She said she has arranged for library officials to apply for $125,000 in capital project funding to help meet the costs of the $425,000 project.
"A lot of volunteers have come together to make this happen. They will still need a local capital campaign to raise the funds necessary to meet all the costs of this project," according to Assemblywoman Russell.
The plan calls for electrical upgrades, improvements to the heating and ventilation system, parking lot improvements and an addition.
Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Directors, said the project will provide space for more children's programming and additional computer training. A conference room will offer space for meetings, training and music events.
She said a sloped approach to the vestibule at the entrance to the library off Hoyt Street will make the building handicap accessible and two new restrooms will be accessible for all library users.
She said the work will also focus on energy saving improvements, ranging from new windows as well as updates to inadequate light fixtures. "It gets pretty dark in here in the winter," Ms. LaMont said.
She said work on the project has been underway for over two years. Ms. LaMont noted she was thrilled to discover Assemblywoman Russell was working to secure the $125,000 in funding.
"That was pretty awesome. It's nerve wracking to try and work to raise funds when normally we are offering services that are free of charge," she pointed out.
The Crosby Public Library had previously received a $93,000 library grant, and library officials are applying for a second grant for the final phase of the project.
"Each one of you here today has had a special role in getting this library to today's ceremony. We are all part of a small, strong community who work hard for what we believe in," Ms. LaMont said.
The Crosby Public Library was opened in July 1919.
"The impact this project will have on the community if Antwerp is immeasurable. This library will continue to be a valuable community resource, providing opportunity and growing young minds," she added.
Antwerp Primary School Principal Elizabeth Culbertson was on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony with several students from her school.
She said it is important for the children to see the support for the library in the community.
"We're part of the community. We are trying to instill a love of reading, support a quest for knowledge and show being a lifelong learner is important," Ms. Culbertson said.
Assemblywoman Russell said the community's support for its library sends the right message to the next generation of community leaders.
"Our young people should feel extremely proud to live in a community that is investing in its library. It shows the community cares about its children and their future," she noted.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP:
Patrick Currier of Aubertine and Currier, Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, PLLC; Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Directors; Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa; and Bonnie Fikes, representing State Senator Patty Ritchie, (l-r); prepare for the ground breaking of the renovation and expansion project at the Antwerp library.
BOTTOM:
Assemblywoman Russell gets assistance from Antwerp Primary School students ready to help shovel a little dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion of the Crosby Public Library in Antwerp.
Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell announced she had secured $125,000 in funding for the renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library in Antwerp.
Barbara J. LaMont, president of the Crosby Public Library Board of Trustees, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the library's renovation and expansion project.
Efforts are underway to raise $40,000 to complete a renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library. Photos show the blueprint for the expansion, a conceptual drawing of the building with the addition and a different view of the current library.
Several students from Antwerp Primary School were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony for the renovation and expansion project at the Crosby Public Library.
