Walkerton-Lincoln Township Public Library Director Traci Stewart said that ground breaking at the site for the new library took place earlier this month. However, in the next few weeks, construction will become more visible since work below the surface has been completed and now crews can begin working on things above ground.
Stewart said that foundation footings have already been installed, as well as drainage lines and a sewage system. She said this week, construction crews from the Elkhart based company Brown and Brown will be pouring the floors and putting up walls.
Currently, the library is tucked away on Michigan Street but the new site is right by Urey Middle School, on the corner of U.S. 6 and Washington Street. Stewart said she is excited for the new site because it will increase visibility and help bring in more foot traffic. The town of Walkerton has had a library for more than one hundred years and she said there are still long-time residents who are surprised to find out there is a local library.
Stewart said initially they planned to renovate at their old location. However, when a parcel of land and a quarter of a million dollars were donated by local library lover, Larry Hiler, it helped push the project in a new direction. “He’s been very interested in helping the library for a very long time, like 15 years.” She explained, “Previous attempts at getting a new library fell through and the timing was just right with the grant. Mr. Hiler donated the land and the monetary gift, so he’s been very generous to us.”
A grant worth $400,000 was awarded to the library through the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The director stated that she was happy they were able to construct a new building rather than renovate the old one because it allows them to move forward with a new image.
The new facility will feature a teen room and a seating area with a fireplace for patrons, as well as a new faculty space for the library staff. They will be doubling the amount of computers from the old space and the new building will have two restrooms. The building is being constructed to be compliant with all current ADA codes and specifications.
Stewart said the entire project will cost approximately $1.2 million dollars and construction is expected to finish up in the early summer months of 2018.
