Construction Progress: We have now completed our second week of construction work. Last week, there was a heavy focus on the demolition of the existing front façade and interior finishes. Temporary walls were framed, and blocking was started to be installed for the new doors.

This week, demolition was completed on the north side of the building and framing crews began framing in new walls. On the exterior, the existing windows were removed in preparation for the new façade. One of two of the gas meters were removed in the alleyway, while the existing HVAC unit was pumped down. New steel was field measured for the through wall openings as well.

Visiting the Library: The Library continues our regular open hours. The computers and copy machine have been moved to the back half of the library and the front desk will be moving to the on Monday, March 31. This will allow construction work to begin changing circulation desk power connections from the current drop-down tower from the ceiling to being run under the flooring.

Construction work around the archway and doorway is currently enclosed with plastic. We will be able to work with this “bite” out of library spaces until construction work moves to demolition of walls in the front half of the main library. As such, you can continue to use both entrances to the Library for the time being. We do not yet have a firm date on when access through the front door will not be available.

Our construction crew regularly includes the onsite project superintendent, subcontractors, and service technicians working together. Since they do not all come from the same location, this means we have many more vehicles requiring parking spots when most of the parking we have behind the expansion has been taken over by the construction dumpster required for demolition.

If you are able bodied, please consider parking further away, especially once Library access is only available through the back door. Street parking is available on Lincoln and Main; public parking lots are available at Dollar General and the USD 400 District Office.

Fundraising: We continue on our fundraising quest for $50,000 to keep remodeling the heritage room and front entrance included in the first phase of construction. If we are able to confirm funding by April 11, the work can be added into the project timeline and remain on schedule for completion by July 25, 2025. We have started receiving donations from the fundraising letters sent out last week and have raised $1,438. Thanks so much for your support!

We greatly appreciate your continued encouragement and flexibility as we continue through our first phase of construction! While it is tight at the moment, just think: in only 4 months (17 weeks!) we should be expanding into our new normal with even more space than we had previously. We are so excited to be growing library services here in our community with you!