New Marion library project receives $450,000 IEDA grant

Aug. 21, 2020 5:24 pm, Updated: Aug. 21, 2020 8:09 pm

The new Marion Public Library project received a Community Attraction and Tourism grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Enhance Iowa Board on Friday.

The Marion library received $450,000 from the board. according to a news release. The board awarded more than $3.7 million to projects around the state.

The new library, which has a $18 million budget, is expected to break ground in October across the street from the current library. The current building has been permanently closed after the derecho damaged the roof on Aug. 10.

Because of storm damage, insurance may change the amount the city of Marion will have to bond for, library director Hollie Trenary said Thursday.

First-round bids now are due Sept. 1, two weeks after they were initially due, because of the storm. Trenary said they want to be able to accommodate local bidders.

The new library will have 50,000 square feet that will feature a reading terrace creating a biophilic concept of indoor and outdoor use, the release said. Interior features will include a demonstration kitchen with the purpose of serving meals to seniors and students as well as culinary arts programming and education.

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Members of the Iowa City West High Poms and the Iowa Dance Team remove carpet from the Marion Library on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Cleanup continues around the area following the Aug. 10 derecho, which left the library building and its collection heavily damaged. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)

Mia Spitzer (from left), West High Poms coach, Leigha Pacha, 16, West High Poms member, and Kennedy Hannah (right), and Iowa Dance Team member, rip up carpet from the Marion Library on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Cleanup continues around the area following the Aug. 10 derecho, which left the library building and its collection heavily damaged. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)

Oz Agbese of Waterloo, a former Iowa Spirit Squad member, helps remove carpet from the Marion Library with other Iowa Dance and West High Poms team members on Friday, Aug. 21, 2020. Cleanup continues around the area following the Aug. 10 derecho, which left the library building and its collection heavily damaged. (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)