The Knoxville Public Library had a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on the renovation and expansion project Wednesday.

The ceremony saw over 70 people attend, and included a short presentation recognizing those who were instrumental in raising the funds for the project, as well as a surprise announcement of the total funds raised being $1.9 million, well over their goal of $1.75 million.

The project will result in a 15,000 square foot building with community rooms, a teen area, a drive-through drop box, bigger genealogy room, and multiple study rooms. The library is currently occupying the former East Elementary school building with plans to reopen the library in 2019.