Project Background

A new library with 5,400 square feet on the main floor (with public restrooms!) and a 1,200 square foot basement for storage will replace the antiquated 1,600 square foot structure next door to the new building site. The old library was built in approximately 1940 and first served as a meeting place for the Federated Women's Club who was in charge of library operations from 1937 until it became a tax supported entity of the city in the 1950's. The library was moved from a church basement to its present location in 1943.

The advancement of technology and addition of public computers have stretched the library's capacity until it is no longer adequate to serve the area's growing and more diverse population. A new building became part of the long range plan in 2000 and the Board soon recognized the need to establish a building fund. Though volunteers and staff worked diligently on fundraising, it seemed at times the goal would not be reached.

The Board accelerated its efforts in 2004 and hired consultants who assisted the director in grant writing. A conceptual design was created. Even with professional help, funding for library buildings was not readily available. One $25,000 grant was received from the Steele-Reese Foundation and we are grateful for thier faith in the project.

In 2007 the Board and City Council asked voters to approve a $500,000 bond to fund construction. That bond failed, but in November, 2008 the bond campaign was successful! Local support was in place. The professional staff at Longwell Architects revised the design and developed construction ready documents. They have been a pleasure to work with. Financing for the bond has been secured from USDA Rural Development. USDA RD has also granted an additional $95,000 of ARRA funds. Total money raised including the bond was approximately $777,000.

After consultant, architectural and engineering fees, $667,000 remains for construction. Funds are still needed for shelving, furnishings, landscaping and parking lot. But today we celebrate another step toward completion of a community goal and a library that will serve all citizens for many years into the future.