2018 will be an important year for the efforts to build a new library in New Glarus.

In a resolution passed by the New Glarus Village Board on December 5, the long-delayed issue of constructing a new library facility was affirmatively addressed.

The Village Board gave the Library Board two performance goals in order for work on a new library to continue:

the first and most important goal is to raise $1 million, with $950,000 being cash in hand by the end of 2018;

If that goal is met, then by June 2019, construction plans, including cost estimates and bids, must be completed for the construction of the new library to proceed.

One million of the construction cost is a promised contribution from the village. To date, a committed capital campaign group has secured donated funds totaling over $760,000 cash in hand. The group is enthusiastic and confident that now, with this renewed commitment from the village and a timeline, they can raise the necessary funds to build a library that will serve all citizens well.

For operating costs, a separate and ongoing fundraising effort will be undertaken to supplement the amount provided by the village.

New Glarus Library patrons have long remarked on both the excellent service and yet woefully inadequate facilities of the current library, currently housed in the New Glarus Village Hall.  A new facility has been the dream, hope, and desire of many in the library service area for many years.

A kick-off event will be held on Wednesday, January 31, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at the Swiss Center of North America, 507 Durst Road, New Glarus. The event will be hosted by the Capital Campaign Committee Chairs: Mary Funseth, Mark Janowiak, Howard Cosgrove and Mark Renner. All are invited to attend if you are interested in learning more about the new library building project. Refreshments will be served.