Because of the growth in the number of programs and the needs of community organizations and partners, the Logan County Public Library is planning an expansion of its main library in Russellville.
Planned additions include:
• Large interior programming and event space
• Large exterior programming and event pavilion
• Outdoor reading area
• 40 additional parking spots
• Larger staff office area
• Two vehicle garage to accommodate library outreach vehicles
In addition to the added 13,000 square feet of space under roof, a remodel is planned of numerous areas within the existing library; a larger and better designed teen area, expanded genealogy and local history room, a new public services desk, and modifications to multiple staff office areas.
Library Director King Simpson said of the project, “The plans we’ve developed are in direct response to feedback we have gotten through community surveys, strategic planning, and frequent requests by library users and our community. We are excited that the need and desire is here for an enlarged facility so we can better serve the citizens of Logan County.”
Key benefits will include: the ability to conduct simultaneous programming for different age groups (such as parents and children), hosting all desired library programs on site (which saves staff time and capacity), and being able to support more community organizations in their space needs for meetings
Based on the architect’s feasibility study, the anticipated cost of the project is almost $8 million. The library plans to contribute $2.5 million from its capital reserves fund and will apply for multiple grants to contribute toward the project. The remainder of funds needed will come from the sale of municipal bonds. Baird, the financial advisor on the project, has given the library full assurance that the scope of this project is within the library’s ability to repay.
Simpson continued, “It is our goal to accomplish the building project while continuing to take the compensating tax rate each year.” Their current tax rate is the lowest it has been since 2018.
The library’s project will now enter the design phase, which is expected to take 6-12 months. After that the project will be ready to go out to bid, with the construction phase expected to last around 12 months.
Chris Cottongim with 5253 Design Group was selected as the architect for this project. His office is located in Shelbyville, Ky., and he has many years of experience with multiple public library projects to his credit.
The latest information for the project can be found at loganlibrary.org/expansion, where updates will be added frequently.