By WILL KANGAS
January 27, 2011
MASON — Sheryl Bass was excited when she heard the news.
Longtime Mason resident Margaret Doolittle put aside $10,000 for the city library when she passed away last year. Doolittle was a kindergarten teacher and beloved resident who had also left money for her former school, North Aurelius Elementary.
Bass, who was promoted to Head Librarian about two years ago, has been confronted with some much-needed repairs for the aging building and new exactly what to do with the donation.
In December, Bass heard of the Dart Foundation’s matching grant program and was approved to double the donation after adding an extra $3,000 from the Friends of Mason Library’s used book sales.
“That’s how I came up with $26,000,” Bass said. “The timing couldn’t have been better because we have a leaking roof and need several different repairs to the library.”
Buckets needed
Buckets are placed strategically in a few areas in the library to catch water from the roof.
The carpet is so heavily worn it curls up in some spots and patrons have to be careful not to trip. Cold drafts come through old windows that date back to when the building was built in 1938.
Under the current contract with the Capital Area District Library and the city of Mason, the city is responsible for the maintenance of the building.
But Bass said “times are tough,” including for the city and that both parties will welcome the donated funds.
The Mason City Council recently approved the construction of a catch basin near the front of the library, which has a basement that floods during heavy rainfall. The basin will help cature and move water.
She said she would also like to get new chairs for the periodicals area.
“When we have seniors here to read they sit in these outdated chairs and can’t get out of them,” Bass said.
She said an anonymous donor gave the library stained glass made to fit the windows as well.
“There seems to be an upswing in involvement in the library,” Bass said
“I can’t wait to get the repairs moving. She said she may have to close down the library temporarily in May for the repair work and new paint for the walls in the media room.
“I really can’t wait,” Bass said. “We want to make sure the library is something the community can be proud of.”
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