Building Project Updates
A 1929 photo of the former Spooner Town Hall. Originally built in 1892, this is the site of Spooner’s future library.
Dave and Ted Schmitz, pictured with the City Administrator, Library Board President, and Library Director, generously provided the funds to purchase this property, laying the foundation for the library’s next chapter.
What's Happening?
Update: March 2026
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Building Update: We selected our core team to assist with pre-design and held our official Pre-Design Launch Meeting which was a success. Our core team consists of members from the library team, municipality, community, and library board.
2. Next Steps: The next phase in pre-design is a two day design session. Pre-design is expected to take 12 weeks.
3. Donations: Donations are being accepted toward the project. There is now an online option to give, through our Foundation. Visit spoonerlibrary.org/foundation or use the link below to give online. For those interested in giving in person or through mail toward our future building project, community members can mail a check to either the “Spooner Memorial Library” or the “Spooner Library Foundation.” The library is governmental and the foundation is a 501(c)3. The mailing address for both is 421 High Street, Spooner, WI 54801. A receipt will be provided via mail once the donation is received.
4. Advocacy & Funding: Our Director advocated for federal support for library capital projects at Capital Hill last month. She requested grant opportunities to help fund building projects like ours. Additionally, we have submitted an Appropriations Request through Tammy Baldwin’s office to provide a lead grant to be the catalyst for a successful capital campaign. If these funds are given, there is a real possibility that we will be able to break ground in Summer or Fall of 2027.
Update: January 2026
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Building Update: We are excited to announce that we have hired OPN Architects for the pre-design/feasibilty and schematic design portions of our building project.
2. Next Steps:The next phase is the pre‑design / feasibility study, which will take approximately 12 weeks. We will begin with information‑gathering and facility assessments, then conduct visioning workshops and a space‑needs analysis to develop program requirements. The phase will conclude with concept development and delivery of a final report and concept designs from OPN.
3. Donations: Donations are being accepted toward the project. There is now an online option to give, through our Foundation. For those interested in giving in person or through mail toward our future building project, community members can mail a check to either the “Spooner Memorial Library” or the “Spooner Library Foundation.” The library is governmental and the foundation is a 501(c)3. The mailing address for both is 421 High Street, Spooner, WI 54801. A receipt will be provided via mail once the donation is received.
Update: December 2025
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Building Update: We received RFQ (Request for Qualifications) proposals from eight architects. A workgroup is reviewing these proposals and will short-list three for interviews at the regularly scheduled Library Board Meeting.
In working with the contractor we have decided more information is necessary to determine which scenario to move forward with. We are hoping that an architect can help us with that decision.
A reminder of the scenarios:
Scenario #1 – A complete tear down, building a 12,000 square foot one story library in its place.
Scenario #2 – Tearing down all bays except for the one with the upstairs addition, maintaining the old town hall, and adding a 5,000 square foot addition and an exterior ramp and elevator.
Note – Both scenarios would provide a 12,000 square foot building, which is about double the size of the current library.
Accessibility and designated spaces are two main priorities in the new space.
2. Next Steps: Next steps include selecting three potential architectual firms to assist us moving forward and then conducting interviews to narrow down the selection to one. Once a contract is in place with the architect, the board can move forward in planning for the new library.
3. Donations: Donations are being accepted toward the project. There is now an online option to give, through our Foundation. For those interested in giving in person or through mail toward our future building project, community members can mail a check to either the “Spooner Memorial Library” or the “Spooner Library Foundation.” The library is governmental and the foundation is a 501(c)3. The mailing address for both is 421 High Street, Spooner, WI 54801. A receipt will be provided via mail once the donation is received.
Update: November 2025
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Building Update: We have received a building assessment which told us that the old fire hall isn’t necessarily a tear down but will need considerable structural work to meet the requirements needed to house our book stacks. The biggest challenge is going to be finding a way to make the building accessible as the old town hall floors are not ground level. We are awaiting an opinion and some rough cost estimates from a contractor which we’re hoping will help guide the board in moving forward with a decision on how to proceed (knock down all or knock down partial with an addition). We should hear back by the end of November.
We provided two scenarios to the contractor for cost estimates:
Scenario #1 – A complete tear down, building a 12,000 square foot one story library in its place.
Scenario #2 – Tearing down all bays except for the one with the upstairs addition, maintaining the old town hall, and adding a 5,000 square foot addition and an exterior ramp and elevator.
Note – Both scenarios would provide a 12,000 square foot building, which is about double the size of the current library.
Accessibility and designated spaces are two main priorities in the new space.
2. Next Steps: Next steps include reviewing the conractor opinion and rough cost estimate to determine whether the project will be a partial remodel or new-build. Once this is determined, a new schematic design will be created using the previous design as reference. We will also continue to look into grant opportunities.
3. Donations: Donations are being accepted toward the project. For those interested in giving toward our future building project, community members can mail a check to either the “Spooner Memorial Library” or the “Spooner Library Foundation.” The library is governmental and the foundation is a 501(c)3. The mailing address for both is 421 High Street, Spooner, WI 54801. A receipt will be provided via mail once the donation is received.
