Why does the Clark Pleasant area need a new library branch?

Johnson County is the third fastest-growing county in Indiana with a population that has nearly doubled since 1987. Our libraries must evolve to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing parts of the county. Since 2000, Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation enrollment has increased 104%!

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The current Clark Pleasant Branch is located in a structure designed as an office space, with an inflexible design. The new building nearly doubles the space, taking the Clark Pleasant Branch from 10,000 square feet to 17,200. With this new space, JCPL is better able to meet the needs of a growing community. The new Clark Pleasant Branch will serve as an impossible-to-miss beacon of community and education from study rooms, additional spaces for community groups, library programming, and a dedicated teen space.

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How is the project be funded?

The full Clark Pleasant Branch project is an $8.8 million venture that includes $7.4 million in library bonds and $1.4 million in reserve funds provided by the library. These funds will allow the construction and outfitting of a new building that meets the demands of a growing population. The Enhancing the Story campaign seeks to raise funds to support meaningful activities that happen both inside and outside the sophisticated new exterior.

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How will the Library use the funds raised through the Foundation?

While JCPL has the funds to build the new branch, philanthropic support will fund transformation, allowing JCPL to create dynamic spaces that make the library a destination for our residents. The funds raised through this project will equip intentionally designed spaces with state-of-the-art technology and equipment and construct an exterior space that promotes art, health, and nature.

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What specific areas will be enhanced through donations to the Foundation?

There are six fundraising priorities for the Enhancing the Story campaign. Your donation would support the following areas:

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• Early Childhood Learning Zone: A stimulating 300 square foot interactive learning area for young children to learn through play. Our funding goal of $100,000 will help prepare area preschoolers for kindergarten. Project Details

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• Robotics Learning Lab: A flexible 557 square foot space where science, technology, engineering, art, math, and robotics become highly interactive and motivating. Our funding goal of $100,000 will provide needed technology and equipment. Project Details

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• Teen Gaming Center: Teens need a place too, and the Teen Gaming Center will be an area to learn healthy competition emphasizing teamwork and social engagement. Our funding goal of $30,000 will supply equipment and maintenance for five to ten years. Project Details

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• Adult Learning Center: A dedicated space designed to help adults develop basic educational skills, English language skills, learning across cultures, and more. Our funding goal of $60,000 will provide the resources necessary to support adult learning needs.
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• Public Art: Community art helps create culture, inspire economic development, stimulate tourism, and fire the imagination. Our funding goal of $90,000 will support three art projects for the enrichment of the community. Project Details

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• Nature Trail & Community Garden: A two to three-acre outdoor area including a community garden, natural landscaping, and a paved fitness trail will provide functional and restorative spaces for the whole family. A funding goal of $130,000 will produce the trail, planting markers, and planting materials. Project Details

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What about books? Do people use the library to read anymore?

We will never forget the books! Books and other resources are still the main reason why people use their library. In 2019, JCPL circulated 1.2 million items. About 85% of that was books and other materials found on the shelves inside the library buildings. With a larger Clark Pleasant Branch, collections of popular items, like children’s books and DVDs, will have room to grow, better meeting the demand of our community. This is a core service for JCPL and can purchase the necessary materials with their existing operating dollars.

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I don’t live in Whiteland/New Whiteland or the Clark Pleasant area. What’s the benefit of donating to this campaign?

The Johnson County Public Library is a county-wide system, and its future building plans reflect our entire community. The new Clark Pleasant Branch may be the first building project, but JCPL has plans to update, expand, or build in other areas of the county. With a central location on Highway 31 and highly desirable spaces and amenities, the new Clark Pleasant library will be a destination for all residents in our community.

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Are there naming opportunities available at the new Clark Pleasant Branch?

Yes! The Enhancing Our Story campaign offers opportunities to celebrate a special person in your life. Gifts and pledges may be made in memory of a loved one or honor of individuals, families, businesses or organizations. Download Naming Opportunities

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If you are interested in one of the naming opportunities please fill out the contact form below.

 

Is there a minimum donation?

Every gift counts. We are raising funds to enhance library services at the new Clark Pleasant Branch, and a gift of any size will help us achieve our ambitious goal. Donations of $500 or more will be acknowledged on a donor tree inside the new branch.

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You can donate online here. You may also mail a donation using our paper donation form that you can download here. If your donation supports a certain area of the project indicate the area you are supporting. We appreciate your support!

 

Where can I learn more about the new Clark Pleasant Branch building project?

Find the latest information on the new Clark Pleasant Branch building project here.