Note: This is a text-only version of the booklet that was created for the Lowell Public Library’s Dedication Ceremony in 1993. Images in the booklet are described in parentheses. To see a scan of the original document, please view our Dedication Ceremony booklet PDF.
Lowell Public Library
Dedication Ceremony
November 7, 1993
(Sketch of a view of the new Lowell Public Library building)
1505 East Commercial Avenue, Lowell, IN 46356
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Lowell Public Library is to provide all residents and/or taxpayers of its taxing district with access to facilities, materials, programs, and services which can broaden their minds, enrich their lives, and fulfill their cultural, civic, intellectual, educational, and recreational needs.
Preserving the Past
One of the distinguishing achievements of civilization is the effort it makes to keep a record of its past. The library has traditionally been a warehouse for documents that relate the history of the area and the society. The existence of a library says that a community cares about itself and its past. The Lowell community has been committed to library service since the beginning of the century.
Library History
In 1904, the Lowell area had a small subscription library of 500 books. Members paid dues and borrowed books free of charge.
The Lowell Library was organized in 1917 and consisted of two small rooms housed on the second floor of Lizzie Davis’ hat shop.
The Lowell “Public” Library (one that is supported in whole or in part by local taxation) became a reality in 1920 through the hard work of local residents and a large donation from the Carnegie Corporation. The new (one and one-half story) library was typical of Carnegie construction.
(Sketch of the original Carnegie library building)
Located on the “Town Square,” it contained 4,000 square feet and by the late 1960s had become severely overcrowded.
August 12, 1968, marked the date for the groundbreaking of the new 9,600 square foot library on the corner of Fremont and Main Streets. The site was designed for twenty-eight parking spaces. Opening on December 8, 1969, in many ways the building served the community well for almost twenty-five years.
As the area grew (54% between 1970 and 1990) and circulation of materials increased (135% from 1985-1992), workspace for library staff began to take up more and more of the public reading room area.
Additional shelving was installed to accommodate the increasing book collection and more tables were needed for audio-visual materials and computers. Comfortable seating areas for library patrons and room for a growing collection were no longer possible. Surveys of the community determined a need for even more materials, programs, and services than the library could handle at its present facility.
In 1987, a Long-Range Planning Committee (made up of members of the library board, staff, community business persons, and area residents) was formed to plot the course for the library’s future. One of the objectives cited in their report was to analyze building needs.
Over the next three years, alternative studies were conducted to determine the cost and feasibility of expanding the existing building. When all the results were in, it was decided that if an addition were built at its present location, the library would still lack parking space and would be landlocked should further expansion be needed. The planning for a new library began.
(Sketch of the second building that housed the Lowell Public Library)
Providing for the Present
The library users of today demand far more than just books. They want magazines, compact discs, audio cassettes, meeting room space, programs for all ages, and a variety of electronic equipment.
The new library was designed to meet those demands as well as to remain adaptable when needs change.
The Library
The new library stands nestled among mature native Indiana hardwood trees. The building is intended to be a gathering place for the community, transcending the traditional concept of a library. The 24,000 square foot building is over twice the size of the former library .
The exterior is clad in materials of rich earth tones. A grand arched window of Palladian proportions graces the front of the library, inviting passers-by to enter .
At the main entrance a protective canopy stretches to the parking lot to receive patrons while providing protection from the elements. More than one hundred spaces provide ample room for parking. Special bricks on either side of the entrance walls bear the names of many donors to the library’s furnishing fund. Inside, the lobby includes quarry tile floors, while vaulted ceilings focus attention on the main circulation desk.
Meeting rooms flank the lobby to provide space for use by non-profit organizations and for library programs. Each meeting room has a cozy kitchen area and overhead track lighting for special exhibits. The rooms can be closed off at night from the rest of the building, allowing meeting room occupants to remain after regular library hours. The conference room, located at the south end of the library, can comfortably accommodate up to twelve people.
A twenty-five foot high clerestory area rises through the center of the library, permitting natural light to fill the building’s interior. The circulation desk rests under a trellised canopy in the center of the main room. The staff workroom and offices surround the circulation desk, allowing library staff to be available to patrons in all areas of the building.
Rich colors, inspired by the natural wooded surroundings, create a warm, comfortable environment for formal and informal gatherings, as well as for solitary or group study.
Fanning out from the circulation desk are the children’s department, young adult area, audio/visual, adult fiction, magazines and newspapers, adult non-fiction, Indiana, and Reference sections.
These departments are identified by various carpet patterns, vaulted and flat acoustical ceilings, and fabric end panels on the shelving.
The collection consists of over 59,000 items. Through contractual and computer agreements with the Lake County Public Library, local patrons can access materials from the third largest library in the state and have them sent to the Lowell Public Library.
