In October 2013, work began on the new library addition which opened in September 2014. After the addition was complete crews moved into the original Carnegie building and completely renovated it, including the wings which were added in 1972. The entire project was completed in April 2015.
Total project cost was $2,602,220. $1,951,665 was secured in grants from the State of Illinois and the matching funds required by the State grant came through a community-wide capital campaign.
There are several levels of pledges that are recorded on the Donor Plaque in the building addition’s lower lobby: Room Sponsors and Andrew Carnegie Society ($50,000+), Ernest Hemingway Patrons ($15,000-49,999), Ray Bradbury Associate level ($10,000-14,999), Gwendolyn Brooks Contributors ($5,000-9,999), Carl Sandburg Donors ($3,000-4,999), and Vachel Lindsay Friends ($1,000-2,999).
Four local banks worked together to cover the amounts of the pledges, some which were for 3-5 years, through loans so that the matching requirement for the State grant could be met; Community Trust Bank, Farmers State Bank, Midland States Bank and Peoples National Bank.
The Trustees continue to seek assistance from local residents, to build a contingency fund, to help cover the everyday costs of the library in future years.
Above: Donor wall plaque located in the lower lobby of the addition.
