A group of two Normal Public Library trustees, two staff members, and two councilmembers have begun meeting on the future facility needs of the library.
Our first meeting was a week ago in the basement of the library at 206 West College Avenue.
The goal is to come up with an action plan for the Normal Library Board and Town Council to consider.
We discussed the kinds of information and reports we need to review, including the recently completed space and program needs studies as well as community surveys.
I’m excited about working with Joan Steinburg, Jess Ray, Jason Chambers, Brian Chase, and Mark Peterson to map out a recommended plan of action.
In addition to reviewing the recent studies, we also discussed taking field trips to visit and experience a number of new and relatively new libraries in the state, as well as talk to community officials.
I think I can go out on a limb and say there is general agreement that maintaining the library in the Uptown area — somewhere – is preferable.
There’s no question, that the library is a popular and important Uptown anchor.
Beyond that, all options are on the table, including expansion on the current site, relocation to another Uptown site, and consideration of a branch or other remote facilities.
Clearly, we owe it to current and future library patrons to develop a strategy for meeting the future needs of this much beloved institution.
We’re going to take our time and hopefully get it right. I welcome your suggestions and will try my best to keep you informed about our progress.
2 Comments
July 20, 2009 at 7:42 pm
I often visit the Chatham Public Library (just south of Springfield) when visiting some of our grandkids, and it is wonderful. They’re just completing a major renovation, complete with used book store and cafe — they’ve done a great job making their library relevant and user-friendly! If you get a chance, it would be a fine place to visit for ideas . . .
July 20, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Thanks Holly for the feedback. We’ll put Chatham on our list to investigate. I am glad to hear a positive comment about a cafe. I’m a strong believer in books and coffee…