Fremont County Library: LIFT Phase 2

Phase II: Lander Library

Phase II of the LIFT project is devoted to the Fremont County Library in Lander, and will cost over $5 million. This is the oldest library building in the county as well as the administrative seat of the entire Fremont County Library System, and needs major renovation and expansion. Major goals are:

1975 Addition
The addition that is used for most library services is nearly 30 years old. Although it has served us well, it has a number of problems that the renovation would correct:

The rooftop heating/cooling units are at the end of their service life. Keeping them working has required constant service calls and extraordinary expense.
The building has no insulation. On a really cold winter day, frost actually forms on the inside walls!
Because the building is not energy efficient, heating costs are as high as twice what they should be for a building this size.

Native American/Western Americana Room
One of the most important functions of any Wyoming library is preserving the books and records that nurture our history. Expansion would mean a Native American/Western Americana Room for the new Lander Library that would house the unique and valuable collection of Wyoming materials the library owns. The present shelves devoted to this prized collection are crowded and patron seating to view the material is extremely limited.

Fast Facts

•18,661 Fremont County residents have library cards
•County residents visited the library 236,723 times in the past year
•They borrowed 192,653 books, CDs, videos, and other programs
•They used library computers 59,922 times
•Over 12,000 children and their parents participated in the library's children programs

Technology
The computer revolution has dramatically changed the way we access and utilize information. Most Wyoming residents don't have their own computer or internet access, depending on public libraries to provide this important service. This is particularly critical for seniors and people on low incomes who can't afford new technology, or for students who don't have access to a home computer. The library needs better data wiring and more efficient Internet access. The renovation would:

Upgrade Internet Access throughout the library
Provide high speed Internet Access and video conferencing to meeting rooms for the use of business and community groups

Young Adult Services
When the Riverton and Lander Libraries were built, libraries offered few services just for teenagers. We now realize that teens are among our most important customers. Teens need a place where they can feel safe, work together, research their papers and do their homework, and develop a love for books and reading. The renovation would:

Add homework study rooms
Provide space to build collections of teen-focused books, videos, magazines and other materials

Ground Level Children's Library
The Children's Library is presently on the second floor of the 1975 Addition, and safety of our children is a primary concern. Although a librarian is always present in this portion of library, staff can not easily monitor areas like stairways where children access the library or may stop to play. Placing the Children's Library on the ground floor will eliminate this safety concern.

Improved Access for People with Disabilities
The Lander Library is inconvenient for patrons in wheel chairs or who have other disabilities. Doors are difficult to open, only one handicapped parking space is available, and crowded aisles make it almost impossible to access books. Some of our community residents who are most in need of the library's services must do without them. The renovation would provide:

Handicap-accessible restrooms
Automatic door openers
Handicap parking
New ADA accessible elevator

Carnegie Library Building
The Carnegie Library, constructed in 1907, is one of the most historically important and best-loved buildings in Fremont County. The beautiful Carnegie Room, with its ornate wood, glass and metal work, is in constant demand by our county communities for concerts, readings, lectures, art shows and countless large public meetings. The Carnegie was recently inspected by a structural engineer who found it basically sound and well worth preserving. As any old-timer, however, it has its problems. The renovation would:

Stabilize and waterproof walls
Re-point stonework
Upgrade plumbing and electrical wiring

Space, space, space
Have you visited the Lander Library lately? Off-street parking is limited to only four spaces, book shelves are crowded, aisles are narrow, seating is limited, lighting is where you find it, and background noise is everywhere! Meeting space is extremely limited, and staff have to refuse or postpone numerous requests for space reservations. Popular and growing collections, like those for small business and technology, need more space for expansion. After thirty years, the Lander community has simply outgrown its existing library.