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Free at-home COVID-19 Test Kits are available at the front desk. If you are experiencing symptoms, please call for curbside or locker pickup.
The Project
The Henika District Library plays a vital role in our community, offering a wide range of services, educational opportunities, and resources. However, its current facilities no longer meet the growing needs of our population. With a service area of 7,978 people, the library’s existing usable space of 3,500 square feet is significantly smaller than the median size of 8,500 square feet for libraries serving similar communities. In 2023, the library experienced a record-breaking 71,776 visits and hosted over 9,200 program attendees—demonstrating an increasing demand for space.
An expansion is necessary to ensure that the library can continue to serve all patrons effectively and equitably. By expanding, we aim to make the library fully ADA compliant, create separate areas for teens and children, improve restroom capacity, and add private study rooms. Additionally, the new design will include more seating, staff offices, a breakroom, and a versatile community space for meetings, functions, and after-school activities.
The library is a cornerstone of our community, providing a safe and welcoming environment for learning and connection. Expanding our library will ensure it can accommodate the needs of our growing population while continuing to foster an inclusive, dynamic space for all - and still maintaining our original historic charm. It’s an investment in the future of our community, enhancing access to education, culture, and civic engagement.
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Our goal is to expand Henika District Library to accommodate today’s needs, while still preserving the original building. The concept renderings to the left are preliminary illustrations created to provide a potential vision for the expansion. The f inal design will be developed based on community input, as well as evolving facility and programing needs. Below is a proposed site plan.
Upcoming Events
Our upcoming events pertaining to the expansion project:
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The Henika District Library is excited to invite the community to an upcoming chat session to discuss the proposed expansion of our library. This event will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the expansion plans, ask questions, and share their ideas and feedback. We are eager to hear your thoughts on how we can enhance our services and create a library space that better serves everyone. The session will be held on Wednesday, January 15th at 6:30pm in the library, and all community members are welcome to attend. Your input is invaluable as we work together to shape the future of our library!
The Investment
Construction doesn't come cheap these days - especially not when the building has historical features in need of preserving and a goal of over doubling in size. Early estimates suggest that the project will cost around 4.5 million dollars. The library has been saving for quite some time and has some other ideas such as a USDA loan, grants, and fundraising initiatives in mind to try to keep the cost to our taxpayers and community as low as possible.
Fundraising
To make a donation towards this project, please contact the library director at cierra@henikalibrary.org. We are working on planning fundraising initiatives and events for early 2025. Please check back later or sign up for our newsletter for more updates!
Building Our Future
Community input has been — and will continue to be — a vital part of our planning process, allowing us to create a library that truly serves as a welcoming, dynamic hub for all. Below are community surveys, comments, staff input that have influenced our vision of the future so far!