LibraryMapleMallJamestown (CSi) With the James River Valley Library System Board of Directors approving options to purchase two properties in downtown Jamestown, adjacent to the existing Alfred Dickey Public Library, JRVLS officials, on Wednesday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, talked about the project, and the impact the plans will have on downtown Jamestown, and improved and expanded services at the library.

Library Director, Joe Rector said the expansion would allow the library to give patrons access to more electronic services including connecting to E-Commerce, government and each other with new devices and technologies along with traditional printed materials.

Library bd on WB2He said the key is the ability of the new library to evolve as the E-World evolves and provide the correct balance of print to electronic.

He added that when a new library is built, entire neigborhoods are revitalized, and becomes a selling point for recruiting the best and brightest talent.

JRVLS Board Chariman Dale Marks said the downtown location will provide the best access for children to walk or ride bikes, from the middle school and elementary schools.

He pointed out that over 60% of libraries circulation comes from kids and young adults, and senior citizens have easy access to a downtown location. He added that a new library will be a catalyst to keep current businesses alive and draw new businesses to downtown.

JRVLS, Development Director, Bill Kennedy said voters in November 2014 will be asked to vote on approving a quarter percent city sales tax initiative throughout Stutsman County with the cost to the average family, if approved $33.75 a year, according to the North Dakota State Tax Department. He added the new library will cost about $9-million dollars, stating that donations will bring the net cost down to about $7.5 million.

The timetable for the new library to date, and in the future inclues:

May 13, 2014: The Board finalizing the new location

May 19, 2014: Submitting the Sales Tax initiative to the county Auditor for approval

Jun 1, 2014: Petition signatures solicited for the initiative to be put on the November 3, 2014 election ballot.

Aug 1, 2014: 1,452 or more signatures (15% of voters in the 2012) General Election submitted to the county auditor for review.

Nov 4, 2014: General Election for the quarter percent sales tax on the ballot.

Aug 1, 2015: Groundbreaking

Sept 1, 2016: Grand Opening

The James River Valley Library System officials say the two properties, directly north of Alfred Dickey Library will allow for the construction of a new two level 16,000 sf state of the art addition to the 11,200 sf Alfred Dickey facility. Alfred Dickey will be renovated to take advantage of today’s electronic innovations while preserving the beauty and heritage of the 1919 design. Bringing the classic and the contemporary together allows the board to honor the past and recognize the constantly changing learning environment.

The new facility will bring the Stutsman County Library, the bookmobile and the Alfred Dickey Library under one roof. The estimated cost of the new facility is $9,000,000. Net cost after donations is conservatively estimated at $7,750,000.

Joe Rector added that plans are in motion to replace the aging Stutsman County Bookmobile, with a federal matching grant applied for through the USDA, along with a request for donations going out. for a smaller more efficient vehicle.

See the original story with additional details on line at CSiNewsNow.com