South Branch

The South Branch will serve the southern part of Campbell County with a collection of an estimated 50,000 items. Currently the Library is considering a 28,000 square foot facility which includes a 14,000 square foot sub-level for storage. This storage area would be heavily used once the Library expands into the basement area at its Newport location.  The South Branch's sub-level would eventually be used for expansion of services in the southern part of the county. The design also includes a drive through circulation window, an internal bookdrop, a large (150 seat) meeting room, one small conference room, an outdoor reading area, a children's programming/activity room, and a study room in the children's area.

This map provides an idea of the number and location of cardholders in the county as of October 2011.  Each orange dot represents a cardholder. As the map shows, a large number of library users are outside of the service radii of the present branch locations.

Site Plan and Building Proposals

3D Rendering--Parking Lot Side	3D Rendering--Highway 27 Side

Click on an image or title above to view the full image.

Location

Financing

The new building is planned to be about 28,000 square feet, as described above.  The Library's architect, Ehmet Hayes of Robert Hayes and Associates, estimates construction costs including all finishes and furnishings at $5,000,000.  The Library will have to borrow the funds for this construction, minus any money that is received in the form of private donations.

The worst case would be that the Library would borrow the entire sum.  Interest rates currently are quite favorable for long term borrowing.  Again, however, using a fairly high estimate of 4% interest over the course of 20 years, the Library would pay $375,000 per year to eliminate the debt.

Other annual expenses of the new building include staff ($500,000), utilities ($60,000), maintenance ($33,000), library programs ($20,000) and other items ($32,000).  All told, that's about $1,020,000 each year.

To raise this money, the Library would need to adjust its tax rates.  Using the 2011 property values, the Library would expect to raise the real estate property rate from 7.4 cents per $100 of valuation to 9.4 cents.  Currently the owner of a home worth $100,000 pays $74 per year for library service.  Under the new rate, the same person would pay $94.

The Library Board sets the tax rate each year in July after a public hearing.  If there is a disagreement with the rate, the public has 45 days in which to gather signatures for a petition.  If enough valid signatures are gathered, the matter will then go on the ballot during the next regular election.  In this case, that election would occur in November 2012.

Partnership with the Campbell County Historical Society

At the March 2011 meeting of the Campbell County Public Library Board of Trustees, the Board moved that the Director could discuss use of the lower level of the South Branch with the Campbell County Historical Society.

The Historical Society has a large collection of genealogy and local history materials.  They also maintain a collection of military uniforms and artifacts from Spears Hospital in Dayton, Kentucky.

The Library sees a partnership with the Historical Society as a joint effort to make Campbell County's past accessible to the people in the community.  Currently, the Historical Society occupies two floors of the old jailhouse adjacent to the Alexandria Courthouse.  This space is not handicap accessible.  That barrier prevents members of the Historical Society and visitors from the community from enjoying all that the Historical Society has to offer.

The Library is currently exploring options for this partnership with the Historical Society.

Public Comment

At this time, the Library's plans are in a developing stage.  The information provided here is based on best estimates and preliminary data.  The Library continues to seek the input of the public on plans to provide library service to the people in southern Campbell County.  Comments should be directed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it