A generous land donation from anonymous donors is set to open new opportunities for library users in Oldham County. The 5+ acre parcel of land gifted to the library is located at the intersection of US 42 and HWY 1793 and gives life to a long-planned project to build a new facility to house the Goshen Library. The new building project will feature expanded space for collections, programming, and outdoor events. “We’re so grateful for this donation. It’s offered us the chance to expand library services and make them more accessible to the community,” says Library Director, Jessica Powell. “This is a project that’s been a team effort on behalf of all parties to realize, and it’s a gift not just to the library, but all of Oldham County.”
The Goshen Library was opened in 1983 in the former dairy barn on the property of Creasy Mahan Nature Preserve. The quaint 3,000 square foot building in this picturesque setting, while beloved by the community, no longer adequately serves the population. The proposed new building, a mere 1.2 miles away from the current location, will be approximately 15,000 square feet. It will increase parking from 15 spaces to 70, be fully handicap accessible on one level, and feature community meeting rooms with incorporated multimedia and accessibility technologies.
“We’re finally going to be able to offer a full suite of services to this area,” says Powell. “There’s always been a demand for meeting space, study rooms, and increased programming. We’re going to be able to provide that now. We’ll have the chance to offer much more, such as hosting national touring exhibits and programs like what we’ve brought to the LaGrange Library.”
The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $8 million, including new technology and furnishings. To help fund this, the Oldham County Public Library won a competitive grant from the Kentucky Department for Libraries & Archives through the Public Library Facility Construction (PLFC) Fund program of $160,000 a year for 20 years to assist with bond repayment. This totals a $3.2 million-dollar investment from the state budget into Oldham County.
Further investment in the community is coming soon in the form of a comprehensive renovation project for the South Oldham Library in Crestwood. “It’s certainly an exciting time for the library! We’re committed to making sure all of Oldham County has access to exemplary library services and facilities,” Powell confirmed.
In addition to the sincere thanks offered to the donors, the library would also like to thank Judge Executive David Voegele and Jim Urban, Director of Oldham County Planning and Development, for their help facilitating the donation and answering the many questions that arose during the process.
“This is a huge step forward, one that commences a journey we’ve long hoped to embark on. But it is just the beginning!” Powell says the next step involves gathering input from the community. “We’re looking for the ideas and dreams of residents about what they want to see in their new library. You can expect more information soon on public meetings and how people can be involved.”
Sign up to get the latest news about the Goshen and South Oldham projects delivered to your email, by filling out the form at the button below.