The Hammond Board members have given the library renovation project its blessing and we can begin moving forward.
So, Who are we and what are the plans for The Hammond Community Library?
Our group has been formally named, The Friends of the Hammond Community Library, and our Mission Statement is this:
The Friends is formed exclusively for charitable, literary, educational and fundraising purposes as specified in Sec 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. These purposes are:
* To support and cooperate with the Library in developing, maintaining, and enhancing facilities, resources, and services for the public;
* To encourage gifts, endowments, and bequests for the benefit of the Library;
* To focus public attention on the library;
* To apply for grants for the improvement of library facilities and services, and
* To support the freedom to read as expressed in the American Library Association Bill of Rights.
Right now we have filed and received our EIN number and are continuing the process of filing the necessary paperwork to receive our 501 (c) (3) status. This is a very important key to our group, since many of the grants we will be writing need this status, as well as giving the community the ability to write a tax deductible donation to further the cause of the library renovations and updates.
That is the WHO we are, what are our plans and goals?
To raise the funds for the renovations to our existing building. As of right now, our focus is mostly on this piece. We have a lofty goal of raising $1 million dollars to do the renovations and add updates to our building. We know through fundraising and grants, with the support of this community, we will meet this goal.
Here are some pictures of the areas that will be updated.
We will have handicap accessibility to get up to the second level. The stairway will be updated to include a separate exterior door. This means that patrons and community member will have space available to use regardless if the library is open or closed.
Our second floor. We will still have an open space, but it will be updated with a folding wall that can separate the space to create two places for programs, events and classes to occur. We will be keeping the stage in hopes to create opportunity for theater programs.
A view from the stage. The upper level is going to be turned into meeting rooms and storage space. The second floor will also include a bathroom.
WE will be saying goodbye to the small walkway and the circulation desk.
We look forward to updating more in the future.
Friends of the Hammond Community Library
