Youngster who loves her library breaks ground for its expansion

Administrator | Aug 20, 2021 | Comments 1

Watching Dahlia Donovan, 6, complete the ceremonial first dig for the Picton Library expansion and renovation with fundraising chair Alexandra Bake (and Chico), are: Devon Jones, library board chair with CEO Barbara Sweet, Peter Knudsen, owner Peter Knudsen Construction, Joe Andrus, site supervisor, and Brian Clark architect. – Sue Capon photo

One of the youngest supporters of the Picton Library turned over the first bit of dirt this morning to break the ground for its $2.8 million expansion.

Dahlia Donovan, 6, arrived on scene wearing a dress covered with lemons, paying homage to the fact she raised more than $500 for the Love the Library fundraising campaign through sales at a lemonade stand in Bloomfield.

Standing with her mom Tarayn Hiddink and her favourite bunny stuffy, Cake (also dressed in yellow), she said she “likes the library” and also enjoyed “making raspberry lemonade” in support of campaign. She thinks she may get some help from her parents to raise some funds at a yard sale, next.

“It’s been a long-awaited day,” said Alexandra Bake, fundraising chair. “I am so delighted that the shovel has hit the ground on the Picton Library expansion and renovation. We could not have got this far without the unwavering support of all the library patrons and friends who have given so generously to make this project come to life.”

She noted the campaign hopes to have a special drive during Library Month in October with another matching sponsor on-board. “There are some businesses that have made commitments but first wanted to see this under way.”

The Love Your Library campaign has just over$450,000 to go in its $2.8 million campaign. Fundraising continues while the project is completed – expected to be about 18 months.

Architect Brian Clark is hopeful the build will be smooth, and expects current supply shortage problems will not cause delays for the project.

“We may at the end, for some of the finishing touches, but we’re lucky Peter (Knuudson) tied in a lot of the contractors very early by paying contracts up front. So we should be good that way.”

Library board chair Devon Jones, and CEO Barbara Sweet were thrilled to see the shovel in the ground.

“We are so grateful for the continuing support to make this possible… to take a big step forward toward providing the Prince Edward County community with enhanced library services.”

Books, services and programs are all provided free of charge and are focused on all ages – from infants, children and teenagers, through to senior’s fitness programs, specific workshops and delivery of books to home and nursing homes. There’s also technical help and instruction for everybody with phones, tablets and computers.

The expansion and renovation will allow an expanded collection, meeting rooms, improved accessibility, family-friendly washrooms, quiet study space, storage space and dedicated space to use equipment for anything from 3D printing, to embroidery. A new balcony will bring a multi-purpose space for meetings, events and daily use.