SIDNEY — The Shelby County Libraries Board of Trustees has authorized krM Architecture+ to prepare construction bid documents in the next step toward the expansion and renovation of the Amos Memorial Public Library. Although the campaign is still underway with approximately $300,000 remaining to be raised in the $4.8 million project, the trustees voted to fund the architectural services for the next phase of construction.
“The trustees have reviewed the design documents and authorized the architects to proceed with construction documents. Contractor bids will be due in mid-December, which gives us a few more months to encourage donors to support the Shelby County Libraries’ hub in Sidney,” saidCindy Helman, campaign chair.
The trustees have already invested close to $145,000 in architect fees to date. With the vote to move forward, the vision of a modern library to meet the contemporary and technological needs of Shelby County is closer to realization.
“We have already spent considerable time and money to reach this point,” said Helman, “and we are excited to be in a position to take this next step. Gifts from the generous people of Sidney and Shelby County have brought us to the brink of success. As we get closer to making the ultimate decision to approve bids this winter, we want to be sure every citizen has the opportunity to be involved in putting us over the top of our fundraising goal. Because we are moving forward, doesn’t mean we have all the funds in the bank, but it does mean that we can confidently advance as pledges and gifts continue to come in.”
Donors may pledge over a three-year period and are asked to make checks payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with “library” on the memo line and send to the Foundation at 100 S. Main Ave., Suite 202, Sidney, OH 45365. Gifts of less than $100 may be contributed at the Amos Memorial Public Library or at any of the locations in Fort Loramie, Russia, Anna, Botkins or Jackson Center.
A $100-$999 gift is eligible for a commemorative brick to be laid in the paved areas. A $1,000-$9,999 gift will be noted in etched glass on a wall inside the North Street entrance, and gifts of $10,000 or greater will be preserved on a permanent plaque in the new addition. For larger gifts, a list of naming opportunities is available. More information on the project and ways to contribute may be found at the library website shelbyco.lib.oh.us.
The next opportunity to support the project is a live auction from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Amos Library, 230 E. North St. At that time, the S.S. Book Nook, a rowboat from the children’s room, will be auctioned along with other items and gift baskets. For more information, call 937-492-8354.
