Montana library demolished for $5.3 million replacement

Demolition has begun on the Missoula Public Library in Missoula, Montana, to make way for a new $5 million building, a report by the Missoulian says. The $5 million is being raised through private funds.

Karl Olson, library foundation director and development coordinator, says in the report that fundraising at currently at $3.6 million and that the goal will be reached by its soft deadline of early 2018.

The current library building, which was constructed in 1974, underwent a feasibility assessment in 2010 by OZ Architects, Missoula. Results of the assessment, the report says, found that the library is one-third the size it should be in relation to Missoula County’s growth and has insufficient space for the services it provides to residents.

Missoula County voters passed a ballot measure in 2016 for a $30 million library construction bond for the new structure to be built next to the 1974 building, the report says. Plans for the five-story building include parking and sustainable building practices.

The new building is expected to be open by early 2020.