Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1964 04 REPORTLIBRARY STUDY COMMISSION REPORT (REVISED APRIL 1964) Introduction I. Function of the Public Library II. Services of the Public Library III. The Survey of Surrounding Library Facilities 5 IV. Survey of Civic Organizations V. Survey of Businessmen in Brooklyn Center 10 VI. Population 12 VII. Business and Industrial Needs for a Public Library 13 VIII. Site 15 IX. Physical Plant 16 X. Financing our Library 20 Bibliography 22 Appendix S 26 Appendix II 29 Conclusion 34 TABLE OF CONTENTS 8 Appointment Date 1, January 1963 Authorized by: THE VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN CENTER Mayor Village Council Commission Members: Rolland Billings, Chairman Caroline Roisum, Secretary Robert Sudtelgte Barbara Cunningham Robert Pierce Gordon Gunderson Lloyd Malmberg William Hannay Patricia Spleiss Edwin Burt Gordon M. Erickson Henry A. Dorff, Clerk Howard Heck, Trustee John W. Leary, Trustee Phillip Cohen, Trustee INTRODUCTION In January, 1963 Mayor Gordon M. Erickson authorized the forming of a Library Study Commission. This came as a result of a growing community interest in a branch library for Brooklyn Center and was triggered by a study made in 1962 by the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Brooklyn Center. The results of this study led the Junior Chamber to several conclusions. Among them were these: A library in Brooklyn Center is the most pressing need of the village. There exists no adequate building for a library in the village. Achieving a library should be a community effort rather than the effort of one civic group. After several meetings with Mr. Lee, Village Administrator, the Mayor was contacted. The commission was formed. On the commission there was a broad base of local civic groups represented. These included the local chapters of the American Legion, the Boy Scouts, the Citizens Committee for Better Government, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the League of Women Voters, the Lions Club and interested citizens. The Commission studied: Possible sites for the proposed library Its functions in the community Buildings and building costs The part the Hennepin County library system plays in a local branch. The survey was completed in September, 1963. October 1, 1963 Brooklyn Center Village Council Gentlemen: The Library Study Commission of Brooklyn Center takes pleasure in transmitting to you the completed survey of Brooklyn Center for effective public library service from the Hennepin County Library System. The survey represents the combined thinking of the Commission on the need for library service and the approach to be taken in order to meet the objectives f the Commission. These objectives were that a definite need exists in the village for effective library service, that th e village is paying $39,192.44 for inadequate library service from the county. The ideal location should be near Brookdale, the entire population of Brooklyn Center needs library services. The increased cost of effective library service in Brooklyn Center would cost only $3.15 per $15,000 home. These objectives were carefully studied in the many meetings the commission held during the nine months the problems of public library service in Brooklyn Center were studied. There now remains only one choice for the Village of Brooklyn Center to take, and that is direct action to have effective library service established in the village within the year. It is our recommendation that the village construct a public library building on the proposed site across from Brookdale at a cost of $200, 000. This library will meet the needs of the Village of Brooklyn Centers' population. The cost of such a building is very small in comparision to the cost the village is now paying for inadequate library services. The various community organizations within the village will support the use of the public library and will work on behalf of building a library. The commission is willing to work with the Village Council and other government officials to see that sound public library service is brought to the Village of Brooklyn Center. The basic concepts as presented in this report consist of a complete survey of public library needs for the village If there are any areas in which our assistance will be needed we are willing to work on behalf of the public library until the objectives of this report are achieved. Sincerely, R. G. Billings Chairman of re Library Commission I. Function of the Public Library. The public library's functions and programs are based on the conviction that books and other printed matter as well as certain audio visual materials are powerful, indispeasabla agents for bringing enlightenment, new knowledge, encouragement and inspiration to every member of the community. The modern library in Brooklyn Center would collect and organize printed and audio visual materials needed to enrich the individual and group life of the citizens of Brooklyn Center. It would organize these materials and make them convenient and easy to use. It would interpret these materials and guide their use in enabling as many citizens as possible to use them in their daily lives. Lack of any one of the following: collection, organization and distribution, or interpretation and guidance- results in sub standard library service. Brooklyn Center, at present, lacks all of the above criteria for library service. Provision of materials means more than occasional avail- ability of once or twice a month service from a bookmobile. It means a supply sufficient to make the library a dependable source for all of the people most of the time. In addition to books, the public library would provide pamphlets, documents and other non -book sources in printed form, and films, tapes, records, and other non printed materials of knowledge and opinion. The materials are provided: (1) To facilitate informal self- education of all people in .the community. (2) To enrich and further develop the subjects on which individuals are undertaking formal education. (3) To meet the informational needs of all. (4) To support the educational, civic, and cultural activities of groups and organizations. (5) To encourage wholesome recreation and constructive use of leisure time. I1 Services of the Public Library All services of the public library are designed to facilitate use of its resources to remove barriers, to invite use, and to guide reading toward the goals of each individual. The services of the Brooklyn Center public library would reflect the. varied interests within our community. The following services will be provided: (1) Logical organization of materials for convenient use through shelf arrangement, classification, nd cataloging. g an a g r (2) Lending of materials so that they may be used in the location and at the time suited to each individual within Brooklyn Center. (3) Provisions