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Background
Since 1878, our library has been a well-loved and well-used place to learn and discover - together. However, the existing library, which has served us well since 1979, cannot provide the space our community has requested. As we celebrate the library's 140th anniversary and the almost 40 years at our current location, it is time to write a new chapter for the Belleville Public Library.
In 2015, Belleville area residents, responding to the Library's strategic planning survey, asked for more space - quiet space, group study space, teen space, meeting room space, and community gathering space. Our new library will have a warm, welcoming atmosphere along with current resources and technology, including access to WiFi and computers. Anchoring the east end of Main Street, our new Library and Community Center will bring fresh energy and vitality to downtown Belleville.
What is Planned
- A 13,805 square foot library sized to meet our needs for twenty years and located at the former Landmark site on the corner of Main and S. Park Street across from Library Park.
- Meeting and training space for community groups and businesses available for evening and weekend use when the library is closed.
- A flexible, attractive library equipped to meet a wide range of uses from quiet, individual work to group projects and classes for all ages.
Progress So Far
After much careful thought during the library's strategic planning process and the village's municipal facility study, the Library Board and Village Board have agreed to create a larger, more versatile library for Belleville. The new Library and Community Center will bring people together, support learning through all stages of life, provide community gathering space, and enrich the lives of our community members.
The Village has purchased the former Landmark mill site and the adjoining residential lot. The house on that site was moved to another location in the village in 2018.
Work with the architectural firm, FEH Design, during the fall resulted in an approved detailed design and the construction document package necessary to request bids for the 2019 construction season. Valuable input to finalize the design for efficient building operation and maintenance was sought in two days of meetings with the architectural and engineering team. The participation of the Public Works Department, Police Department, Fire Department, South Central Library System, Village trustees, Library trustees, and Library staff was greatly appreciated.
Construction Bid Approved
Request for Bids
The Village Board approved putting the project out for construction bids on 1-7-19 with bids due on February 7.
Construction Document Presentation
Detailed Design Presentation – 10.1.18
Following a presentation by FEH Design on the Detailed Design phase, the Village Board approved moving to the Construction Document phase in preparation for seeking construction bids in early January 2019.
Schematic Design Presentation -- 6.13.18
The Schematic Design for our new Library and Community Center was presented to the public on June 13, 2018 and to the Village Board on June 18, 2018. The schematic design phase includes site planning and floor plans.
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Conceptual Designs -- Spring 2017
Thank you to the more than 65 people who spent time at our Design Workshop on March 9-10, 2017. Their ideas and opinions guided the architect team’s work over the two days.The Concept L1.1 drawing along with people's comments will be used as the basis for future architectural design work.
See the Design Charrette Workshop Booklet for all of the interior and exterior concept drawings developed during the workshop along with the public’s comments. The booklet is also available in print at Belleville Public Library for viewing or checkout.
Concept L1.1
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Additional Interiors
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Questions? Suggestions?
We welcome your comments and questions, so that together we can create a new Library and Community Center that will provide the most value for our community.
Contact Library Director Bronna Lehmann at 424-1812.