Collierville, a growing town with a population of 53,500 residents, is now exploring potential improvements for its library. The library, located on Poplar View Parkway, has been serving the community for 22 years and was opened to serve the 33,000 residents that lived there at the time. However, with an additional 20,000 residents over the past two decades, town officials are now recognizing the need for enhancements.
The library’s establishment in 2001 was made possible through a generous donation of 5 acres by developer and former Germantown alderman David Halle. Additionally, Elsie C. Burch contributed $575,000 in honor of her late husband, Lucius, a respected attorney and civil rights activist in Collierville. With funding from Shelby County and Collierville, the library opened its doors with a 27,000-square-foot space, serving approximately 33,300 residents. While initially part of the Memphis and Shelby County library system, Collierville eventually took over financing, management, and operations of the suburban branch.
Having remained the same size for 22 years, Collierville’s library now requires expansion in accordance with Tennessee’s guidelines for public libraries, which recommend a ratio of 0.5 square feet per capita. With an estimated population of 58,503 by 2030, the need for additional space is evident.
Susan Ewing of Ewing Marketing Strategies, a consultant hired by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen earlier this year, emphasizes the importance of evolving and not becoming complacent. The survey results, shared during a recent board work session, shed light on the needs and opportunities of The Lucius E. and Elsie C. Burch, Jr. Library. The survey results highlighted the community’s belief in the library’s significance and its role in fostering a love of reading and learning among children. However, some obstacles exist, such as tall shelves in the children’s section that are difficult for young ones to reach, as well as limited activities tailored to teenagers. Respondents expressed the desire for both improvements. Furthermore, the survey revealed the need for more study and meeting areas, as the current Halle Room, used by nonprofits and businesses, accommodates only around 40 people and has limitations. One survey participant suggested that the town should invest in the library to the same extent it invests in its parks.
Lisa Plath, the library director, sought inspiration from libraries in other states and shared designs from different communities. Examples include McKinney, Texas, which embarked on a $9.5 million expansion in 2019, incorporating new spaces for teens, a multi-purpose room, and a programming room. Similarly, Marietta, Georgia, outside Atlanta, pursued a $10 million expansion the same year, encompassing a family computing room, a programming room for children, and a dedicated space for teens.
Plath and Ewing emphasized to the board the library’s role as a destination where individuals can learn, grow, and collaborate both independently and collectively. Renovating the children’s area and creating a dedicated space for teenagers were identified as priorities, along with the need for study spaces for students. The proposal also included a flexible multi-use area for community meetings, smaller gathering spaces for adults, and even a dedicated space for men’s Bible study classes.
Expanding and renovating staff areas, as well as adding an outdoor space on the library’s existing 5-acre property (excluding Halle Park), are among the desired improvements. Collierville also owns an additional 17 acres adjacent to the library, to the north and west.
In terms of funding, 46% of survey respondents expressed support for the library expansion through donations, while another 46% remained unsure, and 8% opposed the idea. The library plans to engage the community for input over the summer and collaborate with an architect to conduct a needs assessment by December. Ideally, the architect would present a plan by April, enabling the library to commence fundraising efforts based on the suggested improvements.
According to Town Administrator Molly Mehner, the town has approximately $5 million earmarked for the library. Previously developed plans, conceived eight years ago, were deemed elaborate and expensive. However, the town is now considering a scaled-down version that still allows for reimagining and expanding the library’s space. New architectural plans, coupled with community input, will provide better direction for the project.
To learn more about this story, please visit: https://dailymemphian.com/section/suburbs/article/36906/collierville-lucius-and-elsie-burch-library-renovation-expansion-survey