As the snow falls outside, we have hopeful daffodils poking up next to the library entrance.

 

I am excited to share, finally, that the library is planning a renovation and expansion. The planned renovation meets many of the community’s priorities for the library by creating a dedicated children’s room, a library activity/program room, adding a second restroom, and making the building ADA accessible. The renovation comes in response to community input from residents gathered in listening sessions and surveys over the past three years. Many residents expressed that they appreciate the library building in its current location, but feel it requires more space for the activities happening each day, and wish that there was more parking.

 

The planned renovation will affect only the portion of the library building that was constructed in 1976 (1133 square feet). The main room of the library was originally a chapel constructed in 1876 out of Rosendale cement. This main part of the library will be kept exactly as it is. The library shall remain open during the renovation by operating out of the main reading room, saving money on relocation costs.

 

The library is seeking grants and local donations to help fund the project and has already secured $350,000 in state grants. The board also anticipates that there will be a bond vote in order to secure the funds to complete the project.

 

The library is planning to hold public information sessions on Thursday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. and Monday, March 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the library. At these sessions, the library’s board of trustees will make a presentation, answer questions, and share architectural renderings. Sign up on the website to attend one of the information sessions. More information is also available on the library’s website.