Last summer, the Bellwood-Antis Library purchased a four-unit apartment building which is situated directly beside the library, with plans to expand the existing building and add a 3,200 square foot children’s area.
In a previous article, librarian Hazel Bilka said, “We knew we needed to purchase that building. We’re pretty much landlocked here with the railroad tracks behind us, Main Street in front and the borough building on one side.”
She said they didn’t think the building would come up for sale so soon but it did and the library purchased the apartment building from the Bellwood-Antis Community Trust.
For those who have been traveling down Main Street recently, they probably have noticed that work on the site is moving along.
Construction at the site began during the last week of February and the project is expected to be done by the end of May.
“We would like to have it done in time for the summer reading program,” said Bilka.
As far as funding for the project, Bilka said, “We’re hoping to receive support from area businesses along with the community.
“We’re also trying to get the kids involved in the project as well. We already have a Brownie troop that has agreed to help.”
She said they are also looking at possibly working with the school district and to get more kids involved.
Currently, volunteers have put together a letter to be mailed out, asking area residents and businesses for help raising funds for the addition.
In order to complete the new addition, funds in the amount of $325,000 are needed. An anonymous donor stepped forward early on in the planning process and agreed to match any funds raised, up to $100,000.
The letter also states donations in the amount of $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized on a special plaque in the children’s addition.
Individuals interested in donating also have the option of paying over the next four years. For example, an individual may wish to donate $1,000 to the project. With the four -year option, that individual would be able to pay $250 each year.
According to Bilka, over 30 organizations use the library, whether it is to hold a monthly meeting or to share presentations with the public.
“We’re hoping local organizations who use the library will each help raise funds,” said Bilka.
She explained if each of the 30 organizations held one fundraiser, a lot of money could be raised for the addition.
A private breakfast was held yesterday at the library to invite area businesses to become a sponsor.
The plans for the children’s area include a story area, computer area, projection area and child-sized bookshelves surrounding the entire room.
A lot of child-sized furniture and toys have already been purchased for the new area, thanks to a Family Place grant received by the library.
There will be new computers, strictly for the children up to fourth grade.
One special toy will be a train for children to enjoy as they sit near the large window facing the train tracks.
Bilka explained the children love to see the trains go by and this will provide the opportunity for that to happen.
There will also be an area for sofas near the window and another area with rocking chairs for storytelling. One section will accommodate several child-sized tables, one with a map of the United States and other with a map of the world.
“We’re very excited about the children’s addition and we feel it will be such an asset to the area,” said Bilka, “and we’re really hoping the community will join in our efforts to raise money for this project.”
