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Library District No. 1, Miami County
Louisburg Library

Bond Issue Election
November 4, 2008                     

A public library is a living, breathing, ever-changing center of information and positive cultural activity for a community and area.  Library services in Louisburg began humbly with a bookmobile in 1961.  The original Louisburg Community Library was located in a small two-room house on Second Street in 1965 with donated books, volunteer labor and donations from many sources.  In 1967, voters established Library District No. 1, Miami County, the first such district in Kansas with the former Rosner Ford showroom as the location.  Due to a fire, the Library moved to its present location at 206 South Broadway nearly 30 years ago.

Miami County and Louisburg have certainly changed in the last 3 decades.  The population of the county has grown by more than 10,000 residents and Louisburg’s population has increased by more than 80 percent.  As the 21st Century is considered to be the Information Age, the demand for more resources, services and programs for all ages from infants to seniors has also increased dramatically for the Library.  With more than 8,000 library cards issued and continually increasing, the size and condition of our facility are challenges.  Due to limited space, the existing Library is under serving the community’s current and future needs.

 In recent months, patrons, volunteers and staff have studied and evaluated the current facility and library programs.  Professionals in the areas of library services, architecture and finance have been consulted.  After input from the community and other sources, the Board of Trustees has determined that now is the time to ask Library District voters to consider a $6.985 million bond issue.  The bond would provide the financing to construct, equip and furnish a new, expanded Library to meet the District’s needs for today and tomorrow.  The special election will be held in conjunction with the general election on November 4.

LIBRARY CHALLENGES

Limited Space

  • The current Library has usable space of only approximately 5,200 square feet

  • Limited space requires that a majority of library programs be relocated to other facilities around our community such as the City Park, churches, Fox Hall, school buildings, the Senior Center, and others—creating concerns as to weather, safety and security

  • A lack of space limits collection growth and the ability to display books, audio-books, magazines, DVDs and other resources including cultural exhibits, collections, and other visual displays
    A lack of space limits informational programs and speakers

  • The facility has inadequate space for storage, receiving, and processing of inventory
    No room in the current library is large enough to effectively accommodate groups of more than 8 people (having a staff meeting for 16 is nearly impossible)

  • Limited space results in group activities conflicting with individuals’ usage of the library for reading, study, research and technology

 

Technology and Library Standards

·         The current building has 6 computers to accommodate patrons; however, industry standards indicate the need for at least 15 computers

·         Modern library standards indicate that a community and service area of our size requires three to four times the amount of our current space to effectively serve the public

·         Library standards indicate a need for reading or study areas for 60 to 100 patrons; however, we have space for only approximately 30

 

Community and Other Needs

·         The current facility has challenges in the areas of handicap access and safety

·         The current facility is in need of upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems

·         Parking is also a challenge with only 7 spaces (one handicapped accessible), resulting in patrons (some disabled) having to walk distances, and the current parking situation creates safety concerns

·         Our community and area also have a need for a gathering place to accommodate Civic Groups and other large community events

 Proposed Solution
 Proposed Floor Plan
 Proposed Site Map

Louisburg Library
Bringing People and Information Together