Garrison Residents Raise Funds For New Library

By Sam Lane, Reporter

The former public library in Garrison, Iowa is seen on June 16, 2012. The library was destroyed by a wind storm in July 2011 and the town is the in the process of fundraising for a new facility. (Sam Lane/The Gazette-KCRG)

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By Belinda Yeung

Story Created: Jun 17, 2012 at 9:38 AM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 17, 2012 at 9:41 AM CDT

GARRISON, Iowa — The winds that whipped through Garrison in July 2011 devastated more than just the town’s fire station.

The 135 mph gusts tore the roof off the Garrison Public Library and shredded the building’s second story. The space was home to the library for around 25 years.

Nearly a year later — after determining too many complications with the Federal Emergency Management Agency would prevent them from rebuilding the old facility — officials are halfway to their funding goal for a completely new library. The new building will cost around $250,000 and will be south of the old space, near the intersection of Locust Avenue South and Pine Street in Garrison.

Mazis Dickerson, the chair of library’s board, said officials are raising funds through flea markets, local churches, a spaghetti supper, and grant requests.

Dickerson said she hopes they break ground for the new library next spring. Meanwhile, some of the library’s materials — a few computers, books, and videos — are being housed in a small room at a local church.

“It’s our social hub,” said Dickerson, who called the damage to the original library devastating. “It’s where the children come after school, work on homework, socialize, and just come . . . It’s a reason to come to town.”

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