By Heart of Illinois ABC
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Public Library unveiled its plans Monday night to renovate the 44-year old library on East Olive Street, while also revealing what it might cost.
The price is estimated at almost $20.8 million, with the city government paying about $15 million. The library would contribute almost $6 million from fund balances set aside over the years, plus grants, and donations.
The bond issue to finance the project would cost about an extra $20 for the owner of a $165,000 home, according to City Manager Tim Gleason.
City council members seemed enthusiastic about the proposal that would add 24,000 square feet, from the current 57,000 square foot facility.
The renovation would allow the library to expand its collections by up to 20%, provide lower shelving and wider aisles, add a computer room, 10 more study rooms, and another two meeting rooms. There also would be more parking and a safer drive-up to return library materials.
Business is booming at the library despite the reliance on e-reading, said Jeanne Hamilton, the library’s director. The last fiscal year ending April 30, there were 1.1 million checkouts at the library even though the last two months were impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown, said Hamilton.
Council member Mboka Mwilambwe said he appreciated the library board’s efforts to set aside some money, while also planning to raise private dollars to help fund the project.
“Part of the fundraising in order to decrease the cost to taxpayers includes having something exciting and attractive for people to consider and find worthy of an additional investment on their own,” Mwilambwe said.
The library expansion is currently in the design stage. Construction could begin next year, and renovation of existing space could happen in 2022, the library director said.
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