Petersburg Library Foundation

1. Why is a new library facility needed?
The City of Petersburg is experiencing immense growth through the expansion of Fort Lee, and a burgeoning economic expansion of businesses both small and large. Higher standards for academic achievement mandated by federal statutes warrant increased resources for youth that support the curriculum set forth in our schools, including technology, expanded reading collections and enrichment programs. A new library facility will play a pivotal role in bringing the school system to flagship status, preserving and promoting the rich history and legacy of our city through a platform that links our community to the global society by serving as “A Gateway
to the World!”

2. What will happen with the current William R. McKenney Branch of the Petersburg Public Library System at 137 S. Sycamore Street once the
new headquarters opens?
A study is underway to use the William R. McKenney Branch as an archival facility. Important records that are now scattered throughout the community will be collected, accessioned, and preserved in the archives. The building will open to the public.

3. Why is it important for the library to be located downtown?
The Petersburg Public Library is an important and visible symbol of education and community history in Petersburg, which makes it important for it to be located in
a visible, highly trafficked area within the downtown area. Many see the new
library as a downtown anchor and an attraction that will draw many people to
the area. In addition, keeping the library downtown provides library visitors the convenience of access through public transportation and located near stores, restaurants and entertainment.

4. How does the library serve different members of our community?

The library offers something for everyone who lives in and around Petersburg:

• Students benefit from comprehensive research and study capabilities, access to practice tests, academic support and a wide range of recreational reading.

• Preschoolers learn to love books and reading.

• Seniors enjoy access to and utilization of, technology through classes including web-based books, newspapers and magazines, genealogical research capability and on-line life resource tools.

• Educators count on the library for resources to enhance and actively support school curriculum and encourage students to read not only for recreation but to become life- long learners.

• Business people use entrepreneurial research resources, on-line investing tools and technology classes.

• Students, adults and seniors take advantage of a wide variety of volunteer and service opportunities.

The community at large benefits from an asset that provides access to information, educational and cultural opportunities for everyone, regardless of means. As an added attraction to the downtown community, the library also helps to build the
local economy.

5. What will the new library facility provide to better serve the community?
A successful library is one that makes it as easy as possible for all community members to use it, and efficiently and effectively provides the information and resources that they need.

We envision…

• A building where the collections are safe and readily available to all users, including those with special needs.

• A library whose facilities accommodate the new technologies needed for accessing information in a manner consistent with 21st century standards.

• A children’s section with spacious and comfortable floor space where our youngest residents can learn, explore and thrive.

• An environment where teenagers and other researchers can work
with concentration.

• A library that retains and expands its role as the cultural hub of our community.

6. Do we really need a capital campaign to fund the new library facility?
A capital campaign is a special, time-limited effort to raise a large amount of money for a specific purpose. The moneys raised can only be used for the purpose for which they were solicited, rather than for general operations; in this case, a new library building. This method has the added advantages of keeping taxes low for the general public, and of providing a significant philanthropic opportunity for people wishing to increase their support to the library.

7. What is the fundraising goal for The Petersburg Library Foundation
Capital Campaign?
The goal is $16 million. This sum will cover all construction costs, legal fees, architectural and engineering design fees, and other miscellaneous fees
required to open the new library headquarters.

8. What will happen if the capital campaign does not reach its goal?
Library Foundation leadership has studied this question in depth. Based on input from the community, they are confident that the capital campaign will be successful. All funds raised through the campaign will be deposited in the library building fund and will be used to build a new library facility. In the event that the campaign does not reach its goal within the time frame planned, it may be necessary to utilize additional campaign strategies or extend the campaign timetable.

9. How can families and businesses support the library project?
Many opportunities exist to support this important community project. Contributions from individuals, families, businesses, foundations, civic and community organizations will be needed to help build the new library. In addition, volunteers are needed for the capital campaign. For more information about volunteering or making a contribution, call the Fund Development Officer at 804.733.7815.

10. I don’t use the library. Why should I contribute to a capital campaign?
The library is an important asset that affects everyone’s property values, and is, therefore, deserving of both philanthropic and tax-based support from all residents and businesses. The library also helps educate the young and old alike within our community, which helps to provide a better-educated workforce that will attract
more jobs to the area.

