Groundbreaking set for new Geneva library

GENEVA – The Geneva Public Library will break ground for its new $21.8 million facility at 3 p.m. July 27 at 227 S. Seventh St., formerly known as 210 S. Sixth St., officials announced in a news release.

The goal is to open the new library in mid-2019.

The brief ceremony will include a welcome from Library Director Christine Lazaris, an overview of the new library project from Board President Robert Shiffler and a community welcome from Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns.

Refreshments will be served after the the ceremony at the current library at 127 James St., the release stated.

“We are excited to make an investment in meeting the ongoing and future needs of library district residents,” Shiffler stated in the release. “Our goal is to provide a facility where the community can gather and that will support lifelong learning in an ever-changing environment.”

The new 57,000-square-foot facility will offer community members at all ages and stages of life a library with space for additional technology to learn new skills, expanded collections, more programs, on-site parking and drive-up convenience, among other resources and services.

The new library will have 76 off-street parking spaces, drive-up convenience, a variety of meeting areas, a community art gallery and outdoor reading spaces.

The library will feature an enhanced children’s area with developmentally appropriate collections, play areas and learning opportunities for children from birth through eighth grade, the release stated.

Teens and adults will have access to a variety of library materials and can use the quiet reading and study spaces.

Additionally, library service will be expanded to include new opportunities for collaboration, using technology and experimenting in lab spaces, the release stated.

The library will use $300,000 from existing reserves, and the remainder of the cost will be paid for with bonds to be issued in three sales.

The first sale in June 2017 was for nearly $10 million. The second and third sales will occur at dates to be determined. The bond sales have a maximum maturity of 20 years.

The estimated real estate tax increase for a home with a market value of $300,000 is approximately $98 per year, the release stated.

The public can follow progress on the new building plans online at www.gpldnewbuilding.org or via email at Board@gpld.org.