Quincy readies for new library building

QUINCY - Construction on the new Quincy Public Library begins this month.

"Things are really going well," said Schiree Ybarra of the Quincy Public Library. "We are actually breaking ground March 21 at 1:30 p.m."

Plans for building a new library came to fruition after the City of Quincy was awarded a Community Development Block Grant for $900,000.

Combined with the $1 million the City of Quincy set aside for a new library, a complete plan from architects and the right bid from Mountain States construction company, project coordinators hope to have the building up by November.

"The bids came in really low, I've been told the construction company has an aggressive timeline. They think they can be done with the building by Thanksgiving," said Ybarra. "So we're hoping they'll get it built and finished by then."

Quincy's library has served the city for more than 50 years but no longer has the space to serve the growing population.

The new library, designed by Brad Brisbine from the Wenatchee firm of MJ Neal Associates, will nearly triple the size and offerings of the current library.

"Our current library is 3,000 square-feet. The new building will be over 9,000 square-feet with a multi-purpose meeting room and sun room," said Ybarra. "The sun room will let the light in but not the UV rays. There will also be a double-sided fireplace that will go into the lounge area and sun room."

Aside from space, parking for the new facility will increase with 20 spaces as well as on-street parking.

The Quincy Valley Library Foundation formed in 2008 to help provide additions not covered by the funds such as skylights, oak trim, landscaping, modular carpet, entry pond, signs, shelving, furniture and multi-media equipment.

"Our goal is to come up with $150,000 and we're currently at $85,000," says Ybarra.

Additionally, the foundation is applying for grants to meet its goal, but community support, private as well as public, will be required to raise the remaining funds.

Contributions can be made to Quincy Valley Library Foundation, P.O. Box 1666, Quincy, WA 98848. All contributions are tax deductible.

For more information, call 509-787-2359.