Why has Dominy Memorial Library begun a Capital Campaign?

Our library stands at the threshold of an exciting expansion and renovation project needed to bring it into the 21st century with handicapped accessibility, room for growth of collection and technology, public meeting rooms available to our community, and program space that meets safety requirements including more than one emergency exit.

What will it cost to renovate the existing building and construct an addition?

It will cost $3.3 million to renovate the existing 6,400 square foot structure and add 10,000 square feet to the east, including handicapped accessibility, furnishings, contingency and professional fees.

What is the goal of the campaign?

Our board seeks to raise $3.3 million in private donations to cover the costs of renovating the existing structure and adding a new wing.

If the goal is not realized, where will the balance of the funds be obtained?

Some funds are available from a small reserve. It is possible that a bond referendum will be submitted to Fairbury voters in March 2008, but we are seeking first to raise the funds through the generosity of donors. Dominy Memorial Library has been a vital part of our lives for generations.

What is the time frame of the campaign?

The campaign will cover a three-year period. Some families have made pledges that begin in 2007; others will begin in 2008.

Wouldn’t you be better off building a new building?

No. Dominy Memorial Library is a beloved, historical structure in Fairbury located in a high traffic area in the heart of the community with adequate land for the addition and plenty of parking.

How can you afford the increased cost of the larger building?

Thinking about future operating costs, we have planned a library where children’s and adult book collections, computer usage area, reading area, and study rooms could all be observed by a minimum number of staff. However the larger space will bring an increase in utility and maintenance costs.

How does this plan enable you to serve additional people?

Persons who are physically challenged will be able to access all library facilities; an enhanced collection will attract additional patrons to the library, as will additional library program space and space for community activities.

What additional services will be available as a result of the expansion and renovation?

The enhanced space will give us meeting rooms for the public consistent with fire-safety regulations (currently we only have one exit from the children’s area and meeting rooms); more room for the well-attended Children’s Program; space for area families who home school their children; space for an expanded book and audio-visual collection; and space for additional computers for public use.

Why do you need this much space?

Apace Design…an excellent architectural firm…has developed a design that will serve us well in the 21st century. It complements our present library and functionally provides for an efficient and cost effective operation for our second century. To meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements we need additional, accessible space for our current and future collections, meeting rooms, restrooms, private study rooms, additional computers, and other anticipated future needs. We feel 10,000 additional square feet is optimal.

Why do we have to move on this project now? Why can’t it wait?

We are not currently in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations, and we only have one exit from lower level meeting rooms, which is not safe. Waiting will result in increased costs for construction and renovation.

Why does this project have to cost this much?

Construction costs are figured at $185 a sq. ft. to build and $80 a sq. ft. to renovate. Also included are furnishings and equipment; architect’s costs; contingencies; and administrative costs such as legal, moving, insurance, utility installation, soil borings, and landscape design.

How do you know your cost estimates will hold?

Estimates are based on 2007 dollars; any delay will increase the costs.

How long will it take to build? When would we have occupancy?

It will take approximately a year and a half to renovate and to build the new wing.

How do I make my commitment?

Please fill out a * Letter of Commitment indicating the amount and timing of your gift. Checks should be made payable to: Prairie Lands Foundation and marked “For Dominy Memorial Library”. Prairie Lands is a 501 (c) (3) organization. Your gift will be tax deductible to the full amount allowable under Internal Revenue Service regulations.

*Note: You can download the Letter of Commitment in a PDF file here or
you can click here to print the letter from a web page.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view and print the Letter of Commitment. This is a 33Mb file that could take several hours to download if you are using dialup Internet access. Click the icon below to download the program.

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