Dandridge Memorial Library Building Project

Why are we building a new library?

• The library’s service area population has more than doubled since the library was built almost 40 years ago.
• The present size of the library (3,800 square feet) compared to the increase in population means DML no longer meets State Standards for a Level III Library (0.5 square feet per capita or >10,500 square feet).
• The small size of the current library limits the types and the number of programs and activities that can be made available, as well as the collection size.
• Parking is insufficient and there is little space to expand the parking area. The loss of four parking spaces when the new bridge was built has added to the problem.
• Demand continues to grow for new and expanded online services such as wifi access, computer access, new media (ebooks, streaming audio and video, etc), online job applications, tax filing, tutorials, research, etc.
• The profusion of information available on the internet means library users need more help from library staff to find the information they are looking for.
• The current building has structural issues that will be expensive to address and there is no space to expand at the current location.

The present Dandridge Memorial Library…

• The building is nearly 40 years old and was completed in 1986.
• The library is on land the Tennessee Valley Authority deeded to the Town of Dandridge with a stipulation that it should be for public use.
• The cost to build the current facility was approximately $450,000. These funds were raised from 1984-1986 by Dandridge Municipal Library, Inc (a private 501c3 Foundation).
• Various expansion plans have been proposed over the past decade, but a decision was delayed due to the SR-92 Bridge Replacement.

 What comes next?

• We have received a Connected Community Facilities Grant. This combines with $200,000+ of DML Inc building funds, $800,000 from the Town of Dandridge and a $200,000 Tennessee State Library and Archives Construction Grant for a total of $3,000,000. 
• With $3,000,000, we can build a 9,000 square foot building on Town of Dandridge property located on Academy Circle.
• Fundraising efforts are beginning to add up to $500,000 to our building fund for furnishings and books.
• A fully completed architectural rendering and interior design for the new building will be ready to show off at an open house in Spring 2025.
• Construction! In order to complete the building by the CCF Grant deadline of October 2026, we plan to begin construction in the Fall of 2025.