Library Contracts for Design Work on Expanded Children's Room

Effingham Public Library board members have contracted with FGM Architects of Mt. Vernon for design of an expansion of the Children's Room.

Actual construction of the second floor project will get underway toward the end of the year, when activities are a little slower. Library Director Amanda McKay said the project should be completed in Spring 2025.

The Board also learned that they have sufficient funds to pay off the mortgage remaining on the library building. The project to relocate to the building cost $1.5 million. The mortgage balance is now at $700,000. 

Board members discussed a payoff schedule, since enough interest could be earned while still making the scheduled mortgage payments to benefit the library.

McKay said there was also good news shared regarding their targeted marketing campaign conducted in the spring. 1,000 households were contacted, and 120 of those contacted have signed up for new library cards, and 322 more people have reactivated their cards.

McKay said the Summer Read Program has been successful. The number of participants right under 1,600. She said the signup should break the record set last year.