New Lyons Library building plans

New plans for the future home of the Lyons Public Library were unveiled at the Library's Annual Organizational Meeting on July 21. The site, located at 122 Broad Street and also known as the 'Old Lyons Community Hospital,' was given by the Lyons Town Board to the Library in 2004. The Library Board of Trustees chose the property as the site for the future expansion and renovation of the Lyons Public Library because it is located within the Village of Lyons, is within walking distance of the elementary school, and has sufficient grounds for necessary expansion and parking. According to Board President Jim Frind, an added benefit to Lyons is that 'renovation of the Old Lyons Community Hospital preserves a building that has historical, cultural and sentimental value to the community.'

Following last year's failed $2.5 million Bond Referendum, the Library Board explored the feasibility of moving the library to the former site of the Lyons Community Center. However, following the sale of that property to a private individual, the Board directed their architects to create a new design for an addition to the historic Towar House, incorporating community feedback obtained in a survey of Lyons residents and the Library's Community Advisory Committee. The architecture firm of Holmes, King and Kallquist, has designed new plans that will incorporate the hospital building into new construction that will more than double the size of the current library's one room 3200 square foot facility to 7400 square feet of increased space for the collection as well as a local history room, computer lab, and a community room that can be utilized independently of the library.

Library Director, Theresa Streb is pleased with the new plans. 'Although the square footage has been reduced from the old plan, the efficiency of the layout will easily accommodate all library programs and services.'

The new design will cost approximately $1.5 million, a million less than the previously proposed project.

New Library Trustee Ann Bohner also likes the new design. 'Not only will this meet the needs of the community, the unfinished basement allows for future expansion.'

The project will be financed through a Public Bond Referendum, scheduled to be held late Fall 2005. A private fundraising campaign has been planned to pay for related expenses, such as furnishings, upgraded fixtures and fees. A series of community meetings are being scheduled to display the plans and answer any questions the public may have.

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