The D. R. Moon Memorial Library could be about to get an addition—pending community support.

Coming June 21st at 6 p.m., the D. R. Moon Library will host a public forum for the whole Stanley community with regards to a complementary library addition alongside the present structure. Named for lumber baron Delos Rensselaer (D.R.) Moon Sr., the local library was gifted to the community in 1901 by Mr. Moon’s wife Sarah “Sallie” F. Moon, after her husband’s death in November 1898.

Designed by the Minneapolis architect William Ellery Channing Whitney, the building was dedicated December 17, 1901, continuing from then into the horseless carriage age. The planned addition will be complementary to the present structure, being an addition.

With regard to the addition, the library board and library director have been working with River Architects for several months to develop plans to address the challenges of the current building. The public forum, which will be held at the library, will be a time for the library to share the progress on the building project and invite community input and feedback.

When the library conducted a survey to gather the community’s perspective and opinions regarding the future of the library, the response powerfully expressed a need for more space and funding for the library. Additionally, there was a strong passion to preserve and protect the historic nature of the building as an important feature of the Stanley landscape.

To address the space needs of the library, a complementary addition to the existing library is planned. Currently the building lacks sufficient space for the community, staff, and programming. There is also limited space for the collection, and the library lacks designated comfortable seating and reading spaces, private meeting rooms or study spaces, and designated program and quiet spaces.

Another critical issue with the current library building is a lack of accessibility. The first floor is not handicapped accessible, and the building does not meet ADA standards. Additionally, limited accessible shelving and spacing between shelving units fail to meet minimum ADA requirements and makes it difficult for all patrons to access library materials.

To protect the historic value of this Stanley landmark, the current library building needs to be restored and the many problems caused by aging must be addressed. This would include replacing the windows, improving insulation, abating hazardous materials, addressing water damage, and upgrading the electrical to meet new codes. Most of the renovation cost is expected to be covered by grant funding.

Speaking about the importance of holding a community forum, Library Director Elizabeth Miniatt shared, “Like all public libraries, our library is for our community—our building, services, and resources are for the public. Additionally, this is a public building of the City of Stanley. It’s very important for us to hear from the community as we move forward with the building project.”