Mike Wolanin | The Republic North Christian Church in Columbus is shown in a photo from September 2022. Members of the Bartholomew County Public Library Board toured the church Monday while considering accepting the donation of the property for future library and community use.
7:30 p.m. update
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Public Library Board members unanimously agreed Monday to accept the gift of the former North Christian Church building and property.
The vote was 7-1 to accept the church building property with board member Stephen Shipley voting against. Shipley’s term on the board expires this month.
The building became empty in July 2022 when North Christian’s attendance dwindled to a handful of people and the church disbanded. The Columbus Capital Foundation stepped in to serve as a go-between for someone to take over the 1964 structure designed by globally-known architect Eero Saarinen.
“We are so very thankful to the members that entrusted the library to be the caretakers of this incredible property. We are also thankful to the Columbus Capital Foundation that has been the interim owner while we went through our deliberative decision-making process, Hatton said.
The library celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and throughout those years, the library system has shown the ability to serve the community and be the caretaker of architecturally and historically significant buildings. The Cleo Rogers Memorial Library which serves as the main service point was designed by I.M. Pei and opened in 1969. The Hope Branch, built in 1998, was designed by Deborah Burke. This proven track record of combining the importance of honoring the past while still providing relevant spaces for the present and future, demonstrates the ability to be a good steward to the building and grounds, library officials said.
However, as shown by the recent strategic plan and facilities assessment, the library
spaces are at capacity. Consequently, the number of services and impact within the
community are not what they could be, library officials said. The opportunity of a gift of this magnitude allows the library the chance to move forward with financial prudence. While renovation costs will be necessary, the new campus can be created for far less than constructing a new building.
Since the library is supported mainly by property and income taxes, the Library Board is
cognizant of the concern as to what this will cost the taxpayers of the county. Hatton says,
“We understand how important every dollar is. The library works very hard to be fiscally
responsible with the money entrusted to us. This project will be no different.”
By law, the library’s operating budget can only be increased by a small percentage each year. Thus, the operation of the property will be absorbed into its regular, annual budget with no additional taxes. Private fundraising and grant support, though, will be key to any future renovations.
“It is possible the library will need to issue a bond for capital projects, but there will be many opportunities for discussion if that were to happen,” Hatton said.
The mission of BCPL is to be the community crossroads- connecting people, ideas,
information, and experiences to empower everyone on their journey of lifelong
learning. This is accomplished by a vision to create a place where all people feel safe,
welcomed, and included; a place where all are empowered and supported; a place where
spark and joy is inspired; and a place where all are flourishing. The main focus of the
library’s 2024-2028 strategic plan is to create community connections. The acquisition of
this property will allow the library to bring together many organizations and individuals for
the good of all, especially as it relates to the 4,000 students within walking distance, library officials said.
ORIGINAL STORY
COLUMBUS, Ind. — Bartholomew County Public Library Board members unanimously agreed Monday to accept the gift of the former North Christian Church building and property.
The vote was 7-1 to accept the church building property with board member Stephen Shipley voting against. Shipley’s term on the board expires this month.
The building became empty in July 2022 when North Christian’s attendance dwindled to a handful of people and the church disbanded. The Columbus Capital Foundation stepped in to serve as a go-between for someone to take over the 1964 structure designed by globally-known architect Eero Saarinen.
Library Director Jason Hatton told board members earlier that he understands that about $800,000 exists in a former North Christian fund from a building insurance policy. Hatton said those funds can be used for some repairs and other needs.
This story will be updated.
