Progress Report on Building the Library Expansion
The FLL Board is targeting 2025 to build the library expansion facility – exactly one hundred years after the log cabin was built. 2024 will be a busy year with site preparation, design finalization and approval, and, of course, more fundraising planned. The Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees recently approved posting a notice for removal of the Book House and selected a construction firm as well as an architectural firm to finalize the design.
The Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees is accepting offers this spring for the sale and removal of the “Book House” on the site next to the log cabin library. This is a great opportunity to repurpose this building to make way for the Forest Lodge Library expansion. Offers are due by April 19, 2024.
The removal of the Book House is the first step in moving forward with the library expansion.
The Katie Flowers Endowment, a 501(c)3 nonprofit and the fundraising arm of the library, has
secured over $1 million in donations, pledges, and foundation grants needed for the $1.6 million
project.
After a successful end of the year appeal, the public has continued to show its support by
helping the capital campaign cross over and successfully raise nearly 60% of the project costs. From
the generosity and support of the community, the library is positioned to begin moving forward
on its next chapter. Currently, the Katie Flowers Endowment is actively fundraising, and
donations and pledges are being accepted with naming opportunities still available. Every
donation—no matter the size—makes a difference to this project. Grants are also being applied
to support the project. Funds that still need to be raised for the project to break ground in
2025 are just under $600,000.
Submitted by Mary Jean Fenske, KFE President
