The Plainville branch of Carnegie Public Library will be moving to newer — and possibly cheaper — quarters, mostly likely by the end of the year.

The library board voted at a special meeting Wednesday to move the library to a building on SR 57 in Plainville that is owned by First National Bank of Odon, pending their attorney’s approval of the lease contract.

The bank will completely gut and remodel the inside of the building, said bank employee and Daviess County Councilman Dave Smith. The library can lease the building for $400 per month, the same amount they are paying now, and the bank will pay for utilities.

The only stipulation is that the bank wants to place an ATM on the lot, and the library will need to keep cars from blocking access to the ATM. They also want a one-year commitment on the lease.

The library is considering moving because the owner of the current library building is asking for the library to start paying for utilities, plus another $100 in rent per month, said Washington Carnegie Public Library Director Elizabeth Dowling.

With property tax caps, the library will be getting an estimated $62,000 less next year and an estimated $100,000 in 2010, so they can little afford any increased costs, said Dowling. Since the library has no other way of raising money, Dowling said she hopes something will change in the state legislature next session.

“I’d say you’re an answer to a prayer,” board member Jack B. Haskins told Smith.

Plainville contracts with the Washington library for library services. Dowling said she spoke with trustees in charge of the Plainville library, and they were all in favor of the move.

The new building measures 24 by 36 feet, about the same amount of square feet as in the current library building. It has highway frontage for better visibility and a grassy area in front for a sign. Also, continued Smith, the roof is in good shape, and there is room for seven or eight cars to park.

Smith said the bank will work with the library while remodeling to meet such needs as computer hookups and shelving. They will also install new windows, insulation and exterior lighting and make the entrance and restroom as close to handicapped accessible as possible.

“We’re really flexible. We’ll do whatever,” said Smith.

The bank has already spoken with contractors and want to start construction in two weeks, added Smith, with hopes that the library can move in December.

Dowling said the Plainville library already owns tables, chairs, desks and bookshelves but might like to have new shelves built along the walls so there’s more room for children’s books.

The only problem was the logistics of moving the library’s belongings and books, but she thought maybe a North Daviess group like the football team or Boy Scouts might be willing to help with the move.