Friday, July 1, 2011

Portage Library Board Approves Feasibility Study for Library Expansion


Library expansion: $1.5 million; board to pay company $12,500 for study to help determine feasibility. (Portage Daily Register, 6/28/2011)

Excerpt:   The Portage Library Board thinks the community can support a $1.5 million library expansion project, and it hired a consultant Tuesday that will conduct a study aimed at proving it.

Shortly after deciding on the target cost for the expansion, the board voted unanimously to contract with Madison, Ind.-based Woodburn, Kyle & Co. to conduct a campaign planning study to determine the community's ability to fundraise for the project.

The study, which will cost the library board $12,500, will be presented in early August and should help determine the amount of money the community would be able to contribute to the project.
"We will figure out where the community is," said board member Addie Tamboli. "I think it is money very well spent."

The board expects the project to be funded in thirds - one third by the city, one third by the Bidwell Foundation and one third from community fundraising. Both the city and the Bidwell Foundation still need to approve funding for the project.

The nearly 6,000-square-foot expansion of the 253 W. Edgewater St. building would entail improvements to stormwater issues at the main entrance, interior renovations to create a young adult area, the addition of a children's area and other interior changes related to staffing
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Related articles:
Board reviews estimates for expansion project.  (6/22/2011)
Library expansion plans continue to develop.  (2/9/2011)
Library expansion to focus on youth services.  (10/15/2010)
Putting together the financial pieces for building expansion.  (5/12/2010)
Library seeks community input for expansion.  (1/13/2010)
Board discussion rental property options.  (11/11/2009)

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