Report to City Council Presented by: GFPL Task Force for Rejuvenation December 13, 2010

Tonight’s Agenda 1)Overview and Update 2)Knight Foundation Grant Monies 3)Community Input Results 4)Scientific Research Results 5)Q & A 6)What next?

The Mission The mission of the Grand Forks Public Library is to connect the community, enrich the mind, and inspire the imagination.

The Goals Develop a plan to provide a 21 st Century library that will adequately and efficiently serve the citizens of the city and county of Grand Forks. Bring the plan to the voters for their approval on financing and construction.

The Players

Library Management Team Director – Wendy Wendt Board Members: Susan Mickelson Lila Christensen Richard Fiordo Eliot Glassheim Kay Powell

Library Task Force Jim Hovey, Chair Dorette Kerian Paul Holje Brian Poykko Lana Rakow Brian Schill Doug Carpenter Caprice Benoit Kathy McFarlane Jeff Regimbal Ann Pederson Rhonda Schwartz Brian Osowski Carol Lamberson Ken Dawes Ginny Dullum

Building Committee Doug Carpenter Al Grasser Paul Holje Ann Pederson Jeff Regimbal Leroy Sondrol Wendy Wendt

The Process

What’s Been Done?  Board Approval for Project Study5/08   Revitalization Task Force Assembled 10/08   Information Gathering begins 11/08   Library Consulting, PA hired5/09   Information Gathering  Develop and Present Reports  New Library Director hired6/09   Needs Assessment Report 11/09   Connecting with the Community 11/09 

What’s Been Done?  Building Use Plan2/10   Site Rankings and Evaluations3/10   Facility Needs and Budget Projection 4/10   6 Finalist Sites5/10   Interview and Select Architect5/10   3 Finalist Sites6/10   Establish a Building Committee7/10   Community Input Opportunities 11/10 

What’s Left?  Determine Final Site 12/11  Prepare schematic and images 1/11  Project operating budget 1/11  Develop Ballot Language1/11  Launch Marketing Campaign2/11  Special Election 4/12/11

The Project

Challenges with the Current Library Lack of seating Too few computers No large meeting room Too small Teen area Difficult shelving areas No small study rooms Parking inadequate and difficult Too noisy and cramped Flow of traffic confusing Poor location for people to find Bland, outdated interior Not enough space for collections Collections difficult to access Poor lighting

Building should make a significant statement Building visible from a primary highly traveled road Have a highly visible and welcoming entrance Design and organization should promote self service Collection marketed well, beautifully displayed and easily accessible Sufficient parking for public and staff Foster a sense of security Fulfill ADA codes and respect the physical challenges of the elderly Be flexible to accommodate technology Achieve highest level of LEED General Design Guidelines

Comparing Old and New Current Library 36,556 sq. ft. 75 Parking Spaces 34 Internet Access Computers 125 reader seats Large Meeting Room Capacity: 80 Conference Room Capacity: 20 Number of Small Study Rooms: 0 Computer Training Lab: none Proposed Library 62,267 sq. ft. 155 Parking Spaces 107 Internet Access Computers 232 reader seats Large Meeting Room Capacity: 150 Conference Room Capacity: 30+ Number of Small Study Rooms: 9 Computer Lab: yes

The Plan

Key Findings GFPL is valued and appreciated in the community –It is an expression of the community’s values –Provides services to all residents –A place to access Information Technology Culture Entertainment

Growth Since Population served has increased 62% - Staff has increased 130% - Collections have increased 272% - Circulation is up 147% - 46 computers have been added - Seating has been reduced 20%

How Do We Stack Up? Statewide Comparisons GF Fargo Bis Minot Visitors per day8271, Items checked out per day 2,355 1,812 1,377 1,060 Sq ft per visitor per day Expenditures per visitor $5.13 $5.73 $5.25 $5.53

The Potential

A Spacious Entry

Integrated Technology

A Place for Teens

Daylight

Study Rooms