This page is dedicated to providing the Eudora community with information about the building of a new public library. This page is maintained by volunteers of the new library's capital and bond campaigns. Information about our new library
(updated Nov. 16, 2021)
1. Why is the new library necessary—and why now? In these trying times, more and more people are turning to our library for a variety of
services, whether provided in person or remotely (during COVID mandates). This includes online job searches, Internet access and a wide variety of print and digital media. Library usage has continued to grow exponentially every year, especially for computer and Internet services. We do not have room to provide these services adequately. We cannot hold story times inside the building because there is no room for social distancing. The average household income in Eudora is $58,000. However, 76% of Eudora residents bring in less than $60,000 annually as a household. It’s hard to get by on that amount with a family in today’s economy. The poverty rate here is over 11%—more than 1 in 10 residents are below $24,250 for a family of four. The library serves a great number of marginalized families, as well as seniors. The library provides free services for all members of the Eudora and surrounding communities. It is the only place an individual can come to utilize WiFi and other services without the expectation of spending money. Making sure that all residents of our community have equitable access to technologies and services is a measure of the quality of life of a community. More space will make hosting popular programs and large community gatherings possible. In addition to traditional library services, new activities and programming options for children, teens, adults, and seniors will be developed in anticipation of expansion.
2. What’s wrong with the old library building? ft. facility at 14 East 9th Street (built in the 1970s) has been unable to meet growing community demands for services. It has hindered the delivery of many services that the library desires to provide and that the community demands. It has also created barriers to accessibility for all residents of our community.
• The library is not in compliance with The American Disabilities Act (ADA), nor with state standards to provide the appropriate amount of space, services, programming, and collections to serve our community. The overcrowding of the collection and aisles, and the non-compliant bathroom renders the library virtually unusable for anyone with a walker, stroller, crutches, or wheelchair.
• Lack of program space grossly limits the number and attendance capabilities of library programs and community meetings.
• The building’s infrastructure does not allow for cost effective integration of advances in technology, electronic communication and energy efficiency. This building cannot be retrofitted for expanding technology demands.
• There is no room for comfortable reading, no space for quiet areas, no room for new books, and limited space for public computers.
• There are very limited spaces available for meetings, recreational reading study, and tutoring.
• Parking near the building is unsafe and inadequate, especially during peak hours and popular programming events.
• The building is deteriorating and in disrepair. There are crumbling walls, floor and wall separations, mold in several places including the kitchen sink, overburdened electrical outlets, water damage existing leaks, etc.
3. What is the plan for the new library? The plan for building a new library in Eudora has been in the works for the last decade:
• In 2011, the library board moved forward in a partnership with the City of Eudora and USD 491 to acquire the site across the street for the construction of a new library. That site is now owned by the Eudora Community Library. The site is large enough for a new library that will serve the needs of the community, present and future, and provide adequate parking to meet city codes.
• In 2016, the library board completed a feasibility study to examine community support and potential fundraising sources for a new building. The study indicated there was broad public interest in a new building, so the board unanimously approved moving forward with a campaign to support the project.
• In 2017, the library began mobilizing volunteer leaders and committee members to form a capital campaign committee. Volunteers have raised more than $503,000 through personal and corporate gifts, grants and fundraising events (see details below).
• In summer 2021, the library board hired the local design/build team of Gould Evans architects and Mar Lan Construction to plan the design, budget and pre-construction support for the new library. The design team held stakeholder meetings to preview the new design concept and community presentation, which received great support and enthusiasm. The architect’s design for the new library includes:
• Designing a completely accessible building for all community residents, regardless of age or disability.
• More space for programs, meetings, workshops and activities
• A community room that will hold a large amount of people and is open to the public seven days a week, whether or not the library is open
• Space capability for additional, updated, and future technology
• Increased parking
• More space for quiet, recreational reading, tutoring and exhibits
• Pending approval of a joint resolution by the City of Eudora and the Township, a $4.6 million bond issue to build the new 14,000 sq. library will be proposed to registered voters via a spring 2022 election mail-in ballot. Upon approval of the bond issue, the building of the library will begin immediately, with a 10-to-12-month construction timeline.
4. Why do we need such a large and expensive library? Eudora’s population is more than three times larger now than when the current library was built in 1974. The plan for a 14,000 sq. library allows for similar, sustainable population grown in the next 40 years. The building capacity will be approximately 200 people. Building materials selected for the new library have been carefully chosen with cost, energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.
5. Will there be more books in the new library? Even as the popularity of audio books and eBooks rises, the library will continue to acquire new books of all formats. These formats may be hardbound, paperback, large print, free eBook apps, CDs and all other future types of innovations in reading materials. The demand for all media (print and digital) remains very strong, locally.
6. Will there be more technology in the new library? Yes, as budgets and funding permit. With the added space, the library will be able to house additional public computers, interactive gaming for all ages, coding clubs, virtual reality experiences, self-checkout, etc.
7. Will the larger library require more staff? Staffing is a major component of planning for a new library facility. For instance, an open design, dictated by the American Disabilities Act requirements, will not only radically improve the library’s accessibility, public safety and security, it will also minimize the need for additional staff members. New technologies such as self-checkout, security against theft, etc., will enable libraries to reduce staff size. However, the library’s commitment to providing the best personal patron service will always continue to be a basic principle in planning.
8. Regarding the community room/gathering space included in the plans, will individuals or groups be able to use or rent the room for meetings or events? Yes, a community room and gathering space with an attached kitchen will be available for community use. This space will have a planned seating capacity for large groups and provide the community with a place for organizational meetings and classes, small theatrical and musical performances, movie nights, art exhibits, private celebrations and events, etc. Nonprofit and community organizations will have the ability to use this space (by reservation) at no charge.
9. Where is the funding for this project coming from? More than $503,000 has been raised privately by community volunteers through a capital campaign that include contributions from individuals, businesses, foundation grants and fundraising events. These funds will be used to support the bond campaign, building furniture, shelving, audio/visual equipment, and strong WiFi setup. The rest of the project ($4.6 million) will be funded through community tax dollars via a bond issue that will be in the spring 2022 ballot. This will cost homeowners an estimated $5.42 per month (paid via annual property taxes) for a home valued a $150,000, for 20 years.
10. I already pay taxes, some of which go to the library. Why should I vote yes for passage of a bond issue? For a community to be considered active and growing, it must not only have strong law enforcement and fire protection, health care services, public schools and civic and charitable organizations, but it must also have a thriving and modern public library to support a wide range of the community’s needs. A public library can serve as an economic stimulus for the community. A good public library is a community asset that has appeal to families and businesses considering a move into the area. A thriving public library:
• Serves as a community hub;
• Supplements the standard curricula in our public schools;
• Provides information, research resources, culture and entertainment to people of all ages;
• Offers literacy and workforce enhancement for the area’s unemployed and underemployed;
• Collaborates with organizations, businesses, community entities and professionals to provide the community with the resources any vibrant community needs to grow learn, and develop
11. How will the new building impact the library’s annual operating budget? The library staff has put together a working internal future operating budget based on statistical research. A pro forma operating budget will be prepared and presented to the community prior to the bond election.
12. Why can’t we just use school libraries rather than build a new public library? School libraries cannot provide many of the services a public library provides. That is why most communities have school and public libraries. School libraries are for students only, not open to the public, and closed during the summer. They do not have the wide book selection of public libraries or offer reading for adults. School libraries do not offer special programming like story time or services like computers for public use.