for reference services designed to locate facts as needed. (4) Guidance to individuals in the use of educational and recreational materials. (5) Assistance to civic, cultural, and educational organiz- ations in locating and using materials for program planning, projects, and the education of members. (6) Stimulation of the use and interpretation of materials through publicity, display, reading lists, story hours, book talks, book and film discussions, and other appropriate means either in the library or in community organizations. Communty needs: The materials, services, personnel, and physical facilities of the public library in Brooklyn Center would meet the following needs: Industrial Growth Community Organizations LIBRARY SERVES lementary school bildren Teenagers and young adults College Vocational students Local Businesses Senior Citizens Educational 'Preschool InstitutionsE children Adults Without these minimum needs being met in Brooklyn Center, the citizens are denied reasonable opportunity to develop. The objectives of a modern library program in Brooklyn Center would include the followings (1) To cooperate with all other constructive educational agencies toward higher goals. (2) To provide, as a service center, the printed and allied materials, the educational, exciting and conflicting ideas, for all the community to weigh and to use for information, self development, enlargement of knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of life and the attainment of high ideals. (3) To assure that the individual is reached and served, to encourage him in his self- chosen thinking and endeavors, to help him draw from books the inner strength to meet and endure the pressures from society around him, and to carry out ideas from which he may derive satisfaction. (4) To discover and help the talented and gifted at all age levels, and in all the stages of their growth and progrss, and to show the undistinguished and unnoticed how the library can serve them. (5) To resist all attempts at censorship, thought control, authoritarianism and class, race, or religious prejudices, and to encourage the open mind and respect for individuals regardless of their status. (6) To see that the library, in all aspects of its planning, tries to keep abreast of current problems and the needs of society and the community. III. The Survey of Surrounding Library Facilities In order to develop a more concrete basis for their thinking, the commission surveyed the library facilities of surrounding communities. This survey helped the commission to develop more definite ideas about the type of building which it feels would be suitable for Brooklyn Center. The visits also pointed out the pitfalls which should be avoided in planning the library. Each one of the libraries visited was chosen for a specific purpose. Six libraries in all were visited by the commission. Richfield Library The first library visited by the commission was the Richfield library, This library was chosen because it is considered one of the finest of the new county libraries. It is 6300 square feet and cost $151,263 to build ($16.20 per square foot. The maintenance cost per year is $9,183.61. This includes one full time maintenance man. It is an attractive modern building containing a reading lounge, book stacks, and study areas on the main floor. A community room seat- ing 400 (plus kitchen facilities) on the downstairs level is available to all community groups free of charge. The parking lot handles 42 cars plus street parking. The library has been in operation almost two years and has shown a steady increase in use over the months of the previous year. The library collection includes 18,000 books. While the building is well planned and built, certain weaknesses were called to our attention. These are as follows: 1. waste space in the entry. 2. Size of library is not adequate after 2 years. 3. Staff stairway to basement too narrow. 4. The restrooms are not located for proper supervision. 5. Larger study area needed. 6. No periodical storage on main floor. 7. No boiler room entrance to outside. United Theological Seminary Library The United Theological Seminary library was visited because it is (1) a beautifully designed building architecturally speaking and (2) a library designed specifically as a student research center. The library features an open stack system of storing books which gives the student access to all library materials without the necessity of library pages. This library contains over 25,000 books with a projected capacity of over 125,000 books. One feature of this build- ing is its poured concrete and masonary construction which reduces the noise factor in the library. Another feature is -5- the separate student desks scattered through the book stacks which provides privacy while studying. Columbia Heights Library The commission visited the Columbia Heights library because it is an example of an independent library built and maintain- ed entirely by village funds. Independent libraries are no longer encouraged within Hennepin County. while the building is small and the book collection inadequate for the demand, the biggest fault in the library is the lack of good planning in the building's construction. The plans drawn up by the architect or contractor were not appropriate to the use of the building. The main drawbadks pointed out by the librarian were: 1. No basement for extra storage space. 2. No children's area adequately separated from the adult sections. 3. Pillars used for building support hinder supervision. 4. Location of the heating system on the roof makes heat distribution faulty and creates main- tenance problems in the winter. The worst problem of all is that now that the building is built, alterations are very expensive and support for such expenditures is difficult to raise. Edina Library The Edina library is an example of an old house converted to library use. The problems of this situation are innumerable. Fitting books into small cut -up rooms is difficult. Also supervision is difficult in such cut -up areas. Hooks cannot be stored on the second floor because of inadequate floor supports. The children's room, located in the sun room, can be used only in warm months because it is not heated. How- ever, the main problems lie in the area of maintenance. The second floor is considered a fire trap and is condemned by the Fire Department. The building is 40 years old and required new plumbing and heating as well as a new roof. The house has been rewired three times because of overloaded circuits. At the present time it needs a new furnace. Edina pays $105,266 a year in taxes for this county library. West St. Paul Library The West St. Paul library was visited because it is an example of economical construction. It is built of cinder blocks and cost $11.76 per square foot for a total cost of $84,268. Its -6- book capacity is 