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Swain County library project: $6.2 million raised, low construction bid $5.6 million; fundraising and phased service plan outlined
Summary
Library project representatives told commissioners they have raised roughly $6.2 million, received a $5.6 million low construction bid and are negotiating scope adjustments to reach a $5 million target; staff outlined phased service changes and a brief closure to move the circulation desk.
A representative for the Swain County library project presented a quarterly update to the Board of Commissioners on Jan. 7, reporting recent donations, current fundraising totals, construction bid status and how library services will operate during construction.
The speaker said the project received $150,000 from Canon under an MOU the board approved and a $25,000 grant from the Farabee Foundation. A donor family had committed $70,000 and pledged another $30,000 when it reaches a $100,000 giving level. The project representative reported $6,200,000 raised to date and said the team still needs roughly $700,000 to reach the full budget.
Project staff said they held a negotiation meeting with the low bidder, identified in the presentation as Beverly Grant, and the architect, project manager and superintendent. The reported low bid was $5,600,000; the project team said their target was to reach a construction number of $5,000,000 by reducing and re-scoping select items such as paving, finishes, casework and certain decorative elements.
The update included a phased plan for maintaining library services during construction. Phase 1 (estimated 12–14 months) will add a northeast community room and a south-side extension; during that phase the current front entrance will be inaccessible and patrons will be asked to use the Fremont Street entrance, where staff will set up a smaller circulation area with popular materials and hold most programs. The speaker said the library will need to close for about three days to relocate the circulation desk when Phase 1 work begins.
Phase 2 will involve work on the main reading room and community room and is expected to be a shorter 3–4 month period. The team said they will continue to use statewide interlibrary loan and statewide sharing to supply requested materials while portions of the building are under construction.
The representatives also announced a public fundraising campaign. Heath Schuler will serve as honorary chair of the campaign and will help with a video and public outreach. The project team said they will continue seeking grants and private donors.
Commissioners did not take a construction contract vote during the work session; staff said negotiations with the low bidder would continue and that revised pricing and drawings would take about two weeks to produce.
