Once upon a time, there was a little library that needed to expand (grow). People from the village and surrounding areas joined together to tackle the task of planning the new library space and raising the money to fund their dream. They knew they should, and they thought they could.

So, the village board, with the help of a generous villager, purchased the empty building that adjoined the library. Next, the architects and local building committee began to sketch out the uses of the new space—an enlarged children’s area, more public computer stations, quiet reading areas, increased shelf space, a mezzanine for local history and genealogy, and a renovation of the building’s solar heating system. The dream was taking shape on paper, but the reality was the price tag. It would take a mountain of money to make it all happen, but they hoped they would, and thought they could.

Now the fundraising committee joined the effort. They sought out “ground breaking” pledges and applied for grants far and wide. They sought out donations and placed buckets throughout the area to collect every “drop” possible. They danced, they sang, they served food, all with the help of the library community, all working to make the dream the reality, knowing they should, and hoping they could.

The climb up the mountain wasn’t easy. There were times when the price seemed too steep and the funds gathered too small. But, the “little library that could” stayed on track. And little by little they edged  towards the top. With the assistance of friends near and far, known and anonymous, who donated time, money, and skills, the summit was reached. And the coast to completion lay ahead.

Step inside the new, enlarged village library. You can see the beauty and feel the sincere effort and love that went into this labor. From the re-glazed solar attic to the comfy kids’ area, it speaks volumes about the commitment to the dream.