Library board launches $500,000 seed campaign for Dodge Memorial expansion

Steve Lambert, representing the Dodge Memorial Library board, told the Village of Rouses Point Board of Trustees that the library has launched a campaign to raise $500,000 in seed money to pursue state library grants for an expansion.

Lambert said the library “hasn't been updated much since 1907,” and that the campaign goal is intended to make the project eligible for state grant programs. “That's a big number — $500,000 — that we've set as a goal,” he said.

The library has commissioned architectural renderings and has met with roughly 10 to 20 village residents to solicit input, Lambert said. Planned changes in the preliminary drawings include ADA-compliant restrooms, an elevator, and a meeting room that could seat as many as 80 people. The plans also show ways to keep the summer farmers market operating after an expansion that would extend the building to the south.

Lambert said the group is not requesting village funding at the meeting but is launching the fundraising effort now; some donations have already been received. A $5 Friends of the Library membership option was mentioned as one way residents can join the mailing list and follow the campaign. Renderings and additional information will be available at the library and on the library's website, he said.

No formal action by the Board of Trustees was requested or taken on the expansion at this meeting. The report was presented during the public-comment portion of the agenda and Lambert said the library will pursue state grant deadlines when the required local match is secured.