As usual with construction, the mid-October target for reopening wasn’t achieved, but hope is in sight.
Diane Jaroch, library director, announced on October 24, “No trick, just a treat! The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library will reopen on Thursday, October 31st at 9:00 a.m.! Please use the new front entrance on Center Street, as there is no longer a back entrance. Our parking lot is now a construction zone, so please use street parking. Library items are not due until October 31st. There currently is no outside book drop, as the front entrance area is still a work in progress. Once the concrete sets and we are open to the public, we will be installing an outdoor book drop near the entrance to the library. [Patrons who can’t wait to return their books may do so at any of the other system libraries, including Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, or Palmyra.] We are very excited to have everyone back in the library to see the changes that were made while we were closed.”
As shown in the photo above, it seemed that ground had already been broken before the groundbreaking ceremony, as the entire west section of the building had been removed, but it was a celebrative occasion anyway.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion and renovation of the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library drew a good sized group of library supporters on a beautiful October 2nd late afternoon. Jennifer Motszko, President of the Library Board of Trustees, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their attendance. The board’s vision for expanding the library extended back over two decades, she stated, and it was very rewarding to see that vision being fulfilled. Library Director Diane Jaroch emphasized that this project is designed not only to serve the current users but many future generations as well.
Kelly Davis spoke on behalf of Capital Campaign Committee Chair Jim Winship and Anne Hartwick, the Vice-Chair. Kelly shared, “We are all here because we either love libraries or cake or, most likely, both! We want to thank you all for being here on this momentous day for Whitewater AND for loving libraries.
Jim and Anne both regret not being here to celebrate with all of us. Jim is in Stevens Point, where he will deliver the keynote address for the Hunger Relief Federation Annual Summit tomorrow, a commitment he made in the spring of this year. Anne, who works for the American Cancer Society, is this evening taking over some of the responsibilities of her colleagues who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, and are still without power.
On behalf of the committee, we are thrilled that we’ve reached this incredible milestone in our library’s history. If you can believe it, we’ve been working towards this expansion and renovation project since 2003. Today, we break ground on a new chapter for our cherished community institution – a place where people can come to read, learn, connect, create, and feel welcome.”
Davis concluded, “This achievement is the result of overwhelming support from our community and the City of Whitewater. The additional 4400 square feet and redesigned existing space will enhance children and youth engagement, foster literacy, increase accessibility, promote cultural connections, nurture creativity, and provide a friendly space for all. The design is based on input from the community, census data, state standards, and considerations for sustainability, resiliency, and technological needs. This expansion ensures our library will continue to be an equal-access institution, leveling the playing field so everyone may benefit from knowledge and education. As we put these shovels in the ground, we’re not just expanding a building; we’re expanding opportunities for learning, growth, and connection for generations to come. Thank you all — our donors, our city, and every community member — for supporting this vital project that will serve our community’s needs for decades to come.”
Photo gallery courtesy of Tom Ganser
