Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ross Seeks Funds For Library

With a wee bit of luck Prescott and Nevada County could have a new library in its future.

State Sen. Mike Ross has introduced legislation in the state senate seeking grant money to build a new library in Prescott. The bill (SB658) is co-sponsored by state representatives Percy Malone and Sandra Rodgers.

Ross is seeking $1.5 million in grant money the state has available for capital improvements. This money, he said, is normally used on community projects.

This library, he said, would be for both Prescott and Nevada County. The current library is county-owned and operated, with its funding primarily coming through existing library taxes.

The library in Prescott now, Ross said, has problems. The roof has leaked and attempts to repair it have been unsuccessful.

There are also problems with its size, he continued, as there is no room for growth.

Ross has met with Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor and Nevada County Judge James Roy Brown about a new library, with both favoring the project. Taylor will approach the Prescott City Council, with Brown speaking to the Nevada County Quorum Court about it at later dates.

The city and county, in order to operate the new facility, Ross said, will have to enter into an interlocal agreement similar to the one entered into when the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office was created. This is the only way the two governmental entities can commingle funds.

It will take money from the city and county to operate and maintain a new library, Ross said.

The bill presented requests $1.5 million for the project. Ross said even if the bill is approved, this is no guarantee the money will be forthcoming, as it will have to be approved by other state agencies as well.

The Southwest Regional Library, he said, has agreed to supply the new library, should one be built, with books. The larger the library, the more books available for borrowing.

The idea, Ross said, is to offer more than just a library. His vision includes adding Internet access to the computer systems available (plans are in the works to add four more computers to the library now) and have a community center where GED classes, training programs and gatherings by other groups can be held.

"I feel like we'll get the money," he said. "The majority of the senate is behind me on this. They know we're a poor county and can't do it on our own."

A new library, Ross said, will be a boon for the area. It will show more emphasis is being placed on education, which could attract new industry to the area.

This would mean more people working and paying taxes, and fewer on the public dole. "There are a lot of long-range benefits to a new library," he said.

The bill should also have little problem getting House approval as Rep. Malone is the co-chairman of the Joint Budget Commission, while Rodgers is on this panel as well.

"This project is for all of Prescott and Nevada County," Ross said. "I'd like to see it somewhere downtown. If we get the money for it, it could be an anchor to revitalizing the downtown area."

Walt Denton, executive director of the EDO, agreed, saying a new library would be beneficial in a number of ways.

"It's a quality of life issue," he said. "If it becomes a reality, it will be a significant investment in the downtown area."

A new library would mean downtown has as first class facility, Denton added.

The library, he said, would be patterned after the one on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope, having an auditorium and community center as well as library.

This, he said, addresses many community needs and provides an outlet for community activities as well.

A new library, he continued, would help attract industry as well.

Denton compared the library project to the spec building project in the industrial park, saying both are major components for getting industry to locate here.

According to Denton, Taylor said if the money is approved for the project, space will be found in the downtown area for it. It may mean razing currently unoccupied buildings.

"The impact of a new library could be bigger than anyone imagines," Denton said. "It will be a heck of a project for Prescott and Nevada County. We'll keep our fingers crossed and hope everything falls in line."

Ross said the people of Prescott and Nevada County have been good to him and his family over the years, and this project is his way of giving something back.

"I'm trying to do something to let them know I appreciate all the support they've given me."