Spicer attempts to raise $200,000 in 10 weeks to expand library

SPICER -- Sheila Bosch is hoping that library patrons will be willing to reach deep into their pockets -- and be willing to do it quickly -- to help Spicer raise up to $200,000 in 10 weeks for a library expansion project.

Once the local funds are raised, the city can apply for another $200,000 from the Minnesota Public Library Accessibility and Construction grant, which is funded every two years by the Minnesota Legislature.

If Spicer is awarded the competitive grant, construction will begin to nearly double the size of the existing library.

The space is needed, said Bosch, who is the Spicer librarian, to accommodate new materials and increased patronage. Since 2001, patronage has increased 12.5 percent, she said.

"We really need the space because this little tiny library really gets used," said Kimberly Wothe, city administrator.

If the grant is awarded, the city will "get a lot of library" for half the construction cost, said Bosch.

The catch is that the local funds need to be raised before the Oct. 23 grant application deadline.

That gives the city and the library about 10 weeks to raise anywhere from $175,000 to $200,000.

On Wednesday, the Spicer City Council agreed to move ahead with the grant application process.

The city is putting out a "high plea" for donations, said Wothe. The city doesn't have the money to provide the matching funds, she said.

Bosch said she wants to get the word out about the grant opportunity and the need for the local match. "It's an opportunity for people to support their local library," said Bosch.

One reason the city is rushing to apply for this grant and trying to meet the short deadline is fear the state money won't be there during the next funding cycle.

Given state finances and budget cuts, Bosch said she was advised to apply for the grant in 2006 in case the grant money dries up.

In 1998, the city built a new library and city hall complex with a shared entry, hallway and restrooms.

A $361,779 endowment from Ethel B. Erickson's estate provided money to build the library portion of the building in 1998. The 2,850-square-foot library space was adequate at the time, and a huge improvement from their previous library, but it is now too small, said Bosch.

The expansion would add another 2,800 square feet onto the west side of the building.

Bosch said the space would create room for more book shelves, computer stations and a quiet study area.

The council approved contracting with City's Edge, a Willmar architectural firm, to draw up plans for the expansion. The building plans must also be submitted with the grant application.

Bosch said metro libraries have benefited from this state grant in the past. She said it would be nice if a rural library was awarded the funds.