Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Bell Memorial Library in Mentone is searching for alternative sites to improve its library facilities.
The library needs additional space, according to Madeleine Fisher, the library director.
The latest statistics show that 1 in 4 children born today will be functionally illiterate. The directors of Bell Memorial Library would like to put plans in place to combat that statistic. With the current space restrictions, programs are not possible, Fisher said.
Shelf space is extremely tight, and for every new book added an old one must be taken off the shelves, she said. When a class enters the library, children must wait in line to use the computer facilities because space does not allow for more work stations. Right now, the library has approximately 250 children involved in various programs, but more could be done with more space.
At the county council meeting Thursday, the library was granted money for additional computer work stations to be bought at an unknown future time, dependent upon when and if the library moves.
"We have several community groups that are looking at the situation," Fisher said. "We have a long-range plan committee, and we also have the education committee."
There are homeowners on both sides of the building, which makes expansion of the current building an unrealistic alternative.
"Libraries have eminent domain," Fisher said. "But it is something that we would not avail ourselves of."
No timetable has been set for this move, and only The Saemann Building in Mentone has been named as a possibility. However, there are some environmental concerns associated with that building.
"It would be an ideal situation for us," Fisher said. "It's going to have to be squeaky-clean before we would move in. We really are very interested in that Saemann Building if it can be brought to the place where we are convinced that it is free of any contamination."
The Bell Memorial Library would like to add homework programs for children after school, adult programs and extra computer work stations.
