North Webster Community Public Library has agreed to purchase the old south end of the building that houses the North Webster Community Center with the intent to demolish it and build a new library. From the left are, seated, North Webster Community Center Director Scott Hetrick, President of the Community Center Board of Directors Dennis Wagoner, President of the North Webster Community Public Library Board of Trustees Phil Metcalf, and North Webster Community Public Library Director Helen Frank. Standing behind are board members Kim Beaman, Heather Coy, Lori Mark, Sue Ann Mitchell, Parke Smith, Eleanor Hooker, Terry Frederick, Cindy Hilgenberg, Linda Stookey and attorney Jay Rigdon.

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library Board of Trustees has signed a contract with North Webster Community Center Board of Directors to purchase the south end of the building that houses the community center with the intent to demolish it and build a new library on that site.

Due to the advanced state of deterioration, the south portion of the building is unusable and beyond renovation. It once housed North Webster High School. Currently located in the north end the center, the library is outgrowing its current quarters.

Last year, the library saw 110,000 visits, circulated 87,000 items and held 549 programs with a total attendance of 12,751. This summer a record number 419 youth were registered for the summer reading program.

The new facility will enable the library to expand its collection and services and provide more space for programs, classes and events.

“This is a win-win situation for everyone involved. The center and library will continue to mutually benefit from their close proximity to one another while the community regains use of this property with a new library,” pointed out Phil Metcalf, president of the North Webster Community Public Library Board of Trustees.

Demolition is slated for late fall with new construction starting in 2019. The library aims to complete construction and open the new facility in 2020. Meanwhile, the library will continue operations as usual in its present location at 301 N. Main St. without interrupting service to patrons.

Anticipating future growth, the library has been setting aside building funds for the last 14 years. Other financing is expected to be obtained through a capital campaign, grants, fundraising and bonds.