Powered by The Oklahoman MainStreetOK.com Panhandle

Guymon City Manager Ted Graham Tuesday gave the Library Board 60 days to provide him with up to 3 possible sites for the new Guymon Public Library. Then he added he’d rather have it in 30 days. But the Library Board is so excited about their dream nearing fruition, it won’t take them that long. He’ll likely have his list next week.

Library consultant Beth Hager of Greeley, Colorado, packed a lot of information into her whirlwind trip to this city, culminating with a summary at Tuesday’s Library Board meeting.

Sheila Bellew offered a brief summary of each of the possible sites under consideration. However, the site on the west side of Quinn between 16th and 17th appears to be a clear favorite with everyone — city officials, architect Brian Curtis and library board members. Linda Hitch described it as having all the pluses of the Homeland location (near schools, visibility, traffic light] without the drawbacks (price, demolition costs).

There are a couple of possible obstacles. It was noted that old vehicles had been stored on the property with possible leakage, which the soil test would determine, and zoning may be an issue as the location is about 200 feet from a liquor store.

Perhaps the real contest will be selecting second and third choices. A tough task the board will take up at a special meeting set for next Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at CIty Hall, 219 NW 4th St.

Graham noted that the city had earmarked $2.5 million to $3 million from its 1-cent capital improvement tax for a new library. He added that the city was working on locating possible grants and suggested the board consider a building fund. 

Under a law passed last year, the city has hired architect Brian Curtis to serve as construction manager to shop all three plans around to find a single builder signing on for all three buildings completed with 24 months for a lump sum.

One of the desires of the city, Graham expressed, is for the library to also function as a cultural events center complete with a courtyard, hosting such events as art shows and wine tastings. Plus, the museum aspect – which has already been incorporated into the fire station, with the city’s original fire engine getting pride of place in the entry way — that Graham wants to carry through the new construction. No sooner was it mentioned than Linda Hitch revealed possession of a doll collection that needed to be donated.