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 a $10,000 grant from the McPherson County Foundation David Nutt fund, the Library Board hired Hutton Design Services to create architectural plans. Library staff and board members actively engaged in the design process to make sure the plan will best fit library needs in Lindsborg. This included prioritizing community wants and needs, intuitive use for visitors, and improved ease and efficiency for staff work.
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. As of August 19, 2024, $506,728 has been raised. This includes 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 $463,316 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. While any time is welcome, gifts and/or pledge notifications received by August 23, 2024 will be especially helpful for the Library Board to decide on the best size of construction project to undertake this year as we begin our first phase of construction & remodeling.
For specific details on how you can donate, visit our donation page online or contact our Library Director, Suzanna Swenson at lindsborgcommunitylibrary@gmail.com.
Anticipated Timeline
Now: Fundraising & Pledge Drive for Phase 1. If you would like to donate or pledge support for the construction project that will begin this year, please notify the Library by August 23 so that the Library Board can make wise financial decisions when they set the 2024 construction budget at the August 27 Board Meeting.
August 27: 2024 Project Budget Set. Based on the donations and pledge notifications received, the Library Board will set the budget for construction. This will include, at minimum, creating the entryways between the main library at 111 and the library expansion at 109, along with whichever remodeling and/or utility updates can be funded.
September 2024: Design Documents & Bidding. The architect will proceed with finalized design documents and bidding with sub-contractors based on the budget set. This process is estimated at 3 months.
Late November 2024: Construction Begins. Construction for the entire project is estimated at 5 months; this may be reduced based on how much is included in Phase 1. During Construction, Library Staff will continue providing services, working to minimize disruption as much as possible.
April 2025: Celebrate Completed Phase 1! Depending on the scope of Phase 1, continued fundraising and construction cycles may continue as needed. However, daily use of the expanded library at 109 S Main will be available starting April 2025!