Dublin Core
Description
After many meetings with Architect Kevin Monson, acceptable plans were approved for the new building. Bids were opened at the September 10, 1985 Council meeting. Low bid was received from Spencer Construction Company, Spencer, Iowa. The bid did not include finishing the lower level meeting room or furnishings for the building.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were held Tuesday, October 1, 1985 at 10:00 a.m., a clear, crisp fall day. Refreshments were served in the fire station next door. The shovel was painted gold by Board Member John Lundell and is on display in the Conference Room in the new building.
Numerous delays were encountered in the construction of the new building. These included very wet weather, an incompetent project foreman who had to be replaced, and a strike by laborers and carpenters due to a wage dispute.
Since furnishings for the building were not included in the bond issue, the City Council allotted $100,000 to be spent for this purpose. Additional funds were raised by a fundraising committee, chaired by Diana Lundell.
In March of 1987, the new building was finally ready for occupancy and with the help of many volunteers the move became a reality. Open House was held on March 29, with over 500 persons attending. Opening day, March 30, ended with a record-setting circulation of 1,170 items. By the end of 1987, circulation had increased by about 21 percent.