By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
The Peterson Brothers Farm Live performance at the C. L. Hoover Opera House helped raise funds for the new Dorothy Bramlage Public Library.
They showed multiple farm parody videos that they produced on their farm near Assaria, Kansas. Their videos supporting agriculture have captured the attention of many in this nation and in other countries. Their first video, “I’m Farming and I grow it” received more than five million views in just weeks.
In addition to the appearance by the Peterson Brothers the event was an event to explain the “Reimagining Your Public Library”project and the need to develop a library facility that is consistent with the size and needs of the Junction City – Fort Riley – Geary County community, and that will offer the flexibility of use as those needs change.
Library Director Susan Moyer said the new library would be built on the north end of the current lot at located at 230 West Seventh Street, “and continue to operate where we are so there’s minimal interruption of service. And then when the new library is open we move once into the new building, and we take down the old building and lay our parking lot in front of it.”
Fundraising for the project has already begun with private donations. Moyer stated, “We did a few private events last year. And those are actually going to turn into public events this year. We did one called “Whiskey, Wine and Library Time.” That’s going to be our Friends of the Library annual meeting and public event here on April 28th. ‘ A 5K run is also being planned. Donations and grants have also been received. Organizers hope to complete the project within five years.
Current plans do include a two-story facility but the upper level represents the future growth of the library. As funds are available to finish the space, the intent is to make at least some of it available for rent to other community organizations until it is needed by the library. The cost of a project covering the bottom level with no upper floor would be in the approximate $8 million to $9 million dollars. A total finished two-story facility would push the cost into the $13 million range.
The turnout for the Peterson Farm Brothers Live concert was solid. The seating in the Opera House was filled to approximately three-quarters capacity. Tickets for the event were sold at the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library and Munson’s Prime with Susan Moyer, Deanna Munson and Lisa Eickholt serving as keynote speakers to help explain the project to the audience.
All donations to the project will be tax deductible and deposited to the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization that is also affiliated with the Greater Geary Community Foundation.
