Pierceton Library To Close During Construction

BY TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer

PIERCETON – The Pierceton and Washington Township Carneige Public Library is closed until sometime in March, according to Pam Myers, library director.

The closing allows construction, which began in May, to continue on the 90-year-old building.

The library board was approached by representatives of the Mary Kay Peabody Foundation, based in North Manchester, about two years ago. The foundation offered to fund renovations if board members would maintain the addition and improvements.

The addition, to the west of the 1914-era facility, makes the building one-third larger. Most of the work in that area has been completed.

Other improvements include the establishment of an Indiana Room. Computers for patrons’ use will be available. There will be public restrooms.

An entrance and elevator on the west side of the building will be handicapped accessible. That entrance also will lead to the completely refurbished basement, which will feature a conference room for meetings.

The renovation includes new heating, air conditioning, lights and carpeting.

Construction was to be completed by November. Unforseen problems in the basement caused considerable delays. Moake Park and Associates is the architect and Rick Creech is the general contractor.

Library board members are Joan Plew, Sue DeLorme, Judy Hartup, Connie Anderson, Don Kenipe, Robert Tenney and Harold Barker.