12,000. It is of modern design and its floor area is particularly well- planned. The entrance space is well located. The main library room is planned so that one person can service the desk and supervise the child- ren's area as well as the adult shelves and restrooms. Because cost was the prime factor, some facilities were left out of the building. There is no community room, no paved parking or landscaping, and no finished staff room. Thertnopane windows should have been used across the front of the building for winter visibility and warmth. The heating and air conditioning systems are located on the roof creating noise and maintenance problems. New Prague Library The New Prague library has the most expensive construction and was the most elaborate library visited by the commission, The building is 4,000 square feet in size and cost $123,000 ($20.20 per square foot). Inside maintenance is $2,500 a year and out- side maintenance is handled by the Park Board. Its capacity is 12,000 books. It is built with all outside structual supports thus eliminating inside posts. (This factor was mentioned as an important one repeatedly by all libraians.) The building has no basement because it is located on filled land. It has a community meeting room which is considered a great asset by the whole community. The West St. Paul library and the New Prague library are the two extremes of the library building cost scale. The commission would like to see the proposed Brooklyn Center library fall somewhere in the center of the scale. The commission learned much about good library planning, in small ways as well as large, as it made this survey. However, the following points seemed to be emphasized: 1. The use of a qualified architect is essential for an efficiently planned, attractive building. 2. The library facilities should be sufficient to serve the community well and be tailored to the needs of the individual village. 3. Planning with an eye to future community develop- ment is important. 4. A good library is an advertisement for itself and encourages the use of its facilities. -7- IV. Survey of Civic Organizations A survey of leaders of civic organizations within the Village of Brooklyn Center was conducted to determine, their attitude toward the possible location of a branch library in Brooklyn Center and to determine their need for a community room if one could be provided as a part of a library structure. All persons contacted during this survey indicated they felt that a library was essential to the residents of Brooklyn Center. This need is particularly acute because of the growing number of students that will have use for library facilities. All persons surveyed indicated that they felt a community room is essential because most civic organizations do not have facilities for meetings. The majority of organizations require a meeting room adequate to handle 50 to 75 persons on a regular basis. There is occasional need for a room to accommodate 100 to 300 persons. These needs can be met by use of present facilities such as schools because of the special nature of these events.' The following is a breakdown of civic organizations requiring meeting facilities: Park Board Organization Frequency of need Size of Group Citizens committee for Better Govt. Quarterly 100 Consolidated Garden Clubs Monthly Also frequently for smaller groups Jaycees Semi- monthly 50 75 Mrs. Jaycees Monthly 25 50 League of Women Voters Semi- annually 60 75 Lions Semi monthly 50 60 Semi- annually 300 -8- Use depending on size and facilities available. 45 60 The following were contracted during the survey: Orcranization American Legion Citizens for Better Gov't Civil Defense Fire Department Fire Department Auxilary Jaycees Mrs. Jaycees League of Women Voters Lions Recreation Department Consolidated Garden Clubs Person Contacted Earl Swenson Earl Rydberg Donald LeTourneau Carl Anderson Mrs. Betty Cahlander Jay Bush Mrs. Betsy Bush Mrs. Ma j it Berg Ervin Johnson Gene Hagel Mrs. Logan Ammon Title in Orqaniztion Commander President Director Chief President President President President President Director President V. Survey of Businessmen in Brooklyn Center A survey was made of businessmen in Brooklyn Center to get their opinions about constructing a library in the village. Ninety -six per cent of those contacted were definitely in favor of it. They felt that a library would be a valuable asset to a prosperous and growing community. They also said that our young people would have a better opportunity to get research material for their school work and a convenient library would encourage good study habits. We also discussed with these business leaders the idea of having a public meeting room in the library. They all agreed that Brooklyn Center is in need of a public place for our organizations to hold meetings, and that they would like to see a meeting roan for this purpose. One very interesting bit of information that the survey un- covered, was that only one person knew how much money the Village of Brooklyn Center is paying Hennepin County for library service at the present time. The rest of the business men were really surprised at the cost factor. The results of this survey shows that the businessmen in Brooklyn Center feel there is a definite need for a branch library in the Village. Also, that they will help to get it. 96% For Results of Businessmen Opinion Survey VI. Population Use The public library and the school library have related func- tions. One serves the child in his school life, the other in his community life, and the services of the two agencies comple- ment each other. This is not a cause for concern because the child benefits from both, and with co- operative planning un- necessary costs are avoided. The average school library in Brooklyn Center is too new to have had time to meet state and national standards. Public library service within the village boundaries is limited to the Bookmobile. What is the result of such a situation? A very limited number of children and adults are receiving the benefit of necessary library service. The provision of a library, school or public is an expensive item for most communities, it is true, but it is an investment in the future which yields immeasurable returns. The loss to children in particular is much more expensive in the long run than the money required to give them this necessary basis for their development as future citizens. Residents of Brooklyn Center have seen and will continue to see the erection of new school buildings in the community in the years to come. These buildings will no doubt include libraries since in America, and in Minnesota specifically, we place a high value on good schools and the reading of our children. But, children need library resources both a school library and in a public library. The establishment of school libraries will not reduce the use of the children's room in the