Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the library expansion.

• Why expand the library?
• Why expand now?
• Where will the library expand?
• Where can I find more information about the library?
• What do the proposed addition and parking lot look like?
• When will construction begin?
• When will the capital campaign begin?
• Who are the people served by the library?
• How is the library governed?
• How much will the addition cost?
• How much tax money will be needed to fund the project?
• How much money is available now?
• How does the library get funding for its operations?
• How will expansion affect future operating costs?
• How was the expansion plan developed?
• How will construction affect access to the library?

Why expand the library?

In the beginning, the Schoolcraft Community Library (SCL) served approximately 1,500 patrons each year. Now the library serves nearly three times that number. As a result, the library has outgrown the current facility and needs to provide more space for collections, computers, reading areas and programs.

Why expand now?

With each passing year, the current SCL facility falls further out of step with the needs of the community. The level of community support, availability of volunteer labor and support from Friends of the Library make this an ideal time to expand.

Where will the library expand?

Expansion will be on the existing land and onto the parcel recently obtained from the village.

Where can I find more information about the library?

Updates will be posted on the library’s website as they become available.

What do the proposed addition and parking lot look like?

Completed drawings of the addition will be available for public viewing at our October 7, 2010, Open House.  The drawings will also be available at the library following the Open House.

When will construction begin?

Groundbreaking is planned for spring, 2011.

When will the capital campaign begin?

The formal campaign will begin in September, 2010, but the SCL has been raising funds for the past eight years and welcomes donations at any time. To donate, contact Bobbi Truesdell at the library at 269-679-5959 or btruesdell@schoolcraftlibrary.org.

Who are the people served by the library?

The SCL serves the Village of Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft Township and Prairie Ronde Township.

How is the library governed?

A Board of Trustees consisting of six elected officials from the Village of Schoolcraft and two appointed officials from Prairie Ronde Township govern the SCL. One official from Schoolcraft Township sits on the Vicksburg District Library Board.

How much will the addition cost?

The estimated cost of the building expansion is $500,000.

How much tax money will be needed to fund the project?

None! No additional funding millage or bond issue is being proposed.

The Schoolcraft Community Library is considered a village library and has three areas it serves – the Village of Schoolcraft, Schoolcraft Township and Prairie Ronde Township. The property owners of these three service areas pay library millage to the Schoolcraft Community Library (1.0 mil in the Village and Schoolcraft Township and 0.5 mil in Prairie Ronde Township). These tax monies are designated for and used solely for the maintenance and running of the library.

Tax dollars are not and cannot be used for the expansion of the library. However, libraries receive additional funding from sources such as fees, fines, book sales, penal fines, donations, DVD rentals, memorials etc. It is from these sources of income that the Schoolcraft Community Library has been scrupulously saving since 2002, planning for the future of the library as its needs continue to grow but the space continues to decrease.

Also, grants are being sought and fundraising efforts are ongoing as the library seeks to close the gap between what has been saved or raised and what is still needed to complete the expansion project.

If there are any additional questions regarding the expansion project, please feel free to call the library at 269-679-5959 and talk to the Director, Bobbi Truesdell.

How much money is available now?

The library has approximately $260,000.

How does the library get funding for its operations?

Primary funding for operations comes from voter-approved millage from the three service areas. Penal fines, state aid, rentals, late fees, copies and donations also contribute to operational funding.

How will expansion affect future operating costs?

Some increases are likely, but the SCL is using more efficient technologies to keep the costs down.

How was the expansion plan developed?

A design and feasibility study has been in progress since the fall of 2007. Design principles based on population, patron uses, collection size, staff needs and efficient operation principles were used to determine the capacity needs, size and layout. The director of the SCL visited several other libraries, and desired features were considered during the design. The staff and board also assessed changes in patrons’ use of materials, computer usage, program needs and code changes. In addition, feedback from a 2005 patron survey and comments received since then were considered. Several design concepts were developed and modified to address functional requirements.

How will construction affect access to the library?

There are likely to be some temporary interruptions of access during construction.

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