MARION — The renovations to the front entrance of Elizabeth Taber Library began on Wednesday, Sept. 19. The upgrades to the library will include improved accessibility to the main entrance, updated landscaping, and a gathering circle fitted with stone benches for all members of the community. 

The renovation is primarily an accessibility update to accommodate the needs of disabled residents. The current entrance has uneven front steps and a heavy front door. The new entrance, when completed, will have a sloped sidewalk and automated doors for easy access to wheelchairs and walkers. 

A gathering circle is also being constructed in the renovation and will feature a compass rose pointing north. The circle will be a patio with stone benches and will host upcoming programs for the community, according to Library Director Libby O’Neill. 

“We’re so grateful for this to be happening,” said O’Neill. “We hope when we open up the front doors it’s going to make the library an even more welcoming and lovely place.”

The renovation is being funded by a donor, who is former library director Marguerite K. Repass. When the library was originally soliciting bids for an automated door, Repass had told the trustees that she would fund a major renovation on the front entrance. Repass helped town officials break ground for the project on Sept. 30, 2017.

“The Repass family have been real heroes in pushing this project forward,” said Robert Raymond, a trustee of the Elizabeth Taber Library Association. 

It has taken about two years to get to this stage of the renovations. Because the library is a town building and the library association is an independent non-profit organization, there were many logistics and legal issues that needed to be sorted out. 

“We’re all excited about the project and glad it’s starting,” said Randy Repass, son of Marguerite. “It’s amazing how many people actually use the library, and this will make it easier for all of them.” 

The improved landscaping and irrigation will also be added around the circle, but will take longer to be completed. 

Acting as the project manager on behalf of Repass and the town of Marion, Richard Pomroy stated that the entrance should be completed sometime in December and the landscaping will finish next spring. 

The front entrance of the library will shut down when construction begins next week. To maintain operation of the library, a temporary sidewalk is being constructed connecting Spring Street to the back of the building. 

If the longer walk is difficult for some patrons, the library does have the option of home delivery according to O’Neill.