Quincy Public Library Renovation Project

The Library
renovation project, which began August 2nd, 2010, will allow the Library to expand from 34,500 square feet to 47,300 square feet. Renovation plans include:

• New energy efficient HVAC system.

• Expanded Children’s Area.  The children’s department will move to the main floor and double in space, allowing more space for children’s materials and activities. 

• New Area for Teens

• Expanded Program and Meeting Spaces with 50% more space

• Expanded Handicapped Accessibility with all materials and services on one floor, expanded aisles, and handicapped accessible restrooms.

• Expanded, Convenient Parking

• Newly Designed & Expanded Genealogy Room

• Covered Entrance and After Hours Pick-up!

• A single Circulation point which will increase the safety and security of children, staff, and the collection. 

Library Renovation Phases

The Library renovation project entered the final phase of the project ahead of schedule. In September 2011, all public services began operating out of the newly remodeled building. The Children's Department is functioning in the upper level and the new meeting rooms, Teen Space and Illinois Room are open to the public. Renovations will continue in the lower level staff work areas during the final phase. The HVAC system is in the final stages of completion. The finishing touches are being put it place with some new furniture, fixtures and signage. The Library renovation is projected to be complete by March 2012.

Library Facts:
The Library currently has about 25,000 resident cardholders, plus more than 5,000 Townships of the Quincy Area Public Library District cardholders and 1,100 non-resident cardholders.  Last year, the library circulated 700,433 materials, only 50,000 less than Springfield Public Library which serves a community three times the size of Quincy.  The Quincy Public Library is a free public library that provides books, movies, music, databases, wireless internet, delivery to homebound patrons, reference services, children’s story hours and puppet shows, and countless other community enhancing programs.  While children are often the focus of the Library services, 70% of the Library’s circulation is represented by adults.  The introduction of the internet has changed the way the Library provides information services, with a greater than ever need for reliable research databases and informed librarians. 

What will this cost?
The Library Renovation project is funded by 5.533 million in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds and a $125,000 Live and Learn Construction Grant awarded by the State of Illinois.  The renovation project does not include funding for needed furnishings, equipment and fixtures.  The current furniture at the Library is over 30 years old and not sufficient for the new space.  Some specialty furnishings to be purchased with the Furniture and Equipment Fund include tables with built in power for wireless internet users, child and adult work/study tables, Teen furniture, Children’s reading tables and Audio/Visual equipment for the Meeting Rooms. For information about the Mary Weems Barton Foundation and how you can give, visit www.maryweemsbarton.org. 

A tax increase of 4 to 6 cents per $100 in assessed value was passed in order to repay the Recovery Zone Economic Development bonds.  This represents a $12 tax increase to the owner of a $100,000 home.  To calculate the tax increase to an individual homeowner, multiply the current tax bill by .0073. 

History

The Quincy City Council passed an ordinance on September 8th, 2009 providing for the issuance of Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, and for a levy to repay them, for renovations and improvements to the Quincy Public Library. The ordinance was passed with an 8-6 vote. The Adams County Board decided October 13th, 2009 to allocate $5.533 million in Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds to the Quincy Public Library for a major construction project. The Economic Recovery Zone Bonding Capacity was given to Adams County based on significant unemployment.

2010 Upper Floor Preliminary Architectural Plans

2010 Lower Level Preliminary Architectural Plans

Library Needs Explained: HVAC, Children's Department, Parking

History of Library Building Project

2009 Proposed Architectural Plans for Renovation Project

Building Project Q&A with Library Board

Proposed Building Project Fact Sheet

For more information, contact Quincy Public Library Director Nancy Dolan at 223-1309 ext. 204 or ndolan@quincylibrary.org.