Funds raised so far: $31,029.72
Goal: $80,000
A very good question…
“Why are we trying to raise $80,000? That is a lot of money!”
My first answer is, “you are absolutely correct – $80,000 IS a lot of money!” And, to be honest, that was my first question to my boss, Library Director Clint Wolthuizen. Below is a summary of anticipated costs of material, from low to high. Until we get the final architect’s design, determine how much room we’ll have after implementing building codes and regulations, and gather bids, we will not be able to provide absolute numbers. The other consideration is that for a library our size, some of our furnishings will have to be made-to-fit, and cannot be ordered in “as is” standard sizes, made for larger buildings. We will be shopping around for the best price on everything, but we plan on purchasing quality products.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that furnishings for a public building are not the same as home furnishings. By far, our largest cost will be shelving, with an estimate of $20,000-$25,000. We plan on getting the best/most durable product we can, that is made to last. We are looking at dozens of shelving units, each having four to six shelves on each side. These units will be holding hundreds of pounds of books. There are different size shelves for different materials, and all need to be adapted.
The chairs and tables must not only be sturdy, but must also be able to be cleaned – they get a lot of use in a library, and we will be looking at something industrial in nature, the kind built tough, yet easily cleaned. This holds true of every new furnishing needed for the Library renovation.
Our circulation desk (where people check out books, ask for assistance, view reference materials, hold work files and projects, etc.) will need to be custom built to fit the space. For everything that will go into our space, we will be looking at efficiency, best use of the space, while allowing for free movement to accommodate everyone, including those with mobility issues.
There are other considerations – an area for children and story time, an area for adults and students, and Clint recommended a coffee/beverage/food station, to accommodate programs and special activities in which refreshments are served. Right now, we have no place to accommodate equipment or supplies for such things, which are considered standard “must haves” in Libraries and, indeed, in all public buildings.
Below is a list of the cost estimates. You will see that the high costs hits at approximately $60,000. The extra $20,000 (to make our fundraising goal $80,000) is for installation and labor. This is a big unknown, but if you have ever had a home or machine shed built, added a room or a garage, you know that it is impossible to know exactly how much it will cost for labor and installation. We are – hopefully – erring on the side of being able to purchase all the furnishings needed for the final product.
What if we raise more money than is used for the project? In that event, we will look and see if we can add something else to add to the services we provide. Anything not spent, if that occurs, will go into an account for the Adrian Branch Library to be used for programming or items outside of the operating budget. The fundraising money cannot be used to replace the operating budget, nor can it be used on anything except the Adrian Branch Library. (And, for those of you who have asked, “what if we raise enough money for a new building?” All I can say to that is, “well, then let’s put up a new building!”)
The county is covering the cost of repairing the building, replacing wiring, plumbing, entry, bathroom, carpet, lights, etc. NO fundraising money will be used on building issues. The funds raised by the Adrian Branch Library through donations cannot be used for anything but the Adrian Branch Library.
I welcome any and all questions about the project. Please stop by the Adrian Branch Library and talk to me, or call me at the Library: 507-483-2541; or email me: mvaselaar@plumcreeklibrary.net . I am also happy to meet with any group, organization, business, etc., to talk about the project.
Below are the Cost Estimates:
Item Low Estimate High Estimate
Shelving $20,000.00 $25,000.00
Children’s Reading Area $9,500.00 $10,500.00
Computer Stations $4,500.00 $5,500.00
Cabinetry & Work Station $3,000.00 $3,500.00
Service Desk $3,500.00 $3,500.00
Tables & Chairs $2,500.00 $3,500.00
New Books/Display Shelving $2,000.00 $3,000.00
Board Book Bins $1,500.00 $2,500.00
Adult Seating $800.00 $1,000.00
Coffee/Beverage\Food Station $1,000.00 $1,000.00
TOTAL $48,300.00 $59,000.00
Donations can be:
(1) Dropped off at the Adrian Library
(2) Mailed to the Library at: 214 Maine Ave., PO Box 39, Adrian, MN 56110
(3) Dropped off at the Adrian State Bank;
(4) Dropped off at the State Bank of Lismore;
(5) Online donations can be made by visiting our website and following the link: www.plumcreeklibrary.org/adrian.
Checks must be made out to: LACF
(In memo write: Adrian Library Project.)
(LACF = Lismore Area Community Foundation, which is the sponsor/fiscal agent. This sponsorship makes it possible for every donation to be used exclusively for the Adrian Branch Library Renovation Project. Thank you, LACF!)
