Here is the most recent letter to the county Board of Supervisors, keep on sharing and supporting!

 

 

There is a growing conversation and deepening community support for repurposing the historic courthouse as the county library and relocating the county courthouse to the existing Madelyn Helling Library site.

Unfortunately the Ad Hoc Committee and Nevada City Council have moved forward to recommend the Judicial Council of California(JCC) purchase private land further away from existing and seemingly appropriate infrastructure which exceeded much of the JCCs criteria.

The Madelyn Helling Library sits on its own 6.13 acre parcel, is directly adjacent to the county government center, the county jail and a public park. It is easily accessible via public transportation while also in convenient proximity to the downtown area. It is also county owned.

While sadly, it seems this was a missed opportunity, there is a second part to this proposition and that is figuring out what to do with our soon to be abandoned building.

The historical courthouse building holds immense architectural significance for our city. Preserving this landmark, even if only its facade and utilizing it as a new county library would not only honor our past, but also provide a unique and inspiring setting for learning and community engagement. This would benefit our community and preserve an important piece of our history. 

By repurposing the abandoned courthouse as a new library, we would be creating a hub for literacy, education, and community activities in the heart of our commercial district. This move would ensure the courthouse building does not become another “zombie building” in our downtown, but instead would provide easier access for our school children while attracting both residents and visitors to the downtown area to support local businesses.

The current courthouse building and its annex also have room for a larger library facility. Whether occupied entirely by the library itself, or with room for city/county art and cultural facilities, the 200-500 daily visitors to the Madelyn Helling would surely appreciate the extra space. This location also makes available a convenient parking garage which could be utilized by library staff and physically handicapped patrons. The present courthouse facilities have more parking than is assigned at the Helling site. 

This proposal not only preserves our history and improves access to library services, but also supports sustainable development by repurposing existing infrastructure. The financial implications of this endeavor should not be viewed as a cost, but as an investment in a future where our city thrives.

 

As custodians of our city's future, please recognize the monumental nature of your decision. Please recognize the unique and brief window of opportunity you have been presented with. This is a chance to do something truly great.

Thank you.

 

Making Cities Stronger: Public Library Contributions To Local Economic Development

https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/46006/1001075-Making-Cities-Stronger.PDF

Petition to change the library to the courthouse location

change.org/Library2Courthouse