The New Powell Library Project

mmartin411
Sep 17
2 min read

Updated: Oct 2

Photo Credit: Groathouse Construction, Inc. – Park County Library Board tours the Powell Library construction site; exterior walls framed, interior walls, electrical, and HVAC in progress. — **Photo Credit:** Groathouse Construction, Inc. – Park County Library Board tours the Powell Library construction site; exterior walls framed, interior walls, electrical, and HVAC in progress.

Since the 1980’s, community members in Powell have been voicing the need for a new library that meets the needs of a growing community. That dream is finally becoming a reality. Thanks to a partnership between local, county, state, and federal resources, a larger and more modern library is being built in downtown Powell, Wyoming.

As Park County Library Director Karen Horner explains:

“In 2024 a grant opportunity became available that allowed Park County Library to apply for a construction grant from the State of Wyoming utilizing designated federal dollars… If everything goes as planned, the completion of the project will be done sooner than anticipated which will allow the library to then begin the long process of setting up for a Grand Opening.”

The timeline below highlights the journey so far, from early planning to the current stage of construction.

2023: Securing the Vision

September 2023 – The Powell City Council pledged $10,000 in support of the Park County Library Board’s grant application to the Wyoming Library Multi-Purpose Community Facility Program (WLMCF). The board applied for up to $10 million to remodel and expand the Powell Library.
December 2023 – Powell received notice of approval for nearly $8.5 million in state funding through WLMCF, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Park County commissioners committed up to $3.2 million in ARPA dollars to help cover remaining costs for the proposed 14,000-square-foot building.

2024: From Planning to Demolition

Spring 2024 – Johnston Architects and GSG Architecture advanced designs for the new library, focusing on open, flexible spaces.
May 2024 – The Powell Library temporarily relocated to Homesteader Hall at the Park County Fairgrounds to continue serving the community during construction.
August 2024 – Demolition began on the existing 9,000-square-foot library building, which had served Powell for more than 80 years.
September 2024 – The library secured an additional $890,000 in state funds, bringing total state grant support to more than $9.3 million.

2025: Building the Future

February 2025 – Foundation work began. Groathouse Construction, Inc. poured more than 7,000 square feet of concrete, installed electrical floor boxes, and completed under-slab plumbing.
Summer 2025 – Construction progressed quickly: steel beams were painted, interior framing began, and utilities were installed.
September 2025 – With less than three months to completion, the new library’s open, airy design is coming into view.