Viking Library System to move in 2009

By Lauren Radomski (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Friday, August 22, 2008

After 31 years at the corner of North Cascade and West Cavour, Viking Library System (VLS) will move next year, giving staff some much-needed space.

VLS is currently negotiating the purchase of a lot in Fergus Falls, said Director Peg Werner, with the construction of a new building scheduled for spring 2009. VLS operates 11 libraries in six counties, with locations including Fergus Falls, New York Mills, Pelican Rapids and Perham. The new VLS building is a separate project from the Fergus Falls Public Library expansion planned in the next few years.

At the VLS office, books fill every nook and cranny, and boxes of documents sit against a shelf in the Bookmobile garage. As Werner explained, the rise of online resources in recent years has meant library patrons can request material from all over the state — books, videos and audio material that must first pass through the VLS building before it is delivered to member libraries.

“The big reason we’re building is because the services we offer have changed so much,” Werner said. “Much of our services have changed to delivery...It’s simply a matter of trying to get a workable space for what we do.”

A new building has been part of VLS’s long-range plan for 10 years, Werner said. What makes the timing right in 2009 is the availability of library money approved by the Legislature in 2007. VLS will receive $135,000 in January, part of ongoing funds that will not need to be re-appropriated. Those state dollars will not only fund the VLS delivery system, Werner said, but will cover a 20-year lease-purchase agreement with Otter Tail County for a new building.

Planners decided to keep the VLS office in Fergus Falls because it is centrally located among member libraries. In working with Design Intent Architects, they looked at about 30 properties and considered remodeling as opposed to building new. In the end, Werner said, constructing a new building was projected to cost less.

Features of the new building will include more garage space and a gravity roller system for bringing library material out to vehicles. The building will also include office space and a conference room for monthly meetings of library directors.

Werner said she expects VLS will have completed their property purchase by the end of the month.