Published: November 21, 2007 12:41 pm            

5/3 Bank may become new library

With the help of the city, Effingham Community Foundation and donors, Helen Matthes Library could be moving to the current 5/3 Bank facility in downtown Effingham.

On Feb. 5, Effingham voters will decide whether that will happen when they are asked by referendum to raise the library’s operating tax from .15 percent to .27 percent.

The increase in tax will not be used to make the bank the library’s new home, but is needed in order to operate the larger facility and expand services, said library Director Amanda Standerfer.

Following action by the library board last week to put the referendum on the Feb. 5 ballot, the Effingham City Council followed suit Tuesday by approving the public issue to be placed on the ballot.

Although the library operates as its own entity, its levy must be approved by the council.

Standerfer told the council library officials along with the city have been negotiating with the bank in an effort to secure the property as a new home. If voters do not approve the increase in operating expenses, the library will not be able to move to the new location and the deal will not move forward, she said last week.

In exchange for the city’s help in securing the bank facility on Third Street, the library sold an option to purchase the five acres it owns near Evergreen Hollow Park for $1 to the city, which plans to build a sports complex in the area. If the city chooses to exercise the option within the next year, it will pay $350,000 for the property.

Standerfer told the council, the bank facility will allow the library to expand it space and, subsequently, its services, while at the same time keeping the facility centralized in the city.

Last week, on the same night the library board met to approve putting the referendum on the ballot, there was not a parking space in sight nor much room upstairs as the library hosted its family read night.

That packed house is a regular event and is one of the reasons the library needs more space, Standerfer told the council.

She reiterated that for the first time, the library is expected to top 100,000 in circulation of materials this year and Internet access sessions average nearly 2,000 per month.

“The way it is now, when we receive a new book, we have to get rid of an old book in order to have room,” said Standerfer, adding space issues limit any kind of access expansions at the existing library.

“They couldn’t get more out of the library than what they’re doing now,” said Commissioner Larry Micenheimer, who advocated the plan for a new building and an increase in the operating tax. “This is a quality of life issue we can all address.”

Micenheimer added that during a candidates forum prior to the spring election, all of the existing council advocated helping the library expand its home and services.

“The library was established in 1858. Next year will be its 150th year,” said Micenheimer. “What better way to celebrate than to move to a bigger facility.”

Commissioner Karen Flach said she is a strong supporter of keeping the library in a centralized location and the current expansion plan.

Commissioner Merv Gillenwater agreed.

Although not present at the meeting, Mayor John Lange issued a letter read by Mayor Pro Tem Alan Harris supporting the library’s quest for a new facility and increase in operating tax.

“It is time for the city of Effingham to take the next step forward in two very important projects — the construction of the Effingham Community Sports Center and the relocation of the Helen Matthes Library,” read Lange’s letter. “These two projects will work hand in hand to benefit the entire community.”

“Effingham is in a unique position with these two projects,” agreed Standerfer.

Donna Riley-Gordon can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 129 or driley-gordon@effinghamdailynews.com.