The Reference/Indiana collection is located at the south end of the library. A reference desk is located in that area as well as six quiet study rooms and a small group study room. Two large windows on the west side provide an excellent setting for leisure reading and a view of the splendid woods.
Among the special features of the Reference Section are the IBM-compatible computers for use by patrons for word processing or with their own software or the library’s shareware.
One of the library’s CD-ROM’s has 368 shareware programs that the public can download to their own floppy disks. Library staff are happy to provide patrons with hands-on instruction of the library’s computers and other technical equipment.
Another unique area of the new library is the Young Adult Section, filled with books of popular appeal for young teens, and a large study area.
The new library is designed for accessibility for persons with disabilities with automatic doors, wide aisles between rows of shelving, and carrels at special heights for wheel chairs. A separate restroom for persons with disabilities, as well as their attendants, is located in the foyer.
Energy conservation was given high priority in the planning of the new library. Windows are double glazed thermalbreak with operating sections for natural ventilation when desired. The facility is insulated with six-inch side wall insulation and twelve-inch attic insulation. Natural gas furnaces provide controlled zoning to the various sections of the library. Lighting is high-efficiency in design and controls. Modular carpet squares were chosen for the flooring to allow easy access for future wiring needs.
The library district serves over 14,600 people and offers programs and services for all age groups. The service area includes the towns of Lowell, Shelby, and Schneider, the community of Lake Dalecarlia, and the townships of Eagle Creek, Cedar Creek, and West Creek.
The Lowell Public Library opened the Schneider and Shelby Branch Libraries in 1988. Each branch has bi-weekly courier service from the main library, as well as programs and services that support local interest.
Twice a month free medical screening is offered to community residents at the Lowell Public Library and at its Shelby Branch Library. Throughout the year a variety of programs, workshops, classes, and craft-making sessions are scheduled for library patrons.
The library’s Literacy Program, begun in 1987, provides basic literacy services for adult learners reading below the fifth grade level. It is the only provider of this service in the library district. The program has been funded in part by federal grants in 1987, 1989, 1991 and 1992.
The Children’s Room
The large Children’s Room provides an inviting atmosphere to promote reading and encourage creativity. The design and colors of the carpet were inspired by an aerial view of farm fields.
In keeping with the agricultural theme, youngsters can “hitch a ride” on the library tractor and wagons. They are made of wood with padded vinyl seats and are finished in bright, vibrant colors of red, blue, orange, green, and yellow.
The arts are represented by six small chairs, each painted with a unique design symbolizing one of the arts by Indiana artist Carole Boller.
The “Puppet Theater” stands ready for show time! Plush toy animals add to the friendly atmosphere of the room.
Large casement windows face the east and south providing natural light and a view of the woods as the seasons change.
Scheduled programs such as Toddler Time (18 months-3 years) and Story Time 3-5 years) are held during the fall, winter, and spring months. Summer Reading Club, a two month summer program for youngsters of all ages, is filled with special activities and events for children’s enjoyment.
Christmas Story Time with Santa Claus and a Halloween Party are some examples of the special programming designed to encourage children to foster a life-long love of reading.
(Drawing of a deer driving a tractor and pulling an open cart carrying a lion, a giraffe, and an elephant; text says “Hitch a Ride to the future of the Lowell Public Library”)
Focusing on the Future
No one knows what the future will bring. The role of assessing and predicting demand is a challenging one for libraries in an age where communication and information technology is constantly changing. One of the goals of the Lowell Public Library is to prepare for tomorrow, while remaining adaptable as unforeseen changes occur.
Future Growth
In keeping with this goal, the new Lowell Public Library is designed for expansion of the facility from 24,000 to almost 60,000 square feet.
Technology
While the library presently has several computers for public use, conduit was installed throughout the building to provide for even more technology in the future.
Lowell Public Library Arbors-Nature Learning Center
A “Nature Trail” will be an ongoing project of the Library Board and staff to preserve our natural heritage.
A Nature Trail will wind through the woods on the perimeter of the Library, providing an outdoor educational classroom laboratory for community groups as well as a setting for library programs.
The project, partially funded by a $20,000 federal grant of the Small Business Administration Tree Planting Grant Program, will serve as a prototype to encourage the preservation of urban forestry.
Included in the project is the planting of 211 shade and ornamental trees (Ginkgo, Amur Maple, Austrian Pine, Green Mountain Sugar Maple) on the 5.5 acre site. Winter habitat will be substantially improved due to the extensive numbers of trees planted and the variety of species. Wildlife food will be provided by the fruits and nuts of many trees including Hawthorn, Serviceberry, Pawpaw, Blackhaw, Beech, and Oaks.
Foundation
The Lowell Public Library Foundation is a newly-formed not-for-profit organization dedicated to raise, receive, hold, invest, and administer funds and property for the benefit of the Lowell Public Library.
