Renovations at BPL 2017
Remodeled and really beautiful,
now it’s time to enjoy.
An anonymous donation in 2014 set the
Benzonia Public Library on a path to
update the physical spaces inside the library.
Renovations were completed Spring 2017.
We used funds donated to the library over the years (and saved for a major project like this). We also used the funds from a special renovation appeal last year to improve the children’s room, which we had left for last – but not least! We asked donors to “picture a library that can serve your grandchildren just like it served your grandparents.”
now it’s time to enjoy.
An anonymous donation in 2014 set the
Benzonia Public Library on a path to
update the physical spaces inside the library.
Renovations were completed Spring 2017.
We used funds donated to the library over the years (and saved for a major project like this). We also used the funds from a special renovation appeal last year to improve the children’s room, which we had left for last – but not least! We asked donors to “picture a library that can serve your grandchildren just like it served your grandparents.”
Working within the constraints of a 1909 building with many rooms, we have:
We thank our local vendors and contractors, see list.
We especially thank all those who have donated to the library through the years. Our millage is spent entirely on operations, and donors supplied the renovation funds. Other donors help supplement our operations budget.
We couldn’t do the things we do without their generosity.
A nicer environment is wonderful, but it is the staff and programs and collection which make this library special.
- Insulated exterior walls (warmth is so mundane…)
- Brightened the walls
- Added an electronic fireplace to replace the non-functional Academy fireplace
- Improved shelving (all the shelves are now adjustable – and level)
- Reconfigured the public bathroom so it opens onto the hallway
- Removed old showers (no more file cabinets in defunct showers!)
- Created a teen space by removing walls (we call it the "YA nook”)
- Added mini-split air conditioning
- Added cellular shades
- Improved the lighting (with the latest additions being LED)
- Made the staff room a more desirable place to work with counters, cabinets, more outlets, --- and no smell of bat guano in the walls.
- Replaced the cramped public computer carrels with long counters in a better location
- Added tables and chairs for sitting with books and newspapers or laptops or historic photo albums
- Created a meeting room that groups can schedule to use for their events
We thank our local vendors and contractors, see list.
We especially thank all those who have donated to the library through the years. Our millage is spent entirely on operations, and donors supplied the renovation funds. Other donors help supplement our operations budget.
We couldn’t do the things we do without their generosity.
A nicer environment is wonderful, but it is the staff and programs and collection which make this library special.
REMODELED AND REALLY BEAUTIFUL!
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We're almost done!
NONE of the funds for renovation come from the
Benzonia Township voted millage for library operations.
We thank all who have donated funds to the Library
over the years so that updates such these are possible.
Benzonia Township voted millage for library operations.
We thank all who have donated funds to the Library
over the years so that updates such these are possible.
