What other options has the Board explored for the future of the library?
In 2019, Louisburg Library engaged Sabatini Architects to evaluate three potential building locations. The current building at 206 S. Broadway was also reimagined for a new purpose in the study. Although it no longer meets the needs of a modern library—due to space constraints, increased usage, and evolving services—the Board of Trustees remains committed to ensuring the building continues to serve the community in a meaningful way for years to come.
1. Library-owned property on Harvest Drive, located between the water tower and the post office
Estimated Building Size: 16,000 square feet
Estimated Cost to Build in 2019: $4,594,200
2. Marketplace Shopping Center, the current site of True Value Hardware
Building Size: 23,082 square feet
Estimated Renovation in 2019: $4,348,480
3. 1st & Mulberry, the current site of the Farmer's Market
Estimated Building Size: 16,000 square feet
Estimated Cost to Build in 2019: $4,087,200
PLEASE NOTE THE REPORTED ESTIMATED COST TO BUILD REFLECT 2019'S BUILDING COSTS AND NOT TODAY'S COSTS.
Their detailed study outlines the pros and cons of each site, along with a cost analysis: Sabatini Architects - Library Building Site Study
What's going on with the current building?
In 2022, the Board of Trustees engaged with Apex Engineers to gain insight of the depth of the current building needs and challenges. In 2024, FS&L Architects were engaged to assess the stucco and masonry. It was identified that the building at 206 S. Broadway has substaintail challenges in these areas:
Structural:
Several walls show signs of deflection, and the roof structure has significant issues. According to Apex Engineers, “the continuous roof supporting the east portion of the roof truss has deflected well beyond acceptable limits.” They also recommend modifying the connection between the joists and walls to mechanically secure the wall to the roof diaphragm.
Moisture:
The building is experiencing multiple issues related to moisture intrusion through the building envelope—the barrier between the interior and exterior. This has led to repeated mold remediation efforts. Apex Engineers note that “previous repair efforts need to be further analyzed and potentially modified and/or supplemented.”
Foundation:
Apex Engineers recommend monitoring the south wall of the north building for vertical movement. If significant shifting occurs, foundation underpinning may be necessary.
Roof:
The roof continues to be a concern. The same deflection of the east portion of the roof truss, noted under structural issues, has been confirmed as exceeding acceptable limits.
Masonry:
It is recommended that sections of the exterior stucco be removed to inspect the installation method and evaluate the condition of the structural masonry wall behind it.
Stucco:
It is recommended to remove the stucco overlay and repair the original masonry according to FS&L Architects in 2024.
To read the detailed structural findings from Apex Engineers here: APEX Engineers Report - Current Building Stability & Safety
To read the stucco overlay information gathered from FS&L Architects here: FS&L Architect Report - Building Assessment Report
Will renovating the upstairs of the current building gain the needed space?
The 2013 needs assessment identified a current need of 13,340 square feet of space, almost exactly double the currently available 6,700 square feet. The proposed second floor adds a net just over 1,300 square feet of useable space, leaving the library still in immediate need of over 5,000 square feet. The needs assessment also anticipates a ten year projected need of an additional 5,000
square feet.
To read the detailed second floor expansion from Dunfield Design here: Second Floor Renovation Feasibility Study
Will the bond issue raise taxes?
The bond issue will result in a property tax increase, but the cost is minimal—estimated at under $100 per year for a $300,000 home, or just $8 per month. That’s less than the price of a single book! This small investment supports not just library patrons but our entire community. The return on this investment is impressive: for every $1 spent on libraries, taxpayers receive an average of $5 in value. Supporting the library means supporting the well-being and growth of our whole community.
What is the building project cost breakdown?
We are asking for a bond not to exceed $8,750,000 with an estimated project cost of $9,978,942. The difference between these numbers will be covered by private donations and library reserves. We are still accepting donations at this time.
Why $9,978,942?
