Beech Tree News Network

Butler County Librarian Kenna Martin and Cody Henderson, president of the Library Board of Trustees, gave the Butler County Fiscal Court an update on the Public Library Construction Project. The project costs $5.5 million and is expected to be finished by summer 2026.

 

The new 10,168-square-foot library will be at 402 North Main Street. The Library Board of Trustees received a $2.8 million grant for construction. The library saved $1 million from its budget and covered the rest with a low-interest rural water loan. Henderson said they set aside reserves for operations, emergencies, and capital needs. He also mentioned that the library tax rate went down, so the project did not require a tax increase.

 

The new library will have two small study rooms, a large community room that is 1,068 square feet, and a Creative/Makerspace. The Makerspace will offer both simple and advanced equipment to help people be creative, try new things, and keep learning.

Martin said they are working to make the new library an official GED testing site. This will help Butler County keep its status as a Work-Ready Community.

 

The Library's Annual Report for 2025: 15,900 visits, 19,973 items borrowed, 316 programs offered, and 3,963 attendees.

 

When asked what they plan to do with the old library, Henderson said he hoped the board would sell it.