Donations begin for new Moses Lake library

by Matthew Weaver<br>Herald Senior Staff Writer
| March 5, 2008 8:00 PM

MOSES LAKE - The movement to build a new library in Moses Lake is beginning to receive funding.

Glenna Bingham, a member of Moses Lake Women's Club and president of Moses Lake Friends of the Library, said both organizations made donations toward a new library building, presented to the Moses Lake Public Library Foundation.

The Friends of the Library donated $5,000 and the Women's Club donated $2,000.

"The first two donations we have received, and we are looking forward to getting more," Bingham said.

The women's club donation harkens back to history: Members of the Moses Lake Women's Club in 1938 chose as their project the establishment of a city library.

The funding goes toward an architect to draw up plans for the new library building, Bingham explained. The library will be located on Fourth Avenue, on property designated by the City of Moses Lake across the street from the Community Gardens.

"We're on our way, but we still have many more dollars to get before we can ask someone to draw up a plan," Bingham said. "I think it's close to $25,000. I know it's a goodly sum, but it can be done with the citizens of Moses Lake, with their help."

A library worker for 35 years, Bingham believes the movement is important because the existing building is "breaking out at the seams," and a new building is needed to meet the changes in technology.

"I remember when we moved into the existing library in 1965, them saying that in 20 years, we would be looking at finding bigger surroundings, a bigger establishment," she said. "And we have approached that. We have been in the library for 40-some years, and we certainly need new walls."

Further donations are sought from organizations or library patrons who understand a larger library is needed.

"It's a meeting place, it is an information mecca," Bingham said. "I have been in the library ever since I was just a child back in North Dakota. I grew up never being without a library and I cannot envision anyone being without the services of a public library."

Bingham said donations for the new building may be sent to the Moses Lake Public Library Foundation at the library, located at 418 E. Fifth Ave.

The Moses Lake Public Library Foundation meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce beginning at 4 p.m.

For more information, call the library at 509-765-3489.