Cascade appeals to Jones County for new library funding

     Many people supporting the construction of a new library in the City of Cascade were present at the May 24 Jones County Supervisor meeting. The room filled quickly with guests and those wanting to address the board in requesting a portion of the county’s $4 million in ARPA funds to assist with the project.

   Interim City Administrator Lisa Kotter highlighted the project.

   “We’re requesting funding, whatever is appropriate,” she said.

   The group’s goal is to keep the public library in the downtown location.

   Kotter said the current library lacks in room for adult programming, children’s programming, public computer space, storage, and room for staff. With sometimes 50 to 60 people attending children’s programming, she said lots of people end up standing the whole time.

   “From a safety perspective, it’s a small area,” said Kotter. “It’s a challenge if we want to do more things with the library.”

   Kotter prefaced this project isn’t just something that a group put together at the spur of the moment; it’s been a long-time coming.

   “We’ve been planning for a number of months,” she said. “We’ve talked about it as a community.”

   Kotter said the city’s Heart & Soul committee actually led the visioning for a new public library. They are working with FEH Design out of Dubuque.

   In terms of usage of the library for 2021, 192 households live in Jones County; 1,200 in Cascade. Also last year, Jones County residents checked out 4,205 items from the library; Cascade city residents checked out 14,580 items.

   “That’s a significant number of people in Jones County,” noted Kotter.

   The current library is around 2,200 square feet; they’re looking to build for 7,300 square feet.

   “There is vacant lot near River Park,” Kotter said of their intentions. “That’s our first-choice location. We want to keep it within a walkable distance within the community.”

   Two homes are currently on the property. The group is asking the city for right of first refusal on those homes.

   The cost estimate for a new library is at $3,419,018.

   “We hope you’ll make a contribution to help the people you represent who utilize the library,” Kotter said.

   $1 million to $1.5 million is estimated from the City of Cascade and fundraising. Another $1 million is requested of Dubuque County.

   “This is important to our community,” urged Kotter.

   A timeline has been put together for the project. A design would be finalized in 2023. The city intends to bond in early 2024, with construction also taking place that year. Kotter said they know the county has until 2024 to commit their ARPA funds, and until 2026 to spend it.

   “That’s within our timeline,” she noted of those deadlines. “But we need to know an amount this year so we can proceed and be fiscally responsible.”

   Melissa Kane, the library director, has worked there for 10 years. She said their hours have increased from 34 hours a week to 47.5.

   “We have weekly programming and a robust Summer Reading Program,” she shared. “We’re proud of our library, but we’re at our limits. We can’t put anymore shelving in without taking seating away.”

   Pat Carney is both a former Cascade council member and library board member. He said over the last 10 years, the city has repaired its Main Street, built a new sewer plant, a new pool, and a new water tower. A new library is the last of those major projects.

   “We need a new library because it’s become a community center,” said Carney. “There is no public space for activities.”

   Furthermore, Carney said the library is at its limit in terms of books.

   “We’re busting at the seams. If the library was bigger, more people would come; I truly believe that.”

   Referencing the project costs, Carney said that 66 percent of that is coming from the city and donations.

   “That’s very high,” he said of the unusual contribution. “We’re committed to spending our own money for a new library in Cascade and serve the people of Jones County.”

   Carney urged the board of supervisors to consider the usage and check-out numbers associated with Jones County residents as a guideline for how much to contribute.

   “There is more money in the city, state, and federal government than ever before,” said Carney, “than there ever will be again. There is money available now. I’m appealing to you to support our citizens and the City of Cascade in Jones County with a significant amount.”

   Daniel Charland with the Cascade Pioneer newspaper said kids are shaped by services provided by public libraries, something he can relate to.

   “It’s very important that all youth of Cascade have access to the same materials as I did,” said Charland. “This is an important investment for the next generation to ensure people have a means of education and independence and self-education outside of what they learn in the classrooms.”

   Monica Recker has served on the library board for six years.

   “Seeing all of the kids that come to the library tugs at your heartstrings,” she said.

   The library committee presented a packet of information to the Jones County Supervisors, which contained 41 letters of support for a new library.

   Kevin Eipperle, an architect with FEH, said they have designed 60 libraries in the last 30 years, with 12 underway at the moment.

   “Competition is huge,” he said. “Libraries attract people to communities. Everybody is competing for population right now.”

   Eipperle said he’s been impressed by the level of community engagement and support for this project.

   “We’ve had 75-plus people participate in our meetings with 300-plus returning surveys,” he said.

   The Jones County Supervisors did not take any action on the funding request.