A new library for Lewiston is now closer to reality! On Monday, April 25, the Lewiston City Council approved an agreement to purchase the Cornerstone/Erb Hardware building located downtown at 5th and D Street. Members of the Library Board of Trustees and the Library Foundation were present when the council voted and were elated at the development. The $595,000 the city will pay is only a portion of the building’s $800,000 selling price. The owner, Bennett Industries, is donating the remaining $205,000.

In addition to the $2 million already raised by the Library Foundation from businesses and individuals, another $2 million will be needed to completely remodel the building. In the near future, the Foundation will launch a public campaign to raise the necessary additional funds.

There are many steps in the process to get the new library operational but here are a few highlights of the projected timeline:

 

Architect selection process: Summer 2011
Preliminary design stage begins: Fall 2011
Construction drawings submitted for plan review Winter 2011
Project advertised for bids Winter 2011
Project bids reviewed, approved & contract awarded Late Winter 2011
Project construction commences Spring 2011-12
Project substantially complete: Fall 2012
Move in begins: Winter 2012
Library open for business in downtown Lewiston Spring 2013

 

Many thanks are in order to the City Council, business and individual donors, the Capital Campaign Cabinet and members of the Library Board of Trustees and the Library Foundation for helping make the dream of a new Library come to fruition in the near future. Special appreciation to the Bennett Family for their exemplary generosity.

The story we’re writing now impacts our children, grandchildren and future generations. We’re creating a place that inspires all ages and interests. A magical place where children can imagine, learn and grow.  A place that supports learning for all, no matter our passions, our politics or our position in society.  Your interaction with the world around you is influenced by your local library through books, the Internet and community classes.  Your local library is a place where everyone is welcome to come, learn and grow.

With your help, we’re not just building a library, we’re creating the heart of the community.

We are planning to be in our new home in downtown Lewiston Winter 2012. Be a part of this story by making a donation to help us remodel the Cornerstone/Erb Hardware Building.


“My research at our public library and online is the basis for my continuing education.  The library, in particular, is an irreplaceable community center for information, entertainment and lifelong learning.”Dr. Richard Moore
LCSC College Professor, Retired


“The Library is a great resource, a safe place we rely on.  When you burn through books as quickly as we do you see a real benefit of having such a great selection at your fingertips.  Not only the books, but the programs offered at the library keep our kids interested and help foster our love of reading.”

The Finch Family
Lewiston Residents Tobe, Alicia, Sydney, Ryann & Payton

 

 

“Discussions that center around philosophy, art and literature occur frequently at my coffee shop. Customers ask for recommendations of books to read based on our discussions. I refer them to our local library to check out these selections. There’s something about physically opening a book…an experience the digital age cannot duplicate. A good library is an important resource in our community.”

Nathanael Tucker
Lewiston Small Business Owner, La Boheme