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CANYON CITY About 65 people gathered April 14 to dine, socialize, and learn about the hopes for a new library in Grant County.

The dinner event at the Canyon City Community Hall was held by the Grant County Library Foundation, the nonprofit group that plans to build a new library and donate it to the county.

Megan Brandsma, foundation chair, was pleased with the turnout.

Everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves, and it was a good mix of people from the community, she said.

The evening featured a roast beef dinner catered by Cliff House, drawings for gift baskets concocted by Foundation members, and a program about the library effort.

Foundation member Bonnie Britton introduced the program and presenters Elaine Eisenbraun, Sue Newstetter, and Dr. Andrew Janssen did readings.

Brandsma gave an update on the future of libraries in a new age of communications.

Libraries arent going away, she noted later. They may change what they look like, but their importance wont change.

She said libraries will continue to offer information and access to people, whether through books on a shelf or via the Internet and new communications technology.

A new library would offer more opportunities for more people, she said.

Foundation member Tracie Unterwegner offered an update on the plans. The Foundation has purchased the old Blue Mountain Junior High site in John Day, and is proceeding with asbestos abatement in the old building.

The final fate of the old building is not yet determined, but the organizers dont plan to use it for the library. Instead, the Foundation plans to build a new library on one part of the campus.

The Foundation is gearing up to select an architect.

Brandsma said once that is done, they will begin an extensive public process to get input from the community on what they want to see in their new library.

Once it is built and donated to the county, the new building would replace the existing library on Canyon Boulevard. It would be twice the size of the current library, which supporters say is too cramped and outdated for modern library needs.

The Foundation wants to build an energy-efficient library that accommodates up-to-date technology, kids activities, reading and exhibit areas, and community meeting space, as well as the book collection.

The cost of the overall project, including land purchase, has been estimated at $2 million. The Foundation is seeking grants for the work, but also will need local donations and is holding fund-raisers to help with that.

Brandsma said the Foundation is preparing to launch a website that will offer updates on the project and also reach out to potential donors.