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Friends of the Library discuss a few construction expectations

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Friends of the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library Mary Novey (left), president, and Terri Connell, talk about the undesirable necessity of the artesian well being capped.

A popular and distinguishing feature of the library is its artesian well, which must now be capped because of leaking issues. (Photos by Caitlin Bittner)

By Caitlin Bittner

“It’s important to see this library sustained,” said Karen Badzinski, treasurer of Friends of the Prairie du Chien Memorial Library at their spring social Meet and Greet Tuesday night, April 25.

At the meeting, members recalled cherished memories of libraries, noting they saw them as places to go for growth, learning and exploration.

With the current library looking toward its future expansion, Friends of the Library President Mary Novey spoke about the recent success of the library’s book sale, which raised $700 in funds. She added that the library was grateful for all of the book donations and support they received for the sale, and is hopeful for that generosity to continue. “We’ll be having another one for Crazy Days,” noted Novey.

Librarian Nancy Ashmore updated the group on the progress of construction, adding that the library staff has been busy organizing and storing items. “You’ve probably noticed some empty shelves, especially over in the children’s section,” Ashmore said.

The construction is slated to begin as early as June, with the deciding factors being the proposed basement and the artesian well.

Although the well is a popular and distinguishing feature,  Library Board President Linda Munson said it will have to be removed. “We have to cap it, but we’re not happy about it,” she stated.

In order to cap the well, the library had to apply for a variance with the Department of Natural Resources, allowing the well to be capped from the side, rather than the top. “It is going to be hard to do [from the top] because of the windows and the water pressure,” said Munson.

When the well is officially capped, a new entrance will be built in the front, where an emergency door is now. “We’ll have to make it handicap accessible, and we’ll put in a book drop,” explained Ashmore.

Afterward, construction will begin with the children’s section. “It might be noisy for a while,” said Ashmore, noting that construction would probably be completed on that half of the library near November. “Then we’ll switch to the other side,” said Ashmore.

While the construction is forcing the library staff to be more creative with its normal summer activities, Ashmore and Novey said they will still be happening off site, at places like the Villa Louis and Fort Crawford.

The big question on everyone’s mind was, of course, when the construction would be completed. “Maybe next April,” answered Ashmore, adding that construction would have been faster if the library could have moved out of its space.

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