After more than 20 years of discussion, planning, debate, public referendums and pandemic, the newly renovated Carroll Public Library opened in a limited capacity Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. Prior to the opening, foundation and board of trustee members as well as city staff and city council members were invited to tour the space and come together for a few moments to remember what has transpired to bring them to this day. City Councilman, Jerry Fleshner, says it was a donation that really spurred this project forward.
That donation was just one piece of the puzzle and Fleshner told those gathered that this was really a community project. It began with the public passing a bond referendum in August of 2017. It was also supported through donations and grants that were solicited by the Carroll Public Library Foundation. They would never have reached their goal of $2.5 million without the numerous contributions and generous gifts of all who gave what they could afford. Fleshner noted some who made multi-year and/or large dollar commitments.
For one of the members of that foundation and a former Trustee, Marilyn Setzler, this day and this project have a very special meaning.
Setzler says her sister introduced her to the library that was then in the Carnegie Building. This new space is one that she sees as being a tremendous asset for the use of the entire community.
And the addition of communal spaces, such as the new meeting room, are beautiful ones for everyone to enjoy, Setzler says. Both Setzler and Fleshner complimented OPN Architects for bringing their vision to paper and then to life and to all the city employees that worked together to make it a reality. After the doors opened, Harold Danner got his first inside look at the project and pointed to the architectural layout as a favorite feature.
Danner jokes that having owned a glass company in the past, he really appreciated the way it was so fully integrated into the design. And Cindy Duhrkopf, a frequent patron at the library thought the space was “awesome.”
Her favorite part is the size of the children’s area and she can’t wait to see it filled with the furniture and kids. The library will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will continue curbside service on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. A link to view additional restrictions on occupancy and visitor guidelines can be found below.
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Library rules, guidelines and hours: http://www.carroll-library.org/upload/Carroll_Public_Library_Re_Openin.2020.pdf
