Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will the new Library open?
Answer: Library Leaders are preparing a grant application for private funding to be submitted in January 2008. Upon approval of the grant, construction could begin within 6-7 months, and is estimated to take 12-14 months to complete.

2. What is Library Hill?
Answer: Library Hill is the site of the proposed new facility, and is at the intersection of Hwy. 201 South and the Sheid Hopper bypass. It is a 6.3 acre site purchased with bequests, donations, and a bequest from the
Skeet/Edmonds family.

3. Why did the Library pick that site?
Answer: Library Leaders chose the location based on a number of factors including convenience, accessibility, and visibility. It is in close proximity to the Kindergarten, Pinkston Middle School, Junior High School and High School, and ASU MH. We are talking with the City about sidewalks to the property.

4. Why didn't you combine with ASU library?
Answer: 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, and the grantor does not fund higher education and would not fund a joint library.

5. How much money will the new facility cost, and how much needs to be raised in this community?
Answer: The new facility (complete with furniture and equipment) will cost approximately $10 million. The grantor asks us to raise 20% of that in the community, or $2 million which be used for a program endowment. They will match that with another 20% endowment to maintain the building. And, the income from the endowments will help with operating costs.

6. What will the square footage of the new facility be, and how does that compare to what we have now?
Answer: The new facility will be approximately 35,000 square feet, or nearly three times larger than what we have now. Our planning process thus far has indicated that our Library suffers from a space deficit - it
is actually half the size it should be at this point, considering our current population, collection, and services. So the new facility will only be about 12,000 square feet larger, or one third, than what we actually need today.

7. How can you operate a bigger building without a tax increase?
Answer: A University of Arkansas CBER Study found that a new 35,000 sq. ft. Library can operate at current
levels of service and hours using existing revenue sources through the predictable future. We must use new technology to improve efficiency. The study assumed we will be successful in raising a $2 million endowment for programming, which will be matched with $2 million for maintaining the building.

8. How do I donate now?
Answer: There are letters of commitment available now, with a return envelope to the
Library Foundation Office,
P.O. Box 1014
Mountain Home, AR 72654
or you can donate online at www.baxtercountylibrary.org on the Foundation page through Paypal. Contact the
Foundation office at (870) 508-8349 for details or with questions.

9. How do I get a Library Card?
Visit either Baxter County Library location - Mountain Home or the Gassville branch. You will need a photo ID, proof of address (ex.: a 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 for $10 per year per family or one temporary card for a $25 deposit which is refunded when the materials are returned.

10. Haven’t computers and the internet replaced public libraries? 
No.  Not everyone can afford a computer with internet access at home.  Without the access provided by the public library, they would be cut off from technology.  Some jobs applications are only available online.   Public libraries play a critical role as technology literacy providers and serve as facilitators for emergent literacy skills that are a part of learning readiness for preschool children.