Library Expansion

The first 5000 square feet of the present Kenai Community Library building was constructed in 1976.  In 1987, a 5000 square foot addition was constructed doubling the Library.  Now more than twenty years later, our much loved and greatly used Library is again in need of an expansion.

Why the Library needs to expand?

Quite simply, the present Library building cannot accommodate a growing collection, the space requirements new technology requires or the community's need for additional programming and services.

For the past 10 years, Library Commission members and Friends of the Library Board Members have been working towards a Library expansion project. A 1996 survey brought to light that library patrons would like to see a larger collection of children and young adult materials, more fiction, more audio and video tapes, special programs for children and an expanded area for quiet study and research.  In the 1996 Library Expansion was presented to the voters as a bond proposal, which failed by less than 60 votes.

Moving forward

In November 2005, the Kenai City Council allocated $20,000 to commission a study to evaluate the existing library facility and site for potential expansion.

 In April of 2006, Architect Peter Klauder, of Klauder & Company presented his findings to the Kenai City Council, the Library Commission and members of the public.

On June 27th, 2006 the Kenai City Council met in a work session with members of the City of Kenai Library Commission to further discuss a proposed library expansion. During the work session members discussed the 3 library expansion options Architect Peter Klauder had proposed for the current site and also the possibility of an alternate site.  

            Option 1-single story addition to existing building
            Option 2-second story addition of existing building
            Option 3-raised level addition with parking below

At the conclusion of the work session, it was determined that the City Council will look to Administration to provide more detail on options to a future City Council meeting.

Initial results to 2006 Library Survey

At the October 2, 2007city general election, 64.98% of voters approved a question authorizing the City of Kenai to issue general obligation bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance the cost of planning, designing, acquiring property for, and constructing library capital improvements.

History of the Kenai Community Library