MRRL Expansion News

The MRRL Expansion project has been featured in a couple of news stories in the Jefferson City News Tribune. The first story, “Part of that wall has to go’ for library at old prison”, discusses the possibility of an alternate site at the prison - if the current wall is removed. The second story, “Prison panel examines library plan“, discusses the prison panel and their deliberations about the wall, the library site and their willingness to commit to the library’s chosen site on the corner of Cherry and Lafayette Streets.

Library officials were informed in December that their chosen site at the former prison was to be instead sold to the federal government for a federal courthouse. We are very disappointed in this development, especially since our alternative site on West Edgewood has now also been sold. The library’s Building Committee is working hard to identify a new site or sites for consideration.

This news has set us back some several months to a year or more on our timeline for a new building. We will also have to redesign the proposed library, since the design developed by our architects was specific to the prison site (due to topography). Many of the design concepts will transfer to a new location, however, so we are not completely starting at square one again.

I know that many of you who have looked forward to the new library on the river bluff share our disappointment. I do hope that you will help us in our search for a suitable new site.

Margaret Conroy, Library Director

I just had a gentleman stop by the desk at the Public Computer Center this morning with a suggestion for our new library. He asked that at least some of the computers have better privacy protection so that people will feel more comfortable accessing their personal information online. While this is just one of the many suggestions I get from the public for our new library facility, I do want to remind people that we are willing to listen and pass on suggestions given to any desk or staff member at the library. This blog is one way to post suggestions, but we take them in person as well! Don’t forget that this will be your library and we want to hear from you!

The pictures that the people who attended our last set of meetings chose as their favorites has been posted on our main expansion page! These are the images that you all consistently chose as the most attractive libraries in the world. Keep an eye on this blog for the announcement of the next meeting, where you all can explain what you like (and don’t like) about each of the chosen images.

Library officials are seeking public input on the design and features of the proposed new library. Come give us your opinion and learn about the benefits a new library will offer! The meetings will be held on Tuesday, July 26th from 10:00-11:15am, 12:00-1:15pm and from 6:30-7:45pm in the MRRL Art Gallery (second floor) at the main library at 214 Adams St., Jefferson City. Light refreshments and child care will be provided. For more information, call 634-6064 ext. 234 or email us through our online form.

The City of Jefferson-Cole County Board has made the decision to locate the new library on part of the old Missouri State Penitentiary site, west of Lafayette Street and south of State Street. The full MRRL board ratified the decision this evening.

Welcome to the Library’s new blog. This blog was created expressly for fostering discussion and gathering comments about the library’s expansion plans. We welcome your participation in this electronic forum. I look forward to “blogging” with you!