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Rationale for Selection of the Central Middle School Parking Lot as the Potential Site for a New Downtown Library

Kokomo-Center Township School Board President Joe Dunbar and KHCPL Board President Susan Luttrell shaking hands after both boards agreed to a partnership to pursue building a new downtown library on the Middle School parking lot.

Kokomo-Center Township School Superintendent Dr. Little sharing with the KHCPL Board that studies have shown that young children who read perform much better in school. Dr. Little expressed his support and excitement about having the new downtown library as a neighbor to the Middle School.

1. This creates an opportunity for two public entities to cooperate to reduce costs and to provide a beneficial partnership for patrons of the public library as well as for the educational community.

2. Its location is in the core downtown.

3. It is located at the gateway to downtown (Sycamore Street) as has been defined by the city administration and common council.

4. This location is highly visible and easily accessible from all directions.

5. The Walk of Excellence is one block away and would allow foot traffic and bicycle traffic to the library.

6. At this time, it is believed that there are no significant environmental issues on this property.

7. Acquisition costs appear to be much more reasonable compared to other 1 block parcels downtown, and the lot will be available for construction on our timetable.

8. This site will allow for a library and parking lot which will serve the same population with a more modern, efficient, and expanded library (58,000 Sq. ft.).

9. The administration and all public services will remain in the downtown.

Kokomo-Center Township School Board members and KHCPL Library Board members showing support for the new downtown public library which is planned to be built on the Middle School parking lot. Left to Right: Ted Schuck, Kevin Summers, Thomas Reed, Susan Luttrell, Stan Ortman, Ruth Person, Jim Seidel, Ron Gilman, and Joe Dunbar

Kokomo-Center Township School Board President Joe Dunbar speaking to the KHCPL Board about the cinergy that will result with a school/library partnership.

Check back for more details about the new building project as they become available.