E-Library proposed in New London
By Robert Cloud
After being stalled for months, plans for a new library recently took a new direction.
Instead of a multi-usage facility that includes senior apartments, the proposed new library will focus on computers, wifi access and a maker space with fabrication labs.
Ron Steinhorst, president of the New London Library Museum Board, presented a new vision for a future library during the Aug. 25 Economic Development Committee meeting.
When Steinhorst finished his presentation, committee members responded with applause.
Background
“For the past 20 years, the New London Library Museum Board has considered the updating or construction of a new library,” Steinhorst said.
He noted concerns with the existing facility included the need for additional space, ADA accessibility, meeting areas for the community and the desire for expanded programming.
Steinhorst said he purchased the building at 401 S. Pearl St. in 2008 to kick start the project.
An adjacent building where Denny’s grocery store was purchased and became part of the project to build a new library.
Both buildings were razed, and the parcel became parking space.
In 2017, Randy Stadtmueller purchased 20 acres of nearby vacant land and proposed developing the riverfront property.
“Stadtmueller’s plan called for construction of a 20,0000-square-foot building with the library on the ground floor and senior housing on the top two floors,” Steinhorst said. “Market-rate housing on the remainder of the property would complete the vision.”
Steinhorst said the proposal met the library’s needs while providing a boost to “economic development in a blighted downtown downtown area.”
A fundraising committee was formed to raise $3 million.
Although the committee raised nearly $1.5 million in donations and pledges, the project came to a halt due to the city’s lack of commitment and Stadtmueller’s unexpected illness.
E-Library
Frustrated by a lack of support, the library board began looking at other options.
“This is when we discovered a new trend in libraries – not with books but with technology,” Steinhorst said.
Called an E-Library, the new type of library supports hands-on learning for future job markets, Steinhorst said.
It would allow the library to partner with local industries in the areas of electrical, plumbing, welding and carpentry.
Among the possibilities, the new library would include a STEM lab (science, technology, engineering and math), a computer center, a teen center, community meeting rooms, private study rooms, collaborative work space and a large meeting room with an adjacent kitchen.
Steinhorst said Lori Dehlinger-VanAlstine, who is working with the fundraising committee, introduced the idea of an E-Library after reading about how they are being developed in Texas.
“We’re not looking at the dinosaur age when looking at the future, we’re looking at the space age, the future age,” Steinhorst said.
The new structure would be located on the vacant lot across from the present library, which will continue to operate as is, Steinhorst said.
Library Director Ann Hunt told the committee the library board will have a better idea of costs in the near future.