COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Bartholomew County Public Library (BCPL) Board voted Monday to accept the gift from the former North Christian Church congregation, which encompasses the entire campus at 850 Tipton Lane.
In a media release on Monday evening, Library Director Jason Hatton said, “We are thankful to the members that entrusted the library to be the caretakers of this incredible property and to the Columbus Capital Foundation, the interim owner, while we went through our deliberative decision-making process.”
The library says it has shown it can serve the community and be the caretaker of architecturally and historically significant buildings. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library in downtown Columbus was designed by I.M. Pei and opened in 1969. The Hope Branch, built in 1998, was designed by Deborah Burke.
The library’s recent strategic plan and facilities assessment have shown the library spaces are at capacity. A gift of this magnitude allows the library the chance to move forward with financial prudence. While renovation costs will be necessary, the new campus can be created for far less than constructing a new building.
Since the library is supported mainly by property and income taxes, the Library Board says it is aware of concerns about what this will cost the county taxpayers. Hatton says, “We understand how important every dollar is. The library works very hard to be fiscally responsible with the money entrusted to us. This project will be no different.”
By law, the library’s operating budget can only be increased by a small percentage each year. Thus, the operation of the property will be absorbed into its regular, annual budget with no additional taxes. Private fundraising and grant support will be key to any future renovations.
The acquisition of this property allows many organizations and individuals to be brought together for the good of all, especially as it relates to the 4,000 students within walking distance of the property.
Hatton says, “I anticipate it will be at least 2029 before the building is fully operational. There is much work to be done with community partners, architects, and designers. It may be in the library’s name, but it belongs to the community, and we will work to make sure every voice is heard.”
The library expects the grounds will be used for outdoor programming. The former sanctuary could be used later this year for some programs and performances.
BCPL’s 2024-2028 strategic plan and a form to begin gathering ideas can be found at mybcpl.org/library-expansion.
