Forest Lodge Library seeks to expand

The Forest Lodge Library is writing the next chapter of its history.

The library in Cable wants to relocate its “Book House” to make room for an expansion project set to begin next year.

Earlier this month, the library’s board of trustees approved an offer to relocate the small cabin next to the library that has been in Cable since the early 20th century. Before the library started using the building in 2016 it was used by the Cable Telephone Company. Remnants of telephone equipment can still be found inside.

Nothing has changed much in the “charming” book house over the years. The library has used store numerous books that are for sale, said library board secretary Mary Fenske. The Book House will remain open until July.

David Popelka, the man who made the offer to relocate the building, wants to renovate it and convert it into housing and offer it to someone who wants to live and work in Cable.

Moving the building is the first step in moving forward with the library’s $1.6 million expansion. So far the library’s funding group, the Katie Flowers Endowment, has raised over $1 million in donations, pledges and foundation grants towards the project.

Community members are being asked to contribute to help raise the remaining $600,000. As library officials continue to raise funds, Fenske said she is pleased with the community’s generosity thus far.

‘We’ve been getting a wonderful response from the community,” she said. “We’re nearly two-thirds of the way there.”

If everything goes according to plan, the project will begin in the spring of 2025.

Built in 1925, the library is a log cabin complete with a little fireplace and a lot of charm, said Library Director Amanda Westlund, who took on the job about three months ago.

Since starting her new job, she has needed one important thing — more space.

“Right now we have part of our book collection across the street at the church. So we have to go over there and bring them over here. And when I want to do programming, having a smaller space makes it more challenging. So having more space would be nice,” she said.

As part of the project, plans call for new meeting rooms, a workspace and a dedicated area for children to learn and play, while also making the library ADA compliant.

This summer, the library is launching a campaign with several fundraising activities and events for patrons of all ages.