It was just one year ago in May that the Gillett Public Library purchased the BMO Harris bank building next door with the intention of converting the space into a community center. The facility is now renovated and ready to be used by the public.
A second bathroom was added, additional countertops were installed to accommodate large groups, and tile flooring replaced the carpeting.
Four meeting room/banquet spaces are available. The Northwoods Meeting/Banquet Room will accommodate up to 150 people for business events and community parties, and the Red Cedar, White Pine and Blue Spruce rooms accommodate up to 10 people.
All renovations were done thanks to the generosity of several individuals and organizations; no taxpayer money went toward this project.
Now that Phase 1 of the Community Center/Community Square project is completed, work will focus on Phase 2, which is to convert the library’s existing meeting room space into library space.
Phase 3 will be to renovate the area between the buildings into a community square. The square was open for ice skating this winter, and the library is organizing a downtown market, which will be open from 3-6 p.m. Thursdays beginning in mid-June.
The Friends of the Gillett Library have scheduled an open house for the center from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 13. The public is invited to tour the facility and enjoy refreshments provided by Hintz 4-H Club. Thurmont Ridge will perform, and several market vendors will set up in the community square.
For information, call the library at 920-855-6224.
