The public is invited to a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Newton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31.

The groundbreaking will be held southeast of the current library in Military Park, where the new library is being built. Following a short outdoor program, refreshments will be served inside the current library in the Bessmer Meeting Room.

“We’re excited to invite everyone to celebrate this milestone day for the library and the community,” library director Cari Cusick said. “This project has been in the works for more than a decade, and once completed, will benefit Newtonians for generations to come.”

The Newton City Commission awarded the bid to Dondlinger Construction of Wichita as the contractor on Dec. 27, clearing the way for construction to begin. Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2024.