The Library Board of Trustees met in a special session on Sept. 22, 2022, to discuss plans for opening the new Marion Public Library facility in the 1100 block of 6th Avenue.
Like many projects in recent years, the library has been impacted by the availability of materials, delivery delays, and labor shortages. In a joint meeting of the Library Board of Trustees and Marion City Council on Sept. 12, four critical items were identified as standing in the way of the library opening. They included the installation of sink shrouds, interior and exterior railings, and access and security hardware and software.
Based on the progress contractors have made in the last 10 days, and contingent on the completion of the fourth critical item, the Library Board voted to set a soft opening on or before Nov. 15 and schedule an official grand opening event at a later date. This will allow time for the arrival and installation of hardware and software, training for staff, and the relocation of the collection currently in use at the Uptown Branch location.
“The community has been without a full-service library since the August 2020 derecho,” said Library Director Bill Carroll. “I applaud our team for their innovative approach to providing services and our patrons for their continued patience and understanding.”
“Even with some aspects of the project yet to be completed, we are more equipped to serve the public in the new facility than we can from our temporary branch location,” he added. “We look forward to opening our doors to the community before Nov. 15.”
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