“I can’t believe today is here,” said Library Director Mara Edler. “I am unbelievably satisfied to have this done.”

Ground was broken at the site back on April 17, 2017, when work began on the $1.3 million dollar building project. The library’s addition is done in a mother/child design, wherein the new section is situated slightly behind the original building, but connected to it, along with a wrap-around porch. The porch was dedicated to Donald Goodman Friday afternoon, in honor of his more than 40 years of service to the library.

All floors of the library are now handicap-accessible with the addition of an elevator, and a family restroom has been installed. The newly acquired floor space will allow the library to hold more of its programs in house, instead of having to station them at city hall. The new community meeting room is available to reserve for meetings, events and parties.

The library has been setting aside money for this project since 2003, with the help of private donations and grants. No tax money was used, and the library borrowed the remaining $400,000 that was needed.

T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ - The add-on will allow the library to hold more of its programs in house. The new community meeting room (pictured) is available to reserve for meetings, events and parties. Library Director Mara Edler, center, describes the project to those who attended a party Friday night for donors.

“The town has done this project — there are so many local touches from people who have helped, and it’s so satisfying,” Edler said.

Tiles were purchased and decorated at a cost of $100 each, and have now been installed on the premises. In addition, coins were collected for the construction and installation of a new outdoor drinking fountain.

The project was conducted in two phases. First, the add-on was constructed last fall and then library materials were moved into the new space to make room for renovations on the existing structure. The library then closed its doors from March 1-21, 2018 to allow time for moving the 14,000-piece collection of materials into permanent spots.

“We’re happy to have the space now for people to just come and feel like they’re relaxing in their living room,” Edler said. “We really want to be the living room of the community, and I feel like we are now.”

The original library structure was built in 1924, as the home of John and Angie Gutekunst. In 1972, the couple bequeathed the house and three farms to the City of State Center. In 1974, the Gutekunst Public Library opened its doors. The library is open Monday-Thursday, from 9 a.m. to noon and 2-7 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sundays.

To view a current calendar of events, visit: www.statecenter.lib.ia.us. Edler may be reached at: 641-483-2741 or maraedler.lib@gmail.com.