Frankfort Public Library Debuts New Learning Annex

The Frankfort Public Library this week cut the ribbon on its new 9,400-square-foot learning annex, increasing the library’s space to 29,400 square feet.

The addition has been years in the making, after the library district decided to save up for the expansion rather than go to referendum. The space includes a 180-person dividable meeting room, public computer lab, learning lab and three additional study rooms.

The interior space has been redesigned, as well, with computers removed from the center of the library, and the existing meeting room designated as space for children’s story time and crafts, officials said last year before the project began.

The addition was an alternative option to erecting a new building entirely, which officials decided would not have been fiscally prudent at the time. Director Pierre Gregoire previously said the library held off until a 1998 bond was paid in full, so it could use existing tax revenues to pay for the addition.

The Friends of the Frankfort Library group is now raising funds for chairs, tables, a 3D printer, sound system, and other needed items to fill out the space.

“We have lots of upcoming events and new programming scheduled to take place in our beautiful space,” the Friends wrote on an online fundraising page. “What will occur when we recieve the funding, everything that is raised will go right back into the new space, 100 percent! When you donate, you will be included as a special donor inside our library because simply put, without you we couldn’t make this happen.”

The group has set a $30,000 goal.

Interested in donating? Click here.