Update: June 2025
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Digital Equity Grant: Unfortunately we received notice that the Digital Equity Grant we have been waiting on has been terminated by the Federal government. We have applied for state funds but do not have a timeline on those.
2. Securing a New Property: Thanks to the generosity of Dave and Ted Schmitz, we have purchased the old fire hall on the intersection of Walnut and Summit Street which secures our future location! Our next step is to get two assessments done on the property to determine the building potential. From there a schematic design will be completed and a more definitive estimated cost will be determined.
Update: September 2025
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Securing a New Property: We have had one assessment done on the old fire hall property and are awaiting results. The results of the assessments will help guide us forward. We are hopeful that the project will be a remodel with small addition for an elevator and lobby.
2. Next Steps: Next steps include reviewing the assessment report to determine whether the project will be a remodel, partial remodel, or new-build. Once this is determined, a new schematic design will be created using the previous design as reference. If remodeled, the old fire hall property will double the size of the library, offering much needed designated spaces for the library collection, programming, meeting, and lounging. We will keep the public abreast of any updates as we’re able.
Update: April 2025
What’s Happening? Here’s our latest update on the building project:
1. Digital Equity Grant: We continue to wait. Some awards were granted in Winter 2024, but not all funds have been given.
2. Securing a New Property: Negotiations have been made by the City of Spooner to acquire the old Fire Hall, the property on the intersection of Walnut and Summit Street. The next step includes an assessment of the property to see if a renovation can take place or if it must be tore down. This property has significant historical value. It was built in 1892 at the Spooner Town Hall, before the City of Spooner was an actual city. Thanks to the generosity of Dave and Ted Schmitz, the Library will close on the property in 30-60 days.
Update: December 2024
What’s Happening? While the Capital Campaign for our new library is not fully underway yet, we are diligently working to secure funding through the Digital Equity Grant and working to acquire the Old Firehall Property.
1. Flexible Facilities Grant: We were not awarded this grant.
2. Digital Equity Grant: We submitted a competitive federal grant application for $10.5 million aimed at creating a 16,500 square foot library. This grant requires a 10% match, meaning we will need to raise an additional $1 million to meet this requirement. Although the grant serves a timeline of four years, our objective is to have the library completed by Summer/Fall 2026, with award announcements set for Winter 2024.
3. Securing a New Property: Our Campaign Readiness Study revealed a strong preference among community members for a new library location rather than an expansion of the current facility. Concerns about future expansion, lack of green space, and inadequate parking in the present location were key factors in this feedback. In response, we have actively sought out alternatives and are thrilled to announce that we have identified a new site within the city – the Old Firehall on Summit Street. We are excited about the possibilities it offers for a single-story facility, ample green space, and convenient onsite parking. We are committed to keeping our community informed and engaged throughout this process. Your support and involvement are crucial as we work toward creating a library that meets the needs of our growing community. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone.
Update: August 2024
We have applied for the Flexible Facilities Grant worth $4.25 million. We will find out if we will receive the grant by October 1, 2024. If we receive the grant, we will have until September 30, 2026 to construct the new library.
Results of the Capital Campaign Readiness Study have caused the Library Board to pivot. The original plan was to build a two story 18,500 square foot library with a total estimated cost of $11 million. As a result of the Capital Campaign Readiness Study, the Board has decided to scale back on the size of the new library (location is underwraps until secured). While decreasing the size eliminates some of the amenities from the original plan, it will still provide the community with more space for more services, meeting rooms for telehealth, work, and education, designated program space, and better accessibility throughout the library.
We are also planning to apply for the Federal Digital Equity Competitive Grant which is due end of September.
Update: May 2024
We have partnered with BrandRaise to conduct a Capital Campaign Readiness Study. This study will continue our work toward a capital campaign and will gauge the feasibility of a campaign in the amount of $6.7 million dollars. We will also be applying for a grant worth $4.25 million. If we receive the grant, we will have until September 30, 2026 to construct the new library.
Update: March 2024
We have finalized our preliminary work with our architect, Marco Vincent, from SEH. A final schematic design was curated which includes an exterior design, an interior design with floor plans, and a cost estimate. A Capital Campaign Committee has formed. A capital campaign will be forthcoming. The schematic design can be viewed HERE.
Updated Plan
Estimated Square Footage:
8,473 sq ft (Main Floor)
4,770 sq ft (Upstairs above current Children’s Area)
5,210 sq ft (Downstairs below current Children’s Area)
Total estimated square footage: 18,453
Plan:
1. Tear down entire current children’s and adult book wing.
2. Build basement, main floor, and upstairs where current children’s wing stands but expand wing to be 10 feet from sidewalk on all ends.
3. Upstairs will become meeting rooms, a maker space, seating, and program space which will mean this space will not need to be covered by library staff.
4. Basement will be storage and a mechanical room. Toilets and sinks will be plumbed, but the basement will be insulated for future expansion.
5. There will be an elevator for added accessibility. The elevator ends up saving quite a bit of square footage and will make it easier to transport items from floors and provide easier wheelchair and stroller access.
