WELLMAN

When patrons return to the Wellman Public Library when it reopens on Friday, Feb. 23, they will be delighted to discover what it has become. Spacious. Calming. Inviting. A breath of fresh air.

The expanded and remodeled space is unquestionably a win for the community.

It is also months overdue.

“We’re super excited to be at the point of moving back in,” library director Carrie Geno said Tuesday, Feb. 13, as she directed volunteers carrying shelving into the library’s renewed home on 4th Street in downtown Wellman.

The move began the day before, when “a phenomenal turnout of volunteers” helped move books, shelves, and the occasional turtle from the library’s temporary location around the corner in the former Driscoll Studio building on 8th Avenue.

When the City of Wellman accepted a bid from Todd Hackett Construction of Muscatine in May 2023 to complete the library’s renovation, the expected completion date was October 2023. But material delays and “other factors” pushed the completion date back a little, and then back some more.

Those delays have been problematic. Grant money from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) was used to fund the project, and the WCRF has deadlines by which those funds must be paid out. The lease agreement for the former Driscoll Studio space had to be extended and rent paid for additional months. The contractor itself pays fines for failing to meet the terms of the contract – and by the looks of it, the contractor may have grossly underbid.

Todd Hackett Construction’s bid of $494,000 was substantially less than the architect’s estimated cost of $768,529.

Those ignorant of the project’s pain, however, will find only pleasure in the results. The library’s space has doubled to 6,000 sq. ft., as it now incorporates the east end of the building that was previously used for senior dining. South-facing windows bring in natural light; the repositioned staff offices and circulation desk open up the space.

In the new area, “We have a beautiful new program room,” Geno said, explaining that there is now space for the library to set up a screen and show films, something not previously possible. “We just didn’t have the space,” she said, but now, “We’re really excited to finally be able to really take advantage of [our movie license].”

Bigger bathrooms, a teen lounge and a staff workroom are a few of the other new features of the renovation.

The kids’ section is also getting some special treatment. Seventy-five boxes of children’s’ books are waiting to be shelved, a playhouse will go up, and kids will have their own computers. Geno and her daughter Gabby painted evergreen and deciduous trees on the walls, which can be decorated for the seasons.

“We just really want it to be a fun and engaging place for kids to come in and play and find good books and enjoy the library,” Geno said.

Outside the main door, Wellmanites may experience a flash of recognition: the new teal sign was crafted by local JFH Metal Signs & Fabrication, as was the matching metal drop box for book returns. Owner Rick Schickerling also created signs for the shelves inside the library.

“We are very happy to support local businesses,” Geno said. “We love our community.”

Patrons can look forward to new programs offered at the renewed library; in March, children’s librarian Megan Harris will offer an additional storytime on Friday mornings, and soon, adult Tai Chi classes will be offered on Wednesdays.

In addition, the new space “opens up a world of possibilities” for the summer reading program, which has the librarians especially excited.

They’re also looking forward to a grand opening celebration at the beginning of March, exact date to be determined, where the community can enjoy cake, refreshments, and take in the new space.

“It’s a great thing for the community,” Geno said of the renewed library before getting back to work building shelves. “Libraries are such an essential part of a community.”