Luther Library undertakes third expansion

LUTHER — Perhaps no facility better proves the area’s population loves their libraries than the Luther Area Public Library.

Less than three years after growing from a 576-square foot facility to 2,400 square feet, the facility will again expand.

“We opened doors to the last expansion three years ago on the Fourth of July. We have grown tremendously. The need was so great,” said Library Director Barb Stenger.

Luther Library services 3,500 residents from the Village of Luther and Ellsworth, Dover, Newkirk, Peacock, Sauble and Elk townships. Since its last facility expansion, the library tripled its book collection to 1,000 volumes and increased the video collection from 30 to 500 titles. Many of the materials were donated by patrons. But space is restricting access to book collections, other resources and programming opportunities.

“They seem happy with the library, but we are limited as far as room,” said Larry Boes, library board member. “We have new shelves and no place to put them.”

Expansion will increase access to materials and enhance meeting room space. A summer reading program has enrolled 60 children ages 4 to 11. Stenger said operating the program this year in the existing space will be a tight squeeze.

Also popular with patrons is the library’s the high speed Internet access. The computer stations allow patrons to conduct job searches and perform other vital activities.

“Other than schools, the library is the only center (in the area) for different types of programs,” she said. “If the library were not here, they would have to drive a long ways for access.”

The U.S Department of Agriculture Rural Development program awarded the library a $65,000 grant for the building expansion.

“Libraries are fundamental centers for life-long learning in communities,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. “The federal grant will help the Luther Library to continue serving as a local clearinghouse of informative and entertaining material and other resources that enrich lives.”

A library capital campaign will raise $54,000 in matching funds to facilitate the project.

“We have support from the community and I hope to write more grants because this is an area of high unemployment,” Stenger said. “Besides grants, we are going to have down-home fund-raisers like bake sales and book sales.”

Library officials hope to garner area support for fund-raising efforts. For more information, contact Barb Stenger at (231) 797-8007.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

Your Local Connection

Undergoing Changes

Facility: Luther Area Public Library, 115 State St., Luther

Service area: Includes 3,540 people within Village of Luther and Ellsworth, Dover, Newkirk, Peacock, Sauble and Elk townships

Project: 1,200-square-foot addition

Total project cost: $119,000

Funding sources: $65,000 grant from U.S. Department of Agriculture Development; Library must raise $54,000 match

Time frame: 2008 Construction