It’s likely going to be years before an elevator will be installed at Rugby’s Heart of America Library, but funds for the planned project are trickling in.

“We’re up to about $9,500,” says Amy Bryn, librarian.

Through the generous contributions of library patrons and the Lions Club, the project remains on the horizon for the library board of trustees and staff.

Cost estimates for installing an elevator are coming in, but it would likely be around the $100,000 range. Initially, an elevator was part of the library’s west side addition project a few years ago, but it was taken out due to the high costs.

While the library’s books and other resources, including computers are located on the main level, the basement does get plenty of use as well. It’s where story hour is conducted as well as other children’s programs. The library houses art exhibits and other special activities downstairs, and it’s also where the adult education classes are taught. And to make the lower level handicap-accessible, an elevator is needed.

If an elevator is installed, it would likely go in the southeast corner of the building. There was some thought about taking out one of the stairwells and installing an elevator in its place, but that wasn’t allowed by the State Fire Marshal, Bryn said. Two exits are required in addition to an elevator.

The library will seek grants toward the project, and of course, monetary donations of any size are appreciated, Bryn said.