For awhile, after the old Powell Library was demolished and the ground cleared, there wasn’t much visible work on building a new facility.

But that’s changed in the last week or so: Having finished the bidding process for the necessary subcontractors, Groathouse Construction is beginning work on the foundations.

“We’re on track, and we have to be opening and operating December of ’26,” said Park County Library District Director Karen Horner. “Everything is looking good for the construction timeframe, everything is good budget wise, so it’s looking smooth.”

Design work is still ongoing, Horner said, but they’ve worked out the main details that were needed before pouring concrete.

“We know the size of the building, where restrooms are … we know all the big picture details,” Horner said.

For instance, they had to know where the large circulation desk will be located to correctly place holes in the concrete for floor outlets, but they’re still looking for a local craftsman to design the key feature of the new facility.

Horner said library staff meets with the contractor and architect every other week. They’re currently focused on smaller details, such as where to put a bike rack, the type of carpet and the color of the exterior walls.

Demolition had to start quickly over the summer so the library could meet an Oct. 1 deadline for beginning construction. The work is primarily being funded by roughly $9.3 million in grants from the state (via federal Covid-era funds) and up to $3.2 million from the county government.

The new facility is planned as a modern, 14,000 square foot building that will offer more features for the community and staff and better infrastructure to avoid some of the issues that have plagued the current building, such as water leaks.

Meanwhile, the shift to the Powell Library’s temporary location at Homesteader Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds has also gone well, Horner said.

“Everyone from the public is happy we’re there, surprised how well it’s set up,” she said, noting it’s a bigger space than many libraries have. “And our programs are super popular. We’re happy we’re there, but we’re anxious to get to the new building.”