Our numbers are big picture budget numbers, and once we have the construction manager at risk (CMR), they will help with budgeting and cost control. Their expertise and access to current construction costs will help us make smart decisions with material selections and design ideas.
When it comes to the proposed building project, we’re working with Sapp Design Architects. They’ve recently completed several library projects that are similar in scope to ours, and we wanted to share a few examples to give you a sense of the cost and size.
The materials and design used in these projects are in line with what we’re planning. The larger the project, the lower the cost per square foot. All three of the projects listed above have similar quality materials and designs. All of them have some outdoor space, but we expect Louisburg to have quite a bit more for more growth, should it be needed some day. The budget Sapp put together for Louisburg Library is 16,500 s.f. @ $450/s.f. with an added 4% for inflation since it won't go out to bid until later this year. There is also an added contingency which puts the construction cost around $8M. The bond issue requested is $8.75M. The rest of the project cost to $9.9M will be paid from private donations and Library reserves.
What will it cost compared to what I am already paying?
Has the library pursued grant funding for the proposed project?
The library building project needs to move forward without relying on grant funding due to the unpredictability and limitations of grant availability. While the library has thoroughly explored various grant opportunities, we have found that we do not meet the eligibility requirements for many of them—whether due to population size, project scope, or other specific criteria.
Grants are a valuable resource, but they are not guaranteed, and their payout schedules can change, making them an unreliable primary funding source for a project of this scale. To ensure that the project stays on track and is completed in a timely manner, the library must secure funding that is definitive and predictable.
That said, the library will continue to seek and apply for grants whenever possible throughout the project, just as we always have. If grant funding becomes available, it will serve as a supplemental benefit rather than a foundational component of the project’s financial plan. Our priority is to move forward with a sustainable and dependable funding strategy to meet the needs of the community without unnecessary delays.
Does the library own the building at 206 S. Broadway?
Yes, Louisburg Library moved into the current building after Rosner Ford vacated.
Did the Board of Trustees sell the current library building at 206 S. Broadway?
No. A pending contract specifies that the sale of the building is contingent upon the approval of the bond issue in Spring 2025. If the bond issue passes, Louisburg Library will continue operating at 206 South Broadway until the new facility on Harvest Drive is completed.
The 206 S. Broadway - Project Overview & Conceptual Images
What was the process for the sale of the current building?
A local couple expressed interest in purchasing the current library building at 206 S. Broadway during the Library Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, June 27, 2024. After consulting with the Northeast Kansas Library System (NEKLS) and their attorney, the Board decided to proceed with opening up the sale of the current building to the public, contingent upon the passage of a bond issue in 2025.
On July 18, 2024, meeting minutes noted that letters were sent to local realty agencies requesting bids that included the contingency component. The letters also specified that the building should be marketed for sale with full disclosure of the contingency and invited all interested parties to submit proposals outlining their plans for the property. The deadline for submitting Requests for Proposals (RFP) was August 23, 2024, but only one request from a local realtor was received after the deadline.
A Sale of Public Property notice was published in the Miami County Republic on September 11 and September 18, announcing that the Board of Trustees would accept sealed bids until Wednesday, September 25, at noon. The two submitted bids were opened during the Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, September 26, at 6 p.m. at the Louisburg Library.
Why wasn't the highest bid automatically chosen?
The Library Board of Trustees remains dedicated to meeting the community’s needs. When the bond issue was last discussed, a major concern was the potential for a vacant building on Broadway. To proactively address this, the board made the decision to put the library building up for sale.
As part of the process, bidders were required to submit both their financial offer and a vision for the building’s future. Taking into account the aging structure, its assessed value, and the estimated cost of necessary renovations, Lowman’s bid stood out. Their well-developed proposal includes transforming the space into three to four storefronts, revitalizing the area and bringing new businesses that will generate revenue for the community.
