We are excited to announce the City Commission approved the first-floor lighting upgrades and second floor addition at the December 4th commission meeting. A bit of library history…in 1994, the existing library facility opened in the current location. In 2008, after significant community input, the library underwent a renovation adding 9,300 square feet and celebrated a grand reopening in April 2009. Architectural design included the structural ability to accommodate a second story due to anticipated growth.
As the library became a cornerstone in the downtown district, we attracted high numbers of visitors and organizations due to our educational and cultural programs, resources, and meeting areas, making it difficult to keep up with the demand for space. In 2015, city staff began discussing the addition of the second story. The following year, the Library Foundation kicked off their Let’s Build a Story capital campaign with a goal of raising $500,000. They’ve met their goal and continue to raise funds due to increased costs. The Friends of the Library also support the project with a $35,000 donation. Twenty-five percent of the construction is funded through grants and donations.
In March 2020, a design kickoff meeting was held with the architect and the commission noted the second story as a workshop goal. The pandemic then stalled the project. Fast forward to May 2023, when the site plan for the project was approved by the City Commission. In December a general contractor was selected, and the project approved.
The addition will add 4,784 square feet, including approximately 1,800 square feet of meeting room space. The Deaf Literacy Center will relocate to the second floor, vacating space on first floor for a new Maker Space. There will also be a room with multiple desks for quiet self-study and remote business workspace needs.
During the construction, access to the children’s wing, large study rooms, and main meeting and conference rooms will be unavailable for use. Children’s collections will be relocated within the library to serve our youngest patrons and their families. Our programs for all ages will move to remote locations within the community. Stay tuned to the library website and newsletter, social media, email listserv, and staff for information. We’ll operate a bit differently for a while but will provide the same services.
The library has been growing for many years, offering a wide range of books and online materials and services from seeds and tools, to high school diplomas, museum passes, games, programs, and much more. A unique cake pan collection was recently added. We are excited for this next phase of the library which cements it’s importance in our community for learning, literacy, cultural experiences, and a meeting place that’s vital to a creative and innovative city.