The progress of the SoCo Library. Emily Flora SWoCo

The new South County (SoCo) Library is moving along, somewhat slowly but still moving, according to Michael Meise, Assistant Director, Library Services.

Ground was broken on the new library Oct. 27, 2010 but was originally scheduled to be built in July 2008. Originally the the 55,000 square-foot library was delayed when the plans came up over budget.  The South County Library will be the first new full-service library in over 30 years.

Meise said that the contractors have finished the footers and are putting in the lower walls.  Some of the hold up came while preparing the ground for building.

“They hope to get the library enclosed (under roof as they say) before winter,” Meise said. “Once they do that, construction will speed along on the inside at a pretty fast pace.”

The completion date for the library was scheduled on or before June 2011 but the Meise said it may be pushed back a month or so.

However, one major project is complete, the roundabout on Merriman and Meadowlark which actually created an entrance into the new library.

Plans for the new library began in 2005 after a comprehensive assessment of future needs. The library will cost $9 million and will be 54,000 square feet, including 5,000 square feet for an auditorium or community meeting space.