Paul Sawyier Public Library Addition
The Paul Sawyier Public Library moved into its current location on Wapping Street in November 2006. The brand new building was the result of years of dedicated planning and saving by the director, staff and Board of Trustees of the library.
Since its move, circulation, building usage by the community, technology education, on-site programming and other library-related activities have grown dramatically. More than 37,000 people currently hold Paul Sawyier Public Library cards. Circulation has increased from 391,819 in 2006-07 to 517,172 in 2010-11, and exceeded 550,000 in 2011-2012.
The library offers meeting space without charge to civic, educational and government organizations, one of the few readily accessible, free meeting spaces open to the public in Franklin County. In addition to library programs, during 2011-12, 356 different outside groups held 1,010 meetings in the PSPL Community Room and Sower Board Room.
With the closing of many outlets for movie and video game rental, the library has become an even more popular source for DVD's, CD's, games and music, all offered free by holding a library card. DVD checkouts at the library now total more than 9000, eBooks more than1300, and music downloads more than 700 each month.
Today's library is much more than a place for checking out books, though that remains a very important function. People come into the library to use the bank of computers that allow free access to the Internet for job searching, government services, and a world of information. The library serves as the county's law library through the dedicated use of a computer giving access to various legal websites. Many magazines and periodicals are offered online through the library. Technology classes are ongoing and free. A variety of summer events and workshops offer enrichment and entertainment for families and children. Outreach programs deliver books to homebound patrons and stop at school locations during the summer. Top quality activities like author presentations, fairy teas, book discussions and story hours provide stimulating and fun alternatives to more expensive activities like taking the family to a movie, especially considering current economic conditions.
The Library Director and Board of Trustees take their responsibilities very seriously and are determined to continue to make the Paul Sawyier Public Library one of the best libraries anywhere. Additional programs are continually being added, including expanded outreach to children and adults, technology training, providing e-books and readers, and author and presentations.
Goals for the PSPL in the Long Range Plan adopted by the PSPL Board of Trustees in 2011include the following:
- Provide and expand materials, services and programs to meet the needs of the diverse population of the community for education, enrichment and entertainment purposes
- Ensure that the library continues to function as a center for community activity
After much consideration of the needs of the community, the options for growth of the library and in the fulfillment of its plan for long-range service, the Board of Trustees and the Library Director propose an expansion of the present library building. The addition would be located in the rear of the building and would increase the total square footage of the library by approximately one-third.
One of the spaces most used by the public at PSPL is the Community Room. Budget and construction concerns caused a reduction in the size of the Community Room from its original design. The room is a very nice space, but it is not large enough to comfortably contain a lot of programs, even those presented by the library. In some instances, people have been turned away from programs because of lack of space. Other library programs have been held offsite.
The library board proposes a two-story addition with parking on the ground level, a much larger public space on the first floor, and additional space on the second floor for expanded shelving capacity and other future library needs. The additional space will provide more opportunities for library programming as well as space for a gallery and a venue for arts/music/drama presentations.
The current library building was built largely from funds that had been saved for that purpose. Only a small amount of money was borrowed, and the debt was retired within the first year of operation in the new building. Through careful budgeting and stewardship, the library board expects to have sufficient funds available to pay for the addition and ongoing expenses without borrowing or increasing taxes. In fact, the PSPL Trustees have lowered the library tax rate each of the last four years.
The Trustees and staff are excited about the opportunities and possibilities this additional space would offer our community. Careful consideration of building costs will continue to play a major role in a final decision for expansion. The library will explore options of remote pick-up and return sites for the convenience of library patrons during the construction phase, and a public meeting will be held to receive local input and support for this important civic project.
Paul Sawyier Public Library Statistics
Materials Circulation:
2006-07391,819
2007-08460,260
2008-09491,244
2009-10507,593
2010-11517,172
2011-12551,589
Community Use of Facility:
2006-07 43groups/organizations held 160 meetings
2007-08122 groups held 438 meetings
2008-09234 groups held 789 meetings
2009-10330 groups held 882 meetings
2010-11259 groups held 972 meetings
2011-12356 groups held 1,010 meetings