Delta: Library expansion to get under way

An artist's sketch details the Delta Library project, including a 20-foot glass tower entryway.

DELTA - Groundbreaking for Delta Public Library's expansion project is slated for next week.

The library board of trustees, who recently awarded a $283,980 contract to Midwest Contracting of Holland, Ohio, for the expansion and renovation work, will conduct their regular meeting in the library activity room after the 6:50 p.m. Tuesday groundbreaking.

"The board was really pleased that the bids came in as competitively as they did," said Patricia Grover, library director. As a result of the competitive bids, "we will be moving forward with the project."

Staff members and the board of trustees are excited about the prospect of additional space and what that will mean to the library's collection and services, according to Mrs. Grover, who added that they are particularly pleased about the new 20-foot glass tower entryway that will highlight the improvements. The tower, she said, will offer special architectural significance to the building.

There were concerns about the cost for the tower, but it will be included in the project thanks to a gift from the estate of the late Darleen Frank. "She was a generous and supportive patron while she was with us, as well," said Mrs. Grover.

The library's project includes some renovation work on the existing structure and the construction of a 1,000-square-foot area along the front of the building. About 600 square feet of the new space will be set aside for public service areas, such as to expand the audio-visual and books-on-tape collections. A quiet area will be available where patrons can conduct genealogy research. Storage rooms will be added, too.

During construction, visitors to the library won't be able to use the front handicap accessible entryway, and it might be necessary to close the library for safety reasons, according to the director. Public notices will be made about dates and times for any closing.

Work should be completed by September, Mrs. Grover said.

The Delta Public Library, which marked its 75th anniversary in 2000, is in a former bank building along Main Street in the village's downtown.