Invest in...Our Children, Our Community, Our Future!

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The Lyons Library Board is committed to the future...OUR future.  We want to help shape that future by building a new library for our community.  The Board voted November 2001 to proceed with a new building.  We have interviewed architects and selected Jim French with DLR Firm.  He lives in Kansas City so we will be working with that branch.  We moved into the new building at the end of March 2006!

The fundraising stage has been a very important step. We received a $70,000 Peter Kiewit grant in 2006.  This is a matching funds grant, which means the library needs to raise $35,000 by a certain date, in order for the remaining $35,000 to be given to us.  Donations to help us meet this grant opportunity are welcomed and encouraged.  With this grant, the library building project will be completed debt free, which has been a goal from the beginning. 

Update:  We still have $15,000 to raise to meet our $35,000 matching funds grant.  

We are also excited to announce that we received a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant for construction of the new building.  The Lyons Library also received a Library Services and Technology Grant in 2005 and 2006.  Other fundraising includes Brats, Burgers and BINGO with co-sponsors: VFW/American Legion and a Mickey Mouse quilt raffle.  The quilt was donated by Tamsey Gatewood and allowed people to stop at the library in December to give any amount donation and add the name of their reading angel to be hung on our tree.  Reading angels are those who shared the joy of reading influencing our lives.
 

Why do we need a new Lyons Library?

• Our community has outgrown the current 1,200 ft.² library.

• We've added 35 years worth of books and new materials since the library opened--including audio and video formats.

• There currently is no space for staff work areas, materials storage or quiet studying.

• Community meeting space is very limited.

• Children groups have to take turns visiting the library to check out books.

• More space is needed for computers and technology.

Features of the new Lyons Library

• 3 times the current amount of space--4,500 ft.²  

• Prominent location--an investment in our downtown!

• Children's reading and activity area including a small performance stage

• Cozy adult reading nook with fireplace

• Community meeting room for group activities and adult education

• Increased access to computers and technology

• Staff work areas and storage for materials

• Community bulletin board

• Space for future books and materials

Will you join us?

• Fundraising

  1.  Grant Writing

  2.  Personal Donation

  3.  Neighborhood Campaign

  4.  Sharing your ideas with us

• Donating Time or Materials--Help with construction or moving furnishings

• Getting the Word Out--Tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about this important project!

Please send your tax deductible donations earmarked for the library building fund to:

Lyons Community Foundation

Library Building Fund

P.O. Box 198

Lyons, NE 68038

Have questions?  Please call us at 402-687-2895 or E-mail us!