Post Messenger Recorder -

On May 5, 2015, the New Glarus Village Board unanimously passed a Resolution that reflects the results of the 2014 referendum on the library-building project. Specifically, the New Glarus Village Board has endorsed Glarner Park as the new downtown home of the library, and has agreed to reserve $1,000,000 in borrowing capacity for the library project.

In exchange, the New Glarus Library Board must provide detailed accounting of building and site improvements, as well as a comprehensive operating budget. The library must also continue to update the Village on fundraising proceeds, offer a plan to cover the gap in funding between pledges that are paid and those that are yet-to-be-paid, plan to operate the new library with no additional levy support from the Village, and prepare for sale of the west side location and use the proceeds for the building project.

The Library Board has already begun review of its projected needs, and contacted the architects to begin the work of translating the plan for the west side site to Glarner Park. Expect to hear much more about this as the process moves forward.

The fundraising groups have been meeting and planning over the last few months and are prepared to move rapidly to adjust the campaign goals for the new site and updated plan, and spring into action as soon as possible. Further details on fundraising are also forthcoming.

The New Glarus Library Board clearly has a lot of work to do to adjust its plans, and meet the requirements set by the village on May 5th. The Village Board also has some hard work ahead to solve a few of the remaining issues. With a healthy dose of cooperation there is great optimism we will soon have a new library for all to enjoy.

Spring is the season when seeds are sown in the hopes that the summer months will provide the necessary nourishment for a bountiful harvest season. The seeds for successful completion of this project have been planted. Let us all tend to them carefully so the community can celebrate completion of a long overdue project that will benefit anyone who wishes to partake in the bounty.