Library Expansion Plans
In 2023, taxpayers approved a 1.2 Mill Levy increase to fund the construction and ongoing operating costs of a larger library. The existing facility was constructed with the intent of hosting a 4300 sq ft second floor. Design work is in progress for the renovation of the first floor and the spaces of the second floor.
Goals for the Project
The following goals were determined based on feedback from community surveys, stakeholder interviews, user statistics and patterns, staff feedback, and Board of Trustee guidance.
SERVICE AND PROGRAM GOALS
- Create more interactive learning and engagement opportunities for youth of all ages.
- Support families and educators’ aspirations for youth development.
- Accommodate more books and materials for loan.
- Increase spaces and resources for community use.
INFRASTRUCTURE GOALS
- Expand access to Library resources, including parking lot expansion.
- Reduce environmental impact and adopt energy efficient systems.
- Design for flexible use and future growth.
Timeline
Temporary Library Space
During construction, the Library will need to vacate the building. Minimal library services will be available at the CMC Buena Vista campus, east wing,27900 County Rd. 319, Buena Vista. Patrons will be able to pick up holds, browse a smaller collection consisting of mostly new books and children’s books, and return items. Our ebook and audiobook budget will be expanded to accommodate more Libby users. Our temporary space will also host frequently used resources: copier, printer, and a quick use computer station. Our classes and events will be limited during construction and some may need to be held at other sites.
Alternative Services & Locations
Study Rooms: Salida Public Library
Computers: Salida Public Library, Lake County Library (Leadville)
Collections: Please place holds through our catalog in order to access our full collection. Or, visit Salida Public Library for a browsing collection– all Chaffee County residents are eligible for a free library card.
Wi-Fi: Free open access Wi-Fi is available at River Park Pavillion, South Main Square Park, and McPhelemy Park.
Meeting Room: Salida Public Library, Buena Vista Community Center, Sangre De Cristo Electric Association, Grace Church Community Room, Chaffee County North End EMS Facility.
Expansion Project Donors:
- The Boettcher Foundation, $35,000
- The Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation, $25,000
- Colorado Energy Office, Public Building Electrification Grant, $500,000
To contribute to the expansion project, please contact Director Cecilia LaFrance at clafrance@buenavistalibrary.org.
Design Team
Architects: F&M, Max McCloskey, project manager
Contractors: JK Mechanical (Buena Vista), The Engineering Loft (Buena Vista), Hachmann Engineering (Buena Vista), Architectural Services (Salida), 3 Rocks (Buena Vista), Front Range Electrical, Planning Solutions, Wave Engineering
Contract Manager/General Contractor: Adena Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I drop off books during construction?
Our book drop will remain centrally located in town (location TBD). Or, return books during regular hours at the CMC location. Books returned to Salida or Lake County Libraries will also reach us.
What are the hours at the temporary location?
Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.; Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Will the Library offer classes?
Yes. Favorite youth and adult classes will continue after May 2025. Some classes requiring more space will be held offsite. See our event calendar for details.
What about parking?
Yes, we are adding more parking by redesigning our existing parking lot to be double-sided.
Can we rent a meeting room?
Our temporary space does not accommodate public meeting room use. Please see the list above of other local options.