Great River Board hears Maple Lake library request

The drive to obtain a library for Maple Lake is now in the hands of the Great River Regional Library Board.

On September 19, the case for establishing a library branch in the proposed Maple Lake City Hall was made to the GRRL Board by Wright County Commissioner Karla Heeter and Maple Lake Economic Developer John Meyer.

Heeter began the presentation by noting that Maple Lake is located in the heart of Wright County, a growing community with a population of about 2,000 and more than 500 homes platted for construction in the city. She said another indication of impending growth in the area can be found in the establishment of the Highway 55 Corridor Coalition, which is laying the groundwork for the expansion of the highway from two to four lanes within the next 20 years. And she said construction of the Annandale/Maple Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, expected to start this spring, will allow for even more growth.

By proposing to include a library in a new city hall planned for the corner of Birch Avenue and Division Street in downtown Maple Lake, Heeter said this plan presents the GRRL Board with design opportunities that come only with new construction. And that the location of the facility is within walking distance of potential users at Maple Lake Elementary and High School, St. Timothy’s School, the Maple Lake Re- covery Center, and Maple Manor.

Heeter said other benefits of establishing a library in this area would include Internet access for more local residents, additional programming for students and a facility that could help spur the revitalization of the downtown area.

To read more about the library pick up the September 27 issue of the Messenger.