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From http://www.dundeeonline.com ....
New building gives Ida ‘fresh start’
The day was cool and overcast and with a chance of showers, but the first full day of spring was the appropriate date for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Ida Library and Township Office building. “Spring is beginning today and so is the building project. It’s exciting,” said Ida librarian Barb Drodt. “It’s too bad the sun’s not shining because everyone feels like it should be,” said Nancy Colpaert, director of the Monroe County Library System. Ida Township residents overwhelmingly approved a millage issue to pay for the new library, which will include a community room and history room. The township is paying for the addition of the township offices. Significant donations to the library project also have been made by the Ida Civic Club, Friends of the Library, Aid Association for Lutherans and Lutheran Brotherhood, Ida Elementary PTA, and individuals. La-Z-Boy, Inc. awarded the project a $30,000 grant. About 50 people gathered inside the current library for brief speeches, comments and recognition of all the work done by many people over the years to make the new library building possible. “It’s been years in the making. The township, Friends of the Library and Ida Civic Club deserve a lot of credit for this,” said Ms. Colpaert. “It’s very obvious this isn’t adequate,” referring to the 25-year-old former portable classroom building, which was packed with people attending the groundbreaking event. “A library is a marketplace of ideas, and in a lot of communities, like Ida, it’s a community center and meeting place. This building is great for the library, but it’s great for the community, too. Now the community room can be used not only for library programs, but also by garden clubs, scouts, bridal showers, whatever; they’ll be there,” added Ms. Colpaert. The new building was designed by David Arthur Consultants of Ida. Mima Kubiske, one of the owners of the company said she was glad to see the new library building. “When my kids were growing up, this was the only library they had to use,” said Mrs. Kubiske. “This is a good thing for Ida.” Catherine Calder, chair of the Monroe County Library Board, said, “Whenever anyone walks into a library, there are endless possibilities. A library brings dreams into one’s backyard. My daughter, years ago as a first grader, walked to the library with her class and she has been a lifelong reader.” Dale Zorn, Monroe County Commissioner, said, “This dates back close to two decades. The thanks you should receive will probably come from our kids as they get older.” Ida Township Supervisor Larry Metz said, “I thank the citizens of this community. Without taxpayer support, we never could have done this It reinforces my belief in Ida Township and the people who live here. Some people have spent hours and hours making this prject becme a reality and it really makes my heart feel good.” Mr. Metz also thanked Monroe Bank and Trust for working with the township to make the project possible. Bob Lepsig, former member of the library board, said “This is a dream come true. It will be a magnet that will draw many people and forces to the community.” The group moved outside for the formal groundbreaking ceremony. Mr. Frye of The Spieker Company presented shiny new shovels to Supervisor Larry Metz, and Joyce Davis, chair of the Ida Township Library Advisory board. They each took a shovel and put it in the earth behind the Ida Township Hall, and removed a scoop of soil. Afterward, everyone who attended the groundbreaking ceremony gathered for a photograph commemorating the event. They then were invited to enjoy light refreshments in the current Ida Township Hall. Adam Frye from the construction company, The Spieker Co., of Perrysburg, Ohio, which will erect the building, said the project is expected to be completed by July 18.
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