SHOALS — A groundbreaking ceremony for expanding and renovating the Town of Shoals’ Carnegie Library is scheduled for Friday, January 31st, at noon. The event will take place on the library’s east side at 404 High Street.
The library’s expansion project is made possible through a grant modification and strong support from the local community. The renovation aims to enhance the library’s space and services for residents.
For nearly 110 years, Shoals residents with mobility issues have been unable to visit their local library. Common with the Carnegie design, there are more than a dozen steps before reaching the inside of the building and then another half dozen steps from the foyer into the main entry. Once on the main level, patrons must go down a narrow winding staircase to the lower level to access the restrooms.
This project includes:
- An elevator will be installed, providing ground-level entry for easy entrance and exit for ALL patrons.
- Handicapped accessible restrooms with changing stations.
- Updated heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing units will reduce energy costs and avoid costly repairs.
- Removing the dark, narrow back stairwell will increase safety and avoid costly repairs.
- A much-needed new children’s area.
During construction, the library was temporarily relocated to 32-58 Main Street, ensuring continued service while the Carnegie Building is being transformed.
The Shoals community is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and celebrate this important milestone in the library’s development.
Your donation will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority through the CreatINg Places grant program, but ONLY if the library meets its goal to raise $50,000. You can donate at this link. Donations will be collected through February 14, 2025.
.png)
.JPG)
