Pros versus cons.
That was the focus of Creston Library Board when it met earlier this week to discuss preliminary drawings recently produced by FEH Associates of Des Moines for an 8,995-square foot expansion to Gibson Memorial Library. Nearly all board members gave positive feedback on the drawings.
“I’m really pleased with how the architects took the dialogue, conversation and comments (during the design charrette) and moved them into what looks to be a pretty functional space,” said Connie Maxson, library board member.
David Hargrove, library director at Gibson, did have concern with the lack of added space designated for print materials.
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now, I’d like to have a facility that will accommodate print materials for the next 20 to 30 years, rather than the next two to three years,” Hargrove said.
In the proposed expansion, the library’s entire print collection would move to the upper floor. But, it’s unknown exactly how much space this move would add for print materials.
“Yes, we are doubling the floor space of the library (with this proposed expansion), and the lower level is devoted to a cultural center,” Hargrove added.
The board does plan to ask FEH Associates to provide square footage for each of the spaces (children, adult, meeting room, computer, arts center, etc.) in the proposed expansion. What is known is the arts/cultural center blueprinted for the lower level of the library would have approximately 2,588 square feet of space.
For the past two weeks, Hargrove has been actively recruiting members of the art community to attend a meeting 5:15 p.m. Monday at the library whereby they will discuss how the arts/cultural center space should be used. He’s invited Creston: Arts along with civic organizations, quilters, theatre, genealogy and many more to attend.
Contact Hargrove at 641-782-6507 if interested in giving input about uses for the new arts/cultural center space.
There is still no cost estimate for this expansion. However, board members said earlier this week they expect the cost of this expansion to be in the range of $4 million. An official cost estimate from the architects will be forthcoming.
Hargrove said information compiled from this week’s board meeting and Monday’s meeting with the arts community will be forwarded to the architects so they can proceed with the final design of the library expansion.
The capital fundraising campaign for this expansion will start sometime after a final design is reached.
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Sidebar: The Creston Library Board of Trustees is holding a meeting at the Gibson Memorial Library 5:15 p.m. Monday to gather input from Creston: Arts and other Union County arts organizations on the development of the expanded library and cultural center.
With several meeting spaces and a cultural center for the arts, the library’s proposed expansion will be able to host civic groups of all types.
Contact Gibson Memorial Library Director David Hargrove at 641-782-6507 with any questions about the event.