Improvements to library could help facility offer patrons more programs
The Forrest City Public Library Board learned Monday afternoon how money from a matching grant could help improve the library’s grounds to offer more programs.
Martin Smith, with the Ecological Design Group, showed board members drawings of an amphitheater area behind the library.
Martin explained to board members that the company previously created connectivity plans for the downtown Forrest City area which connected Front Street and the library directly with an 80/20 matching grant from ArDROP.
"We should know in October if we got any or some of this grant," said Smith.
Smith also told the board that while performing the survey for the library's outdoor recreation area, they discovered a 16-foot alley behind the current library that they had to plan around.
"I propose that we use the east side as the project site," explained Smith, due to the alley and power lines. "We designed that easement for plaza space for food trucks.”
Smith also said the group would like to see the rear wall on the building get a facelift to include glass storefront doors to open the library up to the new space.
"We want this to be an extension of the room of the library," Smith said of the redesign. "The wall is brick blocks, which should make it easier. That wall is screaming for art."
Smith said the project would add to the appeal of the space to find local artists to paint a mural along the wall.
He told the board that most of the work would be ground work.
"We carved this out and left a grade," said Smith, explaining it would help create a space for the area. "The lawn is basically level, with a slope enough for water to drain."
Smith also said a sidewalk would help connect the existing structure to the amphitheater. "It is a viable structure with a few changes to make it more open, and you can see a little play area here,” he said.
Smith was previously asked to include a fence for the space, but said the design did not include a fence to make it appear more open. "Fences take away from spaces," he said.
However, after hearing the board's request said he would include costs for a fence for library director Arlisa Harris to include when she presents the proposal to the council at tonight’s meeting.
In other business, the board also agreed to allow Harris to seek another $3,000 grant to begin programs that evoke community discussions through the American Library Association.
"I just want the board's input on ideas for our community," said Harris of the grant. She said programs could include anything from medic literacy, Covid-19 safety, unemployment and more. "Pretty much anything that promotes conversations in communities would be included. Some have even chosen a book based on a topic that affects their community to read then discuss,” she said.
The board also recommended that the library follow a recent ruling on mask mandates and enforce masks for worker safety while offering curbside service for those patrons who did not want to wear a mask.
"We have people coming in from all parts and visiting from other places," agreed Harris. "We do a lot of one-on-one."
Harris also told the board that long-time patron Dr. Ken Mott recently died and the library is beginning to receive donations in his honor.
"He was always a pleasure to speak to," said Harris. "And a wonderful supporter of the library."
Harris also reported the totals for the summer reading program.
"We had 214 children, 110 adults and 10 programs," said Harris. "The kids really had a good time. I know Shelia (Gracey) reported numbers last time, but that didn't include the last program,” said Harris.
Harris said the last program featured animals and was a big draw for children and adults.