‘Friends’ present city with $173,412
to help with library

Help with library
Mike Word of the Friends of the Jefferson City Library presents a check for $173,412.62 to Mayor Mark Potts to help with construction of the town’s new public library. With them are some of the volunteers who helped with the fund-raising, from left: Heidi Thomas, Wendy O’Neal, Michelle Templin, Library Director Anjanae Brueland, Jean Hedges, Reba Niceley, Nancy Crapiz, Marsha Duck, and Jason Good.

Jefferson City Council accepted a check for $173,412.62 from the Friends of the Library during Monday’s regular session.

The check represents the fund-raising efforts of several years toward the new $3.1 million public library under construction at the City Center.

Earlier, the Friends handed over a check for $33,730.19 in funds also raised for the new building. That brings their total contribution to $217,142.81, said Mike Word of the Friends.

“We’re thrilled to receive this check,” said Mayor Mark Potts. “It represents a whole lot of hard work and dedication. Pretty soon, we’ll have a new library to show for it.”

Merit Construction is the general contractor of the new 16,000 square foot library, which is expected to be complete this summer.

The new library will replace a small 1960s era one in use today. It will provide more than five times the space of the current building.

Bonds totaling $2.42 million were issued for the project. The town will also use $381,000 from the sale of the former city hall toward the project, as well as a $100,000 state grant.
By Steve Marion – Standard Banner Staff Writer |Thursday, May 7, 2015