WILTON, Iowa--Wilton community leaders and friends of the library celebrated and expressed appreciation to supporters at a ceremony marking the start of construction on the new Wilton Library and Community Center on Friday, June 12th. Major contributors, fundraising campaign executive committee members, government officials and building contractors participated in the groundbreaking ceremony held at Wilton High School and the building's construction site.

"This is a big day for our community and the entire area," said Betty Cram, president of the Wilton Library Board of Trustees. "The library and community center will benefit everyone in Wilton. We wouldn't be here today without tremendous support from our donors and volunteers."

More than $3.1 million has been pledged to the $3.25 million Wilton Library and Community Center campaign goal. Funding has come from a variety of sources including a Community and Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the state's Vision Iowa Board and numerous area businesses, community organizations and residents.

Representatives from several donor groups spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, Community Bank, HNI Corporation, Muscatine Community College, Gerdau Ameristeel and Wilton Candy Kitchen.

"This event signifies that the spirit of Wilton is alive and well," said Wilton Mayor Carol Wade. "We are celebrating more than just the start of a building project, we are celebrating commitment and cooperation in our community. We are celebrating our future."

Built on land donated by the city at the intersection of Cypress and Division Streets, the proposed 20,000 square-foot building will benefit schools, families, senior citizens, nonprofit groups and businesses. Plans for the joint facility include spaces in the library to gather, browse, read, study and use computers while the community center provides space for civic gatherings, commercial meetings, receptions, reunions, fine arts performances, displays, banquets and fitness activities.

The current library building was erected in 1938 and has been serving the community from its present location for more than 26 years. The small library is hot and humid in the summer, cold in the winter and lacks much-needed meeting space for activities like 4-H meetings, Boy and Girl Scouts and children's story hour. The new library will increase the amount of space and allow the library to expand programming opportunities to better prepare local youth citizens for global participation.

To make a contribution, call 563-732-2583 or download a pledge form at www.WiltonLCC.org.

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