The Lowell Public Library Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of the district’s leading citizens who are committed to providing for the future informational, educational, and recreational needs through enhanced library services.
(Simple sketch of the Lowell Public Library’s arched windows; text says “Lowell Public Library Foundation”)
Library Building Project
Project Coordinators
- David R. Smith: Library Consultant
- Pecsok, Jelliffe, Randall & Nice: Architects
- Rotz Engineers, Inc: Consulting Engineer
- The Rowland Associates, Inc. & Daunn Guthrie: Interior Design
- Semford Contracting Co., Inc: General Contractors
Costs (Estimated)
- Cost of construction, fees, land, architectural services, and furnishings: $2,876,161
- Cost of bond issuance and interest ………………… $338,839
- Total: $3,215,000
Funding
- Bond Issue: $2,775,000
- Library Capital Projects: $80,000
- Interest: $60,000
- Library Services and Construction Act Title II Grant: $300,000
- Total: $3,215,000
Funds for construction provided by the tax payers of the Three Creeks area and by a Library Service Construction Act Title II Federal Grant.
Calendar of Building Project
- 1987-1988
The Long Range Planning Committee, a group of citizens, library board and staff, meet to chart the course for the future of the library. The determination is made that the present space and services is inadequate. - 1989
The Library Board secures the services of David R. Smith of Hopkins, Minnesota, to study space the space needs of the present library. Smith has assisted in the planning of over 100 libraries across the nation. He recommends that a new facility be built on Commercial Avenue. - 1990
The library board purchases a five and one-half acre site on Commercial Avenue for $77,500. An additional one-half acre is later purchased to provide an entrance/exit to Harrison Street. - April, 1991
The architectural firm of Pecsok, Jeliffe, Randall & Nice is chosen to design a new library to serve the residents of the Tri Creek area. Additionally, the Lowell Public Library Leasing Corporation is formed to sell bonds. - June, 1991
Friends of the Library circulate petition for the building of a new library. Over 1,000signatures of support are counted. Later, $528,113 is awarded to the library by the state from Build Indiana Funds. - July, 1991
The Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners hold a hearing on the proposed new library. They approve the project one month later. - August, 1991-April, 1992
Planning for the library continues with the involvement of board, staff and architect. - April, 1992
Semford Contracting Co., Inc. is awarded the bid to erect the new library. - June, 1992
Groundbreaking for the new library takes place. - November 7, 1993
Dedication ceremony for the new Lowell Public Library is held.
Floor Plan
(Image of a floor plan drawing of the new Lowell Public Library’s basic layout and the original placement of library materials when it opened.)
The New Lowell Public Library
1505 East Commercial Avenue
Lowell, IN 46356
Project Personnel
Board of Trustees
- N. Jeanne Guske: President
- William J. Mitchell: Vice President
- Seth D. McLellan: Secretary
- Norma J. Ruley: Treasurer
- Janet L. Granger: Member
- Marilyn P. Hardwick: Member
- Zern E. Hayden: Member
- Mary K. Bruce: Past President
Leasing Corporation
- William E. Lain: President
- Jon E. Afanador: Vice President
- Bonita L. Echterling: Secretary
- Thomas I. Stuart: Treasurer
- Jon R. Jurs: Member
Other Personnel
- Virginia Maravilla: Library Director
- Nancy A. Campbell: Assistant Director
- Donald R. O’Dell: Legal Counsel
- Moldenhauer & Associates, Inc.: Landscape Architects
- I & M Electric Corporation: Electrical Contractors
- Bloomfield Corporation: Heating & Air Conditioning
In Appreciation
The Lowell Public Library wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to the Friends of the Lowell Public Library, the literacy tutors and advisory board, and all of the organizations, businesses, and community residents who continue to support our library.
We also wish to extend our gratitude and welcome to the founding members of the new Lowell Public Library Foundation.
In Recognition
Lowell Public Library Staff
- Eleanor Bartz
- Waldo Bartz
- Betty Beier
- Lori Beier
- Barbara Berkey
- Michele Bluett
- George Bogan
- Vicky Boteler
- Loretta Brewer
- Fawn Bunkowfst
- Maureen Burkett
- Nancy Campbell
- Linda Clark
- Jayne Cockrell
- Susie Dokulil
- Nell Fabish
- Sandy Fuller
- Carolyn Lindahl
- Virginia Maravilla
- Sandy Morgan
- Lu Parrish
- Tammy Rankin
- Darlene Rigg
- Chris Straka
- Carole Sutton
- Maria Svorenick
- Amber Wietbrock
(Back cover for dedication booklet)
Lowell Public Library
1505 East Commercial Avenue
Lowell, IN 46356
(Sketch of a view of the new Lowell Public Library building)
Dedication booklet design by Matt J. Fuller.