From the Ground Up: Barry-Lawrence Regional Library Monett Branch

Owner: Barry-Lawrence Regional Library District
General contractor: R.E. Smith Construction Co. (Joplin)
Architect: Paragon Architecture Inc.
Engineers: Toth and Associates Inc., civil; J&M Engineering LLC, structural; and Interpres Building Solutions LLC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing
Size: 20,000 square feet
Estimated cost: $5.4 million
Funding source: Sale of $6 million in lease certificates of participation by the
library board
Estimated completion: Sept. 1
Project description: Completion of a new building this month will triple the footprint of the Monett branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. Project officials say the library has been planned for two decades, but work began after voters approved a 7-cent property tax levy to fund its operations in June 2020. The building will have dedicated areas for children – including a hollowed-out tree as a reading space – as well as teens and adults, plus collaborative spaces and a community kitchen. Director Gina Milburn said although work will be completed at the end of this month, move-in will take a few weeks, so a mid-November public opening is targeted.