Future Southwest Branch Library

Southwest Branch PlanningBoard Meeting

The Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, September 29 to discuss and vote on options for the new branch site layout and design. Read the agenda and meeting packet.  

Progress

  • In April 2018, the Library Board of Trustees approved hiring Matheu Architects, PC for a branch planning study. The Library’s recent strategic direction planning process validated the community's need and desire for an additional branch.
     
  • In the summer of 2018, conversations between the Library, Matheu Architects, PC, and a number of community leaders and stakeholders informed a general Southwest location of this potential third facility. The Southwest portion of the county is the largest growing area in terms of residential growth and population, is an underserved area for library services, and is one of the few available and viable land areas.
     
  • In September 2018, many Southwest-area residents participated in scheduled community conversations to provide input into a new Southwest Branch Library. Additionally, over 800 Monroe County residents provided feedback via a survey, email, or by phone.
     
  • In February 2019, Matheu Architects, PC's branch planning study was presented to and unanimously approved by the Library Board of Trustees at which point, the Library began discussions with its real estate broker. Operational costs would be funded without impact on the two current Library branches and construction costs funded without any anticipated increase in tax rates.
     
  • In Summer 2019, Matheu Architects, PC was hired to design the new branch. The company was selected based on proven qualifications and project experience.
     

  • In Fall 2019, a potential site was identified and discussions began to take place. Additionally, budget and potential funding options were identified.

  • In December 2019, the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County awarded the Library a grant for equipment, appliances, and supplies to establish a 600-square foot teaching kitchen in the future Southwest Branch Library.

  • In March 2020, the Library Board of Trustees and the Monroe County Community School Corporation Board approved a purchase for sale agreement for a property on the Southwest corner of the Batchelor Middle School site at 900 W. Gordon Pike.

  • In Summer 2020, the Library began the development of a required site and county subdivision plan. The Library anticipates closing on the property in November. Read a guest column in The Herald-Times from Board President, John Walsh.

Tentative Southwest Library Branch Planning and Construction Timeline

  • 2018: Complete feasibility study for new branch planning
  • 2019: Determine budget and funding options within current tax rates
  • 2019: Hire architect to develop plans
  • 2020: Community discussions on the site planning
  • 2020: Submit required site and county subdivision plan
  • 2020: Acquire site
  • 2020–21: Finalize site and facility design plan
  • 2021: Seek bond approval, at current tax rate, for branch construction
  • 2021–22: Construction of the new branch
  • 2022: Open new branch site
Updated September 23, 2020