The Benzie Shores District Library is seeking donations for the expansion and renovation of its building. This expansion will not only sustain current operations more efficiently, but will help us to enhance future services and programs to meet the needs of our many users. Although our service area population is just under 4,000, the library circulates over 48,000 materials per year. This is average for a class 3 (population 7,000 - 11,999) library, but also on par with several class 4 (population 12,000 - 25,999) and even some class 5 (population 26,000 - 49,000) libraries.

The proposed addition to the Library is driven by the need for spaces where activities can take place without interfering in other library functions. Our current structure limits the services we can offer. The library does not have an enclosed program room and must move furniture from the center of the building to provide an area for events. This means library events or programs are disruptive to those using the library for quiet study or reading. The children's area is separated only by low bookshelves and sound from children's activities travels throughout the library. The solution is the addition of a dedicated youth area with an enclosed program room. This new space will not only support our existing activities such as Preschool and Toddler times, but will also facilitate expanded services and programs.

A separate and dedicated children's area is needed to provide space for active toddlers and their accompanying parents and caregivers, and after-school children. After school, students are usually spread throughout the library, since the youth area does not have enough space to accommodate them all. Our children's librarian is here every day after school, so we have the staff to accommodate their needs, but no space to provide additional services.

A larger youth area will also showcase and support our early literacy efforts by incorporating interactive learning panels and furniture designed for narrative play. These types of installations are effective tools in teaching early literacy skills by creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to talk, sing, read, write, and play with their child. This larger and improved youth area will be a welcoming space for families, providing an opportunity for children to explore and appreciate the possibilities that reading can provide.

The new program room would allow for afterschool enrichment programs and activities that have not been feasible in the past. There is a long list of possibilities based on user interest, including a creative writing club, science and engineering challenges, book clubs, space for co-operative games and specific events that are popular in other libraries. These are just a few examples of the types of programs that have been requested by patrons which we have been unable to accommodate due to space restrictions.

This space will not be limited only to youth programs. Benzie Shores District Library Trustee meetings are open to the public but currently meeting space is prohibitive. Programs for adults are not currently provided because of space constraints. A program room will allow for programs and meetings during regular library hours.

With so many patrons, children and classes visiting the library, we are in need of practical things like a place for coats and boots. A restroom near the children's area is needed so families with multiple children are able to oversee their activities and restroom visits. From an administrative perspective, the library lacks a staff restroom and a private office for the director. During the busy summer months, restrooms are in demand, making it difficult for the staff to use the restroom. There currently is no location for personnel meetings or private patron discussions. The director must conduct all business in the general workroom, which is disruptive to the staff and patrons as the director’s desk is close to the main service area.




WHAT WILL THIS PROJECT COST?
The total estimated cost for the expansion and renovation is $950,000.

ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $950,000
AVAILABLE AND ESTIMATED FUNDS: $900,000
FUNDS NEEDED: $50,000


WILL MY TAXES GO UP?
No, the entire cost of the project will be funded by private donations, grants, and funds already accumulated by the library. No further tax dollars will be spent on this project.


WITH THE INTERNET, WHY DO WE NEED A LIBRARY?
Literacy in society has always been and continues to be a relevant and important part of a community, but literacy is not limited to print. Our renovated library will be designed to allow us to adjust our space if the physical collections change, so we can continue our mission to inform, enrich, and empower all citizens - through a variety of formats. Public libraries bring communities together in a culture of lifelong learning and exploration.


WHY NOW?
In 2016, the Michigan legislature passed a law focused on improving reading rates for Michigan third grade students. Known as "Read by Grade Three," the law requires schools to focus on early reading and writing proficiency.

The law requires students to be proficient in reading before moving into the fourth grade. The 2019 results of the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress (MSTEP) show 54.9% of third graders statewide or 55,336 students, scored less than proficient on the English Language Arts test. Over half of the state's third graders will be at risk of being held back.

Libraries can help with the literacy crisis by providing preschool and toddler reading programs, access to books, reading materials and developing programs that coordinate with the school curriculum, professional staff to promote early literacy in the community, and providing summer reading programs to prevent the loss of academic growth normally experienced by students during the summer.

The new youth space will also showcase and support our early literacy efforts by incorporating interactive learning panels and furniture designed for narrative play. These types of installations are effective tools in teaching early literacy skills by creating opportunities for parents and caregivers to talk, sing, read, write, and play with their child. This larger and improved youth area will be a welcoming space for families, providing an opportunity for children to explore and appreciate the possibilities that reading can provide.



We need your help to make it happen!