Cambridge City Public Library Study
Existing Library
The current Cambridge City Public Library [CCPL] is landlocked and prevented from expansion in all directions. What little room exists for on-site expansion would not provide for future needs in a cost effective manner.
Compared to libraries in similar-sized communities, CCPL is below average in book holdings with no way to expand its collection.
In spite of limited space and collection, the library collection is well-used and has above average circulation compared to the peer library group.
Even with a severe shortage of program space, CCPL has more than twice the program attendance compared to peer libraries. This could be attributed to a very dedicated staff, which could do much more with adequate suitable program space.
Cambridge City Public Library Study
Based on national public library planning standards, staff and community interviews, steering group input and needs analysis for the next twenty years, CCPL will need about twice as much space as it currently has to serve the
Circulation Children’s Computer Area (4)
currently has to serve the changing needs of the community.
Stairs/
Cambridge City Public Library Study
Existing School Building
•12,000 s.f.•$200/s.f.•$2.4 million building construction cost•Associated costs (soft costs) approximately 25% of total project costs•$3.2 million project cost
Typical New Library Construction
•$3.2 million project cost•Does not include land purchase or existing building demolition, which may be offset by sale of current building
The steering committee was very interested in determining if the old Central School could be renovated for use as the new library.
Cambridge City Public Library Study
Existing School BuildingA study was conducted to see how a library program may fit into the existing school building. Because of considerable differential in floor height from front of school to stage area and from stage area to gym, this concept brought the lower two areas up to the same elevation as the front and provided an elevator to utilize the upper level.
popular materials, reference, computer
Whitewater River FloodwayUnfortunately, the site is located in a floodway. Location in a flood zone creates significant and costly issues, especially for a public project. The study team ordered an additional study to determine whether the floodway designation might be changed with more detailed hydrology mapping. It was determined this was not the case. This property was dropped from consideration as the new location for the library.
As the exploration for a site continued, the steering committee looked at this former car dealership at the west end of town on Highway 40 which was for sale.
Approximate 3-foot elevation change between former showroom and service portions of the building’s north side.
The CCPL purchased the car dealership in 2008. During the process, environmental studies were conducted. The site met industrial but not residential standards. Remediation was undertaken and was successfully completed.
This concept plan shows how the needs identified by the feasibility study might fit into this existing structure with the lower level divisible from the upper level for after-hours meetings.
Conceptual image showing how the existing building might be re-wrapped in masonry for a more civic presence.