Huron County View

Columbia Township Library opens to public with brand new look




Columbia Township Library Director Briynne McCrea. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

Columbia Township Library Director Briynne McCrea. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

UNIONVILLE – Like many things, the COVID-19 pandemic put the construction of the Columbia Township Library on pause.

The project, which would double the size of the existing library by adding an additional 4,000 square feet, began back in Aug. 2019. However, things understandably came to a screeching halt in the spring of 2020.

Beginning in mid-March of last year, the library remained entirely closed for about three months. Soon after, library officials opened up for curbside service to patrons.

According to library director Briynne McCrea, at that time it was simply a relief to see patrons again.

“It was actually really nice. We had a lot of patrons that used the service quite a bit,” said McCrea.

Toward the end of the year, construction work on the library picked back up, with the project finally being completed this March. Following completion, the library officially opened its doors to the public March 16 – almost exactly a year from when the pandemic first hit.

Construction on the new Columbia Township Library was completed in March. The project more than doubled the size of the library. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

Construction on the new Columbia Township Library was completed in March. The project more than doubled the size of the library. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

“We’re thrilled. We’re absolutely thrilled,” McCrea said. “It’s been so nice to see everyone and to see everyone experiencing this new building – it’s such a wonderful investment in this community.”

Project details included converting the former library area to an open meeting room, where township meetings can be held, as well as elections, social events and various craft shows and sales. The former community meeting room was converted in an office suite and now serves as the official Columbia Township office.

Included in the over 4,000 square foot addition is the new library, which features a cozy reading area with fireplace, a dedicated children’s area, a teen café area, study room and additional space to grow the library’s current collection.

“It’s a huge improvement and we’re really excited about it,” McCrea said.

The $1.1 million project was funded primarily through excess property taxes from wind turbines the township was able to save up over the past several years. Officials were able to keep construction local as well, contracting Boesch Builders, of Sebewaing, to handle the project.

One of the new features of the library is a cozy reading nook, equipped with a fireplace. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

One of the new features of the library is a cozy reading nook, equipped with a fireplace. (Photo by Seth Stapleton)

“It’s been really exciting,” McCrea said. “I’ve been working here for a little over five years and we’ve been kind of planning and dreaming this the entire time I’ve been here, more or less. Seeing it all come together has been a really interesting experience and very rewarding. It’s just been really nice as people come in to see their reactions to it. It seems like it’s going to be a place that the community can enjoy for generations to come.”

Added McCrea: “We get a lot of ooh’s and aah’s – it’s been a lot of fun.”