Plans Progressing for New East Helena Library
Author: MT43 News Reporter
Plans Progressing for New East Helena Library
MT43 News Reporter
Lewis & Clark Library planners are heavy into the design phase of the new library building in East Helena, according to Director John Finn.
Finn explained in an interview the library board traveled to Portland to see six library buildings that have been built there: “We needed hard information on new library designs that are built in public parks. It’s a new idea for us.”
The planned 11,000 square- foot building will be in JFK Park by the municipal swimming pool and near Prickly Pear Trailhead. The Lewis & Clark Library board arranged with the City of East Helena for an upgrade of the area parking lot for ownership of one acre in the park.
Lewis & Clark Library is a government nonprofit whose operations are funded 100 percent by a 2008 mill levy passed by Lewis & Clark taxpayers. The Lewis and Clark Library Foundation funds additional “wish list” items. Last year, the Foundation underwrote $3million for the new bookmobile, which will be in operation beginning in April.
The proposed cost of building the new library in East Helena will run $7million, Finn explained, with $2million from a capital funds savings account as well as private donations and other monies. “We will not ask for a public bond issue or extra tax requests,” he said.
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Image 1 Caption: The new library building will be in East Helena's JFK Park on the city's north side.
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Image 2 Caption: JFK park hosts family picnics, playgrounds and is the beginning of Prickly Pear Trail.
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