Library district to pursue grant for elevator

With the support of the City of Ritzville, the Ritzville Library District No. 2 will apply for a grant to help fund the installation of an elevator at the Ritzville Public Library.

The city owns the building, which is leased by the library district.

Library Director Kylie Fullmer met with council members on Tuesday, May 6, to discuss the library district’s plans. The district will apply for a Heritage Capital Project Fund grant from the Washington State Historical Society.

If awarded to the district, the grant will cover up to 33 percent of the cost of the elevator installation. Fullmer said the estimated project costs is $400,000.

The Heritage Capital Project Fund is currently accepting grant applications for projects that will be funded in the 2015-2017 biennium. For three years, the library district has been earmarking funds for the capital improvement project.

The district must have 50 percent of the project cost in savings at the time it submits the grant application.

The project would make the library more accessible to the elderly and disabled. The Carnegie Library does not have wheelchair accessibility.

“There are so many who can’t get into the library and can’t take advantage of the services we offer,” Fullmer said.

A Seattle architect experienced in dealing with Carnegie Libraries has been working on design options for the Ritzville library.

Fullmer asked the city council for a pledge of in-kind labor and support should the project move forward.

David Grove moved to issue a letter of support. The motion was seconded by Mike Schrag and passed unanimously.