Published: October 28, 2008 09:56 am      

School board hears update on library plans

CLINTON — The Clinton Community School Board heard an update on proposed plans for a new public library during Monday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

The Friends of the Clinton Public Library, the Library Board of Trustees, and library staff have been working for nearly three years to develop plans for an improved public library. The group has looked at the benefits of expanding the Carnegie library, versus renovating the former Harding school building and locating the library there.

Dick Kissack, secretary of the Clinton Public Library Board of Trustees, reported Monday night that the board recently passed a resolution reaffirming its recommendation that a 21st century library be built at the Harding site in order to best serve the citizens of Clinton.

Kissack reported that after years of visiting other libraries across the country, consulting with architects, professional library consultants and librarians, and making numerous other studies and observations, the library board has long held the unanimous decision that the Harding site would offer the best setting for a modern facility.

According to Kissack, the cost of developing the Harding site would cost $3 million less than the cost of developing the downtown site, and would require less staff and lower operational costs.

He reported that the Harding site would also create a better environment, located in a park-like setting on a peaceful street in a quiet residential neighborhood.

He added that the site would offer a one-level facility, with handicap accessibility, no stairs or elevators, and adequate parking.

Kissack pointed to the newly constructed Fairmont Library in Davenport as a shining example of what the board hopes to create.

“If you haven't been there yet, you ought to go see it,” Kissack advised. “It fits our criteria almost perfectly — it's all on one level, it's very accessible, and everything's open.”

Kissack reported the board will request that the Clinton City Council ask the school district to extend the Harding School purchase agreement by two years.

“(We) want the library to serve the total educational needs of the entire community,” Kissack said. “It will be better for students of all ages.”