Library Board members toured the old United Methodist Church during Wednesday’s meeting as they continue to explore options for relocating the library to an existing structure or renovating the current building.
The board has already visited other sites, such as the old firehouse adjacent to the library on Main Street. Members also are still considering reconstructing the current building. Voters in March rejected a proposal to build a new $4.6 million library that would have raised property taxes.
The now-vacant Methodist church on the corner of Church and Seventh streets has been a part of the community since 1924. But over the summer, the building was damaged by fire. Burn marks still darken the bricks on the front of the building.
Board members were told there appeared to be no major structural damage, but they would not know for sure unless they decide to remodel it. GW Weld owns the church now.
One of the main concerns the board raised was parking. The church only has a small parking lot on the side, so more room would have to be found for parking. But the board seemed intrigued by the building’s big rooms and interior space.
“It has a lot more space than we have now,” board member Amy Jankowski said.
Library Board President Eric Magette also pointed out another feature that he appreciated.
“I like that there is a historical and community aspect,” Magette said. “It would be good to have that aspect to attract people to the library.”
However, Magette said the board is in no rush to make a decision on the church and will take its time determining the next steps.
The board also completed its feasibility study on the possibility of remodeling or expanding the current library. The goals of the study were to see if the city wanted a renovated library, identify possible donors, set a donation goal and identify a chairperson to run the campaign for a new library.
Library Director Carol Wohlford said the study found the community was in favor of a new library and was willing to donate about $600,000 to help offset the costs.
“That was huge,” Wohlford said. “That was really why we did the feasibility study to see how much financially we would be supported to build the building.”
Wohlford said the community also presented some new ideas for the library.
“The public seems to want places for all kinds of programming,” she said. “Not just for children, but for seniors. There is no senior center here.”
As for the current library, repairs and maintenance costs are adding up and eating at the library’s budget. Wohlford said the library recently had to replace a broken toilet.
“It’s really scaring me,” Wohlford said about the costs.
The Library Board will meet again Oct. 18. They plan to discuss the next steps of a survey to be conducted by the ETC Institute to gain insights into why the community rejected the proposal for a new library building.
They will begin forming questions and putting the survey together, but Magette said it will take time before it is ready for the public.
Reach reporter Jack Denebeim at [email protected]
