PINE BLUFF -- Plans for a new flagship building for the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System are inching closer to fruition, but System Director Mike Sawyer said there are still many obstacles to overcome.

A newly formed ad hoc committee made up of library trustees met earlier this month to form goals focused on getting a new library and a time line in which to meet them. For one, Sawyer said, a six-month deadline has been implemented to find a new site for the library and negotiate options for development.

Next, the committee hopes to create a list of possible corporate donors, with an eye toward seeking an amount worthy of considering naming rights for the new building. Then, an architectural consultant would be brought in to create blueprints.

Built in 1968, the library is now part of Pine Bluff's Civic Center complex, which houses City Hall and the headquarters for the police and fire departments.

Improving the aging main library has been a top priority for at least a decade, Sawyer said, as the layout of the building poses several challenges to patrons.

"With the children's section being on the first floor, what happens is that our patrons are not exposed to the rest of the library right away. People don't see the true value of our library if they don't go up to the main floor."

Whether the library is renovated or relocated, Sawyer said money is the biggest obstacle, adding that a millage increase would likely be needed.

Pine Bluff residents now pay 1.6 mills of property tax to the library, according to the Jefferson County assessor's office. Outside the city, it's 1.4 mills.

The last millage increase for the library was in 1996, Sawyer said.

The Pine Bluff Library was established in 1913 with help from the Pine Bluff chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

In 1979, an agreement between the city and Jefferson County created the Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Library System. The system operates branches in Altheimer, Redfield, Watson Chapel and White Hall.

Library officials thought they had a site for a new building last year when a Little Rock developer offered 2 acres of land free of charge. But that land, which is part of the Jefferson Square shopping center on Olive Street, was later sold as part of a larger deal transferring ownership of the center to a Texas development firm.

Sawyer said there are plans to speak with executives at Albanese Cormier Holdings about the possibility of carrying on with the move to Jefferson Square, "but it's way too early to tell what we are going to do right now."

Ann Talbot, a member of the ad hoc committee to find a new location for the library, said she looks forward to "establishing a good relationship, and we're still interested in the possibility of moving to Jefferson Square."

The committee's next meeting will be in June, although an exact date hasn't been set.

Sandra Simmons, who visits the main library in Pine Bluff about once a week, said she would be willing to pay more millage for a new library if given the option, adding that the old building is "depressing."

"It just looks sad," she said. "We need to build a new library for our children -- something they can be proud of and look forward to visiting. It could be the crown jewel of our town."

Other library patrons aren't as enthusiastic about raising the millage.

"Why can't we just get someone to donate the money?" Ray Reynolds asked after putting down a mystery novel he was perusing on a recent afternoon at the library. "Everyone always turns to the taxpayers for money, but what about the people who have millions of dollars? I know they can spare some to help build a new library. I can't. Yes, what we have now could be better, but it's good enough."

State Desk on 05/26/2014