Library Preparing Vote Petitions

Jamestown (CSi) The James River Library System, Board of Directors discussed the expansion of the Alfred Dickey Public Library, in downtown Jamestown, noting preliminary drawings limiting changes to the historic Alfred Dickey building.

Library Director Joe Rector, says the public has told him that it’s preferred to keep the historic structure close to original.

The possible initial plan change is the addition of a second elevator, so patrons do not have to leave the secured area to go up to the bathroom or move books between floors.

Other changes to the original plan include not sloping the landscape, and the library’s Jennifer Senger, prefers higher windows for more interior shelf space.

The planned expansion of the building, with 16,000 square feet, would include the purchase of two buildings on the library’s north side, the Maranatha building and the Maple Mall, which together costing $774,000, with the total project cost estimate at about $9-million.

Roughly $1.25 million of the total would be paid for through donations.

The balance of the $7.75 million project hinges on voter approval of a quarter-cent City sales tax increase.

To get the issue on the November 2014 election ballot, supporters need to gather 1452 petition signatures, with a month left to obtain the signatures and then turned into the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office by the deadline.