Our Library. Our Future.
Embarking on a once-in-a-generation revitalization of
Lincoln Township Public Library
Fulfilling Our Mission
Recognizing a compelling need to expand and improve present facilities, five years ago, the Lincoln Township Public Library (LTPL) Board of Trustees developed a vision to plan for the long-range program, services, and facility needs for the library to effectively serve the district for generations to come.
Lincoln Township Public Library serves patrons of Lincoln Charter Township, Baroda Township, Royalton Township, and the villages of Baroda and Stevensville. Patrons of LTPL also enjoy reciprocal borrowing agreements with Benton Harbor Public Library, Berrien Springs Community Library, Bridgman Public Library, Coloma Public Library, Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library in St. Joseph, and Sodus Township Library.
The number of patrons who visit LTPL for reading materials, classes, meetings, story hours, programs, computer usage, and study are increasing every year:
Year Visitors
2023 96,617
2022 79,446
2021 64,489
2020 55,638
Working with architects, builders, patrons, community groups, and staff, the Board of Trustees finalized a plan to update, revitalize, and refresh Lincoln Township Public Library. A $1 million pledge was approved by the LTPL Board of Trustees in 2023. This was made possible by years of local support in the form of annual taxes and careful financial management by the Board of Trustees over the previous 20 years. We are now seeking community support and grants of $500,000 to complete the project.
The Vision
To assess the current and future needs of the community as related to library services and provide strategies for the future of LTPL, a needs assessment was conducted with Daniels and Zermack Architects, experts in library construction, to plan for the growth of the library’s services over the next twenty years. This time period represents a typical planning window for public libraries. Library planners have found that a twenty-year planning
timeframe provides a suitable economic return on the community’s capital improvement, allowing the library to grow into the facility over time as collections and service needs increase. As our existing building was renovated and expanded in 1998, more than 20 years ago, the time has come for a revitalization.
Why Now
Throughout the assessment process, a number of issues were identified that the Board and staff desired to improve for patrons. We determined that our collection was aging and embarked on a multi-year “weeding” project to remove items that were in disrepair or that were no longer desirable by patrons. For our homeschooled and student patrons, we wanted to add literacy and STEM spaces to enhance learning. We wanted to reduce the height of the stacks for easier access and increased visibility and security. We accommodated an increase in digital materials, created a “Library of Things,” and reduced items such as books on tape, magazines, and dated subjects. Additional seating was needed based on our patron numbers. Acoustics in current meeting spaces were an issue and impacted others nearby.
To address these situations and more, a three-phase approach was created to ensure our Library meets the needs of the 21st century:
Phase I: Complete and paid for through operating budget
Update foundational facility items:
· Replaced aged HVAC units
· Repaired and replaced roof
· Installed new security system
Phase II: Library Revitalization Project (current phase)
Phase III: Expand the community room and enhance the outdoor space to support LTPL’s role as a Community Center in our area
Project Overview:
· $1.5 million project
· 18-month timeline
· Sustainability focus in material selection
· Opportunity to optimize current space
· Designed with a focus on patron experience
Specific elements:
· Lowering shelves for access and security
· Installing new fixtures and furniture that is lighter and easier for users to move)
· Updating with new carpeting and paint in brand colors
· Enhancing Rosetta’s House, our special place for children
· Streamlining staff workspaces for better collaboration
· Updating lighting for energy conservation
· Highlighting outdoor spaces and increasing usage
· Adding amenities such as a coffee alcove
Guide to Giving
Donors may make cash contributions in a lump sum or pledged over a period of up to five years.
Donor Recognition
Donors of $500 or more (with their permission) will have their names included on the donor recognition wall to be prominently and permanently displayed at Lincoln Township Public Library. In addition, several naming opportunities are available for special spaces.
All donations, regardless of size, will be promptly receipted, sincerely appreciated, and gratefully acknowledged for 100% tax deduction status through Lincoln Township Library Foundation, a 501-C3 organization.
For more information on how you can support the Lincoln Township Public Library, contact the Lincoln Township Library Foundation at (269) 930-5417 or visit our Library Foundation page.
Overview of the campaign: Project Poster
