Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Warsaw Community Public Library patrons are being encouraged to attend the May 18 Warsaw Common Council meeting to show support for the library's pursuit of an over $17 million appropriation for renovations.
During a WCPL Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, May 11, Library Director Heather Barron said they will be seeking bond approval from council in the amount of $17,090,000. These funds will be used for the renovation and improvement of the library, including site improvements, and the purchase of equipment and technology.
"We're going to ask for this bond because of the way that funding for libraries is structured," said Barron. "We are only able to take in so much money, the majority of that coming through property taxes and other miscellaneous taxes. Within that money, we are only allowed to spend up to 10% of our operating budget. A bond is the typical way for libraries to go when they need a renovation."
Barron told the board the renovations are "a need," emphasizing infrastructure, accessibility and safety.
Dennis Crumbley, a local patron, attended the meeting with his 92-year-old mother, who recently moved to the area. Crumbley noted concerns with the current layout of the handicapped parking spaces and the concrete island in the library's parking lot.
"I would like to try to bring your attention closer to being in (my mother's shoes)," said Crumbley. "I'm not thinking of the issues until I'm actually having to help someone who has these issues."
Crumbley asked the board to change the handicapped spaces' format before renovations occur, saying it's "easily fixable." He also noted some patrons may have difficulty walking over the concrete island.
Barron said when the library's east ramp was closed due to a water leak, if the library's elevator was inoperable during that time, patrons who use wheelchairs would have had to utilize an entrance on the east side of the library.
"What we're hoping to do with this renovation is to allow people to enter this building with ease and dignity," said Barron. "And that would be right up front, right where the materials are."
In other business, the board discussed the success of WCPL's Experience Passes, which allow library patrons to visit museums, zoos, gardens and other educational and recreational attractions across Indiana at no cost. Since their implementation in March, for museum passes, there has been an estimated $4,000 in total savings for patrons who have utilized the Experience Passes.
"This has been one of the most immediate, beneficial programs I've seen us launch in a while," said Board Vice President Tim Keyes. "It's really impressive."
The board's next meeting is at 4 p.m. Monday, June 8.
