ELLSWORTH – Mark your calendars for Monday, Jan. 23 for the grand opening of the Ellsworth Public Library in the former BMO Bank building at 388 W. Main St.

The all-inclusive celebration for library patrons and potential patrons will kick off with a ribbon cutting at 6 p.m. on the library’s front steps. All are welcome. The grand opening will also feature a passport-style self-guided tour through the library’s 12 stations, which includes a quiet reading room, study rooms, the teen room, a storytime playspace, a children’s area, a makerspace, a history room, a meeting room, the director’s office, public computers, the circulation desk and a hospitality area. At each station, volunteers and staff will provide details about the specific spaces and their uses. Once visitors have the 12 stamps on their passport, they will receive a prize.

The celebration will also include music by the Ellsworth High School brass ensemble, Bob Doheny on guitar and Heather Barringer on percussion. Cookies will be served in the makerspace.

Karen Meyer, a member of the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library, is thrilled the grand opening is almost here after years of hard work.

“The relocating and remodeling of the library is a testament to what positivity and perseverance can accomplish,” she said. “It’s something that has been a long time coming but certainly worth the trip.”

Library Board member Sharon Hofmeister said the dream is more than a decade in the making, from the first space needs assessment around 2009.

“I think we’re really fortunate that the community has been behind us and it’s exciting to be at the place where we’re looking at moving in,” she said.

The project, when all is said and done, will have cost roughly $2 million. And while it’s hit some snags along the way (think delays due to a boiler flood, supply chain issues, etc.), perseverance and generous community donations brought the vision to fruition.

“It feels good to have an end in sight,” said Library Director Tiffany Meyer. “I’m just really looking forward to being in that space. We’ve had some pitfalls and setbacks, but that’s normal. I just keep knocking on wood that the end is in sight and we’ll be enjoying that space soon.”

Most of the furnishings will be in place for the grand opening, minus a few finishing touches. The library will be open to the public and fully functioning the day after the grand opening.

The Children & Families Open House is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 28. Kids are invited to experience the new RCU Children’s Area and WESTconsin Storytime Playspace with stories, activities, treats and crafts. A ribbon cutting for the teen room will take place on a later date.

While the fundraising for the interior is complete, there will be more opportunities to contribute to future enhancements for the exterior spaces and landscaping, Hofmeister said. Naming opportunities for both the inside and outside may be available.

“The people I would like to acknowledge are Tiffany and the staff throughout this whole process,” Karen Meyer said. “We have a great staff with a multitude of programs and offerings for all ages.”

The library is more than just a place to check out books, Hofmeister said. It’s a place to gather as a community, create, research, meet and more.

“There will be even more going on once the library opens in the new place,” she said.

“I’m just excited for the public to come in and see how they can use the space and what is there. I’m excited to see people excited,” Tiffany Meyer said.

The library can be accessed from both Main and Kinne streets. The back entrance (opening onto the parking lot) is handicapped accessible.

To learn more about the library and its programs, visit www.ellsworthlibrary.org