<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2n6iNL_1FVC7N8D00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2n6iNL_1FVC7N8D00" width="1247" height="1663" ><figcaption>Buy Now Kelsi Byl looks on as her children play with a wooden train set at the Rock Valley Public Library’s temporary location. Kelly Vander Pol</figcaption></figure>More than two years after floodwaters devastated the Rock Valley Public Library, crews are tearing its interior apart — this time as the first step toward putting it back together.Lloyd Companies based in Sioux Falls, SD, began demolition work Sept. 2, marking the beginning of the long-awaited reconstruction of the library, which sustained extensive damage during the June 2024 flood.Library director Nicole McCray said crews are currently removing everything that remained inside the building following the initial post-flood demolition, including heating and cooling units, ceiling tiles, light fixtures and interior walls.“Everything” inside the library will ultimately be reconstructed, McCray said.The project represents a significant milestone for a library that has operated from a temporary location at 1503 14th St. since the flood.“You know, there are lots of mixed emotions,” McCray said. “I am so relieved to be moving forward finally, but the first day we kicked off the project, it brought back all the emotions of the flood and everything after.”Reimagining the libraryAlthough portions of the library’s former layout will remain familiar, the reconstruction will also significantly rearrange the interior.The circulation desk, office and staff work and break room will switch locations with the former children’s area. That will place the children’s section near the large windows at the front corner of the building.The redesigned children’s space is intended to provide room not only for reading but also imaginative play and STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — activities.The reconstructed library will also include additional smaller meeting spaces. McCray previously said the design emphasizes places where people can sit and spend time, whether reading, working on a puzzle or gathering as a family.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0uZVTn_1FVC7N8D00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0uZVTn_1FVC7N8D00" width="1247" height="1663" >The southwest corner of the building will also change. An exterior door that previously provided access to the meeting room will be removed and the opening fully enclosed.The changes reflect an opportunity city and library officials saw following the flood to reconsider how the building could serve the community rather than simply reconstructing it exactly as it had been.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0is6Nm_1FVC7N8D00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0is6Nm_1FVC7N8D00" width="1137" height="1506" ><h2>Building with another flood in mind</h2>Some of the most significant changes will be less noticeable to library patrons but are specifically intended to protect the building from future flooding.Heating and cooling equipment previously vulnerable to floodwater will be relocated to the roof, while windows will be positioned higher. Plans also include flood-log barriers that can be installed to help keep water out of the building.City administrator Tom Van Maanen previously said the mitigation measures are intended to make the reconstructed building substantially more resistant to a flood like the one Rock Valley experienced in 2024.The flood also devastated its collection. Before the disaster, the library had approximately 40,000 items in circulation. McCray previously said only about 10,000 remained afterward, including roughly 2,000 items removed from the building and approximately 8,000 that patrons had checked out and later returned.The library has gradually expanded its collection while operating from its considerably smaller temporary space. Still, McCray said more extensive rebuilding will occur once the library returns to its permanent home.<h2>Bid remains $1.27 million</h2>The Rock Valley City Council accepted Lloyd Companies’ $1.27 million construction bid in July. Van Maanen confirmed the contract amount remains unchanged.Eight companies submitted bids for the project, and all eight came in below $2.1 million. Lloyd’s bid was substantially below the approximately $2.5 million construction estimate prepared by FEH Design of Sioux City, the city’s architectural firm for the project.Because of the difference, FEH Design contacted Lloyd Companies after the bid opening to confirm nothing had been omitted. Lloyd confirmed that its proposal included the project’s full scope.FEH Design continues to oversee the architectural portion of the reconstruction.Lloyd’s construction contract does not include furniture. FEH Design is handling a separate bidding process for the library’s furniture.<h2>Funding makes project possible</h2>The Federal Emergency Management Agency has obligated the library project for $2.5 million, Van Maanen said. The city will be reimbursed based on the project’s actual eligible architectural, construction and furniture costs rather than automatically receiving the entire obligated amount.FEMA will cover 75 percent of the eligible costs, the state of Iowa will cover 10 percent and the city will be responsible for the remaining 15 percent.Van Maanen said all portions of the planned project are eligible for reimbursement.The city had been unable to move forward with reconstruction until FEMA formally obligated funding earlier this summer, despite planning to begin the project well before then.<h2>Hoping for an April reopening</h2>Construction is currently expected to be completed by Feb. 24, 2027, McCray said. That date does not include installing furniture and moving the library back into the building.McCray cautioned that construction schedules and lead times can change. The contractor must complete the work by May, but she hopes the library will be back well before then.Her goal is to reopen in time for National Library Week, held in early April.“I would love to reopen for National Library Week,” she said.For McCray, reaching this stage is something library staff have anticipated throughout more than two years of recovery.“I am so grateful for my staff and the community for all the patience and support through all of this, and thankful for the city for seeing this project through,” she said.During the recovery, McCray said, staff often reminded themselves to take things one day at a time and remember that they would eventually return home.“One day, we’ll be back in our building, and that is something to look forward to,” she said. “I think the nearer we get to completion, the more excitement there will be.”</div></body>

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More than two years after floodwaters devastated the Rock Valley Public Library, crews are tearing its interior apart — this time as the first step toward putting it back together. Lloyd Companies based in Sioux Falls, SD, began demolition work Sept. 2, marking the beginning of the long-awaited reconstruction...

Rock Valley Library reconstruction underway

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More than two years after floodwaters devastated the Rock Valley Public Library, crews are tearing its interior apart — this time as the first step toward 

Rock Valley Library reconstruction underway

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