The board also sought multiple bids from contractors to address critical repairs to the current library building. The lowest bid came in around $250,000, with others climbing higher. Each estimate carried significant contingency costs, meaning actual expenses could rise depending on what was uncovered during repairs. Furthermore, these fixes were only temporary and would require additional investment in 10 to 12 years. In evaluating the offers, the board had to carefully balance the anticipated post-repair value of the building with the financial burden the buyer would be taking on.
The Board engaged in extensive discussions about the bid differences, fully recognizing that a $200,000 gap is significant. This was not a decision we took lightly. As we evaluated the two bids, it became clear that the higher bid did not fully account for the scope of necessary repairs, and its proposed use for the building was not as sustainable as the lower bid. We also considered how each potential buyer planned to collaborate with us during the transition period and how their established customer base could contribute to both their success and the continued growth of the library.
Our commitment to the community goes beyond simply vacating the building—we needed to be confident that the chosen proposal would benefit the community, be executed in a timely manner if the bond issue passes, and continue to contribute positively for years to come.
If the bond passes, how will the funds from the sale be used?
The Board of Trustees state that proceeds from the sale will contribute to enhancing the library and may also support the building project.
Is Louisburg Library run by the City Council?
No. Library District #1, Miami County, commonly known as the Louisburg Library, is an independent district library and is not under the direction of the City of Louisburg. Established in July 1967, Library District #1 was the first district library in Kansas. The district's boundaries mostly align with those of the USD 416 school district. It operates as its own taxing authority, governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees.
Where does the library get its funding?
The library operates as its own taxing authority, with a taxing district that mostly aligns with USD 416, serving around 9,500 patrons.
What is the Mill Levy history for Louisburg Library?
The Mill Levy history for the past 15 years can be view HERE
How long has the library been at 206 S. Broadway?
In 1968, the library relocated from its two-room house on Second Street to the former Rosner Ford showroom, situated in the driveway between Bank Midwest and the current library. After a fire destroyed that building, the library moved to the adjacent building to the north. In the 1980s, the Board of Trustees passed a bond issue to acquire properties extending to the corner of South Broadway and Second Street.
What is the size of the current library located at 206 S. Broadway?
The current library building offers 6,700 square feet of usable space.
When was the last time Louisburg Library received bond funds for a project?
The library received bond funds in November 1987 to acquire properties extending to the corner of South Broadway and Second Street.
When can I vote?
Voters who reside or own a business in the Library district can vote on Tuesday, May 6th at all Louisburg polling locations.
Can I vote early?
Advanced voting starts April 16th and runs through normal business hours May 2nd. On May 5th, advanced voting ends at noon.
When will mail-in ballots be mailed out?
Mail-in ballots will be mailed by the County Clerk on April 16th.
When do mail-in ballots need to be mailed?
Mail-in ballots need to be postmarked by election day, May 6th and received by the County Clerk by Friday, May 9th.
According to the local post office, this mailing may take up to a week to deliver, so they recommend mailing the ballot no later than May 2nd.
Do mail-in ballots have to go through the United States Postal Service?
No. The ballot boxes in Louisburg (behind City Hall) and Paola (outside the Administration Building) will be open until noon on May 5th. You may also return your own ballot in person to the County Clerk's office.
Where can I get more information about the vote?
Visit the County's special election page here: https://www.miamicountyks.org/1091/May-6-2025---Louisburg-Library
Have you turned away someone due to space?
Yes. While we try to make room for everyone, we have had to turn patrons away at times due to space. The youth and children's areas are unavailable when live programs and events are taking place.
How much foot traffic does the library see monthly?
In 2024, our lowest monthly visitor count was 2,442 during the month of January and our highest monthly visitor count was 6,050 during the month of July.
Do people still check out books these days?
Absolutely! Last year’s circulation exceeded 90,000 items, making it the highest since 2018 and the second highest since 2013. This February also set a new record as our highest-circulating February ever. Our circulation surpasses that of libraries with more space in nearby areas.
