Future Library-Myth or Fact?

Some may have been asking, will there really be a new future Library, or is it all just a myth?  It is definitely still a reality, and is something that both the City and the Harrisburg Library Guild is working towards for the future.  The poor economy may have slowed us down, but our purpose remains strong!

The proposed future Library has been through a lot of changes.  We started out with the concept of converting the Upmeyer House into a Public Library, but were amazed to find out that it would cost approximately the same amount of money to build a brand new structure, as it would cost to retrofit the Upmeyer House!  Building our own new structure has a lot of advantages.  Such as:

• Designing the building to work with current operations in mind; meaning that we don't need to add staff to have a new Library.  Low interior shelving will allow sight lines from the circulation desk to other parts of the Library. It will be efficient for one person to staff.
• Sustainable Planning means siting the building correctly for daylighting and optimal shading, and providing for a rain garden.
• We will be planning on using materials that will save on energy costs, such as the use of solar panels in the structure.  We'd like to be as green as possible in the new construction as well. The building will be durable, and easy to maintain.
• We will be able to accommodate area non-profit agencies, and other governmental groups through their use of the Meeting Room/Council Chambers in the Library.  This area will also provide space for book clubs and other groups to meet.
• The Library will be a digital resource for the community:  multi-media, capable of supporting current and future technologies.
• Much of the materials and supplies needed to build the new Library can be donated.

The new 4,307 sq. ft. building is currently slated to be built on property owned by the City.  The Harrisburg Redevelopment Agency has planned future funding for the purchase of property, and funds that will help go a long way to pay for a future Library/Community Center.

The firm of Rowell Brokaw Architects has provided us with an Architectural Report and Conceptual design, with plans for the future Harrisburg Library to be a Civic Center the citizens of Harrisburg can be proud of.  The drawings we have attached below are all conceptual.  This structure will cost approximately $1,113,000, which includes the cost of the land. Once we raise half of the project goal funds, we will start the final design option, and will invite public input. 

If you'd like to help; we'd love to hear from you!  Contact Michele Eldridge, City Recorder/Asst. City Administrator at 541-995-2239, if you'd like to be put on the distribution list for anytime the City Council talks about the future Library, or if you'd like to be on the distribution list for the final design phase.  You can also be put on a future volunteer list.  We already have some promises of free labor and materials for the future library.  The Harrisburg Library Guild continues to hold fundraisers for the Capital Campaign, and sends out an annual capital request for sponsorships and donations for the future Library.  Watch for fundraisers, or contact Michele Eldridge at 541-995-6655, or at meldridge@ci.harrisburg.or.us.  You can also contact Cheryl Spangler, Harrisburg Librarian at 541-995-6949. 

Please help us to realize our dream of having a Library for the 21st Century, one that will be a center of local history, culture and art, and one that will be a Center for the Community.