| 1 |
When will the new Library open? |
Ground breaking took place on March 6, 2009. Construction is
estimated to take 12-14 months.
It is anticipated that we will move into the new facility in the summer 2010. |
| 2 |
How much money will the new facility cost, and how much needs to be raised in this community? |
The
Donald W. Reynolds Foundation (DWRF) has awarded a grant of $9.8
million to build, furnish, and equip a 35,500 square foot
library. All DWRF Capital Grants are awarded with a requirement
that 20% of the grant amount be raised in the community and placed into
a Restricted Fund for Programming. In our case, that is
approximately $2 million. The Donald W. Reynolds Foundation is a
national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media
entrepreneur for whom it is named. Headquartered in Las Vegas,
Nevada, it is one of the largest private foundations in the United
States. |
| 3 |
What is the campaign to build a Restricted Fund for Programs, and why do you need it? |
To
ensure sustainability, DWRF requires that we raise a 20% Restricted
Fund for Programs, or approximately $2 million by the time we occupy
the new building. When that is fully funded, they match it dollar
for dollar to establish a Restricted Fund for Maintenance. The
income from the Restricted Fund will help ensure sustainability in a
much larger building. Commitments made now can be paid over a period extending three years after we
occupy the building. |
| 4 |
How can you operate a bigger building without a tax increase? |
A
sustainability study was conducted by the University of Arkansas Center
for Business and Economic Research (CBER). The CBER team
concluded that “with the implementation of new technologies, existing
revenue streams plus the income from the Restricted Funds, the Library would be
able to sustain hours and services at current levels for 8 to 10 years, despite expected increases in demand of up to 50%." |
| 5 |
What is Library Hill? |
Library
Hill, located at the intersection of Hwy 201 South and the Sheid Hopper
Bypass across from the beautiful ASU-MH campus, is the site for the new
facility. It is a 6.3 acre site purchased with bequests,
donations, and a donation from the Skeet/Edmonds family. |
| 6 |
Why didn’t you combine with the ASU library? |
Library
Leaders researched that. Academic and public libraries have
different missions and serve different audiences. In densely
populated areas sometimes the two share facilities, but it has not
resulted in lower costs to the taxpayers—in fact in those instances
library spending per capita is higher. A joint library did not
meet the criteria for a Capital Grant. |
| 7 |
Will you need more volunteers in the new building? |
Yes!
Additional volunteers will be vital to help in the expected increase in
demand in the new Library. We will begin actively recruiting
volunteers in all areas in 2010. |
| 8 |
What will you do with all that space? |
The
expansion will allow space for the collection to grow along with the
county population, provide a dedicated children’s library, a teen
library, reading areas, and access to more than 35 computers.
Plans include larger, well-equipped community meeting rooms, a special
genealogy section, a coffee shop, and gift shop. |
| 9 |
How do I get a Library Card? |
You
will need a photo ID, proof of address (example, recent utility bill)
and the name of one contact person who doesn't live with you.
Baxter County Library cards are free for residents of Baxter
County. Non-residents may get two Library cards per family
for $10 a year or one temporary card for a $25 deposit which is
refunded when the materials are returned. A trial online Library
card application is coming soon. |
