Celebration Scheduled for Library Building Project

The Peter White Public Library invites the public to celebrate the completion of the $4.2 million dollar capital improvement project on June 21, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Enjoy library tours, guest speakers, cake, coffee and the music of Kerry Yost and Harry South.
Background:             
In August 2017, Marquette City residents voted to approve a $4.2 million dollar Capital Improvement Bond at an estimated rate of 0.4796 mill. In April 2018, Youth Services was temporarily relocated to the Westwood Mall in Marquette Township during the six-month long reconstruction of the Lower Level of the Library. Reconstruction saw the expansion of the Youth Services area on the Lower Level, including the addition of a new Tween Area with alluring tree benches, donated in memory of Shirley Taccolini and Carolyn Piirala, are feature pieces that reflect Marquette’s natural beauty. A new Youth Programming room was built, allowing the Community Room to be more widely used. A new centralized service desk was added and the boat desk was upcycled into an interactive play-area.
Across the hall, the Marquette Arts and Culture Center saw the renovation of office space and galleries, and a new sound proofing between the MACC and the Community Room, a request often made by community members.
During the summer and fall of 2018 crews also repaired a large crack on the historic 1904 façade and foundation, as well as repairing the roof, resealing the windows, and installed a new chiller.  The original Front Street stairs were also rebuilt after inspections revealed structure failure.
Carpet was replaced throughout the building in the winter of 2018/2019, along with updated lighting fixtures, wiring, technology upgrades, the construction of three new group study rooms on the Upper Level, the creation of a new Local History Research Room and the relocation of all the collections with the help of shelf-movers.
Retired Librarians started a fundraising campaign to add a new Reference Desk. The group raised over $14,000 toward the desk project.
Other changes include a new Vending/Eating Area on the Main Level, self-check machines, to provide optional self-check for families in Youth Services on the Lower Level and on the Main Level, new soft-seating on every level, complete overhaul of the library elevator, a reception/gathering area on outside the Community Room, Youth Services and MACC, and a new book drop installed inside the parking lot entrance doors.
Questions about the Renovation Celebration can be directed to Andrea Ingmire, Library Director at (906) 226-4303.