Village Spaces—Library, Village Office and Police A town hall discussion February 2015

Colfax Municipal Building Constructed in 1915

Population Growth YearVillage of Colfax Town of Colfax 19701, , , , ,158 1, Estimate 1,127 1,241

Concerns with the Current Building 1999 SEH Report indicated need for new village facility Lack of program/meeting space Lack of flexible space Storage Space ADA accessibility issues – Public Meetings – Restrooms – Outside access – ramp length and slope at door entrance – Interior access

Colfax Public Library

Colfax Public Library Snapshot 2014 Annual Report Collection Print Volumes9,85111,456 Audio Materials1, Video Materials1, Subscriptions41

Colfax Public Library Snapshot Library Use Total Circulation23,99517,936 Children’s Materials8,2495,492 Adult15,74612,444 Library Visits per year14,40010,000 Number of Users of Public Internet Computers 4,158NA Number of Public Use Internet Computers61 Building Square Footage1,800

Colfax Public Library Snapshot Programs Young Adult Programs1NA Young Adult Program Attendance 3NA Children’s Programs6828 Children’s Program Attendance 1, Other Programs725 Other Programs Attendance

Colfax Library Service – Beyond the Borders 1,288 card holders – 358 Residents – 930 Nonresident 72% of checkouts from outside the Village – 9,495 items from residents of the Town of Colfax Checkouts by Location – Village of Colfax 6,715 – Town of Colfax 9,495 – Town of Grant 1,622 – Town of Tainter 1,444 – Town of Elk Mound 1,359 – Town of Howard 1,108 – Town of Otter Creek 953 (Top locations)

Colfax Library Service—Beyond the Borders Library Service Population 4,025 Based on library circulation patterns 2014 population estimates – Village1,127 – Town of Colfax1,241 – Town of Grant 386 – Town of Tainter2,381 – Town of Elk Mound1,851 – Town of Howard 797 – Town of Otter Creek 496 (Wisconsin Population & Housing Estimates – Dept. of Administration)

Colfax Library Service – Beyond the Borders Library brings individuals into the Village County funding supports library’s operational budget for use by rural residents

Concerns with the Library Space Lack of program/meeting space Lack of patron seating Space not designed for Technology, MORE and courier materials Lack of flexible space Service and material needs have changed over the decades Lack of accessible book drop

Concerns with the Library Space Lack of collection space – 1963 Report (Colfax on the Red Cedar) The number of books now in the library 2,724 for juniors and 4,034 for adults – New formats DVD Audio Books Music ADA accessibility issues – Narrow aisles between shelves and tables – Checkout desk – Programs

Library Building Interior

Programs Larger Programs are held outdoors

Children’s Table in the Children’s area doubles as a staff workspace

Materials

Library Benefits Community Anchor Attract individuals to Colfax from surrounding areas Early literacy and school readiness Technology training Internet Access – Job Applications – Tax forms – Unemployment

Benefits of New Library Increased Children’s area Teen area Small group meeting/study spaces Larger meeting space for library and community events Expanded collection space Additional computers Increased patron seating Increase usage ADA accessible Energy Efficient – Possibility for alternative energy sources Sufficient electrical outlets for computers and other devices More efficient staff work spaces Self-checkout of materials Curbside or more accessible book drop Improved parking

Sustainability Rain Garden – Cross Plains Solar Panels—St. Croix Falls

Meeting Spaces Study Rooms – McFarland Study Room – St. Croix Falls

Meeting Spaces Storytime Space – Cross Plains Storytime Space-- Cumberland

Technology St. Croix Falls Computers--Neenah

Technology iPad 2s for our patrons to check out and use anywhere in the Library -- Cudahy Sauk City—3D printer

Displays Exhibit Cases -- River Falls Local History -- Roberts

Activities Community Puzzle – River Falls Coffee Nook – Balsam Lake

Services Book Club in a Bag – River Falls Early Literacy Area--Amery

Spaces Fireplace/Reading Area – St. Croix Falls Fireplace/Reading Area -- Roberts

Spaces Reading Area/Magazines – Prairie du Sac Audio Books – St. Croix Falls

Spaces TrempealeauBlack River Falls

Concerns with Village Office Need for space for elections and meetings Secure/private record storage area Need for Staff workspace – Copier – Supplies – Deputy Clerk Lack of reception area

Village Office Board Meeting Storage

Village Office Deputy Clerk/Board Meeting Administrator’s Office

Village Office Record Storage

Police Department Needs Secured Interview Room Police Garage – 2 squad cars – large evidence storage Patrol Room Electronic Access System to limit access Large Conference Room/Training Restroom with Shower (decontamination)

Police Department Access from Village Building via stairs Shared work space

Police Department Exterior access/Lack of security

Basement Area

Possible Solutions for Colfax Build a new standalone library Build a new multipurpose village building Remodel and expand the current building Remain in the current space

Build a new standalone library Positives – Flexible design to meet current and future needs – Maximize library visibility – Parking

Build a new standalone library Potential Negatives – Potential duplication of meeting spaces and restrooms with current village building – Needs of Village Hall and Police unmet

Build a new multipurpose village building Positives – Flexible design to meet current and future needs – Collaborative project – Shared meeting spaces; heating and cooling and restrooms More cost effective to share spaces – Meet the needs of the library, village hall, and police – Parking

Build a new multipurpose village building Potential Negatives – Space layout could be less efficient – Need to design for access and security of different functions with potential for additional costs – Lot size will impact design Single story versus two story

Remodel and expand the current building Positives – Downtown visibility – Maintain historical building

Remodel and expand the current building Possible Negatives – Cost to meet code and maintain historical integrity – Environmental hazards Lead Asbestos – Loss of green space – Parking – Little room for outward expansion – Potentially less flexible design – Structural needs of the library – Multiple floor access Elevator costs Emergency exiting

Remain in the current space Positives – No immediate costs

Remain in the current space Potential Negatives – Inefficient public service – Not ADA Compliant – Public meetings – Lack of parking