Library fundraising meets goal, construction at former BMO Harris site should start this year

ELLSWORTH — The Ellsworth Library Board was given a very lofty of goal of raising $350,000 this spring before the Ellsworth Village Board would commit to borrow $500,000 to help pay for renovations at the planned new library building.

The library will be built in the former BMO Harris Bank building, 388 W. Main St. The bank closed its operations there last year and plans were switched from expanding and renovating the current library at 312 W. Main St. to renovating the much larger bank building.

That goal was officially exceeded last week, so it’s all system go for new library construction to hopefully start later this year.

Fundraising committee chair Paul Bauer reported the good news to the Ellsworth Library Board at its meeting Thursday afternoon.

“This is really fun news,” said Bauer, announcing that the committee has funds in the bank totaling $363,256.29.

“So we have met the initial goal of $350,000 to move ahead with the project,” said Bauer. “That’s in the bank, so that’s really good news, and I think there’s plans to celebrate that with some signage and other things.”

The development of the new library facility is projected to cost $1,416,149. The library already is contributing $595,000 into the project to buy the building and start renovations. The new library has been in the planning stages for more than nine years.

Bauer said the fundraising efforts will now be channelled into to efforts “to add niceties to the building.”

“I’m really proud we set a goal of March 31 to raise $350,000. That allows us to get the planning started and to get everything into effect so we can send bids out so we can do fall construction, late fall or winter, so we can hopefully get the best price,” said Bauer.

Grants are still being written as well for additional funding. Bauer commended the fundraising committee for its hard work.

“I really want to give a shout out to Tony Birkel for all the arm twisting,” he joked. “Jack Hines did a lot of arm twisting too. You know, it’s two or three visits. We moved quickly on it. What a great testament to our community to rally around this. We got a lot of good solid donations and small donations. There’s more to come. There’s a fall gala that’s being planned.

“It’s really exciting to think about what we can do with the library and make it a real crown jewel for the Ellsworth community.”

Bauer was thanked for his guidance on the project.

“Thanks for setting those goals Paul and keeping everyone motivated through this process,” said Library Director Tiffany Meyer.