F O C U S on the economy
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF NEW LIBRARY ON DOWNTOWN by Rebecca Prendergast
L
ate 19th Century industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie said, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” This quote is a fitting and poignant way to describe the new Artesia Public Library – it is a visually stunning building that rivals those in more populous cities. In recent years, libraries in general have been seen as a repository for dusty old tomes, but in today’s technology driven world, how we use a library and its role in the community are changing. Embracing change and moving forward isn’t a new concept for Artesia, and the new library isn’t an exception. The new Artesia Public Library has faced the challenge and encompasses the new and the old in a space that is inviting to the public. The construction of the new library has changed the visual landscape of the downtown, creating another
cultural asset for the community, but has also made a measurable and lasting economic impact on our local economy. A significant investment made by private entities was leveraged with public money to complete the design, construction and completion of the interior of the building, as well as the infrastructure surrounding the building. This public/private partnership is a hallmark of Artesia, as much of what has been accomplished downtown can be credited to this. $4.5 million dollars invested by the City of Artesia, combined with $7.277 million dollars that was donated privately has shown the commitment and willingness of the community to invest in our future. While the investment of money made into the building is quite significant, the lasting economic effects of a new public library will be seen for years to come. In a report commissioned by the Urban Libraries Council entitled Making Cities Stronger: Public
When you grow... We grow! Your True CommuNiTY BANk
Artesia National Bank 908 W. Main
•
575.746.4794
artesianationalbank.com
44
FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2013
Library Contributions to Local Economic Development, renovated and technologically updated libraries are established engines for the development of business and local economy and cultural endeavors. The direct economic benefit of the new library can be linked to Artesia in three specific ways: • Improving early literacy and school readiness • Building workforce participation • Providing small business support Strengthened public libraries help make healthy and economically vibrant cities, contributing to quality of life for its current residents and future residents. Our strong local economy and large number of cultural assets have positioned Artesia as a hidden gem in southeast New Mexico – a one-of-a-kind city that invests in our best asset – the people of our community.