New Building Updates
We are excited to update you on the Elk Rapids District Library's pursuit of a new building opportunity.
New Building Updates - October 2024
Throughout the summer, we collected feedback on the designs of the new library building. We hosted a public input table at Evenings on River Street and heard many great ideas for our future space. The most recent renderings are displayed below and a final report will be submitted to the board at the November board meeting.
Follow the links below to see the latest library designs
Tell us what you think and sign up for building updates
June 2024
The Fundraising Feasibility Report is in!
Below you will find the Executive Summary of the recently completed Feasibility Study, conducted by The Breton Group. This study was commissioned to evaluate the viability of a capital campaign aimed at funding the proposed renovation of the property at 8980 Cairn Hwy for the future site of our beloved library and community center. The insights gathered from community surveys and interviews have provided us with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges we face.
The study's findings affirm the strong sense of community support for the library and highlight the positive impact that a modernized facility will have on our services. It also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning and community engagement to achieve our fundraising goals.
Key conclusions from the study include:
· A feasible campaign target of $2.0 to $2.5 million, with potential to reach $3 million with enhanced community engagement.
· Strong community spirit and support for youth, families, and education.
· Positive perception of the new building's location and design, balanced with concerns about operational costs and the future of the historic Island House property.
We are now moving forward with a phased approach to the project, focusing on a fundraising with a blend of private contributions, foundation grants, and business support.
June 2024
It will take a few years to plan, design, fundraise and move the library to it’s new space. Because we take our responsibility to use library resources seriously, we have leased the warehouse space to a tenant for 1-2 years. The library will still use the office spaces for library business.
Want to know more about the New Library Building Project?
Read our Case for Support
Pictured above: Pamela Williams, Director, Julia Pollister-Amos, Board Trustee and Aaron Hill, Assistant Director in front of the building at 8980 Cairn Highway.
February 26, 2024
A historic day for the
Elk Rapids District Library
As the Board of Directors officially purchased the building at 8980 Cairn Highway—the future home of the Elk Rapids District Library.
Updated conceptual site and floor plan from our architectural partner, Quinn Evans following our meetings.
Click on the image to view or download.
Click on the image to view or download.
PROSPECTIVE NEW BUILDING
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING RECORDING
JANUARY 15, 2024
Members of the community joined us on January 15th as we discussed the design for the prospective new library building.
Quinn Evans Architects presented preliminary interior designs, and asked for public feedback.
Funding and Finance FAQs
See the Possibilities.
The vision of the Elk Rapids District Library is to provide a place for everyone with open and bright seating and dedicated spaces for children, teens, adults, reading, exploration, and community programs.
The prospective new site has opportunities to create indoor and outdoor spaces that expand the library’s impact, value and visibility in the community. Please click the button below to provide input or submit a question.
Join us and our award-winning architectural partners to learn more about the preliminary plans for our prospective new building.
The building we are considering, located at 8980 Cairn Highway in Elk Rapids, aligns perfectly with our goals and criteria, including its accessibility, relative location to schools, proximity to our tax-based population, size, and affordability.
With most of the building-related issues now resolved, we contemplate a decision to move forward with the property purchase after the first of the year. Stay connected with us to learn more. We will be hosting public forums in early January, once we receive preliminary architectural plans and budgets.
New Building FAQs
History of Elk Rapids District Library
