The Bennington Public Library was established on May 14, 1948, made possible by a $50.00 donation from the Bennington Junior Woman’s Club. As the library is no longer large enough to provide the services and programs demanded by the burgeoning population of the greater Bennington Community, the Friends of the Bennington Library, the Library Board and volunteers in the community have come together to raise $1.1 million in the Imagine…Expand…Empower Campaign to renovate and expand the library to accommodate the diverse needs of a growing community.

Construction Has Begun!

Through the generous support of individuals, businesses, organizations, foundations, and the time and effort of volunteers serving on the building steering committee—construction of the Bennington Public Library renovation has begun!

The City of Bennington signed a contract with Lacey Construction in November to begin the first phase of the project.  It may not look like it from the outside, but work on the project is in full gear to convert the four south bays of the old fire station into a new interior for the library.  Project architect Gill Peace, Lacey Construction, and the steering committee made up of representatives from the City, Library Board, and Friends of the Library are meeting regularly to insure the projects completion by fall 2017.

The IMAGINE, EXPAND, EMPOWER capital campaign has raised a total $802,000 in gifts and pledges.  As construction of the first phase of the project progresses, fundraising campaign volunteers will continue to seek additional donations for furnishings in the new space, and the planning and completion of project phases 2 & 3, which include the building exterior and expanded meeting space.

For more information about how you can donate to the campaign or serve on the committee, please stop by or call the Library, visit the Friends of the Library webpage at www.benningtonfol.org or contact co-chairs Ingrid Geiseman ingridk_23@hotmail.com or Kathy Faucher kathynoelfaucher@gmail.com.

Check back soon for project timeline updates.