For Immediate Release
June 15, 2006

Library board proposes new library plan

The _________ _________ Library board of trustees is proposing that its 40- year-old building be brought into the 21st library with more computers, wireless technology, a meeting room and other improvements.

The board endorsed the proposal at a meeting Wednesday evening. It will be sent to the County Board of Commissioners with a request that the board contribute $50,000 toward the estimated $250,000 needed. The rest would be provided by a matching grant from the state and private fundraising.

“Our community deserves a 21st century library,” said board chair Margaret Smith. She noted that the county’s population has nearly doubled in the last 10 years. Library use has also doubled, but the building has remained essentially the same.

“We have people waiting two hours to use the computers,” Library Director Sally Smith explained. “Sometimes we have to turn children away from preschool storyhour and other programs. And people constantly complain about the noise. We know we can do better.”

The plan approved by the board calls for:

• More computers and wireless technology
• Adding a meeting room for library programs and community groups
• Remodeling the children’s area
• Creating a teen area and quiet study area

The total estimated cost is $400,000. Matching funds from the state are available as part of a federal Library Services and Technology Grant. If approved by the County Board, the library would submit an application to the state. It would also begin a private fundraising drive to raise $150,00 in additional funds.

For more information or to contribute to this effort, drop by the library or go to its website at www.library.org.

####

Date

Dear Editor:

As the mother of three students and a library user myself, I am thrilled with our library board’s proposal to renovate our Jones Memorial Library. We have wonderful library staff who are willing to go the extra mile, but our building is antiquated.

Our community deserves a 21st century library with more computers. We also need a separate area for programs and afterschool activities for children. I urge our county board and everyone in our community to join me in supporting this exciting proposal.

Signature
Address
Daytime telephone

30 sec.

Come learn more about the exciting plan for improving the Jones Memorial Library. If approved, the plan would add more computers, a meeting room and other improvements. There will be a meeting on Thursday, August 7, at the library, corner of Smith and Axil Street. We want to hear what you think! Activities for children will be provided. For more information, call 777-6666 or see the library’s website at www.library.org.

Date

Dear Commissioner Frugal:

I’m writing to urge your support for the new library plan proposed by the Jones Memorial Library. Our library is long overdue for renovation.

As a library board member and active user, I am dismayed by the noise and crowding, especially in the children’s area. Our children deserve better and so do all of us. The changes proposed make good sense both from a design standpoint and as an investment in the future of our community.

With your leadership and investment, I feel confident that we will be able to raise an additional $150,000 and obtain matching funds from the state.

The Jones Memorial Library brings learning and enjoyment to people of all ages. It is our major educational and cultural resource. Whatever we invest, the return will be far greater. I am enclosing a fact sheet with more information.

Thank you for listening.

Respectfully,

Signature
Address
Telephone