“We need real money” to get the library restored and include a history museum, said Jack Quirk, chairman of the Hennessey Library Building Committee. He made that comment after the group discussed the architect’s report Quirk had emailed to members before their 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, meeting in the History Center at the library. The existing 18,470 square feet public library complex was built in 1928 as a high school. No cost estimates were available. However, electrical and plumbing issues and lengthy lists of mechanical and code updates made it clear that more help is needed. “Although the structure is strong, the rest of the building is fragile,” Quirk said, about the Main Street structure.

The town cannot afford the repairs, said committee member Tiffany Tillman, who is also the town administrator. The gym south of the library should be included if and when an agreement is reached on the library property, she said. It’s also not something the Friends of the Library could tackle, said Ann Taylor, committee member, and FOL board member. The other two members of the committee are Richard Simunek and David Jones, both Hennessey Board of Trustee members.

All five members attended the meeting.

Also present were FOL member Jan Griffin and Library Director Steven Mitchell.

Architect’s report available

The $3,500 cost for the report by ICWA Group, Norman, was split between the town and Simunek.

The entire report is available on the town’s website under “Assessment Report for Library.”

Donations and Decisions Nov. 29

Some may want to donate property upon their death, or even a life insurance policy, Quirk said.

He added that people are more likely to donate to a historical society instead of the town.

Also, there are grants that a non-profit can get that a municipality cannot.

Simunek said a museum in Medford was started by two who grew up there, but didn’t live there, but wanted to give back to their hometown.

The group decided to kick off historical society planning Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the library.

“We need to invite all graduates,” said Simunek, a conservationist.

Jones asked if any state or federal programs have something to recognize historic sites such as the Centennial Farms.

“Or is there funding for restoring historic sites?” he asked.

No one replied to the question, but Simunek said the only federally recognized historical building in Hennessey is the flower shop (now Annie’s Flowerhouse and Gifts, 107 S. Main).