"Here is where people,
One frequently finds,
Lower their voices
And raise their minds."
–
Richard Armour
The New Library Campaign
Why A New Library?
A basic library facility planning sheet indicates that, in order to accommodate our current collection, patronage, and activities, the Truckee Library should be around 18-20,000 square feet. The current size? Barely 5,000 square feet.
In many ways, that's good news: it means the library is continuing to grow and become an ever more important resource for the Truckee community (the library currently sees over 100,000 patron visits per year, an average of almost seven per Truckee resident). On the other hand, it also means an increasing strain on the old library facility. As more and more shelves get packed into the same small space, it starts to feel slightly like a book warehouse as room for library programs - and even places to sit and enjoy a good book - become ever scarcer.
What We've Done So Far
Plans are moving forward for building a new library in Truckee.
This ambitious project is being directed by a special committee, the Building for Books Committee. The committee has taken several recent actions:
» A Sacramento based consulting firm, Municipal Resource Group has been hired to conduct a feasibility study. The study will help identify the best operational model for the new library.
» The committee is in the process of creating a fund development and communications plan.
» There have been presentations to local service clubs, the Town Council, and several public meetings.
If you are interested in joining the Building for Books committee to help with planning a new public library for our town, please contact Seana Doherty or email Truckeefol@gmail.com.
If you would like to have the Friends make a presentation at your organization or would like to donate to the new library planning efforts, please contact Ruth Hall at 587-7499.
To date the Friends have collected input from the community, town officials, and local leaders as well as started the work of identifying several potential sites. Several sites are being considered including the Regional Park, the Vet's Hall, the County's old Corp Yard on West River Street, and the Railyard project.
The Committee had the wonderful opportunity to do a site tour with visiting, renowned architects Will Bruder and Richard Jensen. Will Bruder designed Reno's Nevada Museum of ArtTwo.
Survey Results Available from Public Input Meetings
On July 13 and 22, 2009, the Friends held public meetings for community members to discuss ideas for building a new public library for Truckee. Please click on the link below to see the survey results and community feedback.
What's Next?
The Friends are also working to develop a fund raising strategy and to identify partners for the project.
Interested in helping with the campaign? Send an email to the volunteer coordinator, at truckeefol@gmail.com or come to the next board meeting (6:30 pm, third Wednesday of the month, at the Library)
Interested in making a donation or becoming a partner? Please send an email to truckeefol@gmail.com and let us know what you're thinking.
» Support the New Library Campaign by Becoming a Member Now