What does library need? Residents can voice opinions on Nov. 14
MADISON — What do you want to see at Madison Public Library? Residents can voice their opinions at a public input meeting on Nov. 14 at Madison City Hall.
Sarah Sledge, branch manager of Madison Public Library, encourages residents to attend the public meeting on Nov. 14 at City Hall. (CONTRIBUTED)
Starting at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, the meeting will focus on the expansion and renovation project for the Madison branch. “Make your plans now to attend,” Madison Branch Manager Sarah Sledge said.
“The expansion and renovation of Madison Public Library is ramping up with great momentum,” Sledge said. “Our needs assessment process is underway with Toni Garvey, library consultant with Providence Associates of Phoenix, Ariz.”
This month, Garvey is visiting Madison to conduct focus groups. She formerly worked as library director at Loudoun County (Va.) Public Library and at Phoenix Public Library.
At the meeting, Garvey will present and describe characteristics of 21st-century libraries. “Citizen participants will be asked for feedback and ideas to be incorporated into the plans and recommendations that will be the end product of the several-month planning effort ending in December,” Sledge said.
Sledge hopes any person who uses the library will attend. “Residents who check out books and movies, attend programs like children’s storytime and have ideas about opportunities Madison has to develop the library as a community cultural center will be particularly interested,” she said.
The City of Madison is funding the expansion plan as part of Madison City Council’s efforts to implement the Madison Growth Plan and the “Grow Madison” Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The plan will repair roadways, support economic development and provide improved community facilities, like the library, that meet the needs of Madison residents.
Earlier that day at 10 a.m., the library will host 25 stakeholders in a focus group at its second annual Grits & Gratitude session.
Madison Public Library’s address is 130 Plaza Blvd. For more information, call 256-461-0046, email to ssledge@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org/madison.
