Jefferson residents can help shape the future of the Jefferson public library. Members of the public are invited to participate in a community forum to share their ideas about the buildings and the services offered at the library.
Community forums will be held Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church fellowship hall, 208 W. State St. The public may attend either of the one-hour sessions that will be at 2 and 7 pm.
The library received a Library Services and Technology (LSTA) grant from the State Library of Iowa for a library space utilization study. Grant funds have been used to hire a library planning consultant to complete this study.
George Lawson will complete an assessment of the current library facilities and present his professional recommendations to the library board of trustees. Lawson will assess the amount of space needed to deliver library services, house its collection of materials, and offer educational programs.
Further study will include looking at how space is currently utilized, how it can be improved, and the feasibility of other solutions for current or future facilities.
“Having a professional assessment of our current space use will help us develop a long-range plan for the future. Community input is a very important part of that goal, to insure we are meeting the needs of those who use and benefit from having our local library,” said Dave Bohnet, president of the library board of trustees.
Lawson will facilitate both forums. In case of bad weather, the forums will be postponed until Tuesday, Jan. 23. Persons who want more information can call the library at 515-386-2835.
