The Board of Trustees of North Webster Community Public Library has signed a contract with the Executive Board of the North Webster Community Center to purchase the south end of the building that houses the community center with the intent to demolish it and build a new library on that site.
Due to the advanced state of deterioration, the south portion of the building, which once housed the old North Webster High School, is unusable and beyond renovation. Currently located in the north end the center, the library is outgrowing its current quarters. Last year, the library saw 110,000 visits, circulated 87,000 items and held 549 programs with a total attendance of 12,751. This summer a record number 419 youth were registered for the Summer Reading Program. The new facility will enable the library to expand its collection and services and provide more space for programs, classes and events.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. The center and library will continue to mutually benefit from their close proximity to one another while the community regains use of this property with a new library,” points out Phil Metcalf, president of the library Board of Trustees.
Demolition is slated for late fall with new construction starting in 2019. The library aims to complete construction and open the new facility in 2020. Meanwhile, the library will continue operations as usual in its present location at 301 N. Main Street without interrupting service to patrons.
Anticipating future growth, the library has been setting aside building funds for the last 14 years. Other financing is expected to be obtained through a capital campaign, grants, fundraising and bonds.
