We’re Off and Running!

Published on September 12, 2024

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.

Ceremonially breaking the ground were (left to right) Library Director Lisa McWilliams, Board President Chris Neu, Business Manager Donna Neuman, and other board members Carolyn Brewer, Paul Neukam, Casey Lindeman, Lauren Tanner, and Melissa Boeglin.

Huntingburg Mayor Neil Elkins (center) delivered remarks at the library renovation groundbreaking, flanked by Library Director Lisa McWilliams (left) and Library Board President Chris Neu (right), who also spoke.

Library Cataloguer Rachelle Mathias (left) conversed with Joe Cozza of Eck-Mundy Associates (right).

From left to right: Huntingburg Library Director Lisa McWilliams, library board member Melissa Boeglin, and Randy McWilliams, husband of the director, enjoyed the refreshments as well as the renovation’s progress so far.

Discussing the renovation were (left to right) Library Board member Casey Lindeman; Jami Marcum, office manager, and Anne McGowan, marketing specialist, Dubois Strong; and Library Board President Chris Neu.

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.