Ground was broken today for a $7.5 million facility for the Blair Public Library Foundation, with financing including a USDA Rural Development award of $4,972,000.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to participate in this project with other partners. The Foundation has raised $2 million and within the next three years will contribute a balance of $500,000 with pledges collected through the three year capital campaign. The Foundation also has received a Tourism Grant of $375,000 from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and $250,000 from the City of Blair for a new public library,” said USDA Rural Development specialist Janice Stopak.
The proposed facility will be a one story, slab on grade building approximately 27,000 sq. ft. It will combine state-of-the-art technology, expanding collection area and staff areas with a multi-use meeting space. The 27,000 sq. ft. facility will provide 4,500 sq. ft. of public gathering and meeting spaces, including a technology-rich conference room, a warming kitchen, public restrooms and 1,800 sq. ft. of sub-dividable meeting space. All can be accessed separately from the library for after hour use.
In addition, 1,000 sq. ft. will include art exhibit space and a 500 sq. ft. Makerspace that will incorporate infrastructure to support digital media, recoding, 3D printing and scanning, and a variety of other creative opportunities.
The library also will house expanded collection spaces that maximize reading, collaborative and study opportunities, provide easy access to power and data, and offer improved way finding and sight lines. The Young Adult zone will feature age appropriate furnishings, gaming stations and an elevated stage. An expanded Children's collection will include Early Literacy space, technology learning stations, and a variety of seating arrangements with outdoor views. Two new Program Rooms will host messy actives and quiet story times alike, and have access to an outdoor learning center.
The mechanical and electrical systems are proposed to be energy efficient, integrated into the architectural design, cost effective and easy to maintain. A variable refrigerant flow system is being explored for the building heating and cooling. Fluorescent and LED light sources with vacancy controls as well as a building control system are being considered.
“Being able to fund our project through the USDA has been an amazing opportunity. The USDA Rural Development program has been wonderful to work with, and we couldn’t be more proud of this project and the positive impact it will have on the City of Blair and surrounding communities,” said JoEllen Maras, Blair Public Library Foundation.
USDA Rural Development funding is being provided through the Community Facility Direct Loan program. For more information visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne or contact Community Programs Specialist Janice Stopak at 402-437-5743 or Janice.stopak@ne.usda.gov.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.