Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees Chair Gary Amberik provided an update as the new library’s expected launch grows closer.
Thanks to a successful override campaign of $8.5 million in 2021, the library was able to begin its renovation process in January, and it recently entered its final stages.
“We are still on schedule and on budget,” Amberik said. “We’re expecting to finish up in the spring of 2024 as anticipated with no major roadblocks or hurdles. Everything has moved along quite nicely.”
He added that the Abbot Public Library Foundation will continue its fundraising efforts after the renovation is complete. While it was recently established to fund the library’s rebuilding, the foundation will continue to finance things such as technology enhancements and infrastructure long after the project’s completion.
One challenge the library’s Building Renovation Committee faced during the summer was the acquisition of an emergency generator. Amberik assured that the generator is no longer an issue.
“We did receive some good information on the generator and found out that they were able to deliver it within enough time to get it installed and up and running prior to our move-in date,” Amberik explained. “So that was all good news.”
While the launch date has not been officially specified, Amberik provided an estimate for when he expects the renovated library to reopen.
“We’re targeting the month of May to transition from the temporary facility into the new facility, and hope to open in early June,” Amberik said. “That’s about as specific as we can get right now.”