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DUNEDIN - Dunedin is about to embark on a building frenzy.
Already there are plans to construct a new community center at Highlander Park. Over on Skinner Boulevard near Main Street, the city intends to build a one-stop government shop, so residents can pay a water bill and drop in to see the mayor in a single trip.
Now the Dunedin Public Library wants $400,000 to expand its services.
On Tuesday, library officials pleaded their case to Dunedin commissioners in an hour-long presentation. They showed pictures of children reading and at one point read quotes from library advocates such as Laura Bush - "I have found the most valuable thing in my wallet is my library card" - and Henry David Thoreau.
The Dunedin Public Library opened in October 1996 on Douglas Avenue. In the past six months, more than 170,000 people have visited the 38,928-square-foot building, said library director Anne Shepherd. About 11,000 have attended youth and adult programs.
"Children use our library more each year," Shepherd said. "This explosion in children's usage results in a crowded and chaotic children's room with babies and teens packed side by side. We know what we need and we know how much it will cost."
Library staffers are not asking for a new building.
Instead, they want to use the money to enhance the building with better signs, more computers, a bigger young adult area and an updated air conditioning system. They also want to expand the book store and reconfigure the reference area.
The cost is projected to be $700,000.
But the library already has received a $300,000 grant for library improvements, including bookshelves, tables, chairs and other equipment.
"I consider this matching funds," Shepherd said. "We have $300,000. We're asking for $400,000."
Commissioners held off on approving the funding.
But the money doesn't appear to be a problem.
The $400,000 is available in Penny for Pinellas funds in the 2004-2005 budget, said budget director Dan Zantop.
Still, Commissioner Dave Eggers suggested developing a 20- to 25-year plan for the library, and possibly using the parcel of land purchased for the future one-stop center for a new library.
And Mayor John Doglione told Shepherd to apply for more grants, even those that are earmarked for new construction.
"I would think some of them would be receptive to the fact that we're not trying to rebuild or reinvent a brand new library system," Doglione said.
Shepherd was hoping to have the improvements completed before next summer, a busy season for children and adult reading programs.
But the new budget won't take effect until October, so that may not be possible.
"It's not that critical," Doglione said. "You're looking at next summer, and it may be doable. It might be a Christmas present instead of Fourth of July."
If it were up to Commissioner Bob Hackworth, construction would begin tomorrow. The report clearly showed an urgency, he said.
"If I was czar, I would have said, "Start on this project,"' Hackworth said. "I think it's an absolute efficient use of those dollars."
- Megan Scott can be reached at 727 445-4167 or mscott@sptimes.com