Ready, set, fundraise

The Prairie City Public Library is on a mission, a mission to raise funds for a new location. Work is already underway with the purchase of a new building complete but there are many steps to go before the mission becomes a reality.

“Expanding our library will allow us to grow our physical collection, the programs we offer and the number of people who can attend,” library director Sue Ponder said. “The move to a larger building will offer private study areas, a space for meeting and room for each area of our collection to grow. It also will result in a centralized area for city services and contribute to the revitalization of our downtown area.”

Since moving to its current location at 100 E. Fifth St. in 2002, the use of the library has evolved with a more than 60 percent increase in the number of checkouts of the physical collection along with adding downloadable items. The library has also gone from one computer to four which were used 931 times in 2019.

The new building, located next to city hall at 100 S. Marshall St., will help serve the community and the more than 130 programs hosted by the library each year. At those programs, close to 1,000 people walked through the door, stretching the limits of the space.

Phase One of the project includes raising $145,000. Next, the city will provide matching funds in the amount of $145,000. Phase Two including grants and donations totaling $200,000 to complete the $615,000 estimated project cost.

Along with projects currently underway like the can collection drive, the library is taking donations. They can be made by cash or check and can be a part of a matching gift program from employers, including endowments, real estate, life insurance and personal property and can be made in honor or in memory of someone. Donations are tax-deductible and are accepted in accordance with the Prairie City Public Library’s gift acceptance policy.

“We are excited for the future of the Prairie City Public Library and look forward to our next chapter serve the patrons of the Prairie City area,” Ponder said.

For more information contact the library at 515-994-2308 or library@prairiecityiowa.us. Information can also be found on the Prairie City Public Library Facebook page.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com