Designed to meet total community needs in a new way, the Olney project, a merger of a public and school library, points the way to single unified community libraries. The new community-wide institution has merged the book collections and the functions of both without jeopardizing the clientele service of either. The Olney Venture was based on the community's desire to upgrade the quality of life afforded its citizenry and to expend more efficiently shrinking tax dollars. The project staff and community leaders discussed serious problems as they arose and sought solutions together. Researchers consistently rejected a "do it for them" strategy to allow community developed solutions. A survey of the community and school providing base line data on facility usage and public attitudes is presented at the outset of the report. The sequential development of the libraries from 1972- through the duration of the project is described in detail, followed by a survey of problems and their solutions. Some of the advantages of a merged and coordinated library are discussed. The report ends with a list of suggestions for a community that might be considering this approach to library service for its citizens. (Author/RAA)