Plans
Every year, the library chooses a new project to improve services. This project is selected and funded by efforts from the library staff, library board, and local organizations such as the Friends of the Melbourne Public Library and local businesses, grants, and donors.
Do you have a project or service suggestion? Do you wish to volunteer, donate, or partner with us on a project? Contact us!
Current Project:
Past Projects
Year |
Project |
Funding |
What was done? How did this improve user experience? |
|
| 2025 |
New Computers |
Anonymous Donation |
With discounted prices from BDH Technologies, we purchased 3 public & one staff computer below market rates. The new computers are faster & easier to use for both public & staff. |
|
| 2024 | Parking Lot Paving | City Funds | We had our parking lot paved with asphalt to bring our parking lot compliant with ADA requirements. | |
| 2024 | Landscaping | Friends of the Melbourne Public Library and Library Funds |
We had a local company come in and install new garden fabric, retaining wall, and filled with river rock to help with weed growth around the building. This has improved the installation of the garden beds and has maintained easy to take care of landscaping. |
|
2022 |
Lot Beautification & Community Garden |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, library funds |
We installed three 8 foot raised beds with trellises and solar lighting. We have been able to grow a wide variety of vegetables and herbs and flowers for pollinators to feed from. Library patrons have enjoyed free veggies and staff enjoy providing this service to our community. |
|
2021 |
N/A |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation |
Due to the pandemic, the foundation provided funding for our own discretion with no need to apply or evaluate. We give thanks to a gracious benefactor for making a hard period in a service industry a little easier. |
|
2020 |
COVID Safety Measures |
State Library of Iowa, library funds; research from OCLC, IMLS, and Battelle |
We installed protective, easy-clean covers on keyboards and mice, several points of hand sanitizer with instructions, and material return totes for staff to disinfect before reshelving.The State Library of Iowa sent a care package of commercially sold-out safety materials, including disposable face masks, disinfectant wipes, and hand sanitizer, all in a tote to use for disinfecting materials.The State Library also provided multiple online meetings weekly to improve services. These ranged from statewide conferences to workshops to mental health check-ins with colleagues. Ideas and best practices affected all areas of programming and service during the continuing pandemic.REopening Archives, Libraries and Museums (REALM), a research partnership between the Online Computer Library Center, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle, created and distributed science-based information and recommended practices designed to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 to staff and visitors engaging in the delivery or use of museum, library, and archival services. |
|
2020 |
Door Replacement |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, library funds |
Not completed due to COVID-19 and the derecho. Availability as well as demand were difficult to navigate. We still wish to complete this project as soon as possible. We hope to provide doors that are more navigable for wheelchair & mobility aid users, as well as give basement renters a timed digital code for entry rather than a physical key they might lose. |
|
2019 |
New Deck |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, fundraising, library funds |
Our old deck was crooked, rotten, and full of pests, especially wasps. Truly, it was unwelcoming for the public and difficult to maintain for library & city staff. The new deck is made of PVC material and features an improved layout for ADA compliance, outdoors programming, and lights along the steps and ramp for safety. |
|
2018 |
New Computers |
TechSoup, Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, library funds |
With discounted prices from TechSoup, we purchased 4 public & one staff computer far below market rates. The new computers are faster & easier to use for both public & staff.TechSoup is a nonprofit international network of non-governmental organizations that provides technical support and technological tools to other nonprofits. |
|
2017 |
Roof Refurbishment |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, library funds |
The roof has improved features to increase heating & cooling efficiency. No more loose shingles on blustery days! A local contractor provided a special rate as well in consideration of our nonprofit practices. |
|
2017, ongoing |
Basement Refurbishment |
ARPA grant, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, library funds |
Updated paint, refinished floors, bathroom mobility aid hardware, and a smart TV.In the future: more sound insulation, meeting equipment such as a mobile whiteboard, and a projector for rent. The door project, currently on hiatus, will provide digital key entry to renters. |
|
2016 |
Book Drop Replacement |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, library funds |
A local builder crafted a custom receptacle for library materials. The shortened drop along with special features provide safety for materials. The insulation and design jointly provide improved heat/cold retention, fewer disruptive sounds for visitors, and fire safety to the building. |
|
2015 |
Coffee Group Project |
Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Friends of the Melbourne Public Library, library funds |
A conference table with tabletop power plugs and comfortable seating for 10 was added. Originally for a group of coffee drinkers to use, the library staff and other visitors continue to make use of this long after the group disbanded. For organizing new book orders, meeting with trustees and clubs, or simply homework and a warm beverage, everyone loves a welcoming space. |
Ongoing Project: Basement Refurbishment
Why?
As a natural continuation of the library's renewal begun in 2015, we realized the community needed a new place to gather. When the library main is too busy and the rec center is too large for their needs, renters turn to our ground-access basement.
Now the space is used for public needs such as City Council meetings, CPR training, or private needs such as birthday parties, holiday events, family reunions, grad gatherings, and more. The library uses the space for special programming, such as the summer program.
How?
What started as a paint job to bring a defunct preschool room into the present as an all-purpose community room is an ongoing project. The Friends of the Library in partnership with the library as well as funding from the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant will continue to improve the space.
When?