Construction, renovation begins on historic Carnegie building
Osgood Public Library moves to temporary location
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Those wanting to visit the Osgood Public Library will need to go to the new location at 123 North Buckeye Street, just north of the Damm Theatre in Osgood, effective Monday, March 14.

According to Library Director John Castleman, construction for the new addition and renovation of the Osgood Public Library on Ripley Street will begin this month.

The adult book collection has been moved to the temporary location, with the children's collection of 6,300 books remaining at the old location through the construction period.

Castleman noted that the temporary location will allow full library service throughout the construction. Hours of operation and computer availability will remain the same as before.

"We regret that the relocation may cause a few inconveniences," noted Castleman. "However, we are excited about preparing for the new library building. The construction is expected to last 12 to 15 months."

He further explained that the project is two-fold and will improve the services it offers to the citizens of Osgood and the immediate area.

The current facility, which is 4,000 square foot, will be expanded and completely renovated both upstairs and downstairs. The renovation will include the removal of the handicap ramp in the front of the library and return the Carnegie Library back to look more like its original design.

The new part of the library will include construction of a 7,200 square foot, two-story facility on the north side of the present library. An enclosed atrium will connect the existing structure to the new addition. The addition will provide significant shelf space. The lower level will house the children's library, with the adult section being in the upper level.

There will be a special area designated for the youth, an enlarged computer area, and an Indiana Room, according to Castleman.

The construction is financed by a 10-year $1,250,000 grant from the Gilmore and Golda Reynolds Foundation and $50,000 from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation. The Ripley County Community Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to improve storm drain connections with the town. A Community Focus Fund Grant from the Indiana Department of Commerce in the amount of $450,000, will be used on the renovation portion.

For more information you can call the Osgood Public Library at 689-4011. The Children's Library new number is 689-1056.