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New La Center LibraryUpdated June 4, 2003  This is a project of the Friends of the La Center Library (not a project of Fort Vancouver Regional Library District). For the latest information about the project, contact the La Center Friends at (360) 263-2222.New Library LocationThe new library--currently under renovation by the Friends of the La Center Library--is located at 1411 NE Lockwood Creek Road in La Center, next to La Center City Park.Map & Driving Directions Opening DateEstimated completion of construction is Fall 2003. The library will then need to be equipped with books and furnishings and staff will need to be hired. A grand opening date is to be announced.Friends MeetingsNew members are always welcome. Help plan your new library! Meetings are usually held the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the new library location. Call the Friend's recording at (360) 263-2222 to confirm meeting date and time.BackgroundA grassroots effort to bring a new library to the La Center community began with an amazing woman--Margaret Colf Hepola. Hepola's determination to rescue an old hospital building from being destroyed in a firefighter-training burn exercise and her vision of giving the building new life as a community library quickly took hold. An entire community has since gotten involved.Under Hepola's leadership, the Friends of the La Center Library formed in May 2001. In August 2001, the Friends participated in a major milestone as they oversaw the moving of the former hospital building to a new site in town (see photos of the move, below). The two-story building was moved 0.6 mile along E. 4th St./Lockwood Blvd. from its previous location at E. 4th St. and Cedar Ave. Many people have contributed to the project. The Colf Family Foundation completed the original purchase of the land. Bob Colf, owner of Colf Construction, has made significant contributions to the project, including the pouring of new footings, temporary modifications to the building so that it could be moved, and continues to provide for many renovations. Local businesses throughout Cowlitz and Clark Counties have donated materials and services. Fundraisers conducted by the Friends of the La Center Library, including rummage sales, spaghetti feeds and sales of personalized bricks will help offset construction costs and pay for a collection of library materials. The City of La Center has given its support for the project. Fort Vancouver Regional Library District has served La Center with bi-weekly bookmobile service for many years and supports the community's desire for its first permanent library facility. District staff and the FVRL Foundation have been providing support and assistance with the process of planning the new library. Once the building is complete, the district has agreed to staff and operate the new library. How Can I Contribute?Those wishing to contribute to the project may contact FVRL Foundation Director Rick Smithrud at (360) 906-2323 or the Friends of the La Center Community Library at (360) 263-2222.Photos of the August 17, 2001 Building Move
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