public library; in fact, experience has shown that it will actually increase the use of the public library. Therefore, one should work for the establishment and improvement of both public and school libraries in your community. Remember: when you work for better public and school libraries you are doing more than improving a local service. In a very real sense, you are promoting the well -being of the nation's greatest resource and hope for the future its children. -12- "There is small danger that today's children will be any more willing to relinquish their literary heritage than the children of any other day, so long as their own "great books are put within their reach." Lillian H. Smith SCHOOL DISTRICT POPULATION AND ENROLLMENT 618 3 (£961} OiiO'1 £90'I tie! pue nee i99'O11 .4 2 sess- ions 1_ nn 69Z'Z1 £90'1 fii1Z'1 91£'S K -6 Elementary School Enrollment Pre- School Enrollment SCHOOL DISTRICT POPULATION AND ENROLLMENT FOUR SCHOOL DISTRICTS t4 ANOKA SCHOOL 69th Ave. North DIS T. 1 OSSE{3, 65th Ave. North c. SCHOOL DIST. w 61st Ave, North BROOKLYN 'CTR. SCHOOL DIST. 53rd Ave. North t 14 1 ROBBINSDALE SCHOOL DIST. 47th Ave. North Brooklyn Center Youngsters attend sohools in fonr different districts. Above is a nap shooing the boundary lines of the four districts. VII.. Business and Industrial Needs for a Public Library 1. The Value of a Library to Existing Business in Brooklyn Center Existing commercial and business activity in Brooklyn Center is on a relatively small scale. With the exception of several national retail chain operations located in Brook dale Shopping Center these are young enterprises with their business life ahead of them. Problems of finance are paramount with all new and expanding businesses. Easy reference to standard texts in the field of financial management are a definite asset to any small businessman. Reference material of this nature changes constantly and it is not practical for most small business men to purchase or maintain a personal library covering all the ramifications of modern business finance. While every engineer, chemist, or other technical specialist must own and use certain standard reference works, it is a necessity in most fields that there be readily available a nearby library containing current publications as well as texts not used on a day to day basis. As previously stated our present business community contains many small and relatively young companies. Next to the ever present problems of finance, markets and sales preoccupy the attention of small businessmen. A community library will furnish ready reference to trade journals as well as the usual texts on marketing and sales development. Having this material easily accessible in the community will not only provide an additional service to existing business but will contribute to the growth neces- sary for healthy business environment. It is obvious that the existence of a public library will serve to make Brooklyn Center even more attractive to bus- inessmen now a part of our community. Businessmen, their employees and their families will derive all of the personal non business benefits from a library that will accrue to all Brooklyn Center citizens. 2. The Library As a Community Asset in Attracting New Industry to Brooklyn Center. Community services are always of prime interest to industry seeking new locations. A suburban community enters the competition for desirable types of industrial activity with a considerable handicap if it lacks library facilities. Desirable industry and commercial activity for a community such as ours would have certain characteristics. Cleanliness of the industrial operation, lack of excessive noise or offensive odors are most desirable and much sought after by suburban communities. Industrial concerns which meet such criteria include engin- eering, research, and light manufacturing enterprises. In all of these the facilities of a library are frequently a vital necessity. Most industrial conceths seeking new locations not only emphasize land and construction costs but the spirit and business climate of the community. The existence of adequate library appears on almost all check lists used by large national corporations in such relocation work. A public library will make a substantial contribution to the health of the existing business community serving to adver- tise Brooklyn Center as a prime location for the more desirable types of industrial activity. VIII SITE The Library Study Commission felt that the single most important aspect of locating a library in Brooklyn Center was the selection of the proper site from among the various desirable locations remaining in the village. A brief background of the activity which led to the eventual selection of the proposed site would be as follows: 1. Criteria were set up for judging the merits of each site under consideration. a. Site should be located in the center of major traffic patterns. b. Site should relate as closely as possible to population center of Brooklyn Center. c. Site should not be located in shopping center complex proper, but strategically near one. d. Accessibility by public transportation should be considered. e. Site size and soil conditions considered in relation to adequate parking and extensive foundation problems, etc. f. Purchase price of site. 2. The commission was then divided into teams to study pre- assigned areas of the village for possible sites. (see map) 3. Various village officials were then interviewed to ascertain their reactions on the library location. 4. Each site presented to the commission as a possible site was then evaluated according to the criteria as set forth in #1 above. Upon completion of steps 1 through 4 it was the Library Study Commission's unanimous choice that the library be located at the northwest corner of Highway 152 and Northport Drive. (see map) In the opinion of the Library Study Commission, this site best meets the requirements of the previously stated criteria. The chosen site is located conveniently close to Brookdale Shopping Center, is accessible by means of the proposed new Highway 152, as well as close to the hub of the local feeder streets within the village proper. The site is located adjacent to established bus routes as well. One important asset which the site enjoys is the fact that the site is now owned by the Village of Brooklyn Center. Therefore additional funds for acquisition of a site are not necessary. In conclusion, it was the opinion of the Library Study Commission that the site as outlined i the best available,location within the Village of Brooklyn:. Center. -15- PROPOSED SITE LOCATION northport dr. proposed 10,000 sq.ft. library building northport park area NORT.HPORT DRIVE (60 ft. r.o.w.) *site feasibility stud. scale: 1 inch =50 feet IX PHYSICAL PLANT In programming the required spaces for the proposed new library the commission sought the professional