The City of Perkins recently established the Perkins Public Library Trust as a means to receive and administer donations to the Library.The Trust was established with a $25,000 start up donation with the purpose of funding a future home for the library.
“We greatly appreciate the generous start up donation that has initiated this process, however, we see it as a small stepping stone to meet the ultimate goal of constructing a larger and more efficient library,” says Trust Chairman Bennett Andrews.
According to Library Director Alison Bloyd, “Our building reached capacity several years ago. We are out of shelf space for materials and we are unable to add additional computer/technology stations. Since moving to the current location in 2004, the library has doubled the number of materials we lend annually and the number of public computer users has increased two and a half times.”
The library meeting room is used to host hundreds of library programs each year, however, the room is also utilized by various city departments for trainings, commission meetings and municipal court among other uses. “Due to the high demand of the meeting room, it is seldom available for community use. A new building would provide both large and small meeting spaces for public use,” says Bloyd.
Expanding technology services and education is another goal of the library project. “Having access to technology is a crucial part of a progressive community. Applications for employment, financial aid and continuing education are all completed online these days. The library provides public computers, high speed internet and access to free online tutorials to ensure that people in our community have access to technology that can improve their lives,” stated Bloyd. “A new building would allow us to increase the number of public computers and provide much needed study space for students and tutors.”
Bloyd said the library trustees have not yet determined a location for the new library, but they are looking at options. “Ideally, we would like the library to remain in downtown Perkins to maintain accessibility to the schools and contribute to the restoration and vitality of the historic downtown.”
“This is the first small step we are taking toward this enormous endeavor,” Andrews added. “We expect this to be a long process encompassing several years, but we believe the Perkins community has the assets and enthusiasm to make this happen.”
The Trust is able to directly receive gifts, bequests, legacies and/or donations of any kind. The donations may include land, mineral rights and real property. All donations are tax deductible and will be used for the benefit and betterment of Perkins Public Library.
If you like more information about the trust, or if you are interested in investing in the future home of the Perkins Public Library, please call 547-5185.