NEWTON, Kan. — The new Newton Public Library will be breaking ground on Jan. 31 at 3:30 p.m. at Military Park. Due to the cold, there will be a short outdoor program and then refreshments will be served inside the current library in the Bessmer Meeting Room.
The new library will be 25,000 square feet and on the east end of Military Park, with a new parking lot on the northwest side of the new building.
After construction of the new building is finished, the library contents will be moved into the new building and the old building will be demolished.
A large green space will be created west of the building in the park.
The 1880 train engine will remain in its current location.
Additionally, the new library will have a drive-up book drop-off, glass-walled study rooms, large meeting rooms, young adult space with gaming area, separate space for children’s book collections and programs, technology areas, family restrooms, outdoor seating space and more.
The Newton Public Library Improvement Project cost estimate, including design and construction, is $10.7 million.
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.