The Jefferson Public Library is moving forward with its next step toward an expansion project.

Library Director Jane Millard says on August 7th, the Library Board of Trustees heard from three architect firms and their presentations and they selected Studio Melee in Des Moines, which the City Council recently approved at their September 9th meeting. 

“They will begin working with library officials to determine our space needs, as well as gathering input from the community on what features and spaces they would like to have in their new, expanded library.”   

City Administrator Scott Peterson says the firm will develop conceptual designs surrounding the perimeters of it being a $4 million project, which stems from a previous study that was done for the capacity of public interest to support an expansion project. 

Millard adds that the new Jefferson Public Library Foundation was recently formed to actively fundraise for the venture and will launch a capital campaign in the fall for private donations, while also applying for grants. She says the library needs to continue to be a community hub where people can gather, learn, support literacy, and also provide services with free Wifi, use of printers and a photo kiosk, among other services.