T.A.L.K. is a 3-part book discussion series sponsored by the Kansas Humanities Council at the Abilene Public Library.   

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Books are provided.

The topic of this series is Behold Our New Century:  20th Century Visionaries  

In the early decades of the new century, Jane Addams, Andrew Carnegie, Charles Eastman, Theodore Roosevelt, and Booker T. Washington demonstrated a perceptive awareness of the nation’s dilemmas.  Visionary in the solutions they offered for the problems of American society, their dedication to resolving these issues became an example for others who wished to strengthen the fibers of democrary and to make America a land of opportunity.

April 8:  Twenty Years at Hull-House, Jane Addams

In prose that is graphic, intimate, and immediate, Addams describes her experiences in the settlement house which she established in the west side slums of Chicago in the autumn of 1889.  This book chronicles the agony of the urban poor and the efforts of a remarkable woman to meet the needs of disen-franchised adults and children, many of them recent immigrants to the  land of promise.

We continue to move toward starting our renovation project. We met with the architect, Hans Fischer, and the structural engineer, Shaun McGarity, on April 18, 2007. We are faced with a challenge for the addition of the second story. It appears the fire station roof overhangs the library roof on the north side of the building. Hans and Shaun are working on a solution to the design. We look forward to their next report.

In 2004 the west side of the library showed significant signs of foundation deterioration. The library Board of Trustees requested bid proposals from area architects to conduct a building assessment. The purpose of the building assessment was to determine the actual condition of the existing structure. The project was awarded to architect Hans Fischer and his associate, professional engineer Myron Reed. The assessment included: a review of available construction plans, review of the building code and applicable elements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), taking photographs, identifying problem conditions in need of repair, replacement and/or improvement, and, preparing estimates of probable costs for correcting deficiencies identified.

The Abilene City Commission has shown an interest in continuing to hold their meetings at the library. The preliminary design for renovations and additions, shows a seating area for 54 persons, raised Commission seating area, seating for City staff and press. A media room is designed to accommodate the broadcasting equipment. A storage room for chairs and table allows for the area to be used for various functions by patrons and community groups.

The documented growth of library services and the projected growth of the community show that expanded and enhanced programs and space are required for library use. A second floor has been proposed over the 1977 addition to accommodate the increased space requirements. There will be more meeting rooms, ADA compliant restrooms, updated Friends of the Library space and a Young Adult area.

The children’s program has increased over the past four years. With the addition of a unique young adult area, the space required for services to youth will be even more essential. Abilene High School student, Josh Linn, now serves as a non-voting member of the library Board of Trustees. He conducted a survey in August at the high school on behalf of the library. The survey was distributed to 100 high school students with 84 results submitted. Since the survey, more high school students have been availing themselves of library services.

The design of the exterior of the building would be changed to more graciously reflect the original Carnegie structure by adding columns and windows. The west wall would be moved out to the sidewalk. A façade covering the new addition and the east extension would simulate the original structure.

The renovations would enhance current operations by eliminating unused work space; improve energy efficiency, lighting and technology; and, resolve deferred maintenance issues. The operation and maintenance costs of the library would improve due to increased energy efficiency, lower levels of staffing due to better utilization of space and corrective measures to current and ongoing maintenance issues. The library will be better able to meet the demands of the community by providing Abilene with a vibrant civic and cultural center, a place where neighborhood groups hold meetings and residents gather for special events and educational opportunities.