The Moorhead Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Moorhead, is exploring options for a new library, which may be housed in a combined Library/Community Center. The goal is to build a new library facility in a vibrant, visible location, providing a welcoming space for Moorhead residents to attend programs, events, and meetings, and find abundant opportunities for lifelong learning, civic engagement and creative pursuits.
In 2021, the Moorhead Public Library partnered with Library Strategies Consulting Group to conduct a broad-based community needs assessment, which included a professional analysis of the current facility’s physical limitations and other shortcomings hampering the library’s day-to-day operations and effectiveness. Access the results of the Community Needs Assessment here.
The 2021 Community Needs Assessment asserts that the current facility faces the following issues:
- Inadequate space for accommodating youth, adult and community programs and to meet the demand for community gathering spaces.
- Inadequate HVAC, plumbing and lighting, which are currently in disrepair.
- The current building is not up to the standards of a 21st century library, nor can it be fully or economically renovated to fit the needs of the community
The Results of the Community Needs Assessment Include:
- Library Strategies Consulting Group recommends that the community pursue a rebuild of the Moorhead Public LIbrary.
- Input from the community demonstrates that attention should focus on downtown locations
- A new library should include
- Large children’s section that is at least partially enclosed
- Dedicated teen space
- 2-3 large meeting rooms
- Outside space for formal or informal gatherings
- And much more
You can find the full community needs assessment here. Stay tuned for more updates!