The Beginning At the laying of the corner-stone in 1905, the total number of volumes in the Marion Library was 2400; the number of magazines subscribed to was 22, and newspapers 2. The number of persons who borrowed books during the preceding twelve months was 456. That’s a far cry from where we are today with a total collection of 86,534 items and physical library visits of 65,156 for last year. But, we’re in the same building . . . .
The book stacks are bulging, there is often a two-hour wait for a computer, there are no quiet study areas, no comfortable seating for our users, no space for library programming, and there are some staff members who have no desk to sit at to do their work. Though expanded in 1975, by the mid-1980s space was at a premium again.In 1992, the new director and her staff resolved not to let lack of resources, space, or funding keep them from providing excellent public service, making sure no patron left feeling underserved. In 2007, the board realized that lack of physical space was beginning to have a negative impact on the ability of the library to fulfill its mission.Serious discussion led to action and the library has embarked on an ambitious expansion program.Following a needs assessment, it was determined that the Marion Headquarters Library needs to be expanded to a minimum of 16,616 square feet.An in-kind contribution by the City of Marion will allow Marion Library to be renovated and expanded at its current location.It is one of the anchor buildings on the historic square, and a high percentage of our patrons are able to walk to the library from home or school.A Request for Qualifications for Architects was sent out and interested firms were interviewed.The board has retained the services of David Milling Architects.
The Service Goals The board has identified the following service goals for an expanded building:
Access to a wider range of materials for our children and teen users
Access to broader collection of materials in all formats for adults
An in-house computer lab and access to online resources needed by all users
Expanded access to local history, genealogical and archival materials through an enlarged South Carolina Room Collection
Access to high quality library programming for all ages with the addition of Library Program Space
The opportunity to study quietly alone, or to collaborate with a small group to work on school assignments or other projects
More responsive public service to our users provided by staff who have adequate work space
Preservation of important library records through adequate storage for historical records, business files, financial records, and supplies.
The Architect “The firm of David Milling Architects (DMA) is continually engaged in the creation of public libraries as special places.We believe that a building’s exterior should complement the neighborhood in which it is built, and its image should radiate a presence that the public finds compelling.Likewise, the interior should possess a sense of place that makes a visitor glad to be there, reluctant to leave, and eager to return.”
The Plan The proposed plan would address the needs of all three library buildings.The hardships imposed by lack of space in Marion are duplicated at the branch facilities in Mullins and in Nichols.The headquarters library in Marion will be improved in the first stage of proposed project. The proposed plan would increase the Marion Library building from 7,392 square feet to an estimated 21,785, and will address the service goals outlined.An opportunity to consolidate, over a period of time, the county’s archival, genealogical and local history resources into the expanded facility is being discussed.
The Price Tag In today’s construction climate, the ballpark estimate for the Marion Library renovation and expansion plan is around 4.9 million dollars. The needs of the Mullins and Nichols facilities will be assessed for stages two and three of the program.
The Current Main Library Building and our Branches ·Marion Library:Construction was made possible by a Carnegie Foundation grant of $7,500 in 1904, which stipulated the town must provide a suitable site and annual financial support of the library. ·The new library opened in 1905 and contained 2400 volumes. ·After a devastating fire in 1929, the library was reconstructed and refurnished as a fireproof building at a cost of about $24,000. ·The towns of Mullins (1907) and Nichols (1953) had also received library charters and eventually built library buildings. ·The Mullins Library was expanded in 1973 and Nichols in 1979. ·In 1970, these three libraries in Marion County were formed into a county-wide library system. ·In 1975, the Marion Library, system Headquarters, was expanded from 3,772 square feet to 5,280 square feet in public space. ·What’s Next ·A campaign to raise public awareness of the need for expanded Library Services ·The development of a local fundraising program and a local Library Foundation ·The formation of a collaboration of local, state and federal entities to devise a funding strategy to supplement private funding
How to Help ·Contact your local and state representatives telling them of your support for expanded library services. ·Support the expansion when talking to your friends. ·Schedule a presentation about the library for your club or church group. ·Consider whether you or your company might be able to support this project with a financial contribution.
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"Living without books would be like living without food or water. Since I first understood how words reflected thoughts and actions, I've been hooked." -- Bartlene McMillan, Mullins Library patron
There are many ways you can help us grow our programs and services. Would you like to help maintain the collection, read to children, work with starting a new Friends group, join our Speaker's Bureau, or make a financial pledge or contribution?
Call the headquarters library in Marion at 843-423-8300 to ask about ways you can help us grow.
