FRANKLIN, IN – The Johnson County Public Library Board and the public will review eight locations for a proposed new library branch in Franklin.

The board released the locations during a special meeting on Thursday. The finalists met initial criteria of availability, affordability and compatibility -- and now will undergo more scrutiny.

The finalists (in alphabetical order) include:

• Current JCPL Services Center Area -- Approximately 2 acres in Franklin's Downtown in the area of 49 East Monroe Street and southeast of the Johnson County Courthouse.
• East Franklin Schools Property -- Approximately 69 acres available near Interstate 65 that have not been developed by the Franklin Community School Corporation. The land is on the southeast corner of Upper Shelbyville Road and Eastview Drive, across from Needham Elementary School.
• Former Oren Wright Building Area -- Approximately 2.3 acres in Franklin's Downtown at the southwest corner of West Jefferson and South Jackson streets.
• Former Wal-Mart Site -- Approximately 9 acres at 1540 North Morton (U.S. 31 North) near retail development. Tractor Supply and the Franklin Flea Market retails stores currently are on that property. The site will be reviewed at the request of the community.
• Gateway Services Property -- Approximately 12.5 acres on the north side along U.S. 31 North and northwest of Earlywood Drive. This will be reviewed at the request of the Franklin City Council.
• McCallum Property -- Approximately 17.2 acres on the south side at the northwest corner of U.S. 31 South and Nineveh Road.
• Simon Farms -- Approximately 26 acres located on the north side of Franklin at the southwest corner of U.S. 31 North and Commerce Drive.
• Current Branch Site – The board also will look once again at the land at the current branch site at 401 South State Street. However, two architect studies concluded expansion of the existing building was not feasible due to design restrictions. Also, not enough parking spaces would be available under Franklin's parking ordinances.

Johnson County Public Library's board has hired Fanning-Howey architects to evaluate and recommend best property options, and to eventually design the proposed facility.

The final sites will be graded on accessibility, site capacity, visibility, sustainability, neighborhood compatibility and library user experience.

The public also will have an opportunity share their thoughts about a possible location by visiting Fanning-Howey's On Site Studio at the current branch, and at upcoming public forums.

Also, information about the sites has been posted on a special website for the branch project: www.myfranklinlibrary.com. Site visitors can click and comment on the proposed locations.

If the library costs exceed $12 million, the project would require approval by public referendum.

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Contact: Beverly Martin, director, 317.738.9835