Agenda - 02-17-2005-6c - Laserfiche WebLink

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Orange County Library Long-Range Facility Planning NB: These figures include overlap, in recognition that residents will likely use more than one facility because of complementary services and ease of access to their particular' residence. o Thnt the Orange County Public Library develop a conrpreherrsive 3-5 year strategic action plmr, which places priority orr achieving a vision of Connryrvide library service and continues to address the irregrrities in service axd resources availaG[e in the county. This particular study and its recommendations focus on Facilities, not on resources and services. A major finding in this study (and in the 2001 study) is that facilities and the size of staff and collections aze inadequate to serve the population outside of Chapel Hill. A strategic planning process to develop an action plan to address inadequacies in resources and to establish service priorities over the next three to five years as new facilities aze developed is an essential step that should begin very soon. o Thnt a new Orange County CwrtrnJ Library be constructed adjacent to or within ilre Torvn of Hillsborough. The proposed library rvorrld continue to serve as headgrrnrters for the Hycwreechee Regionaf nrrd Orange C.ormty Library systeurs mrd serve ns a reference services center, for the county, as well as provide general public library services, programs, and collections serving all ages. It is estimated that given Ute current 20 year poprrlntion projections and a design popnlatiotr of 100,000, a 65,000 square foot, facility rvorrld be rreederl. • Thnt t/te County pnrstre locatierg the proposed facility in the Waterstone development • That the proposed library provide library services far students of Durhaur Tecluricnl Cosunuuity College, depending ou frrriher negotiations bebveen the County and DTCC, • That nn Orange Corurty Heriinge Center Ge established ire Hillsborouglr'shsstoric district to Henke accessible the local history ntaterinls norv located in the central library ns well as appropriate uaterials front other archival collections iu the cornety. ^ That, ifYhe proposed central library is located outside of dowutorvn Hillsborough, the Heriinge Censer iuclrtde neighborhood branch library services for the residents of dorvntorvn Hillsborough: Internet access, a small popular collection and children's materials for check-orry and children's programs. There is an immediate need for a new headquarters Library facility for Orange County that also serves as the central library providing in-depth reference resources as well as general public library services.. As mentioned, the existing facility was too small when it opened 23 years ago.. Deficiencies cited during the planning process included, among others, lack of shelving space (for atoo-small collection), shelving too high for children, cramped space that interferes with work efficiency and public comfort, inadequate restroom facilities, and structural weakness limiting usability of space. Pazlcing is limited, inconvenient, and unsafe. The facility is on aland-locked site with no room for expansion. 13