Project Little Red

Our biggest undertaking ever

little red

Phase One of Project Little Red is on the books and in the black

It was just a little over a year ago, as rain seeped in through the failing roof and aging windows, that we first sounded the call: our beloved library needs help.

While private foundations with links to Lopez stepped up, and library director Darren Hoerner secured grants from both the county and the state, it was the 260 Lopezians who dug deep and matched the state grant that put us over the line.

We expect construction on the roof to start in the fall of 2026 – stay tuned for details.

Now on to Phase Two

While not as glamorous as a new roof and spiffy new windows, make no mistake, Phase Two is just as, if not more, important. Why? Because Phase Two deals directly with the health and safety of everyone who uses the library.

You see, back 130 years ago, when that little red schoolhouse, which became a restaurant, which became a fire station, which finally became the library, when it was first constructed, there weren’t the rigorous building codes we have today. Which means some of the materials used back then might not pass muster today.

Phase Two calls for inspecting, identifying and removing any and all of those materials, top to bottom, and replacing or repairing them; and where needed, updating them to meet today’s standards.

Steadfast, it is. But, after 130 years, a little tired, as well.

And to think how far we’ve come

Yes, we are off to an amazing start, having raised nearly 60% of our total goal! All in the effort to ensure the library continues to stand at the heart of our community for another 100+ years.

Still, we have promises to keep

With water heaters and lighting to replace, floors to refurbish, drainage and electrical systems to upgrade, the punch list is extensive. And expensive, with an estimated $700,000 still needed to reach our goal.

We can do this but not without your help. And so we ask, if you value that little red building and all the ways it shows up huge for our community—the programs, the events, the tutoring, the way it welcomes, the way it cares.

For everyone.

If these things matter to you, then please consider making a contribution today.

For we have promises to keep. And miles to go before we sleep.

The story of the Lopez Library continues…