Plans Given for Henry F. Schricker Public Library Expansion

Sheila Urwiler

Now that the “go-ahead” has been given to the Starke County Library Board to proceed with their $1,785,000 renovation project at the Henry F. Schricker Public Library in Knox, the public now wants to know what’s planned.

Acting Library Director Sheila Urwiler has that answer.

“The biggest part of it is going to be an addition for the children’s department,” said Urwiler. “Basically, we’re going to add onto the northwest corner of the building, about 4,000 square feet. That area will be a new children’s wing that will have more controlled access and better sound protection for their programs so that when we have a big storytime it’s not disturbing patrons who are trying to read magazines and newspapers in the Library.”

Urwiler said the added space will also provide more room for computers. She also said that part of the area will be set aside for a young adult section. That currently is situated in the loft area of the library.

Urwiler was asked what will fill up the freed space.

“That is going to be an audio/visual area,” she replied. “One of our biggest problems right now is that we have a good collection of DVDs, music and audio books, but we’re running out of space. In fact, we’re actually out of space, but we’re doing the best we can.”

Sheila Urwiler will talk tomorrow about the start and completion dates for the upcoming project.