advice of the planning staff of the Hennepin County Library. In conjunction with the parent library staff's recommendations the commission visited numerous libraries located throughout the greater metropolitan area in order to acquaint the group with actual library facilities within communities similar to Brooklyn Center. The following are the recommendations for the new library building as proposed by the new Library Study Commissions PROPOSED FACILITIES Proposed facilities for public library space for Brooklyn Center Library, a branch of the Hennepin County Library, to serve a community of 27,000 40,000: 1, Minimum space 10,000 square feet for public library service, excluding meeting, assembly, or conference rooms, but including librarian's office, workroom and storage area, staff room, public toilet facilities. Public area should include both floor and reader space of 7500 square feet. Librarian's office, workroom, storage area and staff room would occupy approximately 1500 square feet; public toilet facilities, heat and other additional building space, 1,000 square feet. 2. Public area To provide shelving space for 30,000 volumes to be divided into areas for adults, young people, and children. Free standing double sided shelving (approx. 42 inches high) can be used to achieve separation of service areas and provide control of room from a central service desk. Approximately 50% of the public area would be used for adult services, and 50% for children and young people. The young people's area is customarily small and adjoining the adult book collection, to provide easy transition from children's to adult collection. -16- A. Adult area to provide for: Shelving space for 16,000 volumes 100 periodicals (in special periodical shelving units 6' 10" x 3' x 12" deep) 60 drawer catalog case (66" x 17" deep) Dictionary and atlas stand (29" wide x 27" deep) U- shaped charging desk (11' x 5') 6 vertical file cabinets (15" x 29" each) Reference librarians desk (30" x 50 Tables and chairs to seat 20, with an additional 8 lounge type ch with low tables for browsing area. B. Children's area to provide for: Shelving for 12,000 volumes Tables and chairs to seat 20 children Small pick -up chairs or stools for small children in picture book area. 2 vertical file cases. Bulletin board and display area (in shelving units) Librarian's desk or table (30" x 50 C. Young People's area to provide for: Shelving apace for 2,000 volumes Table and chairs to seat 15 -20 Bulletin display area (in she1v- ing units) 3. Closed area Approximately 1500 square feet divided into various areas as follows: A. Workroom Directly accessible to adult area, librarian's office and staff room. Directly accessible from parking area for delivery of books and materials. Wall shelving for books and periodicals Space for work tables and desks Supply cupboards in or adjoining this area Work sink Bulletin board B. Librarian's office Directly accessible to charging desk area and to workroom. Floor space for desk (33" x 60 3 chairs 1 file cabinet Book shelves C. Staff Room Space for staff lockers (approximately 8) Table and 4 chairs 2 lounge chairs and 1 couch Sink, small stove, and refrigerator Staff toilet facilities Adequate lighting 75 candlefoot at the floor level Adequate heating and air conditioning D. Janitor's supply room (approximately 98 feet square) to house housekeeping equipment and janitorial supplies 4. Desirable features: Ground level access Parking area at side or back of building At least one large window area to provide "look in" for passerby (best publicity is a library in action) Other windows to be above shelving height 6' 10'' in adult and young people's area 5' 4" in the juvenile area In addition to the library facilities the commission recommends that an unfinished meeting space of approximately 1000 square feet be provided on the basement level of the library to accomodate library auxiliary functions as well as civic meetings of local village groups. BUILDING MATERIALS Selection of the basic building materials must be done to meet three criteria as set forward by the very nature of the problem in connection with locating a library within the village. 1. As the village residents are to bear the total cost of construction of the library proper, then certainly initial cost is a dominant factor in selection of materials. 2. Due to the fact that the village will supply all upkeep of the building, the second important consideration in selection of materials for the library building would be the maintenance cost of a material. (This would include the product's permanency.) 3. Naturally, each of us would enjoy seeing the new library building be as "architecturally correct" as possible, within the limit of the budget. Therefore a third factor in selection of a building material should consider its "aesthetic" value in relation to No. 1 and 2 above. All of the above things being reasonably equal, a building material should also meet requirements of fire resistance, thermal values and sound transmission. Serious thought should be given to an "ultimate cost" of a particular building material over .a period of ten years or more. Many building products will have a lower initial cost, but due to higher maintenance requirements, will ultimately cost as much as, or more, over aperiod of years as a material of higher initial cost, but arelatively low maintenance cost. It should also be remembered that each time maintenance (washing, painting, or patching, etc.) is required on a building material, the normal business function within the library would be interrupted. -18- The following materials are in order of preference as to how they relate to the criteria for building materials as outlined previously: Exterior Facing materials: Brick or stone Precast concrete panels Metal curtain wall Exposed concrete block Stucco Wood (not_..accepiable in quantity) Metal Fleshings Aluminum Copper Galvanized iron Interior Floors: Rubber tile Vinyl tile Vinyl asbestos tile Walls: Carpeting Brick Asphalt tile Wood paneling Ceilings: Plaster Acoustic tile Exposed concrete block It should be noted that the materials as listed in this report are for finished library spaces only, and do not apply to spaces finished at time of construction, but left unfinished for budgetary consideration. COSTS After st surro size arr i the th f ing costs of recently completed 1'- ary pr•' -cts i in. commun i s and the os s of 1' -ra ies o c par 1 rou -hout t'e c- untry, t L'•rary S udy Comm' si•n has/ ed at a $18 per quare f of c t for the finis d pace /of librar e cos of $7 per s are oot s re omme ded .for unfinished space :s fur ished :t t•e time onstru '•n completi at a la er ate. Total cost of the propose ibrary construction project a ecoilmended, not to exc ed g(a. clu architect's and ega1'`fees t ingenc fund,,„ -but exclud ing X. Financing our Libr The financing of the proposed library building will, of course, have to be accomplished by a bond issue. We have based our recommendations upon the following assumptions: 1. That the land that is to be used is already owned by the Village and therefore shall not cost the taxpayer any money. 