Community leaves its mark on new Rolling Hills Library

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Rolling Hills Library is giving residents the opportunity to add their signatures to a steel beam that will be part of the new building set to open next spring.

"It's a 17-foot steel beam, and it is our last support beam that's going to go into place," said Kelly Morris, Rolling Hills Belt Branch Manager. "We have it out here in the parking lot today where patrons can come and sign it."

Unable to hold an official groundbreaking ceremony, the library came up with an alternative way to involve the community in the progress of the new building.

"We weren't able to have any type of official groundbreaking ceremony because the street was new and overall it was difficult to access the site," Morris said. "So we thought instead of that, this would be a way to have the community take part in our construction in a more accessible way."

Staff said they are especially looking forward to having an entire library located on a single floor, surrounded by green space.

"It's going to be fantastic," Morris added.

Residents have the rest of the day Tuesday, May 27, to sign the support beam before it is moved on-site and lowered into place tomorrow.