News

Vernon library moves to new home

By Michael Peterson, Argus-Press Reporter

Friday, May 30, 2008 9:53 AM EDT

Argus-Press Photo by Anthony Cepak: Volunteers Linda Reitzel and James Chapman finish shelf installation at the new Vernon District Library.

VERNON - It's been more than a decade of planning and two years in construction, but the wait for Vernon's new library is almost over.

The Vernon District Library is moving from its current location beside the township fire hall to a new site at 115 E. Main St. The new library will open June 9.

Saturday is the day for the big move. Volunteers will be taking everything from the old building to the new.

Vernon District Library Assistant Librarian Louise Nall said the reason for the new building is the lack of space at the current location.

“It was very little. There wasn't room for any books,” Nall said. “We had books on top of bookcases to keep current on new books.”

According to Mel Reitzel, the volunteer project manager, the original building was a gas station and is only 900 square feet. This is in large contrast to the new library, which he estimates is about 5,500 square feet in size. The extra space will be useful in housing the library's 12 computers and about 14,000 books. The extra space will also make it easier for the library to add new programs.

Funding the project has not been an easy task. The library board had $168,000 for the project, but felt it needed more.

“(The board) went to the voters to float a bond to finance a new building and the voters said ‘no,'” Reitzel said. “So we decided to build what we can with $168,000 and when people see what we are doing they will probably open up their pocketbooks.”

Construction at the site began May 9, 2006, and it turned out board members were right. Goward said she was overwhelmed by the support of the community.

For example, Nancy Stokes, the owner of the Village Cafe, has been a significant supporter of the project since the beginning. Stokes put a book donation box in front of the cafe, where people could drop off used books to be sold at fundraising sales. The cafe also will be providing coffee and donuts for the volunteers working Saturday.

“The whole town has been very supportive,” Stokes said. “If you look at the (old building) and see what's been accomplished by just the people of Vernon, it's amazing.”

The site where the new building was constructed was an empty lot where seven black walnut trees grew. Reitzel used the wood to make commemorative plaques to honor the people who helped make it possible.

Reitzel said he was never worried about funding the project.

“Some people were scared to death, but I saw no problem.” Reitzel said.

In addition, the library was also able to cut construction costs because local people helped by donating services or offering them at reduced fees.

All of the money for the new library has come through fundraising. For example, the Hollis Gehringer Book and Bake Sale took place in mid-May in support of the library. The sale is named after a former board member who passed away in October.

“He was very instrumental in pushing for a new building, helping to get volunteers, and helping to raise money,” Reitzel said.

Some of the things that future fund-raising events will help pay for are: air conditioning, additional furniture, building a handicap ramp for the rear of the building and finishing a small room on the second floor that could eventually house historical items or to hold meetings.

Goward confessed that even though she loves the new building, she still feels nostalgic about the old site becuase she worked there since 1976.

“I will miss my little corner. It's nice and cozy,” Goward said. “I just never thought we would get that building. Even when we started I kept thinking, ‘Oh, dear.'”

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