Final design for city library expansion approved

The final design for an 8,995-square-foot expansion to the south side of Gibson Memorial Library has been approved by Creston Library Board.

What’s next now?

David Hargrove, library director at Gibson, said architects from FEH Associates of Des Moines are now calculating an estimated cost for this project and will be producing 3D images for better viewing of the expansion.

“It’s safe to say this expansion will cost over $1 million, and that’s a conservative estimate,” Hargrove said.

A Creston Library Board member has said she expects the cost of this expansion to be in the range of $4 million. Hargrove said an official cost estimate from the architects will be forthcoming.

That said, the board meets tonight with Mandy Houk and Sarah Brown of Marketing Kinetics to begin pinning down dates for upcoming fundraising events. Hargrove said he’s pushing for them to help facilitate a signature fundraiser that his staff and the board can manage annually.

“I want them to create a fundraising structure or platform that will last for the long haul,” Hargrove said. “Let’s face it. We have no idea how long this capital campaign could run. There’s no doubt we will be using multiple fundraising strategies. We’ll be looking at deep pockets and corporate sources from potentially outside the community. But, our bread and butter will be our rank and file patrons.”

Hargrove joked there are lots of bake sales in his future.

Hargrove added he expects the capital fundraising campaign to begin in January. He added he plans to speak with Creston City Council once a final cost is available and a fundraising plan is in place.

“The library board is eager, if not anxious, to secure a resolution of support from the city,” Hargrove said. “Let me make clear, though, we will not be asking for material support.”

This new expansion will restore an east entrance to the library on Maple Street with a large handicap ramp leading to the new addition.

The most exciting part about this expansion, though, for all involved will be the additional meeting room space. On the first floor, there will be three meeting rooms — two medium that would hold 10 to 20 patrons and one large holding up to 40. That’s in addition to the arts and cultural center space.

The second floor will hold the library’s entire print collection and small meeting spaces.

See photos of the final design on page 10A of today’s paper.