Keene Memorial Library Expansion Project
Information regarding the expansion project for Keene Memorial Library
The stone work has begun at the expansion for Keene Memorial Library. We are excited to report that the team was able to locate the same quarry used in the original project! The addition will look very similar to the existing exterior, which should make for a seamless transition.
We’ve just received word that the project is approximately 60-65% completed. That fits with our initial timeline, which is encouraging news.
The Expansion Project has made great strides in the past four months. We’ve seen the dirt work and raising of the steel beams, and now the walls are beginning to take shape. See the photos below for a bit of a timeline.
We had a wonderful day for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Keene Memorial Library Expansion Project! Browse some of the wonderful photos taken by Kaley Schlueter Photography below.
The Friends of Keene Memorial Library are once again sponsoring the Expansion Project during the Fremont Area Big Give. Early giving is available now, or you can donate on Tuesday May 10.
We have an anonymous sponsor who will match the first $5,000 in donations, and the Rupert Dunklau Foundation matching grant is still in play. So you can effectively triple your donation during this campaign!
The Rupert Dunklau Foundation has extended a generous matching challenge grant to the Library Expansion Project. Pledges and gifts from new, returning, and lapsed donors will be matched up to $100,000. The Library has until December 31, 2022 to meet the challenge. As of this posting, we are 1/4 of the way to our goal of $100,000.
If you would like to be part of this fundraising effort, contact the Library at 402-727-2694 or email Laura England-Biggs for more information.
The City of Fremont and Keene Memorial Library (KML) are proud to announce award of a grant of $500,000 from Peter Kiewit Foundation. The grant will support the planned renovation and expansion project for Keene Memorial Library.
Opened in 1971, renovation of Keene Memorial Library will provide ADA accessibility, updated technology, a dedicated computer lab, designated areas for adults, teens & children, expanded community meeting room space and an outdoor courtyard. The $9.4 million project received original support from the Hazel Keene Trust and in 2018, voters in Fremont unanimously passed a $2 million bond in support of the project.
“We are honored and extremely grateful to receive support from Peter Kiewit Foundation” said Laura England-Biggs, KML Library Director. “This grant moves us significantly closer to our fundraising goal; we hope it will inspire other donors to participate in this project which will serve as a community hub for years to come.”
The Fremont Rotary Club has committed $5,000 towards the Expansion Project. securing naming rights to a bench in the outdoor courtyard..
The Fremont Kiwanis Club secured naming rights to the Children’s Activity Room with their $25,000 pledge, which will be honored over three years.
L-R: Club President Blair Horner, Past-President Jamie Luebbe, Library Director Laura England-Biggs, Library Board Vice-President Linda McClain, Mayor Joey Spellerberg
We received two pledges from local financial institutions. FNBO and First State Bank & Trust stepped up with pledges for $50,000 towards the Expansion Project. FNBO claimed naming rights for the Elementary/Tween Library and First State claimed naming rights for the Young Child’s Library.
L-R: Matt Mueller – FNBO, Mayor Joey Spellerberg, Library Director Laura England-Biggs, Friends Board President Denise Kay, Library Board Vice-President Linda McClain
L-R: Mayor Joey Spellerberg, Chuck Johannsen – FSB&T, Denise Kay, Laura England-Biggs, Linda McClain
Keene Memorial Library Expansion Project 