By Monty Siekerman
The vacant lot north of the Ada Public Library will see an addition to the library and much-needed parking in the near future.

The library board advertised for an architect for an addition and renovation estimated to cost $800,000 to $1 million. 

They received eight responses, interviewed four firms, and on Wednesday decided on the top candidate: Garmann/Miller Associates of Minster.

The company the board favored provides not only archictural services, but also engineering services. They have experience with libraries, schools, business, and industry.

The board now will negotiate with the company, looking to sign a contract and move forward.

Several years ago, the library purchased the old, large, brick Masonic Lodge building, tore down the structure, and awaited the time when an addition could be built. That time is now to turn the green grass on the corner into expanded services for library patrons.

Village voters approved a levy a few years ago which will provide the bulk of the money for the project. 

Libraries have reinvented themselves in this digital. No longer are they depositories of stacks and stack of books only. Libraries, including the one in Ada, offer CDs, videos, computers, and a lot of community programming, for example.

The building improvement in Ada will include not only an addition, but also renovation of the existing facility: more meeting and activity area, expanded storage, updated heating and air-conditioning are several factors involved.

Bob McCurdy heads the planning committee of the board. He is well-experienced having led the planning and construction of the new United Methodist Church structure which opened a year ago.

Whether it's books, other reading and listening material, or visiting the library for an activity, the updated facility will better meet this community's needs.