Wellman approves WCRF grant application for library

By John Butters
Posted 8/17/22

The Wellman City council approved a grant application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation Monday for financial assistance with a planned $832,000 expansion of Wellman’s Scofield …

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Wellman approves WCRF grant application for library

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The Wellman City council approved a grant application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation Monday for financial assistance with a planned $832,000 expansion of Wellman’s Scofield Public Library.

Library Director Erin Campbell gave a presentation to council members on the scope and size of a project that would add approximately 3,100 square feet to the library’s current 2,700-foot floor plan. The space would be added from an annexation of adjoining space that formerly housed the Senior Citizens dining center. The Senior Center is now located on 8th Street in downtown Wellman.

In her presentation, Campbell provided statistics to the council that signify the library’s increasing importance to the community. As in many small communities, the Wellman Library functions as a community hub for information and social gatherings. A recent audit showed the library has hosted 83 events that were attended by 2,522 attendees. It has 1,729 active patron cards and has processed 12,548 checkouts. The library also provides WiFi to Mid-Prairie students and residents who do not have internet access.

Campbell said the library was ready to expand its services, but that it was constrained by its lack of space. The new addition would add more shelving, a large program room, two storage rooms and two new restrooms. Currently, the library has only one restroom. The planned renovation would also include updating the furnace, air conditioning, duct work and electrical service. Martin Gardner Architecture has been retained for the design and planning of the facility.

Campbell said the library had already raised $100,000 towards the project and would continue its fundraising efforts. Council members agreed that the library was a valued community resource and approved a $100,000 commitment to the project. Plans call for work to begin in 2023 and the project to be completed in 2024.

In other business, the council approved a street finance report, and set a public hearing on Sept. 6 for ordinance changes on the permitting and sale of alcohol and liquor licensing. The modifications are required to keep Wellman in compliance with recent changes in state legislation.