”. She continued that “while we need space, the requirements for that space have changed and need to be redefined”.
Rather than physical space, the improvements are driven by values including accessibility, flexibility and efficiency. Hans Musig shared recent changes in usage of the library resources. In just the last year ebook usage increased 22% and in-house internet usage increased 29%. The City of Northfield proposed a $700,000 to $1 million improvement project which the Library Board has gratefully accepted. They also plan on including an additional $300,000 in library gift funds. Library Director Theresa Jensen said “as a Board we strongly believe, through our research, that we can come in on time, within budget and remain within the scope of the project”. They plan on selecting an architect who specializes in working with libraries with flexible spaces in June. Completion of the project is planned for Fall of next year. This will come back to council for formal action.
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