MARENGO – The Marengo-Union library almost has its hands on more than $500,000 in state money that will shore up financing for a long-sought move to a larger, renovated space.

Library officials are looking at the latter half of 2013 to start renovating the former Miceli drapery plant, 19714 E. Grant Highway. The board last week approved a $543,715 state grant that will pay for the majority of the work.

Once state library officials endorse the grant, the library will prepare construction bids for the renovation. Last year, Secretary of State Jesse White selected Marengo as one of 16 projects for the state’s library construction grant program.