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The Jefferson Public Library is currently underway with a project to help cater to its growing needs.

Library Director Jane Millard says in 2018 a space needs assessment was completed by a professional library space planner. The report showed that with the library’s current programs and services, the facility needed to be expanded from 8,000 to 12,000 square feet. The report also suggested that for future growth over a 20 year period, the facility needed to be 16,000-19,000 square feet. 

Millard points out from there, the City Council approved in June to do a feasibility study and hired architect Peter Franks of Franks Design Group for up to $43,000. She talks about the prior experience that Franks has had in Jefferson, including the roof replacement project with the City of the former Angie’s Tea Garden now the Centennial.

“Mr. Franks is very familiar with Jefferson, having worked on the downtown business facade rehabilitation project with Jefferson Matters: Main Street. Mr. Franks will work with a committee of community members, and library and city officials to explore three options for expanding the library.”   

Millard notes the options that are being explored include renovating and expanding the current facility, repurposing another building or building a new structure. She reflects on her 30 years of service to the library and how the structure hasn’t changed very much compared to their expanded resources that they offer.

“I’m really pleased about that, it means the library has grown, but the facilities hasn’t. So this being a community center, where people gather, and we need space for people to gather, it’s important to look out to the future. It’s been 50 years since we did anything with the library buildings, and so it’s time. We want to make sure that we have a wonderful library facility for the generations that will be coming.”    

Millard says the committee will meet with Franks eight times from now through February and will make a formal recommendation to the Library Board of Trustees and the City Council.