Official Opening Day Set For New Marion Library

It appears the wait is almost over. After construction delays and issues with the supply chain, we have an official opening day for the new Marion Public Library!

Back in late September, the Corridor Business Journal reported that the library hoped to open sometime before November 15th. But a Facebook post from the Friends of the Marion Public Library has the new official opening date!

Construction of the $18 million facility located in the 1100 block of Sixth Avenue has been delayed due to worker shortages, delivery issues, and the availability of materials, according to the CBJ. The new library was initially set to open in April of this year, then was postponed to July, and then to 'sometime after Labor Day.' Now, the date is officially September 10th.

The CBJ reported back in early September that there were four main items keeping the library from opening. They were the installation of sink shrouds, interior and exterior railings, and access and security hardware and software. The CBJ reports that those items have been installed, with the hardware and software installations being finalized as this is being written.

The city of Marion has been without a full-time library since the derecho in 2020 damaged the old public library building. It never reopened. Plans for that building are still under discussion.