Huntingburg library plans extensive renovation, expansion

*This rendering shows the north side of the library, with a planned expansion and a new patio area.*

Huntingburg — Plans are underway for an expanded, updated and more accessible Huntingburg Public Library.

The library’s Board of Trustees has decided to make the improvements, which have been under discussion for the past several years.

The plans call for an update to the building, which was built in 1936 and expanded in 1979 and again in 1994. Improvements will include the addition of an elevator, energy-efficient lighting, new furnishings, an expanded area for children’s books and activities, a new patio area, and an improved flow throughout the building.

In addition, the crawl space under the 1994 addition will be excavated to add nearly 1,500 square feet of space. An addition to the south side of the library will allow for an elevator near the entrance. Currently, the only handicap-accessible entrance to the lower level involves walking around to the north side of the library and re-entering the building. An addition is also planned for the north side to add 670 square feet.

The children’s area will move to the library’s lower level, allowing for more space for books, special events, storytime, crafts and other programs. A community room also will be housed on the lower level, with a separate outside entrance.

*The provided rendering shows the south side of the library, with a planned expansion that would incorporate an elevator.*

“These improvements will allow the library to keep up with the needs of area residents,” said Chris Neu, president of the Board of Trustees. “Today’s libraries need to be prepared to offer services for everyone, whether that means more space, a wider variety of offerings, or an easier way to access the many programs.”

The renovation costs are estimated at $4.1 million. The library already has $2.5 million and plans to seek a short-term loan for another $1.1 million. In addition, the Board of Trustees is seeking a $500,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, as well as local donations.

“There are no plans whatsoever to ask for an increase in the tax rate,” Neu emphasized. “We are working within the constraints of our current budget for this expansion.”

The plans for the project were developed by Universal Design Associates of Ferdinand. The Huntingburg Public Library serves Patoka and Cass townships of Dubois County with a combined population of 9,642 residents (Statistics of Indiana Public Libraries, 2014). It houses over 30,000 combined collections of materials, including many one-of-a-kind books on the history of Indiana and Dubois County.