We just received a
$1.2 million grant from Vision Iowa! This is the largest grant ever given to a public library in the state of Iowa.
We still have $600,000 to raise by the end of the year. Contact us to find out how you can donate!
The new library will have: - 14 new Internet stations for a total of 20
- 38,970 square feet of space, double the size of the current library
- One-floor design and complete accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Ample on-site parking
- Public meeting room seating 150 people, dividable and able to be used when the library is closed
- 4 study rooms
- Youth programming space to accommodate 65 children
- Security system to deter theft - and enable us to put our frequently-stolen items back on the shelves where you can find them
- Separate Young Adult area
- More toilets!
- Variety of comfortable seating and table areas
Come in and see a draft of the new floorplan - it's on display on the floor with the Internet computers, near the elevator.
The new library building will be located at
105 West Boone Street on the north side of West Boone Street between 1st and 2nd streets - just one block west of the downtown Fisher office building.
Demolition and infrastructure work will begin on the site this fall. In spring 2007, work on the library building itself will begin. The new library is expected to be completed in the summer or
fall of 2008!
Our library architects are FEH Associates of Des Moines, and Story Construction Co. of Ames has been hired as the construction management agent for the project.
We will keep you updated on the construction process with photographs or even a webcam!
Since Marshalltown citizens passed a $5 million bond referendum for the new library in April, library staff, board and Friends have been working both to “fine tune” new library’s building and site design and raise funds for the project.
Check out these links for more on the history of the project and reasons why we all need this great new building!
The Need for a New Library FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) "A New Library for a New Century" Casebook in Full
Friends of the Marshalltown Public Library have been instrumental in planning for a new library building since spring of 2000. For additional questions or comments, contact library director Carole Winkleblack at 754-5738.
