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The Argos Public Library currently rents space in a building owned by the town of Argos. We did not have the opportunity to purchase this building. Charles Schoonover, a retired local businessman, donated a historic building in downtown Argos to be used as the public library building. This building consists of two older buildings dating from the 1870's that were joined and used for over 100 years as a retail dry goods establishment which was a major landmark for not only Argos but Marshall County and beyond. These historic buildings will be restored to their original storefront appearance to once again be an anchor for the downtown area. The APL board is committed to keeping the library downtown and making it a focus point of activities for the community.
- Easterday Construction began renovation for our future library home on October 27, 2003. Demolition of the interior has been progressing and excavation is being done so the addition foundation can be poured before we get into winter weather. While such old buildings seem to reveal surprises as we uncover more of its skeleton, a pleasant surprise was the uncovering of the old wood ceiling in the north downstairs. This ceiling displays old paint in rather good condition with primitive stenciling on it. We intend to preserve the ceiling, if at all possible.
- The projected date of completion is now the end of August, 2004. The construction crew is currently replacing the older windows in the west end of the building and once they are all installed, the exterior siding will be repaired and readied for painting. The field or main body of the building will be painted a light gray with trim painted a gray that is about 2 shades darker. The store front will be a deep red and a mahogany canvas awning will complete the old store front look. The store front is scheduled to be framed in the week of June 13th The awning will be a manual rollout style. The drywallers began hanging drywall upstairs this week and it is projected that it will require 3 weeks to complete their work. While we will have part of the current adjustable wood shelving refinished and move with us, we are having some new shelving made also.
- November, 2006. The move has still not been made due to structural deficiencies. An independent engineering firm is near completion of their indepth structural examination of the building to determine what deficiencies must be corrected and in what manner in order to make the building safe to occupy.
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