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The Wyoming Library site was the first location for groundbreaking ceremonies under the countywide library initiative. The North Branch Community holds official groundbreaking August 12 (tonight) and the Chisago Lakes site event is not yet scheduled.

Wyoming’s first-ever library will be located north of the lights at the highway interchange, on the east edge of County Road 30, across from the Sunrise Prairie Trail head.

The library construction is estimated at a little over $1 million and the library will be 10,000 square feet. KKE Architects designed a library to echo the history of Wyoming as a train stop and the new building is modern, but evokes that depot structure.

Wyoming Library Society spokesperson Sheree Vincent said there will be a nice children’s literature and juvenile section in the new facility and one of the focuses will be technology materials. Residents who now travel to Forest Lake and utilize the metro regional library system must pay $10 to check out DVDs, videotape, music or film. Wyoming Library users residing in Chisago County will see this same level of technology available without the surcharge.

Vincent mentioned there will be enclosed rooms for area residents who need to study or meet in small groups.

The society plans to continue to hold fundraising events to supplement budgets for things like landscaping and materials, computers and equipment, Vincent said. Watch for details about how to get involved.

The staff is to be hired by East Central Regional Library headquartered in Cambridge. ECRL is a multi-county system and will be responsible for materials and hours. The building and land are being maintained in a joint powers contract between Wyoming and Chisago County.

The library is officially named Wyoming Area Giese Memorial Library; in honor of Myles Giese and family who donated $50,000 seed money to help fund this project and boost the society’s founding efforts. In photo are Giese Family members Bea Zaruba (daughter), Don Giese, Madelyn Giese and Ginny Peterson. The Wyoming mayor, Congressman Oberstar and County Commissioner Ben Montzka, holding the recognition plaque, are also present.

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