Renovation plans are in the works at the Plymouth Public Library.
Plymouth Public Library Director Heather Barron told the Marshall County Council members this week that services are changing at the library which will require a reallocation of space.
“We have a maker’s space right now, but it’s hidden in the back in what used to be a genealogy room,” Barron said. “That’s becoming more and more prominent as we’re doing DIY classes, we’re partnering with Purdue Extension and offering cooking classes, and adult skill classes. We want to make that a more prominent feature.”
In general, Barron said the scope of libraries is changing.
“When I was little, you went in, you were quiet, you studied, you got your materials, and you got out. Now, you go in and hopefully you do something hands-on, you learn, you kind of hang out for a little while, so our whole mission is changing. We’re just making sure that our facility reflects our ability. I see the library as much more of a community hub than a place that just warehouses materials.”
The library board is working with architecture firm DLZ to work on the proposed project. It’s anticipated to cost upwards of $3 million. Barron stressed that aggressive saving measures have afforded the library to have the money on hand to pay for the renovation costs.
The Marshall County Council only approves the library’s budget if the budget is over the growth quotient, but the council needs notification if an additional appropriation is planned from the library’s budget. Barron notified the county council on Monday that an additional appropriation request will be prepared next year in order to get permission to spend money out of the library’s Rainy Day and Library Improvement Reserve Funds after a construction contract is awarded.
Barron added that is the hope for the project to be let for bids in the summer of 2020.
