OUR PLACE
The Lake Geneva Public Library sincerely needs your help.
Renovations are beginning and the library is launching a solid capital campaign (with a goal of $500,000) to improve the library for staff and patrons alike. Changes will include health, safety, and accessibility updates to the building and making the whole place ADA compliant (Americans with Disabilities Act). The process for updating the library began back in 2017, with a series of focus groups and public workshops designed by the library board in order to get public input. The board was looking to review the building’s space usage and needs, but then the pandemic hit, which affected the library’s operations to the point where the leaders there changed paths and started looking into health and safety projects. They decided to study ways on how to improve accessibility for the building’s existing footprint without expanding.
The library renovations for the overall project are estimated to cost just over one million dollars. The campaign is hoping to raise $500,000 while the rest of the funding is hoped to come from library reserves and endowments, and any approved city capital project funds. The renovations include moving the restrooms to the front of the building, shelving to be lowered and rotated, filtration added to air handling systems, carpeting replaced, two private meeting/study rooms added, the children’s section to take over the former staff areas, expanding to the lakeside of the building, new comfortable seating that can easily be moved, sanitized, and cleaned. This furniture will be placed along the lakeside windows and an outdoor patio will be added for outdoor programs outside the lakeside lobby doors. Two fundraising campaigns have been established to help fund the renovations. The first campaign is the ‘100 Extraordinary Woman Initiative,’ which encourages residents of the community to support local women by having their names permanently displayed along with a bookbinding mounted above the fireplace inside the library. This is an opportunity to remember and honor a woman important to you and who played an important role in your life. All gifts can be a single donation of $1,000 or pledged over a period of three years.
The second campaign is the engraved pavers project for the new patio that will allow businesses, companies, families, and individuals the opportunity to have an engraved paver installed in the new patio. Anyone interested in donating or honoring a special woman should immediately do so by visiting lakegeneva.lib.wi.us, or calling the library at 262-249-5299. All fundraising costs are covered by a specially designated donation, so 100% of any contributions will go towards the renovations. Anyone looking to give any size donation directly to the library is also appreciated. Construction is anticipated to begin in August and be completed by early 2022. The library is currently closed, while the staff is getting ready and prepping for the renovations. The library is continuing to offer curbside assistance, however.
The Impact Fee Study and the wish list.
With the American Relief Plan money becoming available the city has requested needs or wants from all city department heads. The Lake Geneva Library submitted some ideas that would help with its renovations and updates that are possibly in compliance with the requirements of the distribution of some of the funds. The other submissions came from the utility department, fire department, and public works. The public works request list was the longest list, had the highest price tag, and generated the most controversy. The ideas range from purchasing properties near the current street department property to relocating the Lake Geneva Boat Launch. City officials and committee members have many questions, and so does the public, and most offering opinions are in opposition to funding many items on the lists. The lists were not gone over in much detail and the requirements of what projects or ideas qualify for funds. The Lake Geneva Finance, Licensing, and Regulation Committee have requested the city attorney (Draper) go over the list to determine what items would even be a potential qualifier for funds. The first allocated American Relief Funds are available to the city in the amount of $424,700 and more is likely to come, which means some projects can be planned for future initiation and completion dates.
Place of the Week
Harbor Freight in Delavan is open! A variety of tools at a discount price. Grand Opening is this weekend July 31st come check it out!
