Jasper Library pursuing improvements of existing library

The Jasper Library Board Met Thursday afternoon and approved a motion to pursue upgrades to the existing library on Main Street. The board is faced with finding ways to deal with space problems on a temporary basis while a permanent solution for a new library can be found and implemented.

Last month, the board approved a motion to pursue the acquisition of the Gutzweiler Building across the street from the library to provide more space and in turn, free up space in the library. Vincennes University sold the building to the library for a dollar and the paperwork is almost completed to make the transfer official.

The acquisition is helping to get the process going by allowing some library services to move across the street and the rest to spread out with fewer impediments. The new layouts presented by Universal Design Associates of Ferdinand for the existing library makes changes in shelving and room configurations that increases space efficiency.

In addition to the reconfiguration of the libray, Universal Design representative Kamie Hubbs showed the board examples of new chairs, tables and other library appropriate furniture. Hubbs also told the board that the new furniture was chosen to be able to be used in any new library that might be constructed in the future.

The board was impressed even though the gains in space are minimal. But, as tight as the library is for space, anything is better than nothing and a little seems like a lot.

After viewing the layouts and examples, the board voted to approve what they saw and have tasked Universal Design with coming up with bid packages and dates to open bids after advertising.

The board will then have a better idea of the cost and will know whether or not they can pursue all of the upgrades in the plan.

Also in the meeting last night, the newest board member, Lisa Kincer attended her first meeting since being appointed by the Greater Jasper School Board meeting last week. Kincer is a 3rd grade teacher at Ireland Elementary School and replaces Kent Taylor who resigned to concentrate more fully on his duties as Principal of Tenth Street School.