2. That the library building necessary to provide us with the minimum needs would cost $414-04194-049 or (including architects fees). 3. That the 1963 value of one (1) mill is $11,745..00 in tax receipts to the Village and that this will remain constant even though we should expect this figure to increase over the years. 4. That th4 bonds would be ,2 d. cent interest, paid a 11 To pay ff, such a b to ou tax s. Th year Obv oust urxt the t re d issue we wo would bring $1 the am unt off, mills and last 3tear when the ced to .1=7 mills -20- ua ear bds at 3. er -ap ox -t 16, 000.00 a4,, On the'' basis of the above assumptions we wou" °have to ask fora bond issue .of $-220,000. annual ymer t on su an .iss a would`be $1d�,0 00.0 0�r ier year t e •r ncipa ere g t fo the first year, would amoui3 to uld ed e each 44. 1 tle last year A t at which tip the ntere'would be 46. The total interest pfd over /years would amount 246T6 +ea ..F�Lsws� In addition Vt./ the cost of the building, the Village must assume the cost of upkeep, janitor service, and utilities. The Hennepin County Library will furnish the books, shelving, and librarian services without additional unfit to us. We are, pow, paying to the f nrepin County Library Fund, a total of $39,192.44, based upon a 3 1/2 mill levy. At present, this payment is only returning to us the service of the Bookmobile. The estimated annual costs to the Village to maintain this library would as follows: Janitors salary, $4,$00; utilities, $3, 0; upkeep insurance,o- 4 -rs" 000 per year. A total annual cost of which would fequire a .i4 mill levy. ave to,Sadd t 1-4 -6-4 mills °0 fort the `trstl ou f ru e h yea 11 rate 'will have 4-# U\j and', c ,'73c%c,0 The combining of the cost of the building and the annual maintenance cos ld result in a total mill levy which woul tr at reduce over the 20 year bond period to mils. After this period we should have a mill levy of only to maintain our library. •ga.dellf GL ••Y.E'- G?.+ On the basis of a $15,000, ssessed at $1,380.00, the taxpayer will be paying 4 aitional to provide a library. This, of course, would reduce elsh until the 20th year, when he would only be paying $5atr. that he would only b axed fRF the maintenance which should amount to only per year. In comparison to this tax upon the average home, it can be pointed out that for the taxpayer to purchase one good book would cost approximately $5.00. Another comparison that can be used is that should you have a child that needs to use the library in Minneapolis for school work, three or four such trips to the library would pay your annual cost for our own library. Below are listed some of the present county branch libraries located in other villages in Hennepin County along with their 1960 population figures and their 1963 payment to the County Library Fund. Branch Population Tax Paid Bloomington 50,498 $103,393.27 Crystal 24,283 35,250.32 Edina 28,501 115,766.57 Golden Valley 14,559 60,731.91 Morningside 1,981 4,239.04 Orono 5,643 17,055.42 Osseo 2,104 3,955.46 Richfield 42,523 71, 367.18 Robbinsdale 16,381 24,997.96 St. Bonifacius 576 621.45 St. Louis Park 43,310 106, 546.26 (Brooklyn Center with a 1960 population of 24,356 paid this year $39,192.44 and we only had bookmobile service) -21- Resource People BIBLIOGRAPHY Mayor Gordon Erickson Trustee Phillip Cohen Mr. Thomas Hodne; Village Planning Consultant Mr. Vern Ausen; Member of Village Planning Commission Mr. Robert Crabbi Dayton Development Corporation Miss Helen Young; Director, Hennepin County Library Miss Russell, Librarian, Hennepin County Library Visits to surrounding Libraries Richfield Library May 28 United Theological Seminary June 11 Columbia Heights Library June 11 Edina Library June 27 West St. Paul Library June 24 New Library July 1 Books and Pamphlets "Suggestions for Friends of the Library" Joseph L. Wheeler, Paul Herbert. Golahor Practical Administration of public Libraries Harper and Row, 1962 p. 571 Educational Division Readers' Digest Services, Inc. The Library Garrison, Guy. The Library 1ownal "The Friends of the Library Who are They" September 15, 1962 p. 2985 2989. Healey, James. The Library Journal "The Splendid Headache" September 15, 1962 p. 2990 2993. Leland, Simeon. The Library Quarterly "Financial Support of Local Govermental Services with Special Reference to Public Libraries in Cities of Medium Size January 1963 p. 14 44. Winger, Howard. The Liktaxv Quarterly "Characteristics of the Medium Sized Public Library. January 1963. p. 45 57. Mills, Forrest The Library Quarterly "Friends in Juvenile and Young Adults Use and Services January 1963. p.58 69. Cushman, Jerome. The library Quarterly "Public Library Service to Adults." January 1963. p. 70 78. -22- Ulveling, Ralph. The Library Quarterly "Problems of Library Construction". January 1963. p. 91 101. Connor, Jean. The Library Quarterly "Role of the Medium -Sized Public Library in the System" January 1963. p. 115 127. Hamill, Harold. 'Los Anaehas Public Library Buildings Standards for New Branches January 1960, p 1 30. Wheeler, Joseph. The Effective Location of Public Library Buildina. University of Illinois Library School, Urbanna, Illinois. 1957 p. 1 -50. Manley, Marian. Public Library Qgvice to Business Newark, New Jersey, 1942. P. 1 -217. Hilligan, Margaret, Libraries for Research and industry Planning and Equipment. Special Libraries Association New York, 1455 p. 1 58. Industrial Development Commission Minutes for 1962 and 1963. PUBLIC RELATIONS 1. specifics for the 1960's. American Library Association Bulletin. p. 559 -61. June 1961 2. Publicity That Worked. Wilson Library Bulletin. p. 544 -54. March 1961. 3. Writing Library Features. Wilson Library Bulletin. P. 45 -7. Vol, 36. Sept. 1961. 4, Community Headquarters. Library Journal. Vol. 86. p. 958. March 1, 1961. LIBRARY STUDIES 1. Library- Community. Self Studies in Kansas. by French. American Library Association Bulletin. p. 37 -41. January 1962. 2. Survey of Library Surveys. By M.F. Tauber. Library Journal. Vol. 86 p. 1351 -7. April 1, 1961, LIBRARIES AND READERS 1. Student Grades and Library Use. A Relationship Established. Library Journal. Vol. 86. p. 823 -3. February 15, 1961. LIBRARY ARCHITECTURE 1. County Branch for Richfield. By H. A. Young. Library Journal. p. 4112 -13. December 1, 1961. 2. Library Architecture. Library Journal. December 1, 1961. Whole issue is on Architecture. 3. Putting the Library Layout on Paper. By J. L. Gardner. Wilson Library Bulletin. October 1961. 4. Small Public Library. Architectural Record. p. 163 -8. March 1961. BUSINESS SERVICES FINANCE 1. Non Resident Borrowing Agreement With Resident Businessmen. By Holmes. American Library Association Bulletin. Vol. 56. p. 171, February 1962. 