The Ionia Community Library is on the cusp of securing a new downtown home, but it still needs a final $100,000 to meet its fundraising goal. The former Mercantile Bank building was donated for the library’s relocation, and the campaign has already raised $3.6 million of the $4.2 million needed.
Funding milestones and community support
In March, the library received a $2.1 million state grant that required a matching $2.1 million in local funds by the same deadline. Since then, the Ionia Community Library Foundation has collected $500,000, and an additional $1.5 million grant was secured in October, leaving just $100,000 to close the gap.
“We can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Toni Buys, president of the Ionia Community Library Foundation. Buys, a lifelong Ionia resident, grew up with the library; her mother served on the library board from 1979 to 1995. “My mom was on the library board 1979‑1995,” Buys recalled, emphasizing the personal connection that fuels her dedication.
Why the new location matters
Library Director Dale Parus highlighted the excitement among patrons as the fundraising campaign nears its goal. “You can see it in the reactions of the patrons as they would come into the library, ‘Oh, you’re so close now. Oh, we just have to get over the hump. How can we help a little bit?'” Parus said.
Moving into the former Mercantile Bank building will provide significantly more space for books, programs, and technology. The new facility is expected to double the number of public computers, a critical resource for residents who rely on the library for internet access. “Sometimes people literally park on the streets to use our Internet or they’re on our side porch and at least they could come inside and use them here,” explained Gale Yeomans, president of the Ionia Community Library Board.
Local resident David O’Mara noted that a strong library is a hallmark of a thriving community. “If you go across the county or even the state and you look at these communities that are really vibrant, they have a beautiful library,” he said.
Personal stories illustrate impact
Students also benefit directly. Samantha Ringler, who attended the library while completing AP coursework, said, “I didn’t have a computer at home, I didn’t have internet, and so I needed to do homework for my AP classes.” Expanding computer access will help more students like Ringler succeed academically.
Next steps and how to help
If the final $100,000 is raised, construction and renovations are projected to take about two years before the new library opens to the public. Buys believes the wait will be worthwhile. “I think it’ll be a great benefit to the community and lots of people,” she said.
Community members can contribute by visiting the library’s donation page. Every contribution brings Ionia closer to a modern, spacious library that supports education, connectivity, and community life.
Original reporting: FOX 17 WXMI Grand Rapids (local) — read the source article.
