Library might need to leave downtown

Citing failing essential systems, Morrisson-Reeves Library officials say they could be forced to find another permanent location if Wayne County officials don’t allow the library to pursue more than $18 million in bonds for a renovation.

MRL Director Dena Little and board members issued an Aug. 7 letter to the community noting a “pivotal moment” for the current building at 80 N. Sixth St. They’ve determined it soon will become “unviable,” forcing relocation to another, as-yet-unidentified, long-term or permanent location to continue serving the community.

“This would significantly impact our ability to provide the comprehensive services and resources our community expects, and would negatively impact the revitalization of our downtown area,” the letter said.

Bricks recently have been falling from the library’s exterior. In addition, a summer elevator outage has cost $48,000 in repairs and impacted patrons with limited mobility. Little told WWN that MRL has spent $200,000 in the last two years on acute repairs in addition to routine maintenance.

Funding options are limited for Indiana public libraries to pursue large capital projects, library leaders say. MRL’s board has sought a bond issuance of $18,720,000, calling bonds the most common and practical path for libraries to undertake necessary renovations.

As the library’s fiscal body, Wayne County Council must vote to approve or deny the library’s request to issue bonds. That vote is expected at the 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, workshop at the county administration building, 401 E. Main St., Richmond. 

The meeting is open to the public. Council will hear residents’ comments before making a decision.

The project is expected to cost $23,815,000. MRL would borrow $18,720,000 and would contribute $5,595,000 through gifts, grants, and saved revenue.

The proposed tax impact for residents is approximately $0.1024 per $100 of assessed property value.

If the bond issuance is not approved, the board says it has made the difficult decision that the current library building will soon become unviable for continued public use because of the extent of its failing systems and accessibility issues.

A recently completed facilities assessment identified that the exterior brick and lintel supports are in a failing condition. While planning for what they call those critical repairs, MRL leaders say they’ve listened to thousands of residents through surveys and community forums to understand the community’s evolving needs. They say the feedback has shaped a vision for a library that is more accessible, relevant and efficient.

Beyond fixing the building’s core issues, the renovation would allow the library to:

• Enhance accessibility: Full ADA compliance throughout the building and its site.

• Provide improved spaces: Expanded and technologically equipped meeting rooms, a dedicated Genealogy and Local History center, and updated youth areas.

• Consolidate resources: A new Business Center with workspace and technology to support local businesses.

• Emphasize outdoor connections: Enhance outdoor spaces for better integration with Jack Elstro Park and downtown.

WWN reporter Millicent Martin Emery is president of Friends of Morrisson-Reeves Library, a nonprofit organization that raises money for library programs and services.