PROPOSED BUILDING PROGRAM
In 2018 the Portneuf Library District Board and District Administration began to study the District's present and future facility needs. The library has experienced immense increase since the last renovation, which took place in 2004. Since that time the number of card holding patrons increased from 8,516 to around 18,000.  

In 2019 the Library Board, knowing that the surrounding area was expanding and the number of patrons and card holders would only continue increasing, commissioned a random telephone survey of 450 community members which consisted of a 4% sample of their 10,900 registered voters. Those survey results revealed that a super majority (73%) of the respondents favored the following 3 proposed projects.

• Building a new library consisting of approximately 32,000 sq ft
• Buying a roughly 5-acre site 
• Purchasing new shelving and other library materials

The proposed bond will be in the November 3, 2020 election.

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ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED
During busy months, an average of 462 people use the library per day. The current library at one time should not serve more than 200 individuals per fire code estimates, however, popular programs may draw more than that to the library. The library does not currently have space to adequately serve the 50+ children plus caretakers who regularly attend children's activities
Currently there is not sufficient space for programs such as:

• Computer Labs
• Educational classes
• Family Activities
• Children's story time area
• Maker space (3D printer, laser cutter and engraver)
• Teen Zone
• Special Needs Quiet Space
• Free tax help
• Community club meetings
• Large adult programs
• Conference room that fits more than 15 people

Comparison between the current building size on the left and the proposed building size on the right.

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FINDING A LOCATION
Library administration began the plan for the proposed new library by surveying the current location to see if an expansion was possible. Through discussion with architects the administration and board came to the conclusion that the current library site could not support a new structure or expansion without significant added cost as well as losing parking and green space. The administration and board then began the task of finding suitable land which would remain accessible to the library's entire service area. After a survey was done it was clear the public wants a location easy to access and safer than behind Smith's grocery store. Please see map.

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PROPOSED PLANS
The proposed new library has been designed with the community in mind. Along with larger collection spaces the proposed library will provide the space needed to expand opportunities to the public. The building will provide the following:
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​Community Room with kitchen access for receptions, club meetings, retirement parties, preschool graduations, piano recitals and more for patron use for FREE!
Children’s Area will have a dedicated story time area and table's for activities. Will also have small rooms for children that are overwhelmed to calm down in.
Teen Zone will allow our book collection to be expanded for the teens but will also allow for more activities to be organized. With this area the library will be able to provide teens a safe space to make new friends and build strong relationships.
​​Program Area will be available to all family, children’s, and young adults activities. This room will provide table space where crafts can be done which is something that the current library does not have.
Computer Lab will allow anyone to come and use the internet and work on a project without distraction. In this computer lab classes can be taught on Excel, Microsoft Word or any technology based program.
Maker Space will house our 3D printer, laser cutter and engraver, button maker and circuit maker all already owned by the library. These items are all important for the growth of the kids to learn in this ever changing world.
Dedicated Reading Areas will be available to use at anytime to quietly read. Something the current does not have.
Green Space is important for the library to provide summer activities like the summer festival that is done every year.
Admin and Work Area will provide the appropriate accommodations to work in for the staff. Currently our wonderful Miss Amanda’s office is in a closet in the children’s room. 
Natural Light ​will provide the library with a comfortable feel and help save on electricity.
Collection Area will allow the library to provide more to the public. By adding a larger collection we will be able to keep popular books longer. It will also allow the library to always have the most popular authors/collections available.

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Please take this 10 question survey to let us know what you think about the proposed building

Take Survey

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FAQ

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If you have any further questions please call 208-237-2192 or email
​bond@portneuflibrary.org