Walker Council approved new library building plans
By Dean Morrill - The Pilot-Indenependent
Jan. 15, 2020
WALKER -- The Walker City Council moved one step closer to finalizing plans for a new public library that will replace the current structure that is eroding away and sinking.
At the Jan. 6 regular meeting, the council approved the library building draft plans.
The Library Board has been working with the city staff over the last few months to create a floor plan for the library. The plan, which is being designed for the current library location, includes dedicated areas for children and adults, a reading area on the lake view side with larger windows, a gas fireplace as an option, a canopy entry area to create a more grand entrance, both concrete block veneer and engineered wood siding, and a half basement for storage and for the mechanical room.
The next step is to have HyTech create more detailed drawings to give the council and Library Board a cost estimate for the project. Once the drawings are completed the city can move forward with a construction contract with Gordian and Sourcewell for not just the library, but the public restrooms that are expected to cost around $100,000.
Finding funds for the library will start once the city has a cost figure.
At a recent library branch managers’ meeting, it was brought up that Wadena raised funds for their library by selling bricks and pavers, and giving naming rights to the rooms. They received $50,000 for the AV room alone.