Iola plans to add more than 3,000 square feet
Although inclement weather delayed the start of the Iola Village Library project, work is set to begin this month.
“We are looking to start this month, beginning with the parking lot,” said Lila Malvik-Shower, Library Board president and expansion project committee chair.
According to Malvik-Shower, they have state-approved plans and do not anticipate any changes.
“The library has literally run out of room for more books and for programming space,” she said. “Once the project is started, it will continue to move forward during the summer months and be completed by late fall.”
The 3,060-square-feet expansion will host the children’s section and programming area.
“It will allow for the library to completely reorganize the adult and teen sections and allow more space for patrons who use the computers for work or pleasure,” Malvik-Shower said.
She said the committee talked about expansion for a long time but did not feel comfortable asking taxpayers to fund it.
“We had an unexpected donation that allowed us the seed money for this, and we are now working on raising the rest of the money we need through donations,” she said. “We are not using any taxpayer dollars.”
Fundraising has been an ongoing process.
“We have sent out letters to the library patrons in our surrounding communities, as well as businesses,” said Malvik-Showers. “I am hoping that once people see the construction starting and moving forward, that more people and businesses will donate to the cause.”
She credited Library Director Robyn Grove and her staff for working hard with the planning of the expansion and the fundraising.
“They have spent many hours working on the plans,” said Malvik-Showers. “They have been in contact with other libraries in Wisconsin that have recently had expansion projects to make sure we ‘get it right’ with ours. This expansion is for our community and will be a beautiful and functional addition to our existing building.”
Those wanting to donate to the fund may mail donations to Iola Village Library Expansion Fund, P.O. Box 336, Iola, WI 54945.
Several fundraising events have been scheduled to help raise money for the cause.
On June 5, the band Wilhelm will preform a concert across from the library at the Methodist Church with all proceeds going to the expansion fund.
The organization is also working with Jill Willems for some programming featuring local Norwegian artists, on Tuesday, June 19.