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June 5, 2008 - Northwest Georgia Regional Library System Director Joe Forsee recently met with the Union County Public Library Building Committee to discuss new additions and renovations to the existing library building. Forsee listened to committee members as they gave input concerning priorities, roles, and the mission of the local library. All of these things will influence design and function of the building.

One goal of the meeting was to help produce a written building planning document. This document will not only be submitted to the State of Georgia, but will be instrumental in directing architects and designers in the development of working blueprints. Everything basically depends on funding. Hopefully Union County will receive an additional $1.665 million in state grant money to go with the $900,000 earmarked for the library from SPLOST funds.

Forsee stressed the importance of having a library that works for Union County citizens. Requirements need to be documented so that costly mistakes can be prevented. Forsee said, “Libraries have different goals and requirements. We must deal with specific questions concerning layout and community expectations. We want the building to meet immediate needs and be flexible enough for future growth.”

In upcoming months, committee members will be looking at demographics, state standards, current volumes, and expected population growth. They will also travel to other libraries to look at building design and functionality. Several architects are under consideration for designing the new addition and renovation to the Union County Library. Field trips will give committee members a chance to see actual examples of these architects’ work.

Board Chairman John Nichols said, “The library is a mirror of the community. Opportunities offered by the new library are endless.” Nichols went on to praise Commissioner Lamar Paris for his support. “ Paris has been supportive of the library even when it wasn’t politically beneficial for him to do so.” Director Donna Howell added, “I want to thank the Friends of the Union County Library. They have been instrumental in helping to get SPLOST funding.”

The Union County Public Library Building Committee was given the opportunity to rank various elements considered important to “our” local library. First on the Committee’s list was the library’s role as an independent learning center. This includes having a strong non-fiction collection and materials in a variety of formats. Next on the list was the importance of reference materials. Reference materials include timely, accurate, and useful information for community residents. Other things on the list included popular materials (such as best sellers and works of fiction), a preschoolers’ door to learning (such as story time and parenting programs), a community information center, and a community activities center. Technology was not included on the list as an independent element since it is a requirement in every role.