“For every new venture to succeed, enthusiastic support is needed. Our immediate challenge is to raise $350,000 toward the necessary remodeling costs. Upon achieving this goal, the Village of Ellsworth will move forward to obtain the remaining financing so the construction work can begin.”

The group touts of the service of the Ellsworth Public Library to the entire community, with 2,823 total cardholders who checked out more than 65,000 items in 2019.

“While a library is commonly thought to only be a dispensary of books, our library does much more to fulfill the needs of our community. Our library is a safe, public space for kids after school, for people during inclement weather, for job coaches, therapists, social service visits, tutoring, etc. Our library provides educational and fun programs for all ages and is the place for community members to show off their artistic talents. You’ll find free wi-fi and many unconventional items available for check out, such as blood pressure kits, Wi-Fi hotspots, literacy backpacks, Launchpad tablets for kids, power meters, books, DVDs, music CDs, audiobooks, and magazines. The library also provides professional services, such as, printing, copying, scanning, and faxing,” the website states. “The impact of the library is far-reaching and creates an economic impact in our community. A percentage of the library's 2,800 cardholders not only visit the library but complete a longer list of errands while in town, spending their dollars at local businesses. An active library has a positive impact on commercial and residential property values and also makes our downtown look alive and vibrant.”

The new library location is a long time coming. The Village formed a Building/Space Committee nine years ago to study library space options. It found that the library and its collection needs to be significantly larger.

“Based on our population, the number of cardholders and the size of our media collection, to adequately serve the needs of our community, the recommended square footage of our library should be approximately 16,000. Our current library space is grossly undersized at just 2,880 square feet,” according to the Friends group. “The committee considered many options including a new building, an expansion/renovation of the existing library, and relocation to existing vacant buildings. Due to considerations such as cost, downtown location, and the needs of our community, the committee made the recommendation to the Village Board to pursue the newly vacant BMO Harris Bank building. The BMO Harris Bank building plan offered the most cost-effective and flexible solution.”

Planning shows that features of the new and expanded facility will be:

•Expanded square footage with private spaces for studying, job coaches, therapists, social service visits, and tutoring.

•A large meeting room for civic/community functions.

•Improved handicapped accessibility.

•Separate, welcoming spaces for differing needs and ages.

•The space for onsite educational programs for all ages.

•A wider variety and number of books, DVDs, CDs available, plus an expanded list of unconventional items to check-out.

•A larger display space to feature local artistic talent.

Construction could start as early as fall if fundraising goals are met.

People interested in helping can send donations to Ellsworth Public Library, 312 W. Main St., Ellsworth or inperson at the Ellsworth branch of Associated Bank. Donate online at: https://www.friendsofepl.o rg/new-library-project There are naming opportunities for various aspects of the new library. See the attached graphic from the Ellsworth Library Fundraising Committee for more information.