WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Dothan officials hear proposal for library

Dothan officials hear proposal for library

Posted by: Daniel Curtis - bio | email 

DOTHAN, AL (WSFA) – For years officials in Dothan have been talking about the need to build a new library. Despite previous plans for a new facility funding and location issues keep progress from taking off. Tuesday, city commissioners heard a plan proposal that answers all those previous questions. 

Built almost 70 years ago, the Houston Love Memorial Library could use some updating. The building is in serious need of repairs and library officials say they also need more space.

For years they've discussed building a new facility, but it never happened because of concerns over funding and location. “We had past ideas, but we never felt good about them, they were always negative,” says Sharon Baker, Library Board Member. 

So instead the library board voted to renovate the 'current' site and purchase surrounding properties to allow for expansion.“A lot of stuff still has to be ironed out, but we are heading in the right direction that's for sure,” says Baker.

 The plan would keep the existing buildings open, while the renovation is underway. “There are several possibilities by purchasing the surrounding land,” says Taylor Barbaree, City Commissioner for District 5.

The proposed plan could cost close to $8 million dollars and would be completed in a number of phases. 

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