The county library system wants to build a new $8.8 million branch to replace the current library location in the Clark-Pleasant area, and begin planning to build a new branch in the Center Grove area and conduct a full renovation of the Franklin branch.
The former office building on Tracy Road in New Whiteland that has been used as a library branch since 2002 does not meet the needs of a growing population, Johnson County Public Library Director Lisa Lintner said. The plan is to construct a new library branch along the U.S. 31 corridor somewhere south of Tracy Road and north of Main Street in Whiteland, to be open by 2020 or 2021.
In 2017, the Johnson County Public Library Board hired a company to conduct a 10-year building analysis plan. The study recommended replacing or renovating all branches aside from the Trafalgar branch, a $5.9 million building that opened in 2007.
The $79,000 study was done by MSR Design, a nationwide firm that specializes in library design.
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Lintner said once the new Clark-Pleasant branch opens, the current location will be sold and the library will begin initial planning to replace the White River branch and completely renovate the Franklin branch, which were both opened in 1987. Replacing the White River branch would cost approximately $14.5 million and would take place before the Franklin branch is renovated, a project that would cost $10 to $11 million.
The Clark-Pleasant, Trafalgar, Franklin and White River branches are the four locations in the Johnson County Public Library system, which also includes an administration office. Edinburgh and Greenwood are not included, as they have their own library systems.
The proposed Whiteland-area project will be a 16,000 to 18,000 square foot library with dedicated spaces for different age demographics. The current library is about 10,000 square feet and does not have spaces set aside specifically for teenagers or adults.
The current branch is less than four miles from the Greenwood Public Library, meaning the two serve overlapping residential areas. By moving the branch south of its current location, the library hopes to solve this problem.
Lintner said the planning started in 2016, and the district will have four public hearings to inform residents of plans, answer questions, get feedback and address any potential concerns about the project. Previously, the library board conducted six community vision interviews, meeting with residents, county stakeholders and public officials to ask for feedback on what needs to be done in terms of library service and what a future facility should include.
MSR Design incorporated those findings, and submitted a final draft of 10 recommendations in February, although Lintner is waiting for county council approval on the project before settling on a final design. The library board will vote to approve the project and borrow the money in January. March would be the earliest the project would be up for approval by the Johnson County Council.
Lintner said with the project’s budget, it is subject to a remonstrance since it is below the $15 million threshold that requires a referendum, or public vote, on the project.
Residents opposed to the project would have to gather at least 500 signatures to challenge the project by the end of February. If they were successful, residents in favor and against the project would work to gather the most signatures. If those opposed gathered the most, the project could not proceed.
With the project will likely come a 2.5 cent property tax increase, from 7 cents to 9.5 cents per $100 in assessed property valuation. For a home valued at $150,000, this would mean an increase from $107 in property taxes to $142.50 for the library district. If all goes as scheduled, that increase would appear on property tax bills starting in May 2020.
The debt for the project would be paid back over a period of 16 years using property tax revenue. The $1.4 million the library has in savings would also help cover the cost. A summer construction start date would translate to opening either in late 2020 or early 2021, as construction is expected to last a year and a half.
“With conversations with the community, staff and boards, they felt the best way to serve a fast-growing population of townships is to build a facility in a highly visible area that speaks to the needs of the community and supports unique learning opportunities,” Lintner said.
Between 2007 and 2017, Johnson County’s population grew by 12.6 percent, with the population of New Whiteland, where Clark Pleasant branch is located, growing by 32.1 percent over that same time period.
The new library would not only have dedicated spaces for children, teenagers and adults, but also study rooms, laptop rental, 60 additional parking spaces and larger meeting rooms that will fit 100 people rather than 60.
In 2012, voters were asked to approve a $29.9 million project to build a new Franklin branch and construct a downtown parking garage. The project was not approved.
MSR Design Associate Susan Morgan said the firm focused its assessment on community needs as well as demographic and financial analysis.
“Clark-Pleasant is central to where ongoing development will be in the county,” Morgan said. “Residential growth is increasing…the current location can’t offer a robust experience…(We are) continuing to provide recommendations of attributes successful sites have, good access to daylight, outdoor interpretive spaces, Trafalgar (library branch) has a story walk.”
Morgan said one of the recommendations for the library includes a hands-on learning space which could include 3-D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines or a wood shop.
“Libraries across the country and the world are starting to offset their material collection with the ability for folks to learn new skills for hobbies or the pursuit of new jobs,” Morgan said. “The number of manufacturing facilities along the (U.S.) 31 corridor is striking in number. They look for folks who have training…and could acquire certification from the library. It’s a critical component for expansion.”
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The following projects are proposed in the Johnson County Public Library system:
- Replacing the Clark-Pleasant branch with a new location on U.S. 31 between Tracy Road and Main Street in Whiteland. Expected completion: late 2020, early 2021. Project cost: $8.8 million. Expected property tax increase: 2.5 cents per $100 assessed value.
- Replacing the White River branch. Project cost: $14.5 million. New location, completion date, and any property tax increase not yet determined.
- Complete renovation of Franklin branch. Project cost: $10 to $11 million. Completion date and any property tax increase not yet determined.
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The Johnson County Public Library is conducting four public hearings for community feedback and information on the proposed Clark-Pleasant branch replacement.
- 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Franklin Branch (1st preliminary determination hearing), 401 State St., Franklin
- 2 p.m. Jan. at Clark-Pleasant Branch (community meeting) 530 Tracy Road #250, Whiteland
- 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at Clark-Pleasant Branch (community meeting)
- 6 p.m. Jan. 15 at Franklin Branch (2nd preliminary determination hearing)
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