Bloomington library officials to discuss possible expansion

Posted on January 9, 2017
Bloomington Public Library
The library’s director said they have outgrown their current space. (WJBC file photo)

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Public Library is proposing a roughly 40,000 square-foot expansion.

The hope, according to director Jeanne Hamilton, is the City Council will choose to include the expansion in the city’s five-year capital plan.

“That would involve moving some existing city functions to the south of the existing library,” said Hamilton. “It may be a little outside the, but we of course would love our project to be on the forefront.”

Hamilton explained the library has outgrown its current space. She added they have had several public sessions to discuss what services residents want from the library.

“We kept hearing the same things,” said Hamilton. “Really wanting community meeting room spaces, spaces to do programming, because our programming really has boomed over the past few years. And then, of course, the space for the traditional services.”

Hamilton will discuss the proposals with the council Monday night. Also Monday, Mayor Tari Renner will give his annual State of the City address.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…