The Future of the Library
There are few that would argue that a library is not essential to a city. The library is the heart of the community and should be at the forefront of any developmental plans.
Our community needs a new facility
Our current library was built in 1988. The building was originally designed to serve as a senior citizens' center. Unfortunately, it was not designed using library standards or with the input of library professionals. It lacked basic technological advances even at the time. It was designed without ADA standards in mind, and is currently out of compliance, lacking an elevator or restroom access.
We currently have around 15,800 patrons. We run 707 programs, primarily for children. Our circulation is between 32,000 and 37,000 books each month. Our current library has approximately 10,000 square feet. The National Library square footage recommendations for our city population is a 45,000 square foot library.
The library board and the director have worked very hard to determine the future needs of the Pleasant Grove community. With the use of national library standards and the expertise of an experienced architectural firm, we would like to make the following recommendations for a new city library building.
We envision a large two-story building, with a minimum of 48,000 sq feet—a landmark building that would be a source of civic pride. At the core of this new building would be a large and inviting children's area to sustain and support the already established children's programming. It would also include a unique and greatly needed young adult section with areas for group and individual study. A larger and quieter computer area is needed that will allow all patrons to have access to the resources of the Internet. The city is also in need of a multi-purpose area with a separate entrance to include both large and small meeting rooms. This area would be utilized by many local groups within the community. And finally, to meet the needs of our growing and highly educated public, we need a much larger collections area.
We currently have around 15,800 patrons. We run 707 programs, primarily for children. Our circulation is between 32,000 and 37,000 books each month. Our current library has approximately 10,000 square feet. The National Library square footage recommendations for our city population is a 45,000 square foot library.
The library board and the director have worked very hard to determine the future needs of the Pleasant Grove community. With the use of national library standards and the expertise of an experienced architectural firm, we would like to make the following recommendations for a new city library building.
We envision a large two-story building, with a minimum of 48,000 sq feet—a landmark building that would be a source of civic pride. At the core of this new building would be a large and inviting children's area to sustain and support the already established children's programming. It would also include a unique and greatly needed young adult section with areas for group and individual study. A larger and quieter computer area is needed that will allow all patrons to have access to the resources of the Internet. The city is also in need of a multi-purpose area with a separate entrance to include both large and small meeting rooms. This area would be utilized by many local groups within the community. And finally, to meet the needs of our growing and highly educated public, we need a much larger collections area.
A more complete list of future library needs
The new Pleasant Grove City Public Library should:
We have gone through the process of selecting an architect and are awaiting a site. Everything is dependent on funding. Until we can show funding sources we cannot finalize any plans. We need your support!
- Provide more space for books, storage, staff work area, and space for public restrooms upstairs, special collections, and multimedia
- Provide ample parking (at least an acre)
- Include a central location in downtown Pleasant Grove
- Include a number of conference rooms available to the public
- Provide more computers and access to the Internet
- Include separate children's areas
- Provide a drive-up book drop
- Obtain book stacks that are seismically sound
- Be in compliance with ADA standards, eliminating potential liability issues
- Provide a fun and inviting environment
- Take advantage of the incredible views
- Provide a multi-purpose room for community use
- Allow for exhibit space
- Allow for flexibility and expandability in the design to incorporate ever changing technology.
We have gone through the process of selecting an architect and are awaiting a site. Everything is dependent on funding. Until we can show funding sources we cannot finalize any plans. We need your support!