Updated August 16, 2024
When the Library Board approved a 15 Year Plan in November 2021, one of eight identified goals was facility improvements. This included possible remodeling. However, no one anticipated it could include expansion.
Then, in January 2023, the building adjacent to the Library came up for sale. After receiving both Library Board & City Council approval, the Library entered into negotiations to purchase the building. When the sale closed on April 1, 2023, we began moving in right away!
Creating & Approving the Design
In order for the expansion to be ready for full optimal use, it needs to be united with the current Library building. Thanks to generous grant funding, the Library Board hired Hutton Design Services to create architectural plans. Library staff and board members actively engaged in the design process, with community input welcomed throughout.
The design approved by the Library Board and City Council will improve our Library’s capacity to provide excellent service for our community. The finished result will seamlessly integrate the newly purchased and existing library buildings into a unified library service center even more vibrant and welcoming than before.
Fundraising for the Project
To bring this vision to life, the Board and Staff of the Lindsborg Community Library is uniting with Friends of Lindsborg Library (our 501(c)3 partner) started fundraising in earnest in August 2023. Since then, over $500,000 has been raised in grant funding, existing capital improvement funds and estate gifts, and donations of many sizes from our generous local community members. Some of these funds have already been spent on architectural services along with furnishing and technology improvements possible before we begin construction; a total of $448,541 is designated for construction.
Any size of gift truly does help: we appreciate the many donations received so far, whether it is spare change or the $100,000 challenge gift from our anonymous donor. For specific details on how you can donate, visit our donation page online or contact Library Director Suzanna Swenson at lindsborgcommunitylibrary@gmail.com.
Anticipated Timeline
August 27: 2024 Project Budget Set. Based on the donations and pledge notifications received, the Library Board set the budget for our first phase of construction. With this decision set, our architectural firm broke the entire project into smaller sections that could be undertaken in smaller project phases as funding was confirmed.
Now: Design Documents & Bidding. The architect team is currently in process creating finalized design development and construction documents. After this is complete, the bidding and permitting process will begin. Due to the holiday season, this process will take longer than we had originally estimated.
January 2025: Construction Begins. Construction is currently estimated at 5-6 months. Confirmed portions of the project include creating the entry ways between the two buildings, complete remodel the expansion at 109 as designed, and remodeling the front desk area to fit within the space created by the new openings between the main library and the expansion. Additional work is planned as funding is confirmed.
During Construction, Library Staff will continue providing services, working to minimize disruption as much as possible. As of November 20, 2024, our Director is developing a plan to fit services within a reduced portion of the Library that patrons will be able to access from the alley entrance.
Summer 2025: Celebrate Completed Phase 1! Depending on the scope of Phase 1, continued fundraising and construction cycles will continue as needed. However, daily use of the expanded library at 109 S Main will be available starting Summer 2025!