Rochester Library Board Discusses Possible Partnership
Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - The Rochester Library Board met Wednesday and discussed a proposal to consider joining a partnership that could lead to a new location.
A committee of community leaders that was formed earlier this year has been talking about a possible partnership that would include the library, University of Minnesota-Rochester, the local children’s museum and Family YMCA.
The committee has proposed a Memorandum Of Understanding between the four entities to explore the possibility of a shared downtown space. One possible site could be the UMR campus planned near Soldier’s Field Park.
During Wednesday’s meeting, the library board decided not to sign the MOU at this time. But, the board did direct staff to continue talks with the other groups.
Earlier this year, the Rochester City Council gave its tentative approval to a funding request to help pay for an expansion of the library.The plan ran into a roadblock when the Olmsted County Board failed to support the proposal.The ad-hoc committee was later formed to study the situation.
"A possible partnership with UMR is one of multiple options we could
pursue," says Library Board President Lou Ohly.
The library board, under Rochester's Home Rule Charter, is responsible for making decisions about the library building and location.
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