|
|
The south wall of the library was removed so that the library can be expanded. Photos by W.C. Madden/News & Review
The way the Monticello- Union Township looked in early March made people think the library was going to be a drive-through library.
“I think they were shocked at seeing the walls down,” explained Candice Wells, director of the library. “They didn’t realize they’re going to be the additions. They had to remove the walls to build out and expand for the additions. A lot of people were saying it’s a drive-through.”
Library officials knew about roof leaks before construction began; however, once the T.D. Construction of Danville started taking things down to the stud, they found more problems with leaks and mold than was originally known.
“Structurally, it’s sound,” she added. Wells meets with the construction company twice a month to get updates.
“Everything is on schedule right now,” Wells said. “We’re within our budget.” She was told that the project could take up to a year. The cost of doing the renovations will be about $3.56 million.
These are artists’ conceptions of what the Monticello-Union Township Library will look like after renovations.
The construction should be completed by November, which means the library may not reopen at the renovated facility until next January as they need about a month to move the materials back. About half of the collection is at the temporary facility in the Monticello Market Plaza on North Main Street.
The library was first constructed in 1994 on the site of the old Lincoln school building that was once Monticello High School more than a century ago. That building was torn down after the tornado damaged it in 1974. The area became a park for a while. The original library was on Bluff Street and is now the home of the White County Historical Society.
The temporary library has finally got an Internet connection. They have four public computers available. Also, the microfilm computer is up and running, but people will have to ask for the film to be used. “People can fax again,” she added. And WiFi was just turned on.
They are now back to the same hours that they were open at the original facility. The hours are 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. They are closed on Sunday.
The front entrance to the library is being renovated and repairs are being made to the roof as well.
Special programs are being held at other sites and are being announced on their website. Creative Writing is being held at the United Way building. The Friends of the Library meet at the White County Senior Center. “We do an update on WMRS every Friday,” Wells said. “We are doing the best we can to notify people.”
The library has some exciting programs set for kids in April. Currently, they are running Peeps Diorama 2025 until April 7. You provide your best interpretation of one of your favorite books using Peeps. The library supplies you with three peeps. You may add more Peeps to your diorama. Voting will run April 8-16, and winners will be announced on April 17. Prizes will be given in the following age groups: 3-6 years, 7-12 years, 13-18 years and an adult group. For more information, go to the library.
A couple of men work on the rafters as the renovation continues.
Loading Comments