New Building Project

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Why do we need a new library?

In 1918 Andrew Carnegie generously donated money to build the Randolph Public Library. This building has served us well the past 85 years, but now, as is true with so many things, it is no longer adequate to meet the needs of our community.

The Randolph Public Library is facing many obstacles in the current building. Access to the building and the crowded areas of the library prohibit many citizens from using the facility. The lack of space is evident with the addition of 3 new computers that are currently on moveable carts and are located in front of bookshelves. The current building also lacks sufficient wiring, air conditioning, work areas, storage areas, office space, periodical storage and display areas not to mention the already overcrowded bookshelves. Additionally, inadequate rest room facilities are located in the basement, along with the children's library making supervision and staffing difficult at best.

Library collections and services become more diverse with each passing year. Technological improvements have a great impact on library services requiring additional space for computers, microfilm readers and other supporting equipment.

Finally there is a need for additional space for a casual reading area, children area, and meeting facilities for library related programs for both adults and children.

Why not remodel and/or expand the existing library?

The library building committee is working with Professional Associates LTD. To examine all options available and to arrive at the most practical solution for our community.

Remodeling and adding on to the existing building was considered and found to be inefficient and not cost effective. After completion there would still be two levels to negotiate and monitor and the primary structure would still be an 85-year-old building. The initial added expense of up to $70,000.00 and the required upkeep of an elevator along with the mandatory improvements to the current building would be more expensive per sq. ft. than new construction. After reviewing this information, the library board and building committee recommended new construction to the city council. The city council approved the plans and recommended we begin fundraising. The decision on what will happen with the existing building will be decided by the city council.

How big will the new library be?

The new library will be 5200 sq. ft., which includes a meeting room that will be available for public use. A partial basement (an additional 884 sq. ft.) is included on our plans and will be used for mechanical purposes. The size of the library was determined by the materials that the library already possesses along with adequate room for expansion.

Who will benefit from a new library?

Everyone, the public library is free of charge to all who wan to use the many resources that are available. A child's first visit to the library may be for story time which is a fun and learning experience that encourages them to read through their lifetime. They will receive their own card in their early elementary years and will have the chance to explore all that is available form books to magazines to videos and DVDs. They are also able to use our new computers and Internet services which are provided free of charge from CableOne. Libraries are not just for kids, we have recently received a grant from the Randolph Area Foundation for large print books. We also have various adult programs that are held in the library.

What library services will be available once the new library is completed?

The new Randolph Library will continue with the many services and programs that have served the public in the past yet allowing us to explore the many diversified possibilities libraries provide for the future. The library is no longer just a place to read; it is a nurturing positive place that everyone in the community can enjoy free of charge. The addition of a meeting room is included because of several requests that we have had for a small meeting area in our community. The meeting room will be used free of charge for non-profit events. It will also be available for other uses with a minimal charge.

Story time and summer reading programs will continue to grow and improve with additional space for activities and materials.

The expansion of large print books will be possible with the additional space the new library will provide. This space will also allow for easier access to the many materials that we already possess, reference materials, fiction and nonfiction materials, videos, DVDs, and audio books.

Computer usage has risen with the addition of 3 new computers; unfortunately we lack the room to add any additional computers. At peak hours we have patrons waiting to get on the computers. The new facility would allow specific space for the computers and add the possibility of having computer workshops or classes.

Genealogy continues to be popular. We have included in our plans a genealogy room. This room will allow us to store the past issues of the Randolph Times along with a microfilm reader and a table to work on. This room could also be used for small meeting for 4-8 people or students that need to work on school projects together.

The challenges that the step create getting into the current library building will no longer be a factor with the new facility. This will make it possible for everyone to take advantage of all the library has to offer. We will be happy to continue making home deliveries to those who cannot visit the library.

In 2002, the Randolph Public Library checked out over 7,600 items to its patrons. This does not include the services within the library such as computer use, photocopying, or genealogy research. The interest in genealogy prompted the library to invest in past issues of the Randolph Times on microfilm.

Currently the library has over 17,000 books, 32 different magazines, and over 350 VHS tapes. We have recently added DVDs to our collection. We firmly believe with the new facility that our usage numbers will grow dramatically.