Planning this winter

While plans for the new library hinge on wrapping up land negotiations, we are still refining what the new library should look like. In December, the Nampa Development Commission hired Modus Architecture of Boise to make a site plan with conceptual elevation drawings. These drawings will show the traffic pattern and help us refine the look and feel for the block, which will include retail and office space, as well as public meeting space. The City of Nampa has engaged Carter and Burgess of Dallas, Texas, to conduct a thorough downtown traffic study. For that firm to do its work, we need a site plan for the library, showing how traffic will enter and leave the place. The library is planned for one city block downtown, with an onsite parking garage attached.
- Dan Black
Community Relations Coordinator

Library Buildings 2007: Going, Going Green

This is the title of the annual summary of data on new library buildings in the USA. Library Journal reports that the buildings “are truly allowing us to catch sight of the future.” Trends noted in the 168 public library building projects include amazing teen spaces and ‘green’ spaces. They feature daylighting (controlled admission on natural light through windows to reduce electric lighting), air quality upgrades, renewable resources, water reuse principles, low-voltage lighting, energy efficiency and native plants.

Karen Ganske, Director
To see more photos of this green library visit the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library website.

Rooftop Garden Planned

The people of Nampa love to garden. We enjoy the space for growing things and changing our perspective. One of the fabulous ideas for green building that we are considering for our new library is a rooftop garden. Many libraries have these and they provide an opportunity for quiet reading and exploration, fresh air and views. Nampans who attended the 2007 forums and design workshop liked the idea, as a part of their desired library experience and as smart planning.

Practical considerations determine the type of plantings - raised beds, low maintenance, and requiring minimal water (xeriscape). Plants could be selected from native plants and labeled to provide educational opportunities. A planted roof and patio provide seasonal color, a setting for public art, and a possible place for book signings, book club meetings or children’s events.

These pictures were taken at the rooftop garden of the Salt Lake City Public Library this past summer.

Public Art – Breaking News!

The Nampa City Council voted Monday, November 5, 2007 to establish a volunteer arts commission. Seven members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Part of the charge to the commission is to establish guidelines. Rhea Allen is quoted in the Idaho Press Tribune as saying the focus will be public art, which Nampa needs. The new library building will have numerous opportunities for public art, and the new commission will be a wonderful partner in commissioning or selecting artwork. It will be an asset when we prepare grant applications and fundraising opportunities. Public art consists of more than statues and murals; it can include beautiful donor recognition walls, functional yet creative bike racks, window designs, or children’s furnishings. Our spring 2007 contest resulted in several ideas for reading tree houses, alphabet chairs, and castle spaces from our own Nampa youth.
~Karen Ganske

Where will the new library be located?

The City is negotiating with landowners in the historic downtown area to buy land for our new facility. Those negotiations are going well, and we expect things to be complete within the next four months. The locations won’t be disclosed until agreements with all the landowners are complete. Publicity about the locations could complicate those negotiations and would compromise the privacy of those landowners. The City hopes to finalize negotiations and announce the location in early 2008.
When will work begin? After the land is purchased, the project will be put out to bid and must be designed by an architect. The City hopes to break ground in December, 2008, with the building finished in 2010. - Dan Black

Funding

Several patrons have asked how the city will pay for a new library. In late 2006, the City Council adopted an Urban Renewal District, which provides funding for redevelopment efforts. The plan calls for investing about $36 million in a new library, the cornerstone of a downtown redevelopment effort. Other aspects include a new police headquarters, green space, parking garages and streetscapes. About $80 million of public investment will generate an estimated $325 million in private investment downtown over the next decade. The plan also provides industrial infrastructure such as sewer and water service to attract employers and jobs on Nampa’s northwest side. The funding mechanism, Urban Renewal, is a tool that focuses tax revenue from new development toward the project. It does not raise taxes. It simply dedicates new tax revenue toward projects that aid the local economy.
- Dan Black

Parking--Good news

As Summer Reading concludes many customers are breathing a sigh of relief since parking will be more readily available. Some numbers to consider: on Saturday June 2, 2007 (Summer Reading Kickoff) there were 2252 customers who exited our building; during July there were 15 days of the 25 we were open that had more than 1200 customers. Where did you park? Were you able to get one of our 16 existing parking spaces? Did you park on the street? Did you ride your bicycle or skateboard? Did you walk? Did you park in the auxiliary parking across the street? We’re so glad you battled parking to visit us and spend some time here!

Even though the parking situation seems grim, there is good news. The new building proposal includes a parking garage that will be adjacent to the building and will have lots of parking spaces! It is our goal to have these spaces free of charge for our customers.