GROUND BREAKING FOR LIBRARY

EXPANSION TWO-THIRDS COMPLETED!
 

What began as a rather modest addition to the library when it was first proposed to the Town Commission became a much bigger project when the library was awarded a construction grant by the state legislature.  In 1996 the library director asked the Town Commission to include the library in the 1997 bond issue in order to build a new library meeting room, restrooms, and enlarged work space for the staff. The commissioners unanimously endorsed the idea because they recognized the value of the library to the quality of life for Lake Park residents of all ages.

Once the bond issue was approved by the residents in March 1997, the library used its share of the money and some Friends of the Library funds to apply for a matching State Library Construction grant.  The Florida Legislature voted to fund this grant in 1998 bringing the total amount of money available for library expansion to $498,400, more than double the library portion of the bond issue!

Under the expansion program the interior of the library will be renovated. Some walls will be removed to make the library more open, spacious and appealing. Changes and additions include a larger children's room, a conference room, a small study room, new restrooms, enlarged adult study and shelf area, more space for reference books, additional and more convenient storage space for library and Friends materials, and additional office and work space. This new larger meeting room, combined with the Mirror Ballroom and Recreation Department expansion, made possible by the relocation of the Fire Department to a new fire station, will meet residents meeting room needs for many years to come!

The library will remain open during most of the construction period and will offer all of its usual services while the expansion and renovation is taking place. Be sure to visit the library during this time and watch the progress !

EXPECT A GRAND REOPENING IN THE EARLY FALL!