1. Making of the Vote: Bond Vote Drive. By W. H. Jones. Library Journal. March 1, 1962. 2. St. Louis Homes in Tax Campaigns. Library Journal. Vol. 87. p. 1753. May 1, 1962. BROOKLYN CENTER PRESS August 29, 1963 September 12, 1963 EVERY CHILD NEEDS A SCHOOL LIBRARY Mary Virginia Gayer American Library Association FOUNTAINS, NOT RESERVOIRS: THE PUBLIC LIBRARY Arthur H, Parsons, Jr. American Library Association BOOKS AND LIBRARIES: TOOLS OF THE ACADEMIC WORLD Flora B. Ludington American Library Association MINNESOTA LIBRARIES March, 1961 Library Division Department of Education State of Minnesota, St. Paul -24- ANOKA SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of the Supt. ROBBINSDALE SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of the Supt. BROOKLYN CENTER SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of the Supt. OSSEO SCHOOL DISTRICT Office of the Supt. THE DIRECT LINE Vol. 4, No. 1 September, 1963 Independent School District No. 279 POST HIGH PLANS OF THE 1963 OSSEO SENIOR CLASS Project 5 Summary report prepared by Roger Glaim and Jerome Koenig Dept. of Guidance Services; Osseo High School; Osseo, Minn. Friends of the Library "Publicity That Worked p. 544 -54 "Writing Library Features" p. 45 -7 "Community Headquarters" P. 958 While each pamphlet or article noted above dealt with a special phase, the general note struck was that the community must feel and be involved in the library for it to function successfully. Communication between the library itself and the community was stressed. "Friends of the Library as a group, are often most effective In such communication and in providing consistent cooperation and support. Sarah Wallace Wilson Library Bulletin March 1961 Wilson Library Bulletin Vol. 36 Sept.. 1961 Library Journal Vol. 86 March 1, 1961 Appendix I DAYTON (Station) William McGregor EXCELSIOR Town Hall 343 3rd Street Mrs. Leila Bitting Gr 4 -8760 HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY Headquarters: Minneapolis Public Library Third Floor October 1962 HOURS OP OPENING BRANCH, ,LOCATION, LIBRARIAN BLOOMINGTON 9801 Nicollet Avenue South 55420 Mrs. Mary Clark Tu 8 -3369 CHAMPLIN Library Building Mrs. Ruth Stephens CRYSTAL Shopping Center 225 Willow Bend 55427 Miss Maureen Sullivan Ke 3 -5010 EDINA 4120 West 50th Street 55424 Miss Elinor Heath Wa 2 -1611 GLEN LAKE School Bldg. 4801 Woodridge Road. Rt. #2, Mrs. Gretchen Murphy We 5 -3471 GOLDEN VALLEY Village Hall 7800 Golden Valley Road 55427 Mrs. Marian Longstaff Li 5 -2761 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday Tuesday and Friday Saturday Monday through Friday Monday and Friday Saturday Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday and Friday Saturday Monday, Wednesday, Friday Monday and Wednesday Monday, Wednesday, Thursday Tuesday and Friday Saturday Monday and Thursday Tuesday and Friday Wednesday Saturday Monday through Friday Hopkins Tuesday and Thursday 1 :00 -9 :00 9 :00 -5:30 1 :00 -5:00 2 :00 -6 :00 7 :00 -9:00 9 :00 -1 :00 1:00 -9:00 9:00-5:30 9 :00 -1:00 3 :00-5:00 7:00 -9 :00 1:00 -9 :00 9 :00 -5 :30 9 :00 -5 :00 1 :00 -5 :30 1 :00 -5 :30 6 :30 -9 :00 12 :00 -5:30 9 :00 -1 :00 1 :00 -5:00 7 :00 -9 :00 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1:00 -9 :00 Tuesday and Friday 9 :00 -5:30 Saturday 9 :00 -5 :00 Page 2 Hennepin County Library Hours 1962 GROVELAND School Building 17300 Minnetonka Blvd. Wayzata Mrs. Ruth Hooper Gr 3 -6544 HAMEL Library Building Mrs. Dona Roy LONG LAKE Highway 12 Mrs. Lillian Burkhardt Gr 3 -5600 MAPLE PLAIN Library Building Mrs. Pearl Gotham Gr 9 -2891 MINNETONKA BEACH (Station) Mrs. Stanley Bjorklund Mrs. Hugh Coats MINNETONKA MILLS Burwell School 13120 McGinty Road W. 55426 Mrs. Melvin Envil We 5 -1784 MINNEWASHTA School Building Excelsior, Minnesota Mrs. Evonne Tlam Gr 4 -9776 MORNINGSIDE 3903 Sunnyside Ave. 55424 Mrs. E. H. Vinson Wa MOUND High School Miss Estella Johnson Gr 2 -1637 ORONO Old Hill School Crystal Bay Mrs. Roy Gerber Monday through Friday Tuesday and Thursday Tuesday and Friday 2:00 -5 :00 Wednesday 7:00 -9:00 Monday and Wednesday 2 :00 -9:00 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2:00 -5:00 Saturday 9:00 -1:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday1:00 -5:00 Tuesday and Thursday 7:00 -9 :00 Saturday 9:00 -1:00 Monday, Tuesday, Friday 3:30 -5 :30 Wednesday 7:00 -9 :00 Monday through Thursday 12:00 -5 :00 Monday and Thursday 7:00 -9:00 Friday 9:00-5:00 Monday through Friday 12:00 -4:30 Tuesday 7:00 -9 :00 Monday and Thursday Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 6 -5661 Saturday Monday through Friday Monday and Friday 1:30 -9 :00 1:30 -6:00 9 :00 -1 :00 2:00 -5 :00 7:00 -9:00 1:00 -5:00 7 :00 -9 :00 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 1:30 -4:30 Monday and Wednesday 7:00 -9 :00 Page 3 Hennepin County Library Hours 1962 OSSEO Central Avenue Mrs. Ruth Evans RICHFIELD Library Building 7000 Nicollet Avenue 55423 Mrs. Mena Dyste Un 9 -8863 ROBBINSDALE Library Building 4915 42nd Ave. North 55422 Mrs. Kathryn Nowak Ke 7 -3957 ROGERS (Station) In post office building ST. BONIFACIUS Library Bldg. Mrs. Eleanor Dittrich ST. LOUIS PARK 6509 Walker Street 55426 Mrs. Helen Hansen We 9 -8108 WAYZATA City Hall Library 600 Rice Street Mrs. Thelma Jones Gr 3 -9721 Monday through Friday Wednesday and Friday Friday morning Monday, Tuesday, Friday Wednesday and Thursday Saturday Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 1 :00 -9 :00 Tuesday and Friday 9 :00 -5 :30 Saturday 9 :00 -1 :00 During Post Office Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday Monday and Friday Saturday Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Wednesday and Friday Saturday Bldg.Monday and Friday Tuesday and Thursday Wednesday Saturday 2 :00 -5:00 7 :00 -9 :00 9 :30 -11 :30 1 :00 -9 :00 9:00 -5 :30 9 :00 -1:00 1 :00 -5 :00 7:00 -8 :30 9 :00 -12:00 1:00 -9 :00 9:00 -5 :30 9:00 -5 :00 1:00 -9 :00 1:00 -5:30 10:00 -5:30 9 :00 -1 :00 Appendix II FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY 1. Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Spleiss 6400 Toledo Avenue North 2. Mr. and Mrs. Harlan G. Sween 5309 64th Avenue North (President last year B.C. Women J.C.'s) 3. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Norman 3207 65th Avenue North 561 -4814 (Principal, Crest View Elementary School) 4 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Elliott 3506 69th Avenue North 561 -2653 (Principal, Garden City Elementary School) 5. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Miller 5207 64th Avenue North Ke 3 -9469 6. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Liliestol 5218 Paul Drive Ke 3 -7677 7 Mr. and Mrs. James Miller 5213 Paul Drive Ke 3 -7255 8. Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Bingham 3007 Quarles Road 561 -1463 9. