Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana is beginning 2011 debt-free and ready for two major renovations to its new historic home at 9 W. Slokom Ave., thanks to the sale of the old building and $156,000 in grants.
According to Jack Assetto, chairman of the library’s capital campaign, the former Bridge Street library, also a historic property, was sold to Christiana Real Properties LLC for $104,000. The sale allowed the board to pay its debt and own the new library free and clear.
“We are really pleased with that,” said Walt Crellin, library board treasurer. “In the past two weeks we’ve also gotten two more grants, one to build an elevator down to the ground floor, and another matching grant to renovate the basement.”
This second phase of the library’s $1.9 million renovation will create space in the downstairs area for a café, meeting room and used bookstore, with the elevator providing access to those with handicaps.
Crellin said a $121,000 matching state grant will cover the cost of the downstairs project, and the $35,000 grant will complete the elevator. Crellin said unlike the Keystone grant, which required bidding the project and paying the prevailing wage, the matching grant allows the library board to do the construction with some local craftsmen offering volunteer labor.
Architect Mark Myers, who designed and led the transformation of the historic stone former bank building into a community library, will again lead the project. Construction will begin this spring.
Crellin said the library board of directors is kicking off the new year with a revitalized Friends of the Library group, who plan several fundraisers, including a golf tournament, plant sale and chicken barbecues. Used book sales are an ongoing fundraiser.
Use of the library is up 40 percent, according to Crellin. The library’s board of directors recently adopted a $93,300 2011 budget, which is up $2,600 over the 2010 plan. Crellin said this is due to increased utility and insurance costs associated with the new building. Otherwise, there has been no increase in operating expenses. Crellin said the library anticipates an $8,000 shortfall in revenue, and the board is also not sure what ongoing changes within the county library system will bring.
According to Bud Rettew, library board president, the board has faith volunteers will overcome the shortfall.
“If we are successful, we may not have to reduce services beyond what has already been done,” Rettew said. “For example, we are closed on Mondays.”
The library’s Web site is www.christianalibrary.org.
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