By CATHY SHOUSE

For The Herald Bulletin

FAIRMOUNT — Jan Helfen is a fan of the Fairmount Public Library and has something to celebrate these days. Plans are under way to move the library to a larger, modern space.

“I think it’s great for the kids. It’s going to bring more people into the library who can use it. The computers will be important, too. There are so many kids in Fairmount who don’t have computers at home,” Helfen said.

Last year, Helfen was concerned state lawmakers might close the library when they announced a consolidation review. So she had her students write letters in support of keeping the Fairmount Public Library open.

But in April the library received the funds for a $335,000 grant awarded by the Community Focus Fund of Indiana. April 14 the library board purchased the building next door to the existing library for $198,000.

Library director Linda Magers said guidelines for using the money have to be followed. The building formerly housed a coin laundry and antique car collection.

“The grant said we have 180 days for the funds to be spent, starting December 17th. The construction company said it would only take 90 days from start to finish to remodel the building. They’re moving along. They’re on their second Dumpster, from taking out insulation, cutting out blocks and cutting through a wall for a hallway,” Magers said.

The new building at 217 S. Main St. is across the alley from the existing library, which will be used as an annex. The old building has about 1,700 square feet, much of which is not available for public use. It is not handicap accessible.

The new space is about 6,000 square feet and will have two handicap accessible bathrooms and a family-style bathroom as well. A large portion of the new library will be designated for children in the lower elementary grades. Another area will be for teens, who don’t currently have a space of their own.

The grant money is for construction only and cannot be used for furniture or removable items such as book shelves. Magers has a jar for contributions by the book checkout desk. A group called the Friends of the Fairmount Public Library has donated $2,000 and the junior group is also raising money. Round Robins already contributed $5,000.

When people go in the existing library, they can see a poster board with paint color chips and carpet samples in earth tones to get an idea of what the finished building will look like.

Magers said people are coming in to ask when the new place will be ready and are offering to help her move.

Helfen is excited about moving into the new space, too.