It was standing room only on Saturday, July 19, 2025 during the Groundbreaking Celebration held for the renovation/expansion of the library in the City of Delavan!
Festivities began at 10am with a welcoming speech by Director, Michelle Carter. Remarks were also made by: Wayne “Ozzie” Osborn, President, Delavan Aram Public Library Foundation (DAPLF); Bob Betzer, President, Library Board of Trustees; Mayor Ryan Schroeder; Andrew Iverson, US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director; Ben Maust, Corporate Contractors Inc. (CCI), Project Manager; and, closing remarks by Katherine Schoofs, Assistant Director/Youth Services Librarian.
When speaker Mayor Ryan Schroeder took the stage, he shared the importance of the expansion for this project for the community, specifically thanking donors. He named this a Legacy Project, a library for all in this generation and many future ones.
Even the rain couldn’t dampen the excitement! Attendees remained in high spirits and chatted amongst themselves, visiting food trucks and taking part in photo opportunities. Food trucks on-site included Lefty’s Hot Dogs, Bella Joy Bakery, and Good Oak Farmstead. The Open Arms Mobile Health Bus was also available for health checks.
A raffle was held for a LEGO Remote Control Hauler.The $440 proceeds will be used towards programming in the new building. The winner graciously re-gifted the item and it will now be used in a drawing at the building’s Open House late in 2026.
Persons of note at the Groundbreaking, apart from speakers, included Senator Steve Nass, Mark Luberda, Walworth County Administrator; and Brian Holt, Executive Director United Way of Walworth County; Christy Monk, VP and Principal Architect, FEH Design; Julie Cotter, Consultant, McDonald Schaeffer; City of Delavan Common Council Members; Brian Wilson, City Administrator; Nick Griffin, City Finance Director; Library Board Trustees; Delavan Aram Public Library Foundation (DAPLF) representatives; and, the Friends of the Aram Public Library.