11. Will monetary commitments be made public?
For those persons who give us permission, we will make their monetary commitment public through the Gift Recognition program and/or through the Donor Spotlight section of this website. For those persons wanting anonymity, we will not divulge names or monetary amounts given.

12. What is the timetable for commitments and giving?
You can make your pledge in one lump sum or over a three-year period. Pledge Forms are available by calling the Fund Development Officer at 804.733.7815 or
by downloading them off this website by clicking here.

13. May I give gifts other than cash?
Absolutely! There are many ways to give other than by writing a check. The Foundation would be happy to accept transfers of stocks, bonds, estate donations and other asset donations. For other ways to give non-cash donations, please call the Fund Development Officer at 804.733.7815 or visit the Ways to Give section of this website.

14. Did the library board use a competitive bid process to hire an architect and construction firm?
Yes. In 2006 the library board mailed Request for Proposals (RFPs) to a number of known and recommended architects. From the many firms that responded, the board interviewed three and chose Enteros Design, P.C. located in Petersburg, VA.

15. What is the architectural firm’s background?
Enteros Design, P.C. is a full-service architecture firm with a wide range of commercial and residential experience that spans eight states and the District of Colombia. For more information on Enteros Design, please visit their website at: www.enterosdesign.com

16. Who is designing the interior of the new library?
The board has approved Enteros Design to do schematic design of the interior of the building, as well.

17. When will construction begin and be completed?
It is anticipated that construction will begin in Spring 2008 and will last approximately 18-24 months. This timeframe is dependent on when Crossroads Ford moves out of the current facility into their new facility.

18. Are the library building plans final?
The current plans are working drawings. Some details may change during the final design phase, following completion of the capital campaign.

19. What are some of the specific enhancements included in the new design?
There will be clearly defined areas and additional space for: technology workstations, training, research and use; locations with wireless access; quiet study areas; young adult activities; and children’s programs. The new design includes improved lighting and technology resources, more shelf space for book and media collections, improved access, community rooms, and upgraded bathrooms. There will also be a new parking lot and safety enhancements.

20. Will the library provide easy access for all visitors?
Yes. Everyone who visits the library will enjoy total accessibility into and throughout the facility. The new construction will be completed according to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards, making the entire library barrier-free, with wide aisles and elevators to upper and lower floors, enabling everyone to benefit from all that the library offers. Visitors with wheelchairs, walkers and baby strollers will find the library fully accessible and comfortable.

21. Will the library's name change?
The name will change from the William R. McKenney Branch but the final name has yet to be determined.

22. Will the expanded library be open more hours?
Yes. The library will be open a minimum of four nights per week and also open on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

23. Will the Library need to hire more staff if it expands as planned?
Yes. It is anticipated that more staff will be needed as the library expands from
13,000 square feet to approximately 45,000 square feet. However, the library
will be efficiently designed with several automated services so this increase
will be minimum in order to provide the best customer service possible.

24. Will other services be available at the new library?
Yes. The new library will offer a café serving a variety of beverages along with pastries and other items. In addition, a drive-thru service will be available to members for easy pick-ups, returns and specialized services.

25. Won't technology make libraries obsolete in the not so distant future?
No. Libraries will continue to serve their communities as repositories of local, national,
and world history, access points to information in all manner of formats, resources for entertainment and recreation, gateways to local, national and world art and culture and as community centers. Libraries are ever evolving and changing to accommodate new means of accessing information and providing that access to everyone in their communities regardless of means. Since the first public access computers were installed in libraries in the 1980s, the public’s utilization of and demand for access
to technology and high-tech operational systems has increased. This trend continues today. People now are borrowing more books for leisure and research than ever,
but they depend on online databases for intensive research information that would quickly be outdated in print format. Libraries are leading the way in bringing advanced data to the public. Many of these resources are expensive and not available free on the Internet. Beyond access, public libraries, both locally and nationally, continue to provide instruction on how to make the best use of the Internet as well as advanced instruction on how to use specialized databases or to search for specific information. Libraries also play a pivotal role in evaluating the Web and bringing order to it.