The Eureka Springs Carnegie Public Library is a historic treasure made from large limestone blocks built into the face of a steep cliff. It is hard to imagine a more beautiful public space. But for many people, the 50 concrete stairs leading from the street to the library entrance are a bit daunting—particularly when it is hot, cold or slippery from rain, snow or ice.
Recently the library elevator broke down, which is causing a hardship both for the staff and patrons.
“Since the elevator went out of service in June, it has become evident that a great many patrons rely on it for a variety of reasons,” Library Director Christina Danos said. “I would guess around 35-40 percent of our patron base prefer the elevator to the stairs all year long. In the warm months, the handrails get hot. In the winter, the stairs may be slick.”
Deliveries to and from other libraries have been especially tricky, since staff regularly transfer four or five full crates of items two times a week. Currently they have to lift them by hand up and down the stairs until the elevator is running again. While they have continued to provide curbside pickup over the past three years starting when Covid was rampant, they have been offering it more lately for patrons unable to navigate the stairs.
Danos said there is an urgent need to raise funds because to even start work, the elevator company requires 60 percent of the estimated cost of a new elevator. The cost will depend on the amount of renovation work needed, and depending on multiple factors, the cost could run between $90,000 and $130,000.
“Once the work starts, it will be another three to four months until the elevator is fully up and running,” Danos said. “Our goal is to have it running by winter.”
Lucilla Garrett, president of the Eureka Springs Carnegie Library Board, said since they are trying to raise the money in a short period of time, the emphasis has been on donors who have been generous in the past.
“People realize that it is a crisis for the library,” Garrett said. “The need for the elevator is always there for people with limited mobility, people transporting babies in strollers, people with heavy tote bags and those who are simply tired. The elevator has become essential.”
Garrett said they only found out that the elevator had died on Aug. 8. On Aug. 10 a notice was sent out via email to those who receive the library’s newsletter. As a result, the library received one anonymous matching pledge of $20,000 that day. Within five days they had received another anonymous matching pledge of $45,000. The $65,000 needs to be matched by other donors by October 15.
“Needless to say, citizens love our library, and I am confident we shall reach our goal, whatever the total,” Garrett said.
Garrett said a friend recently said that she did not go to the library this past week because it was too hot to navigate the steps. Garrett recommended the friend use the curbside pickup provided in front of the Annex building at street level.
Recently the metal railings on the stairs have been too hot to touch. The library has added insulating covers to allow the rails to be used safely.
Progress is also continuing on the Garden Building next to the Annex. Garrett said they expect to be complete with the upstairs at the end of August. Extensive work has also been done in the past year on the building’s roof, exterior walls, foundation, fire escapes, plumbing and electricity.
“The last phase is the downstairs and work there will resume in September,” Garrett said. “I say resume because it already has a new fire barrier ceiling, among other improvements. It has taken a long time, but it will be wonderful when finished.”
To donate to the Lift Us Up fundraising campaign, drop off a check at the library with “Elevator” in the memo line or mail it to 194 Spring Street, Eureka Springs AR 72632. Another option is to go to eurekalibrary.org/donate/ and follow a link to donate through PayPal.
While the elevator is out, patrons are encouraged to use the online catalog eurekalibrary.org or call (479) 253-8754 to request books, videos and other materials that will be placed outside for curbside pickup in front of the Annex building.
The library has also extended hours on Sundays and is now open from noon to 5 p.m.
Thank you to supporters who donate to this effort. The building is a gem and the contents are priceless.