Volunteers perform bulk of new library construction

by Brita Adkinson
KENDALL – The new North Fork Community Library currently under construction in Kendall is progressing faster than anyone had hoped.
Friends of the North Fork Community Library started building on April 2, with volunteer Scott Swanson leading a team of volunteers in the initial phase of laying the foundations, framing the walls and constructing the roof. The major building work is scheduled to take place on weekends, because much of the work is carried out by volunteers.
When the exterior staining had been completed, groups of volunteers began working on the second phase. This phase includes drywall work, insulation, and stone and tile work. Apart from plumbing and heating installation, almost all work up to this point has been done by volunteer teams.
“We did not believe we would get this far with the funds we raised so far,” said Georgina Furlong-Head, branch manager at the Maple Falls Library. However, she explained, the money stretched so much further because of all the work performed on a volunteer basis. “At this stage, we have had altogether 50 volunteers working on the project,” Furlong-Head said, adding more volunteers are needed to continue the work.
“The weekend Aug. 14-15 is scheduled for construction of a timber frame covered entry,” she added. Various skilled craftsmen have been volunteer project leaders during different phases of the work. These volunteer project leaders have come forward from Acme, Everson, Maple Falls, Columbia Valley, Glacier and even Bellingham.
With the assistance of Nicole Jones, of Maple Falls, an application was submitted to Home Depot in Bellingham, and the result was that Home Depot presented the library project a special award called a team grant. Along with offering building materials totaling $8,500, manager Deanne Clawson at the Bellingham Home Depot sent out a team of professionals from the Bellingham and Oak Harbor Home Depot stores. During two days in June, this Home Depot team completed the board and batten siding work at the library building.
The Friends of the North Fork Community Library are continuing their efforts to raise the funding needed to complete the building work. At least $50,000 is needed to see the project through to completion, Furlong-Head said. Current fundraising efforts include a hand made quilt by the Sew and Sews craft group in Maple Falls that will be raffled off during the holidays. Tickets will be available in the fall.
An upcoming fundraising event is a Dance evening scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18, featuring two local bands. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be prepared and served by the Mount Baker Lions Club, with all proceeds from the evening going to the library building fund.
For volunteer information, contact the Maple Falls Library at 599-2020.