Central Michigan Life

Issue date: 2/22/08 Section: News

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Veterans Memorial Library may look drastically different in two years.

The library, located at 301 S. University Ave., may undergo nearly $8.5 million in renovations and additions as soon as next spring.

The expansion would include demolishing the old Post Office building and adding a two-story connecting structure, said Library Director Lise Mitchell.

"It's a really sound investment in the community," she said.

The $8.473 million project, proposed by the Chippewa River District Library system, will be voted on during a May 6 election.

The library is asking voters to approve 2.6 mills for 20 years to fund the project. That new rate would raise $2.2 million, $1.8 million of which would go toward operating costs and the rest to construction. The library's current 10-year, 1.75 millage, which raises about $1.4 million, is set to expire at the end of the year.

Mitchell said the library is asking for the millage to cover $8 million of the expenses, while the library's Capital Campaign Committee will try to raise $500,000.

Sarah Delia, co-chair of the committee, said the group has raised about $131,000 so far.

"That's good progress," she said. "We haven't really appealed to the general public yet."

Delia said her favorite part of the plan is the proposed addition of a "teen floor." She said many high school students head to the library after classes.

"They need some study rooms and an area dedicated to books that teens enjoy," Delia said. "They need a place to 'hang out,' if you will. This renovation takes that into account."

The task also would add more computer workstations, a café and a pick-up and drop-off drive-thru.

Delia also said the multimedia room, which would contain more than 30 computers, would provide something for younger generations.

"That might be something that might appeal to the college students," she said.

Despite the large-scale changes, Mitchell said the library should not be closed for an extended period of time. If everything goes as planned, construction should be done by summer 2010, which will coincide with the library's 100th anniversary.

Proposing the plan to the Mount Pleasant City Commision didn't come without conflict, however.

Some commissioners felt the vote should be held in the November ballot.

"They tend to try to have as few elections a year as possible, and I can certainly understand that," Mitchell said.

But to get construction started next spring, the vote had to take place immediately, she said.

While the renovations will be aimed at children and teens, Mitchell said the updates will be helpful to everyone.

"The library is for everybody in all walks of life," she said. "We are something that is a real asset for the community."


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