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Blakesburg Public Library director wins $16,000 county support to finish renovation
Summary
The Wapello County Board approved a $16,000 contribution to finish renovations at the Blakesburg Public Library after a presentation from Director Cheryl Talbert and the Friends of the Library group. Talbert said volunteers and grants have covered most costs and the library will host an open house to recognize donors.
Cheryl Talbert, director of the Blakesburg Public Library, told the Wapello County Board she and the Friends of the Library Organization have raised the bulk of a multi‑year renovation but still need roughly $50,000 to finish the project. "We have raised, over 300 and some thousand dollars," Talbert said, adding volunteers had "donated over a $100,000" and that the friends recently signed a contract with contractors to start additional demolition and electrical work.
Talbert asked supervisors for "a fund of $16,000, or we would appreciate anything we can get because every little bit helps us." Board members questioned timing and whether the expense should come from the current fiscal year or the next; Talbert said starting demolition in June meant waiting until after July 1 would not delay contractor work.
A supervisor moved to approve the $16,000 request and another seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote. Talbert said the library will host an open house to recognize donors and intends to include the supervisors on a donor recognition display.
The funding vote was one of several routine approvals on the agenda. The library director told supervisors the Friends group, grants and donor contributions together have substantially reduced the county contribution required but that roughly $50,000 remains to complete the full renovation.
