Shown breaking ground are North Webster Public Library Board Members. From left, are Tisha Holsten, LuAnn Kissinger, Cindy Hilgenberg, Terry Frederick, Phil Metcalf, Linda Stookey and Eleanor Hooker. (Photo provided)

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library in Kosciusko County held a groundbreaking ceremony on a 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 to kick off the beginning of construction of their new library facility. The planning and construction of this project is being led by Michael Kinder & Sons, construction manager and MKM Architecture + Design, architect.

North Webster Library Board President, Phil Metcalf opened the Groundbreaking Ceremony with a brief speech to express the significance of the project. Following, members of the Library staff and community officials gathered with shovels and hard hats to participate in the traditional turning of the first sod on the jobsite.

The North Webster Community Public Library provides a safe, welcoming environment for its community to learn and share ideas. They provide several resources to the North Webster public to facilitate learning, social interaction, and much more. In 2016 the library board recognized that their attendance was growing at a rapid pace and, in turn, they were quickly outgrowing their current building. The board, MKS, and MKM created a partnership, began planning the future of a new Library, and now, that future is becoming reality as construction begins.

Phil Metcalf, library board president, explains the significance of the project.

“The North Webster Library is one of the only public places in our country that is free and available to all. We have filled our current Library to full capacity and have run out of space to add new equipment, materials and programs. We are thrilled to offer the community a building designed to serve them and meet educational and recreational needs for many years to come. It is our goal that this new Library building will truly make this community a better place to live.” said Helen Leinbach, director of North Webster Community Public Library.

The Library has partnered with construction manager, Michael Kinder & Sons and Architect, MKM Architecture + Design of Fort Wayne, to plan, design and construct a new facility at the south end of what is currently the Community Center at 301 N. Main St.

“The North Webster Library is a hidden gem in Kosciusko County. Our team has been privileged to lead the planning process since our first involvement, beginning over three years ago. The start of this project marks the beginning of the next chapter for the community of North Webster — and we are proud to be a part of that.” said Michael Kinder & Sons VP Business Development Zach Kessie.

The Groundbreaking Ceremony is a commemorative tradition where the first day of construction for a building is recognized and celebrated by the businesses and people involved in the project. The turning of the first sod/dirt on the job site is completed with shovels, typically by community members and employees of the involved businesses. Members from the library’s staff and board attended, along with several community officials, members of the community, the MKS team, and MKM team.

“Libraries play a key role in enhancing the health and well-being of the communities they serve. The North Webster Community Public Library uniquely serves as a third place for residents, somewhere that isn’t work or home, a social hub and gathering space for people of all ages and abilities. This new facility will give the library staff the platform they need to forge new connections and grow their ability to serve the community.” said Zach Benedict, principal at MKM architecture + design.