By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

As was previously announced on the Banner, the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library’s major renovation and expansion project is underway. On Friday, September 13 two giant burr oak trees were taken down to make room for the construction. Observers opined that the trees were likely over 200 years old. It was the price of progress, they admitted, while also acknowledging that trees don’t last forever. The event brought back memories of the relatively recent loss of the failing “Territorial Oak” at Main and Franklin Streets, as well as the controversial destruction about a decade ago of the gorgeous huge oak behind the former Olsen Funeral Home at Main and Prince Streets.

The library will be closed for approximately one month beginning Saturday, September 14. It will be open today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and materials that are checked out will be given an October 21 due date, although it is hoped that the reopening will occur by October 12. Should patrons wish to return those materials sooner than that date, they could return them at any of the Bridges System libraries, which includes Fort Atkinson, Jefferson and Palmyra. Anyone wishing to obtain materials during the library’s closure may do so by visiting one of those libraries, or by placing a hold on their desired materials on the library’s website but designating the library where they wish to pick them up. A patron’s library card is accepted at any of the system libraries.

Groundbreaking will be held on Wednesday, October 2 at 5 p.m. with speeches at 5:15. Cake and beverages will be served.