Library Building Project
A Proud Past --
A Progressive Future:
Library
Building Plans Detailed
Building plans for the new Independence Public Library continue with the architectural design development phase while the capital campaign to finance library construction begins.
The new library is designed at 14,200 square feet. Tom Gardner, owner and lead architect with Gardner Architecture of Strawberry Point, is the project architect. The 14,200 square feet will be on the main floor and serve as the library, while the basement will be approximately 5,400 square feet of space used for storage and mechanical purposes.
Features of the new library include:
· Areas for children, young adults, adults, computers, and comfortable seating for reading
· Quiet areas for individual and group study or project work
· A Program Room for library events and community meetings
· Indoor and outdoor book and video drop off areas
· Parking spaces for 30+ at the library plus more parking on the east side of the library
· An east side court yard
· Geothermal system and energy efficient design
· Modern facility providing an architectural style designed to blend local heritage with modern functionality
The new library will be built at 805 First Street East next to the Lee Mansion. The new library design conforms to the historical heritage of Independence. The new library will provide the appearance of an estate setting. It provides an historic view with the appearance of a carriage house and agrarian homestead look. This look is also carried forward inside the library. The new library will not link to the Lee Mansion but respects the features of the building. The structure will be brick and steel. The park like setting and large oak trees currently at the setting will be preserved.
Close to 200 communities across Iowa have recently built or renovated their public libraries to adjust to the demands of today’s library users. New Iowa libraries and those with renovations/additions show an increase in patron visits and checkouts.
The current Independence Public Library, housed in the Munson building which was built in 1895, has 2,341 square feet of publicly accessible space. The public area is restricted to one floor due to fire code regulations. That square footage is only 23 percent of the average library square footage in Iowa communities of similar populations to Independence. It will be placed for sale with proceeds to go towards new library construction costs.
Many community volunteers have been working towards the goal of a new library building for over 10 years. Bill Stamper, Library Board President, says “The library board and others believe we can be successful in building a new library for our community…a facility that will meet current needs as well as those as we look to the future. We have the volunteers and professionals involved to have a successful building project and capital campaign. We want to thank the city leaders, building committee, capital campaign committee and those who have already pledged support for this project. It truly will be a community effort.”
“The public library of today can be the Community’s Living Room,” said Laura Blaker, Independence Public Library Director. “It is an area where people can read and relax, work on their own or in a group, attend library programs and community meetings, and where these activities can happen simultaneously,” Blaker said.
Public libraries today offer something for everyone in the entire family. It may be computer access, checking out a book or DVD, research, a study area, hosting a group meeting, or providing cultural, recreational, or informational programming. Whatever the use, the new Independence Public Library will serve the needs of the community for many years.
Other Building Project Articles:
Donation Form
Fundraising Event - SPELLBOUND!
Library Campaign Passes $2.5 Million
A Proud Past...A Progressive Future
Library Campaign Awarded CAT
Grant!
How Can I Help the Library Reach Goal?
Answers to Capital Campaign Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Thoughts about the
New Library
Elevations and Floor Plan
Campaign Chair Selected
Site and
Architect
Children's
Area
Top 10 Reasons
a New Public Library is Needed
Young Adult
Area
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