My town, Gallatin, TN, is building a new public library. It's long overdue - people have tried for years to get a campaign under way, and it finally took off a couple years ago. This past year saw us raise around $2 million which will be matched equally by the city and the county. The library is going up in the heart of downtown - a somewhat controversial decision given that small town downtowns like ours are under pressure from development in the suburbs and on former farms. The decision to put it there is a testament to the success of stakeholders in keeping downtown alive and sparking a rebirth.

Here's a link to a webcam showing progress on the construction. They are not ready for the topping out ceremony, but felt that the season demanded having a Christmas tree on the ironwork, reminding passersby that reading is a gift beyond compare.

There's also a page with some earlier drawings of what it will look like when completed sometime either late this year or early next year. Stay tuned!