"New" Building for Carthage Public Library
Phase I

When Marine Bank and Trust built and moved into their new building on the highway, they donated their old building on the square to the Carthage Public Library. From October 2005-May 2006, the Library renovated the first floor of the building at 500 Wabash, to transform it from a bank to a library. The Carthage Public Library moved into their new location between May 10-19 and opened to the public on May 30, 2006.

The remodeling project included re-enforcing floors of both levels with steel beams, and completely renovating the first floor, removing interior walls, and replacing most of the floor coverings and ceilings.

In addition to the remodeling expense, the library needed to purchase some new shelving units and other furnishings, and hired professional movers who worked with the staff & volunteers to plan and accomplish the move.

Phase II

Future plans involve remodeling the 2nd floor.

Many of the interior walls will be removed, opening up the space into a large area for book shelves.

We will also have rooms for meetings, programs, booksales, and storage. The kitchen & bathrooms will need to be remodeled and possibly relocated.

All of the coverings for the celings, floors, and walls will need to be re-done.

Funding

Phase I was funded through a combination of: Library's building fund savings accumulated over many years, a bank loan, and money raised from fundraisers and a capital giving campaign.

Phase II cannot begin until the bank loan is repaid and additional funds are raised.

Fundraising

Capital Giving Campaign

The Carthage Public Library District continues to accept donations for our Capital Giving Campaign. To date, over $36,000 has been raised. Donors of $100 or more are recognized with their name on a plaque hanging in the library. Many have chosen to donate money in memory of someone, and have that person's name on the plaque. A special plaque, made from a set of card catalog drawers, honors our Golden Givers of $5,000 and our Silver Sponsors of $1,000 donations.

For more information on how to make your tax deductible donation, contact the Carthage Public Library, 217-357-3232.

Bi-Annual Community Spelling Bee

Our first Spelling Bee was held in the Spring of 2005, with 27 teams competeing. 17 teams participated in the second Bee in 2007. We raised around $3900 each year.

Spelling Bee #3 will be Thursday, March 29, 2009 at 7:00 pm in the Carthage Middle School gym. Start getting together your team of 3-4 members of any age. There is a $20 registration fee for each team (due by March 9) and teams are encouraged to seek donations in advance. Prizes are awarded to top spellers and top fundraisers. Registration packets are available at the Library.

Donation Jar

The Library has a donation jar sitting on our circulation desk. Some patrons make a habit of dropping in a couple dollars or some change each time they come in. Those small amounts add up and are also appreciated.