Published: March 17, 2006 11:55 am      

Library expansion moves ahead

WEST LEBANON, Ind. - Work on an addition to the West Lebanon-Pike Township Public Library will begin next month.

"As long as the weather holds, it should be done in September," librarian Terri Wargo said.

Plans call for a two-story addition to be built west of the present Carnegie Library. The new two-story addition will have 850 square feet on each floor.

The addition will make the library building 20 feet longer, update the building's wiring, install a new heating and cooling system and make the main floor of the library accessible to the handicapped.

The project will move the library's computers from a central location on the main floor to a more isolated location inside the addition.

"The computers are a real draw," Wargo said.

Bids for the project will be opened today by the architects from Pyramid, and the library is expected to award contracts Tuesday.

Pyramid drafted the plan for the addition in 2005. The project will be funded through a $610,000 23-year bond.

The library addition is the first major renovation project to the building since its tile roof was replaced in the 1980s.

While the construction project is under way, the library is headquartered temporarily in the community room of the town hall across the street. An army of volunteers moved the books, a process that will be repeated when the renovation is finished.

"I am really excited," said library board member Dana Craft, the town clerk. "When I first got on board, they were starting to apply for grants."

Craft is a big user of the library.

"It is used tremendously by all ages," she said. "I am really excited at seeing (the addition) happen."

Library officials want the project finished in time to mark the 90th anniversary of the library in October.

"We are hoping to have our open house around Oct. 14-16," Wargo said.



WHAT'S NEXT

The ground-breaking ceremony for the addition to the West Lebanon-Pike Township Library will be at 5 p.m. EST March 28 at the library, 200 N. High St.