Library Foundation has big plans

McCOOK, Nebraska -- The McCook Public Library received word recently that the McCook Public Library Foundation would be expanding its generosity significantly in the coming months.

The foundation had already agreed to fund the installation of an elevator in the library, in addition to the construction of a vestibule on the north side of the building.

The vestibule resulted from providing an additional entrance while the elevator is being installed in the southeast corner, as well as the foundation's purchase and donation of property directly north of the library, which will serve as additional parking space.

As the elevator project progressed it was discovered an additional sprinkler system for the elevator, as well as an alarm system would need to be installed.

The alarm system installation would require disturbing the ceiling of the library, which would subsequently require the costly removal of asbestos.

Library Director Jody Crocker told the McCook City Council earlier this week that she had informed the foundation of the additional expense and was excited to report board members' response. The library foundation had informed her that it would not only be able to fund the asbestos removal and needed alarm and sprinkler work, but would also install new lighting after the asbestos is removed.

The library foundation went even farther in upgraded plans for the library by committing to paving the new parking lot and completing several renovation projects in the basement.

The foundation had previously funded splitting a larger basement room to make one side available for storage. It is now going to expand on the basement work by finishing the middle room and updating the basement bathrooms.

Crocker said she did not yet have a timeframe for the project, as it would need to go through the bidding process, but she estimated the overall cost to be more than $500,000.

Crocker praised the library foundation and several city councilors echoed her gratitude.

"We have great support from the McCook Public Library Foundation, this will be a wonderful update to the library for the community of McCook," said Crocker.