The consensus during a community conversation this week was in favor of pursuing construction of a new public library in Junction City.

Library officials are pointing to the same location or general area as the current Dorothy Bramlage Public Library. Director Susan Moyer noted there has been discussion about the original concept of adding to the current structure. “We had moved away from that and there was no one in the audience that seemed to think that should be brought up again. Notion of demolishing and rebuilding seems to be what everyone is in favor of, and again then it just comes down to some of the logistics of how we do that.”

One signicant part of the conversation revolved around building a one-story building or a two-story facility with the upper level remaining unfinished and available for future expansion. Moyer stated, “It seemed like for those tables that talked about it that the consensus of that group was also if we can we should go ahead and add that white box ( upper level ) to the new building so we can grow into it in the future. The cost of a one story facility has been estimated between $6 million and $7 million, while adding the shell of the upper story would add an additional $3 million to the cost. Moyer added she thought the group felt that the extra $3 million dollar cost would be less today than in the future, meaning as construction costs increase.

Fundraising will be done by seeking private donations or grants. Mayor Pat Landes made that clear. “The plan for this library project is to raise the funds through local contributions and what they have saved as well as grant opportunities. And not raise the local mill levy. So let’s just get that loud and clear so everybody has that from the get-go.”

Fundraising for the project should commence this summer.