Logan County Public Library to undergo expansion project

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. – The Logan County Public Library is set to undergo an expansion to help meet the needs of the community.

According to the library’s website, programming and event space has become a growing part of what the library offers to the community.

The library says it serves children, teens and adults of all ages. While the building remains relatively new, library personnel say they did not expect the growth they have seen over the past 12 years.

“We went from averaging under 20 programs a month–mostly story time and a few computer classes–to well over 50 for all ages, and we can no longer provide enough space when patrons want to be here,” the library’s website states.

Personnel say it was determined that an expansion would be required to meet current needs.

Features of the building expansion will include a 4,352 square-foot indoor programming space across a total of four spaces, a meeting room, a program room, a community room and a 3,900 square-foot outdoor covered pavilion.

Several areas of the library will be remodeled, including the larger teen room’s layout, a larger local history and genealogy room, a better public services desk, an outdoor reading area and an ADA-accessible walking trail around the property, according to the library’s website.

Project Timeline

• August 2024: Architect hired to conduct a feasibility study
• August 2025: Feasibility study complete, including financial viability through financial advisors
• October 2025: Approval sought from LCPL board and Logan County Fiscal Court
• November 2025: Architect begins working with library board and staff on design phase (expected to last 6-12 months)
• Future actions, such as bidding, bonding, and construction, will be updated as estimated dates are determined. Currently, construction is anticipated to last 12 months.

Funding

• Cash input from library’s existing capital reserves
• Municipal bond issue
• Grant opportunities are a primary focus before bidding
• The library is interested in any alternative funding sources that can help make this project a reality. Please reach out to King Simpson, library director, if you have any suggestions: king@loganlibrary.org.

News 40 will provide additional updates on this project as they are released.