BUCHANAN, Mich. -- Officials with the Buchanan District Library announced it's gaining new space within the building at 128 E. Front St.

“This building has always been full of potential,” said Meg Paulette Perez, Library Director. “All of us here at the library are so excited to see the transformation continue.”

Officials say the construction at the library includes a large community room and kitchenette on the second floor of the building, the addition of bathrooms to the second floor, and upgrades to stairwells to access previously unused space.

An elevator was added during an earlier phase of construction.

Officials say the new community room will be able to host groups of up to 100 people and feature large windows overlooking Front Street.

“Our location is one of our strengths,” said Molly Thornton, President of the Library Board and owner of Union Coffee House and Café, also in downtown Buchanan. “We’re in the heart of everything happening in Buchanan, and it’s amazing to be able to expand and grow right where we are.”

The new space will be used for library programs for all ages and be available to the community to use for meetings and gatherings.

Construction started on Tuesday and is expected to last about four months.

Officials say the project is funded by a combination of library funds saved and invested over the last few years, grants, and individual donations.

The library is still accepting donations to help reach its final fundraising goal, and donors will be recognized on a “community bookshelf” art installation in the new space.

“We decided it was time to move forward because we are really in need of more space for all we do,” said Perez. “But we could use more support to help us complete this project without straining our budget or asking for a millage increase. Show everyone you stand with the library by making a donation so we can include you on our community bookshelf!”

You can find more information on the library’s website, or by contacting the Library Director at (269) 695-3681 or [email protected].