Why we need renovation, Part 2

     The Peru Public Library is approximately 1/3 smaller than most libraries. The library doesn't flow, instead we have five different levels. If you go to the parking lot and look up, you'll notice that where the original library roof stops, and the auditorium begins, there is a big open space. Those walls need to be removed so that the floor will continue without interruption into what is now the auditorium.


 When this particular renovation is done, there won't be as much wasted space. The wall between what is currently where the computer lab is, and what is now the Main Floor will be removed. The computer lab's floor will be raised to be level with the current Main Floor. Also, there are two smaller rooms, one on each side of the Main Floor, that causes a lot of wasted space. The whole floor needs to be opened up.
It will make that floor brighter, more airy, and give us much needed space. We'll also have restrooms that will have baby changing tables in both, and will be handicap accessible.


We will gain so much room, just by knocking out a few walls and opening up the whole area.
Also, when they renovate that floor, it will become much warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. The library is more than 110 years old. There is not adequate insulation, so maintaining a constant temperature isn't possible.


The windows are weathered and battered. Air is allowed to penetrate into the library, adding to the problem of constant temperature. When the wind is blowing hard, there is an awful sound made by the windows. The only way to alleviate the problem is to open the window slightly, which of course, lets in more cold air.


No one wants to be in a building that is either too hot, or too cold. Unfortunately, what is currently the children's floor, is one of the hardest to keep warm. The children and the senior citizens, need to be kept comfortable.


Please attend the meeting on Monday, February 10th at 6:30 PM. Show your support by attending the meeting. The more people that show up, lets those that choose the recipients know we are supported by our patrons. We can't get this grant without your help.

Why we need renovaton, Part 1

     The Peru Public Library is a community minded organization. We provide many services, and want to continue to do so, but better.
     In the past, we have had a variety of programs for a variety of age groups. Know you, know your horse, Master gardening - teaching us about the best usage of garden space, composting and more, Studio Indiana - showing pictures he's taken all across Indiana, of our forgotten histories.
    Children's programs: The Summer READing programs that help to encourage children to read, earn free books and more, The live programming on Wednesdays. Special events and programs for the children: Spy Academy, Fancy Nancy, Dr. Seuss' birthday party, Cat in the hat party, Christmas and Halloween parties and much more.
     We also have rooms that people use for a variety of business meetings, classes, SCA meetings, scouting and more.
    These events and programs could be so much better with renovation. Why?
    Let me start with the auditorium.
    1. The lighting in the auditorium is inadequate. There isn't enough lighting, what we have, have those thick globes on them, not allowing the light to shine through as they should.
    2. Access: A person needs to climb a minimum of three flights of stairs to get to the children's floor where the auditorium is located. That is, if they come through the front door. Yes, we have an elevator. If you haven't used it, let me describe it to you. It measure, approximately 34" x 49". It doesn't hold very many people at one time.
     If you're a parent with a few young children, and you need/want to take your stroller up with you. Well, depending on the size of the stroller, and the number / size of the people riding the elevator, You'll probably have to leave it in the computer lab.
     If you have a wheelchair, it better not be very wide. You then need to use something to reach up and push the button, we provide one, it's a dowel rod with a rubber tip on one end.
    To get inside, you must open a door, slide back a gate before entering. Once inside, the door shuts on it's own, you'll slide the gate closed. If you're going all the way up to the auditorium, you'll push button 3. Actually, you'll need to hold it during the whole ride, if you let it go, it will stop. Wait while it takes you all the way up, creaking and groaning the whole time. It will stop on it's own. Slide the gate open, push open the heavy door and you're there.
     Our elevator greatly resembles a freight elevator, but much smaller.
     If you happen to lean against either of the two gates, (if you're riding with a stroller, or antsy children, it's easy to do,) the elevator will stop. It's a safety feature, but really inconvenient. We've actually had people stuck on the elevator. We have to yell at them from two or three floors below them instructing them to open the gate and make sure it closes all the way. Hmmm. Okay, try the other gate. A few times they've even had to jump up and down a little to dislodge what the problem was. I am NOT making this up.
    The elevator is not dangerous, it gets inspected regularly, but it is small, slow and scary.
    Don't believe me? Please come and try it out for yourself.

    Now, I know you've read in the paper that we're suppose to be getting a large grant part of the money is to go toward getting a nice, large, normal elevator. That money is contingent on us getting the rest of the money. We need this grant in order to get that grant.
    Please come and support YOUR library.