As the director of the Collinsville Community Library, Kelly Smith is grateful for the facilities and programs she’s able to offer to the people of her community.
“We’re really blessed to be a town this size and even have a library,” Smith said.
But for more than a year, it’s been a dream of hers to expand the library space. Smith has seen an increased participation in various programs the library offers (like the summer reading program), yet due to space limitations has had to turn people away.
This year, her dream became a reality when a metal storage building connected to the main library was reimagined into a beautiful space to host library events.
Before work began, the building was a mess. Wires were hanging from the ceiling, lights didn’t work, an old bathroom used for boys’ athletics needed repair – it was quite an undertaking.
Bids went out about a year ago to secure estimates. In July, local builder Justin McDonald began working on the renovation. He installed new floors and painted the walls. He also added storage cabinets, an additional bathroom and a kitchenette. Bill and Cindy Schindler donated a popcorn machine, Terry Cox donated a TV and Vicky Davis donated a refrigerator. The project was finished in time for the library to host this year’s Halloween trunk-or-treat event in the new space.
“The kids love it, and we’re excited to be able to offer more programs, bigger programs,” Smith said. “There’s more we can do to serve our community.”
The project was funded by the Collinsville Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as well as donations from community members.
“We couldn’t have done this without the EDC and IDC,” Smith said. “There are lots of people we owe a debt of gratitude.”
The idea and plans for the renovation were headed by the six women on the library’s Board of Directors.
“My board members are fantastic,” Smith said. “They’re the ones who really worked to make this happen. They go above and beyond, donating their time, talent and money to benefit our community.”
The library held an Open House on Tuesday, Oct. 28 so people could see the new space. At 6 p.m. there was a special reception for the EDC/IDC members, City Council and city leadership. At 7 p.m., the event was open to the public.
“We held a private opening for the EDC and IDC so they could see how their money was spent, and also so they could meet the board members and the people behind what’s going on at the library,” Smith said.
The new event space is located through a door just past the juniors’ and kids’ areas inside the library. It will only be used for library events and will not be available for public rentals. Everyone is encouraged to stop by and see the new space. Smith expects to begin offering new programs and events beginning in January.