Marion Public Library set to open Nov. 10

A grand opening celebration will come later

Oct. 11, 2022 12:24 pm

An opening date for the new Marion Public Library, pictured above in June, has been announced. The library will open Thursday, Nov. 10. (Jim Slosiarek/The Gazette)

MARION — The long-awaited new Marion Public Library now has a specific opening date.

The library’s board of trustees has set the opening date for the new building for 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10.

It will be a “soft” opening with a grand opening celebration coming at a later date.

Library patrons can expect access to the library’s entire collection, programming, computer stations and the various study and meeting rooms, as well as access to the outdoor reading terrace and curbside delivery service, the city release said.

Some minor construction will continue during business hours in the coming months, the release added. The drive-up book drop and drive thru window, as well as the library’s recording studio and green screen room, are not expected to be in service by Nov. 10.

Library hours will be Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

The new library was supposed to open in September after being pushed back from its prior July opening goal.

The project still is under its initial $18 million cost. The funding comes from a $3.3 million capital campaign, $5 million in local-option sales tax funding, $3 million in property damage insurance and the sale of the current site, $6 million in bonding and $1 million in tax increment financing.

The new library planning and construction has been a lengthy process It started in 2016 with an original plan to tear down the old building and simply replace it with a new one. Another plan to include it in the Marion Square Plaza redevelopment also was scratched.