Staff writer
The Marion Public Library is seeking donations for its new addition.
Those who want a plaque with their name on display in the library can donate $25 to the project by calling the library at (620) 382-2442.
In addition to the addition, the library did not have the funds to construct a parking lot needed for the added traffic the library would receive from the addition.
“We would only need 12 or so additional spaces,” librarian Janet Marler said.
Before the addition project began the library approached the city to see if any funding for a parking lot was available.
“The city knows of our situation and said they would assist if funds were available, but we haven’t heard anything yet,” Marler said.
Two city council meetings ago EBH engineer Darren Neufeld said leftover bond money from the street project could be used to build a parking lot for the new addition, however that option is off the table as the council decided to only accept the bond amount for the cost of the street project bids.
“Because the parking lot was not on the original bond request, Darren did not believe we could use the bond money for the library parking lot,” Mayor Mary Olson said. “He didn’t think bond counsel would allow that.”
“It doesn’t mean the city isn’t willing to help with the parking lot construction,” intern city administrator Roger Holter said. “It means we’ll have to find another way to work it into the budget and look at other options.”
He said one option might include recycling bricks from Fourth and Williams Sts., to surface the parking lot.
“We’ll need to look at ways to make it cost effective and use city crews to complete the project,” he said.
Olson said she is all for finding a way for the library to have a paved parking lot.
“With the new building they’re going to need a new lot, and I would rather have it paved rather than gravel,” she said.