Library Board Turns Dirt at Official Renovation Groundbreaking
It’s official!
On Friday, September 6, the Huntingburg Public Library celebrated the beginning of its long-awaited renovation with a ceremonial groundbreaking. Library Director Lisa McWilliams welcomed a crowd of around 40 attendees to the event. She detailed the coming changes to the library, which was built in 1936 and expanded in 1979 and again in 1994. Improvements will include the addition of an elevator, energy-efficient lighting and HVAC, new furnishings, expanded children’s area, new patio area, and improved workflow throughout the building.
By Monday, September 9, primary contractor Krempp Construction had begun excavating the crawl space beneath the 1994 expansion. When finished, that excavation and subsequent renovation will add 1,500 square feet to the library, along with another 670 square feet to be added in a two-story build-out on the library’s north side. The final piece of the puzzle will be the construction of an elevator and new interior stairway on the library’s south side.
Huntingburg Mayor Neil Elkins praised the project, pointing out the importance of a library in a community as a place of learning available to all. Library Board President Chris Neu thanked all those who had made the project possible, including library staff and volunteers as well as generous donors and supportive community members. “Your unwavering commitment and passion have brought us to this exciting day…together, we are creating a legacy of learning and opportunity for generations to come,” he said.
After library board members and staff turned the dirt with shovels provided by Krempp Construction, everyone was invited into the library for complimentary cake and lemonade.
The Huntingburg Library wishes to thank all who have helped make the renovation a reality, including community partners the Dubois County Community Foundation, Farbest Foods, OFS/Menke Family, Freedom Bank, German-American Bank, Universal Design, and Krempp Construction.