On July 3, the Robert A. Frost Memorial Library will be celebrating the pay-off of a loan for the expansion of the library.
The history of the library has been one of support from the community since its beginning. The Limestone Library Association was formed in 1899 and the “library” was housed in members’ homes or businesses until the construction of the Robert A. Frost Memorial Library in 1942. As the collection and demand for services continued to grow, the need for additional room became apparent. In 1971, the Linwood Somers family donated the funds to construct the reading room.
As the years passed the library continued its struggle to find the room needed for the growing collection, programs and other services. The library also was not handicapped accessible, with stairs at both entrances. The journey towards expanding the library began in earnest in 1999, the 100th anniversary of library services in Limestone, with the formation of the library expansion committee. This committee was charged with the goal of fundraising for a much needed addition that would alleviate the overcrowding and accessibility concerns.
“Our fundraising efforts progressed, but with each passing year the cost of the addition rose and we were losing ground,” said focus committee member Marilyn King. “A solution to our fundraising concerns came about with a suggestion from a library supporter to initiate a Capital Campaign.”
The Tree of Knowledge Capital Campaign was launched in 2008. The Library’s focus committee was able to secure enough in pledges to cover a loan, in addition to the funds raised, so that construction could begin.
“We broke ground on the library addition in June of 2009, and by December the 4,000 sq. ft. addition was complete,” said King.
The town of Limestone authorized a ten-year note that was activated in November 2009. Fundraising continued and pledges were paid in a timely manner enabling the loan to be paid in full, five years early, in March of this year.
