Library Board to Open Bids on Renovation Project Friday

The Helen Matthes Library Board will finally know Friday what the project to convert the former 5th/3rd Bank into a new library home will cost.

Bids on the conversion project are to be opened at 2pm in the Luttrell Meeting Room at the library.

The Board is also working on a date for a special meeting to discuss whether to award the bids. The meeting could take place as soon as next Tuesday.

In the meantime, work has been going on to discuss the financing of the project. Library Director Amanda McKay said Washington Savings Bank is working with other community banks to put together a line of credit during the construction phase. The line of credit is helpful as the bank is receiving contributions based on pledges to be received over as long as the next five years. 

Fundraisers have received contributions and pledges totaling $1.3 million, about $700,000 of the $2 million goal. McKay remains optimistic though based on conversations she and consultant Pam Crisman are having with potential donors that the goal will be reached.

In other business, the library board decided to discontinue offering laminating service at Helen Matthes. McKay said the service only generated $50 a year, and the library will have a list available of other locations in Effingham that offer the service.

The Board also approved a tax levy for the coming year that is similar to the past year's measure.