Letter about Towanda Library's application for a construction grant

              Corn Belt Library System
1809 W. HOVEY AVE. NORMAL, ILLINOIS 61761 phone 3091452-4485 SERVICES FOR THE BLIND 3091454-2711

HENRY R. MEISELS DIRECTOR

October 8, 1987

Mrs. Bridget L. Lamont, D i r e c t o r I1l i n o i s S t a t e Library Centennial Building, Room 275 Springfield, I L 62756

Attention:

Public Library Construction Grants

Dear Bridget : During t h e p a s t s i x months I have met with t h e members of t h e Towanda Township Library Board and a r c h i t e c t s Paul Young and Richard Nice on numerous occasions. I have helped t h e board i n w r i t i n g t h e building program and t h e a r c h i t e c t s i n designing t h e i n t e r i o r layout o f t h e building. The proposed design follows t h e b u i l d i n g program approved by t h e board. Basically it i s a good plan because t h e spaces a r e open and t h i s provides t h e f l e x i b i l i t y and it a l s o allows t h e s t a f f t o make major changes without g r e a t expense t o conform t o changing trends. The plan makes allowance f o r adequate parking and a c c e s s i b i l i t y by the handicapped. There is s u f f i c i e n t land t o expand t h e l i b r a r y t o 6,000 square f e e t t o accommodate f u t u r e needs. The Towanda Township Library Board is considering conversion t o a l i b r a r y d i s t r i c t and annexation of unserved t e r r i t o r y surrounding Towanda Township. Construction of a new l i b r a r y w i l l f a c i l i t a t e t h e board's endeavor t o bring s e r v i c e t o t h e unserved. Towanda Township by i t s e l f is a growing suburb of Bloomington-Normal and badly needs a l a r g e r l i b r a r y f a c i l i t y . Undoubtedly, t h e proposed b u i l d i n g w i l l improve l i b r a r y s e r v i c e i n Towanda Township and i n neighbouring communities a s well. I b e l i e v e Towandass a p p l i c a t i o n f o r a construction g r a n t deserves s e r i o u s consideration f o r funding. Cordially yours,

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~ e n r y Meisels R. Director