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Wagner 2700 6502 Avenue North 561 -2119 10. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bodick 6412 Toledo Avenue North Ke 3 -7540 11. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Amundson 5306 64th Avenue North Ke 3 -7798 12. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Gilbertson 5300 64th Avenue North Ke 3 -7410 13. Mr. and Mrs. James Campbell 2806 Nash Road 561 -1479 14. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Keating 3213 Mumford Road 561 -3395 -29- Ke 3 -7505 Ke 3 -7856 v. 15. Mrs. Beryl Warren 6242 Noble Avenue North (Teacher) 16. Miss Norma Soltis 6242 Noble Avenue North (Teacher) 17. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Petterson 3807 Urban Avenue North 18. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bladine 3813 72nd Avenue North 19. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Zeman 7143 France Avenue North 20. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Voeltz 4406 Winchester Lane 21. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Trautwein 3000 Nash Road 22. Mr. and Mrs. Tim Thorbus 4306 63rd Avenue North 23. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Steele 6900 Regent Avenue North 24. Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Spilane 5124 Winchester Lane 25. Mr. and Mrs. Martin Boorsma 5000 66th Avenue North 26. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gillquist 3007 66th Avenue North (Principal, Willow Lane) 27. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grosshans 6920 Lee Avenue North 28. Mr. and Mrs. James Goatley 6718 Perry Avenue North 29. Mr. and Mrs. Jay Bush 5925 Halifax Place (Presidents of J.C.'s and Women's J.C.'s this year) -30- 537 -7942 537 -7942 561 -1954 561 -3503 561 -5725 Ke 3 -3866 561 -2006 Ke 7 -5063 Ke 7 -0384 Ke 3 -2826 Ke 3 -7478 561 -3753 Ke 7 -1288 Ke 7 -1146 Ke 3 -5248 30. Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Altermatt 3001 Quarles Road 561 -5233 31. Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson 7242 Riverdale Road 561 -2469 32. Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Sandager 6406 Orchard Avenue North Ke 3 -8881 33. Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson 4519 66th Avenue North Ke 3 -6297 34. Mr. and Mrs. John Wingard 7204 Osseo Road 561 -3105 35. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Zimbrick 6319 Scott Avenue North Ke 3 -7275 36. Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Lubrecht 5818 Humboldt Avenue North 561 -4499 37. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Ogle 3206 r:uarles Road 561 -5833 38. Mr. and Mrs. Don Flaa 6248 Brooklyn Drive 561 -3679 39. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wheeler 5507 Judy Lane Ju 8 -4413 40. Mr. and Mrs. David Lund 6261 Brooklyn Drive 561 -5689 l 41. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lichtenberg 6249 Brooklyn Drive 561 -3619 42. Mr. and Mrs. John Leary 4013 Janet Lane 537 -0226 43. Mr.snd Mrs. John Mason 4012 Janet Lane Ke 7 -7895 44. Mr. and Mrs. Art Lee 5919 Halifax Place Ke 7 -2573 45. Mr. and Mrs. Al Miller 6331 June Avenue North Ke 7 -0434 46. Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Fritz 6430 Orchard Avenue North 47. Mr. and Mrs. Ward Gronfield 7215 Osseo Road 48. Mt. and Mrs. Kenneth Anderson 5908 Halifax Place 49. Mr. and Mrs. John Eakins 6260 Brooklyn Drive 50. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Yackel 6907 West Palmer Lake Drive 51. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Little 6937 West Palmer Lake Drive 52. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Sines 3600 Woodbine Lane 53. Mr. and Mrs. Allan Campbell 6315 Regent Avenue North 54. Mr. and Mrs. K Holmquist 5119 66th Avenue North 55. Mr. and Mrs. David Kanatz 2901 O'Henry Road 56. Mr. and Mrs. L.D. Peach 7207 Noble Avenue North 57. Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Haenze 6800 Orchard Avenue North 58. Mr. and Mrs. Neal Sims 4001 Janet Lane 59. Mr. and Mrs. Kastendieck 3109 Lawrence Road 60. Mr. and Mrs. James Niles 905 61st Avenue North 61. Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Billings 5215 France Ave. 62. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Burt 4518 65th Avenue North -32- Ke 3 -9661 Ke 3 -9705 Ke 7 -2402 561 -6369 561 -5234 561 -3073 561 -3193 Ke 7 -1137 Ke 7-2463 561 -3069 561 -2166 Ke 7 -0094 Ke 7 -0762 561 -1592 561 -5634 533 -3262 Ke 3 -8006 63. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Cunningham 6931 West Palmer Lake Drive 64. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Gunderson 6507 Chowen Ave. 65. Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Malmberg 5105 Osseo Road 66. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pierce 2812 Mumgord Road 67. Mr. and Mrs. Donald Roisum 2725 O•Henry Road 68. Mr. and Mrs. William Hannay 6432 Willow Lane 69. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sudtelge 6431 Noble Avenue North 70. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Mueller 5900 Abbott Avenue North 71. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lawrence 3300 Poe Road 72. Mr. and Mrs. Masteller 4406 65th Avenue North 73. Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bouchard 5806 Emerson Avenue North 74. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson 6737 Humboldt Avenue North 561 -3863 561 -1826 Ju 8 -5819 561 -2929 561 -1749 561 -5386 Ke7 -4773 561 -2615 561 -1658 533 -6832 561 -1886 Conclusions The Library Study Commission, appointed by Mayor Gordon M. Erickson and approved by the Village Council, concludes that there exists in the Village of Brooklyn Center a definite and recognized need for adequate library service. This conclusion is based on several factors; Twenty five other communities in Hennepin County have felt it necessary to provide library service locally through the Hennepin County Library System. The Library Study Commission does not feel that the Village of Brooklyn Center receives adequate return for the money it is required to pay into the County Library System. This amount of money is at present $39,124.44. Industrial development in an area counts heavily on a public library to help increase such develop.. ment by providing research facilities. The support and interest of local businessmen, civic groups, school systems and the general public confirms the belief of the Library Study Commission that all areas of the Village of Brooklyn Center feel the lack of a public library. The Library Study Commission, therefore, is unaimous in recommending to the Village Council of Brooklyn Center that immediate action be taken to provide adequate library facilities to the Village of Brooklyn Center as outlined in this report. Signed, Mr. Rolland G. Billings, Chairman Mr. R. L. Sudtelgte Mrs. R. P. Cunningham Mr. Roberti*. Pierce Mr. Gordon o. Gunderson Mr. Lloyd R. Malmberg Mr William D. Hannay Mr. Edwin S. Burt Mrs. Donald A. Roisum Mrs. E. G. Spleiss