On Tuesday afternoon, Leighton State Bank staff members presented a $2,500 donation for the Monroe Public Library’s building remodel. “The Friends of the Monroe Public Library have been discussing changes to the library for several years. Plans were revised to remodel the building adding a new furnace, a handicap accessible restroom, opening up walls for better sightlines, adding storage and a book prep area,” said Carol Diekema, President of Friends of the Monroe Public Library.
The public library has seen many changes in the demands of the public they serve. A 2019 community survey indicated that 87% saw the Monroe Library as comfortable but lacking flexible space to accommodate the many library services offered.
The updated library layout will benefit the community for many years to come.
In addition to the donation, Leighton State Bank supports the Monroe Public Library through summer reading program sponsorships and other annual events. “We appreciate LSB’s willingness to help Monroe grow. Working together, we can achieve the goals the Friends have set for the library,” said Diekema.
JoAnn Hasselman, Leighton State Bank employee and Treasurer of the Friends board, said, “The Monroe Public Library provides so much opportunity for our community. Director Brenda Lanser does a great job providing fun activities for our kids. The library is a full-service library with over 22,000 books for all ages of readers, free internet and computer access, magazines, newspapers, and movies for check out.”
[Callout Text= “Diekema and Hasselman invite Monroe residents to stop in and see the exciting progress.”]