Jasper Library begins to look at expansion

The Jasper Library Board will begin exploring options to expand services to Jasper residents.

Some suggestions from the public have included a move to the old Jasper Cabinet building next to the Patoka River, but that would be an expensive proposition. The building would have to be renovated extensively and the area is adversely affected by possible flooding of the river. 

Board members all agreed the renovations that took place in 2012 to the main library and the acquisition of the annex building across the street bought them some time, but it was time to move forward.

While the board does not appear to be severely divided on the issue, one truth they all agree upon: the South Newton Street proposed location that was rejected in a referendum vote by the public was not a good option due to cost.

In the end, the board decided to put together a committee of two board members, two library employees, and five members of the community to help give direction on their next step.

Board member Dean Vonderheide voiced his opinion that the Jasper Library could remain on Main Street, and add satellite locations around the city to hold their programs in, which would free up space in the existing library.

Vonderheide said that the board should look at alternatives, rather than settling on the idea that they have to build something. “If we’re going to go down the path that the library is going to be what the library’s always been – we’re wrong. We’ve got to be open to new ideas,” he said.

An idea floated at the meeting involved a library similar to one in San Antonio, Texas, that only offers electronic access to books through computers stationed throughout the facility.

The board is hopeful that the new committee will help jump start public discussions on the future of the library.

In the board meeting Thursday night, the board elected officers for 2014, including Bill Hewitt as President, Jim Seifert as Vice-President, Deb Stemle as Treasurer and Dean Vonderheide as Secretary. The slate of officers is the same as 2013.