Phase one of the renovation project will include the replacement of the roof, renovation of the first and second floors including closing in the balcony on the second floor for additional library space, a new parking area, relocation and demolition of the building at 433 Water Street, site work including the addition of a playground unit on site. This renovation is only possible due to the generous donations from the H.E.B. Grocery Company, who pledged a $1 million gift to the renovation of the library in 2009 as well as the grant today received from the Peterson Foundation. In addition to these wonderful gifts, the City of Kerrville has designated $150,000 from the donations received from patrons of the library as well as approximately $235,000 of in-kind city services to this project.

“Everyone involved in this renovation project is very excited the project is moving forward with Phase One. The additional funds provided by this grant will allow for the completion of the library facility with an enhanced interior of the library for patron use”, said Kristine Ondrias, Assistant City Manager. Future phases of the renovation project will include enhanced site work, the renovation of the basement for additional meeting rooms and needed staff space, an additional building for the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation, as well as completing the renovation of the Regional History Center on site. The Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Library Foundation is continually working on raising funds needed to complete the full vision of the project.

The renovation project is currently being designed and is scheduled to go out for bids in May of this year, with construction beginning in late June. The Library is expected to be closed during November and December to complete construction site work for its scheduled grand opening in January 2012.