Potential move a win-win for library cardholders, local artists, and community
MANITOU SPRINGS, CO – The community of Manitou Springs may soon find music, theatre, visual art and the vast resources and services of the public library all in one space.
Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) and Manitou Art Center (MAC) are exploring a potential co-location partnership, which could be beneficial for PPLD cardholders, MAC members, local artists, community partners, taxpayers and the local economy.
“PPLD and the MAC have a strong history of collaboration, working closely together to positively impact lives and strengthen community,” said PPLD Chief Librarian and CEO John Spears. “We’re excited about possibly pairing our physical collection and other library services inside an existing space that already provides opportunity to create, learn, exhibit, perform, and connect with others in Manitou Springs.”
Such discussions take place as the City of Manitou Springs determines what to do with the historic Carnegie building, owned by the City and currently leased by PPLD for the Manitou Springs Library. On July 7, City Council voted to discontinue the lease agreement, permitting PPLD to explore other location options in Manitou Springs that offer ADA accessibility, in addition to the ability to provide meeting rooms, computer labs, and creative studios to the community.
“While the Carnegie building is rich in history and meaning, it’s not currently adequate or suitable as a public library space,” said Spears. “PPLD’s departure would provide the City with the necessary time to plan for the building’s future and allow us to relocate so we can best serve Manitou Springs residents – and in a way that’s on par with the rest of our Library District.”
Currently, PPLD and the MAC are considering the possibility of housing the Manitou Springs Library inside of the MAC while still providing access and use for MAC supporters, local artists, and tenant community partners. In this scenario, PPLD could provide staff support and a physical collection of books and other Library materials, along with access to resources like meeting rooms and creative spaces, for Library patrons. MAC members and artists would still maintain benefits while gaining more opportunities and exposure.
“We have already experienced great success partnering with PPLD on a number of initiatives, and the MAC is excited about this opportunity, which could lead us to do even more for the community in the future,” said MAC Executive Director Natalie Johnson. “This co-location venture also could provide other long-term benefits, like minimizing infrastructure costs for MAC and PPLD while leveraging and complimenting each other’s strengths of service.”
“This would truly be a win-win for MAC supporters and members, PPLD cardholders, and residents of Manitou Springs,” shared Johnson.
The MAC Board of Directors and PPLD Board of Trustees will vote on initiating the process for formal agreements at their next meetings on Wed., July 15, and Wed., July 22, respectively.
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Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) seeks to engage and transform people’s lives by providing equitable access to information, enrichment opportunities, and community connections via 16 facilities, online resources, and mobile library services. It is a nationally recognized system of public libraries serving a population of more than 660,000 across 2,070 square miles in El Paso County, Colo.
Manitou Art Center (MAC), a nonprofit serving Manitou Springs for 32 years, is dedicated to creating an environment in which artists, tinkerers, collaborators, and community members can flourish.