A new step was recently taken toward the goal of expanding the Jefferson Public Library.

The City Council heard a presentation at their November meeting, a presentation by Architect Peter Franks of Franks Design Group about a feasibility study with four options to expand the current library to go from 8,500-square feet to 23,000-square feet. Following the presentation, Library Board of Trustees President Susan Laehn said they voted in October to expand the library to the north, which would mean acquiring at least one if not two current properties, while also permanently closing part of the alleyway. 

The City Council then directed city staff to look into acquiring one or both properties, which includes commercial and residential properties. City Administrator Mike Palmer talks about the details of what they are going to do.

“For the staff to come back and look at such things as: number one, is the availability of the property, and number two, is there any obstacles in the alleyway that would have to be addressed before that alley could be abandoned and a building could be put over the top of it.”  

Laehn says libraries are essential and needed for communities, especially ones that are growing and need more space to accommodate events and programming.

“Children, in particular, use it, and I think libraries are really, really important for serving the most vulnerable people in our community. Those who maybe don’t have the socioeconomic means to have internet at home, young people and the elderly use it. The function of libraries is really changing over time and it’s become less about the exchange of books and much more about a community space that serves people who have very particular needs in the community.”      

That option is estimated to cost $9.7 million and would expand the library up to 28,000-square feet. Laehn adds she wants to raise the money through donations, pledges and businesses to reduce any burden on the Jefferson taxpayer through a bond.