Yes. In the past, libraries traditionally warehoused large collections of books and other materials. While still housing a collection of essential materials, libraries give everyone access to an unlimited amount of knowledge. Libraries serve as community hubs and are essential to the viability of many different programs, including those for young children and senior citizens. The Brown County Public Library specifically has been increasing patronage, both in readership and program participation.

The current building is antiquated and simply not large enough to meet our needs. The building does not meet basic ADA requirements. It was built with materials containing asbestos, (would require abatement if we wanted to remodel), is inefficient, has limited seating and space for collections and patrons, and does not have needed space for large or even moderate programming.

Yes, it is approximately 10,000 square feet.  The size was based on programming and community needs, supported by a community-wide assessment and public meeting (see diagram on brochure).

Yes, a larger facility will allow program expansion. We will be able to offer an expanded program schedule for our community, including programs for all ages. We will also be able to host larger events, like our Summer Reading program, within our own building without having to split the group. That would result in saving us money for multiple presentations of the same production. We will also be able to explore partnerships with local schools and community colleges and other civic organizations.

Yes, it will seat 102 people, but it can be set up in other configurations in order to best accommodate library programing and community use. It will also have a small kitchen area. The public will be able to privately access this room, depending upon availability, for a nominal fee.

Yes, it will seat 102 people, but it can be set up in other configurations in order to best accommodate library programming and community use. It will also have a small kitchen area. The public will be able to privately access this room, depending upon availability, for a nominal fee.

Yes. The new library will be fully functioning when it opens to our patrons.

Yes (refer to the answer for Question 5).

A: No, the building is designed to operate with the same number of staff (refer to the floor plan in the fundraising/informational brochure).

No, preliminary architectural estimates indicate that operational costs should remain similar to our current expenses due to the building design and the use of high-efficiency systems.

While the current building could certainly be renovated, there would still be issues with the limited amount of space we currently have.  Additionally, renovation costs could easily exceed the cost of a new building (refer to the answer for Question 2).

Optimistically, we would like to begin construction in early 2022 and would anticipate the actual construction to take roughly one year.  However, this timeline would be delayed if funding cannot be secured.

Yes, it is possible to borrow the money from a bank or sell bonds, but repayment would require a reliable repayment source such as taxes.  Currently, we do not have room in our budget to make such payments and we are opposed to increasing taxes to increase revenue.

Yes, and we have and will continue to search all available funding avenues.

While the new building is located within the TIF II district and could qualify for certain assistance that would benefit the entire area (i.e. – parking, exterior lighting, etc.), the library does not pay real estate taxes and therefore would not qualify for relief of those increased taxes.

Approximately $5.4 million, but this estimate is contingent upon the actual construction bid and costs.

None has been set at this time. However, construction costs will likely escalate.

We will sell the current building, along with the former IGA property, through the bid process as required by law and the sale proceeds will be added to the building fund.

Your donation to the building fund will either be used to build the proposed facility, or the board of trustees could decide to re-evaluate a renovation or a scaled-down facility.  Donations will be saved and invested and used for capital improvements.

An endowment fund will be established in order to accommodate future needs.

Yes, families or multiple donors may join together to make their gifts.

Donations for room sponsorship will be based upon receipt of the first donation received.

We will have a recognition wall naming each individual or group that makes a donation.