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Library asks Griggs County to clear path for purchase of Iverson Building
Summary
A library representative told commissioners the library has outgrown its current space and is seeking county guidance to pursue purchase and renovation of the H. G. Iverson Building, quoted the $125,000 asking price and said the group will return with detailed cost and financing plans.
A library representative told the Griggs County Commission on March 23 that the local library has outgrown its current facility and is seeking the board’s guidance to pursue purchase of the H. G. Iverson Building.
"Our library is no longer just a place for books," the library representative said, describing the library as "one of the only free welcoming spaces our entire community can rely on" and saying the extra space would allow expanded after-school programming, proctored testing space and a dedicated meeting room. The presenter said the seller is asking $125,000 for the building and that the library currently has about $50,000 in a building fund.
The representative said the library has explored multiple funding sources, including grants and fundraising, and has spoken with a local banker about a bridge loan. "He said that the payment would be $12,000 a year" on a $125,000 loan, she said, adding the library believes it could carry that payment with recent mill receipts.
The presenter cited state statutory requirements and said city and county governing-body approval plus a public hearing would be required before any sale or county/city contribution to a library building fund. Commissioners asked for a full renovation estimate, a top-to-bottom scope of work, licensing and fire-code implications and clarity on whether the county would assume any liability before the board makes a formal approval.
Chair encouraged the library to do the legwork, return with a complete cost estimate and financing plan and noted the library had a city meeting scheduled that evening and a public meeting the next day. The library representative said she would seek city approval and a legal public hearing (to be published in the paper six days prior) as required by statute.
The board took no formal vote on purchasing or funding the project at the meeting but instructed the presenter to return with detailed cost and financing information for final consideration.
