Necessary repairs of library spur application to HGTVs Hometown Makeover

ALMOND Community leaders in Almond had one big facelift in mind when applying for HGTVs Hometown Makeover.

The historic Almond 20th Century Club Library building, while it looks good from the road, is in urgent need of major renovation.

Years of vibrations from the road and the relentless pull of electric wires have loosened mortar, displaced bricks, and generated cracks that run right down through the ground-level concrete blocks, said Susan Steere, President of the Almond 20th Century Club. Windows need to be replaced with tempered glass. This work must be accomplished soon, as weather and traffic will continue to take their toll. Also, the kitchen last had a major upgrade in 1958, and there are several other planned improvements that would add to the buildings safety, attractiveness, and usability.

For more than two years, members of the Board of Trustees have been meeting with engineers, architects, contractors, and grant-writers. At the same time, the 20th Century Club and Library staff have stepped up their fundraising efforts.

This village hub and after-school haven needs a minimum of $20,000 in matching funds for the contractor to get started on the reconstruction scheduled for this summer, and as much as $125,000 much more than its entire annual tax-supported operating budget in order to continue to serve the public, without completely depleting its savings.

The library leadership got creative with the application for HGTVs offer of a Hometown Makeover, hoping for a shot of funding both for the library and other structures in Almond. The group imagines historic homes restored to their original glorious architecture, the playground rebuilt and perhaps even the old Coslos building given new life as apartments and shops.

Steele said HGTV has received the application. As part of the effort a few dozen Almond residents gathered on the steps of the library to show off their community pride.

Whether or not the Hometown Makeover application is successful, the effort has put the need for structural work on the library in the community spotlight.

A number of community meetings and fundraisers are coming up over the next several weeks.

The next meeting of the trustees is set for Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Library.

The Library will host a Community Dish-to-Pass dinner on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 4:30 p.m. All are welcome. There's a sign-up form on the Library's Facebook page and walk-ins will be accepted.

The next meeting of the 20th Century Club will be Tuesday, March 10, at 7 p.m. Craig Braack will help visitors Learn About Our Backyard Birds of the Almond Area.

Among other fundraising efforts, the library will be hosting sales of Rada Cutlery online or through Club members. Details are still in the works.

The 20th Century Club has applied to receive funding as a charity from the Hot Dog Day Committee.

We would like to start monthly pancake breakfasts at the Library, but this will require the purchase of a new stove, as the current stove does not meet today's safety code, Steere added. The trustees have funds for the purchase of a new stove in the budget and are awaiting 20th Century Club approval.

We have held a quilt raffle with the drawing on Election Day for many, many years. The ladies who have made the quilt for the past several years will not be able to continue, however, due to health issues. We are looking for a new quilter.

To get involved, stop by the library.

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Almond leaders get creative with HGTV application - Hornell Evening Tribune