Joint Library Building Committee Seeking Input From Community

What does the future hold for the building?  The Joint Library Building Committee is in the process of developing a plan for the Library building and would like to hear from you! 

“Public input is critical,” says Library Director Doug Koschik.  “The Committee is charged with developing a consensus on what kind of Library the citizens of Birmingham need, want, and are willing to pay for.”  Committee Chairman Jim Suhay adds, “Many options exist, including minor improvements, a renovation of the present footprint, and a major expansion.”

As part of the process to solicit input from the public, there will be a survey, community forums, and several focus groups targeting various segments of community.

The building survey was distributed in the Library’s Books & Beyond newsletter, is available in print at the Library and can be accessed online at www.baldwinlib.org/survey.  Survey responses are requested by Saturday, June 30.

The first open community forum to discuss the future of the Library building will take place on Tuesday, June 19 at 7 p.m. in the Library’s lower level.  Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. 

A comprehensive benchmarking study is also being undertaken in support of this project.  Representatives from the Joint Library Building Committee will make site visits to collect building information from libraries in the area. 

The Joint Library Building Committee consists of James Suhay, David Underdown and Frank Pisano of the Baldwin Library Board; Rackeline Hoff, Scott Moore and Gordon Rinschler of the Birmingham City Commission; and Janelle Boyce of the Birmingham Planning Board.  This process is being undertaken in support of the Library's strategic plan.  Work on this part of the project began last year and will run through December 2012. 

For more information about the Library building project, please visit www.baldwinlib.org/library-building.