The Jefferson Library Board of Trustees recently voted on what to do about expanding the current library.

Board President Susan Laehn says they have been working on this project since 2018, following a study done by consultant George Lason to determine the adequate space needed for the library for the present day and the future. She tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the current library is about 8,500 square feet and Lawson recommended at minimum to expand to 12,000 square feet. Once the Board hired Peter Franks of Franks Design Group, three options were developed. 

The first option was to renovate the current facilities, the second choice was to build a completely new structure, and the third option was to renovate an existing building. However, Laehn points out a fourth option came to the Board a couple of months ago.

“The sites to the north of the current Carnegie building, were they available for sale, would provide room for almost a hybrid between option A and option B. So Pete Franks decided to also follow through on an option D, which was an extension of the building but having acquired the sites to the north.”   

Laehn notes the north expansion is about $10 million and they have had informal discussions with the property owners with nothing finalized at this time. The Library Board of Trustees voted in favor of the fourth option and will make the recommendation to the City Council next month.