Renovated Library is Taking Shape
November remains target return date
(As seen in the Summer 2008 Edition of The Bookmark)
A trip down broadway in Danville tells you that the Boyle County Public Library's construction continues with steady progress, and major changes are easily evident.Brickwork has begun. The shell of the concrete block under what will be a copper dome stands high in the sky. Heavy equipment and building materials fill what will become a parking area for the expanded library.A trip inside reveals why all the contents had to be moved to the temporary library. Walls have been changed and flooring has been removed. The geo-thermal system's beginnings are established, and the fire security system is in place.Even though some parts of the construction lag a little behind what was planned for late May, other parts appear ahead of schedule. Hope remains for a late November move into the new facility.The Mahan house (adjacent to the main library building on third street) had received extra support for future safety and endurance. Soon work on the garden are between that house and the older part of the building will begin, and the existing trees and shrubs will get some attention.The library and the city are working together to coordinate sidewalks and curbs so they match the rest of downtown Danville.A committee of library board members, architects, and staff members meet regularly to make choices for furnishings and interior design. Board members also are considering artwork, decorative items, and educational accessories for the new building.Fun-raising continues, although not at the intense level of recent years. With the announcement by Congressman Ben Chandler that the federal government will fund $191,500 for technology in the new library and with some additional private money, nearly $2.38 million has been raised in the Campaign for the Library. Needs remain and efforts to find additional funds persist.
It's All About Bug for Young Readers this Summer at the Library
(As seen in the Spring 2008 Edition of The Bookmark)
Bugs, bugs, bugs will be the focus this summer in the children's area of the library. The theme of the library's Summer Reading Program is "Catch the Reading Bug."The Program will begin on June 10 and continue through July 24.Parents may enroll their children at the library's temporary location on the 127/150 Bypass accross from the recycling center or by calling (236-8466).The program for toddlers will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.Preschooler sessions will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and 10:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.Sessions for kindergartners and first graders will be at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. For second graders and older, programs will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays.Special 10:30 a.m. events include Ronald McDonald on June 10, magician Mark Sparkman on June 25, the Rainbow Puppets on July 16 and the "Bug Man" on July 21.
Campaign tops $2 Million, But Needs Still Remain
(As seen in the Fall 2007 Edition of The Bookmark)
The Campaign for the Library reached its initial goal of $2 million with the news that it will receive a Renaissance Grant of $50,000. The grant will be rewarded and administered by The Heart of Danville, Co-chairman Marty Deim and Betsy Wilt said at a news conference in December. With additional end-of-the-year gifts and pledges, the total raised for construction and renovation has reached nearly $2,040,000, Wilt said. Wilt and Deim also announced that Stith Funeral Home became the 100th member of the Benjamin Franklin Circle. Each member has pledged or given at least $5,000 to the Library Campaign. By year's end, Circle members had grown to 106. Circle members were honored at a reception following the news conference. A total of 440 individuals, businesses and foundations have contributed to the campaign. The campaign continues, even though the inital goal has been met.Needs for the Library remain, Wilt said. "Further funds will enhance the total project and ease the initial years of operation for an expanded library with expanded expenses."The library will continue to seek donors, grants, and other sources of gifts.Particular features needing funding are an extra-large globe for the library ($14,000), a smaller one for the children's library ($1,000), a star dome for the children's library ($9,000) and a large mural featuring local history, Wilt said.
Library Goes Wireless
(As seen in the Fall 2007 Edition of The Bookmark)
One of the benefits of needing to upgrade some of the wiring in the library's new temporary home is being able to add wireless internet access. Patrons can bring their laptops, find a comfortable sopt and work on the Internet using their own computers. "We're pleased to be able to add this service," Georgia de Araujo, assistant director, said. "Internet computers are in demand, and we hope this gives our patrons some flexibility," Patrons access the Internet from behind the library's firewall for safety and security, she said.
How the library will pay for $8.7 Million expansion project
(As seen in the Fall 2007 Edition of The Bookmark)
How can the Boyle County Public Library pay for a $8.7 Million project? Director Karl Benson, Assistant Director Georgia de Araujo and the Board have been considering that question for several years.
With the help of Bob Lewis and Linda Barnard of Global Advancement, the Campaign for the Library Committee has raised more than $1.9 million and plans to raise at least $100,000 more before the end of this year. That money will combine with the funds on hand and money received from the issuance of bonds.
Chris Bowling of C.D. Bowling & Associates was the financial advisor for the issuance of bonds. To assess how much debt the library could incur, he considered the past and projected future tax revenues of the library, the over-all budget, and the projected budget for an expanded facility.
With Bowling's projections, the library on August 23 issued $5.84 million in 25-year bonds at the rate of 4.4229 percent.
Debt service each year will cost the library $384,000. Of that amount, $105,000 is covered by a debt-retirement grant from the Commonwealth of Kentucky through the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives..
The Campaign for the Library Committee continues to seek gifts and pledges. Presently there are 93 members of the Benjamin Franklin Circle- each of whom has pledged $5,000 or more- and nearly 400 donors in all. Several grant possibilities and future government aid still exist.
There are plans to sell comemorative bricks for the courtyard. The Committee is optimistic about exceeding the stated $2 million goal.
Plans to establish an Annual Fund for the library are being considered. The Committee seeks and appreciates both large and small donations.
Glasgow Contractor awarded contract for library expansion
(As seen in the Fall 2007 Edition of The Bookmark)
Venture Contracting Incorporated of Glasgow, Kentucky presented the lowest of three bids for the expansion of the Boyle County Public Library.
VCI's bid of $6,608,482 fell below the $7.35 million figure estimated by the architects. Plans call for the project to be completed within 420 days of signing the contract.
VCI has constructed numerous major building projects, including schools and libraries. Dennis Straton will serve as the construction site superintendent for the project.
The bid of $6.6 million with VCI does not include some interior items and furnishings estimated to be $500,000.
With the additional expenses of the site acquisition, architects' fees, the phone system, abatement costs, constingencies, moving expenses, and costs of issuing bonds, the entire project is projected to total approximately $8.7 million.
Open House Tours Offered on Jan. 24.
Playwright to focus on Mystery Festival
(As seen in the Fall 2007 Edition of The Bookmark)
Patrons have been plentiful since the Boyle County Public Library began operation at it's temporary location, but the staff wants to officially welcome visitors with an Open House from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24.
There will be refreshments and tours on the 127/150 Bypass across from the Recycling Center.
At 3:30 p.m. on the same day, playwright Liz Orndorff will discuss her experiences at the International Mystery Fesitval in Owensboro. Her play, "Death by Darkness," took top honors at the festival last summer, and she was cited as most promising new writer.
She will show slides of her play's performance and of other events during the five-day festival, which will be expanded to 10 days for summer 2008.
Orndorff's talk is part of the Friends of the Library Winter Tea and Annual Meeting. Refreshments will be served.
Friends of the Library officers will be elected for the new year. The slate includes Mary Butler for president, Rhea Crowley for secretary and Terri Blythe for treasurer. There also will be a brief treasuerers' report.