The public was invited to meet the architects of the proposed new Kimball Library building, Ryan Gideon and Don Larson of Rice Companies Monday evening, July 23. Rice has donated their services, to a tune of $18,000, toward the project which is expected to cost just under $800,000, and the task force hopes to raise half that amount in donations and in-kind donations with the other $400,000 coming from the state if their grant application is successful.
Lorraine Gregory who was the Kimball librarian for 32 years was acknowledged for her $15,000 donation toward the library Monday evening. Keith Markwardt presented a donation of $50,000 bringing the total received so far to just over $180,000. Large donations also have been received from AM Maus & Son, Arnold’s of Kimball, Land O’Lakes Oil & Propane, Kimball Veterinary Clinic, and Ehlinger & Associates, as well as from individuals. Grant awards may be announced in November/December this year.
Plans are for a prairie-style,
single-story, 4,200-square foot library (about four times the current space) and community room. The land has already been purchased, on Spruce street between the high school and Highway 15. It will be handicap-accessible and energy-
efficient, with 15 off-street parking spots.
Kimball-Library.org goes live this week with more information, including how to make a tax-deductible pledge (more than $1,000) or gift to the Kimball Library building fund.