6. The siding on the outside of the library will be replaced with non-rotting material. The hope is that a mural/artwork can be attached to the side of the building.
7. The inside of the newest part of the library will be remodeled, but the break room will not, as it was recently done.
8. The main floor of the library will be dedicated to material space, sitting areas, small study rooms, a used book room, children’s play space, teen space, a lounge, and staff space.
9. The community garden beds will be moved in front of the book mural or into the garden area which will be maintained. The gazebo will be moved to the garden area. The fountain will be dismantled and put back up in a smaller format, location to be determined.
10. There will be two single stall bathrooms on all floors.
Update: October 2023
We are excited to announce that our feasibility study is over and we now have a plan for the future Spooner Memorial Library building. We are now embarking on schematic planning for the library, including topographic and utility surveys, preliminary demolition plans, building floor plans, ceiling and roof plans, preliminary structural framing concepts, site and landscaping plans, and exterior building elevation work. In the next 12-16 weeks we’ll have design review meetings, a 3-dimensional exterior rendering of the building, an estimate of probable cost, and presentation boards with building plans and 3D images. We anticipate by January 2024, we will be ready to start our capital campaign.
So what is the plan? With a variance in place, the plan is to knock down the entire children’s wing of the library. There is a crack in the wall and ceiling that is monitored closely but serious enough that it cannot be easily fixed. In place of the children’s wing, there will be an expanded two story area with a basement. The basement will be for mechanicals, storage, and staff workspace. The main floor will most likely be the children and teen area. The upstairs will become meeting rooms, study rooms, program space, and a maker space. In place of a costly elevator, there will ramps along the wall parallel to Walnut Street going from the basement to the upper floor. We envision windows along that same wall and throughout the addition. We desire to make the library more accessible, with lower shelving, comfortable seating, and more spaces between shelves. With designated program space, access to library materials during programs would no longer be an issue. We are planning for more storage space that doesn’t require staff to stand on ladders to access and would allow the library to be less cluttered and more inviting. More meeting space and study rooms has been a constant request from the community, and this building plan would provide both. We are excited to be moving forward.
History of the Project
Did you know that your library has served the community for over 100 years? In fact, your library just celebrated its 110th birthday. Since 1915, the library building has been in a school house, a basement, a house, and currently resides on the corner of High and Walnut Street. The oldest part of the current library was built in 1962, with 2,000 square feet added in 1997, when your library leadership underwent a building campaign to remodel the library. A quarter of a century later, your thriving 5,500 square foot library is bursting at its seams.
For years the Library Board, Director, team, and community have talked about the need for more space. In 2021, when developing the library’s 2021-2026 strategic plan, a heavy emphasis was placed on addressing this need. In May 2021, an exciting piece of mail brought the conversation to the forefront and building project planning began.
The piece of mail was addressed to the Board President, Audrey Kevan. Audrey opened the envelope at the start of the monthly meeting and almost cried. Inside the envelope was a check from Judy Ostrom for $50,000. Judy wrote this check in memory of her late parents, Marshall and Lorraine Petersen, citing “My parents would be pleased to know that in a small way, they helped others to find their own pleasure in reading.” Judy’s dad, along with her uncle, built the original library (on this site) in 1962. During public comment board members and the director expressed their excitement about this incredible gift to the library. At the June 2021 meeting a decision was made to set aside the money in a special building fund and begin pricing feasibility studies.
Learn more and take action
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do We Need More Space?
The current library was originally designed to house books, and its purpose has evolved far beyond that. Our library has transformed into a vibrant community hub, offering a wide range of services that are essential to our community’s needs.
The latest addition was almost 30 years ago. The current library building is 5,500 square feet. A recent study confirmed that comparable libraries in the state averaged almost 15,000 square feet.
Increased Service Demand: The remarkable growth in our library’s services underscores the urgent need for expanded space. Since our last renovation in 1997, we have nearly doubled our foot traffic! Our program and activity offerings have increased by an impressive 463%, with participation soaring by 690%. Additionally, our combined digital and physical circulation has grown by 48%. This extraordinary demand highlights the critical importance of a larger, more functional facility capable of supporting the diverse needs of our community and enriching the overall library experience.
Safety Concerns: Patron safety is our top priority, yet current parking options are limited and unsafe. Patrons rely solely on on-street parking, which has led to accidents due to slippery streets and curbs, putting their safety at risk when accessing the library. Similarly, staff safety concerns are pressing. Staff members face significant challenges when accessing storage areas, often needing to use ladders to retrieve essential materials, which poses a real risk of accidents and injuries. Some storage spaces are openly visible, creating a cluttered environment that diminishes the library’s appearance and usability. Additionally, staff offices lack safe egress options in emergency situations, such as an active shooter incident. Addressing these safety issues through an expanded, thoughtfully designed facility is essential for protecting both our staff and patrons, ensuring a safer and more accessible community space.
Accessibility Issues: The library’s current layout compromises accessibility. When programs are in progress, patrons are unable to access the library collections. Moreover, books placed on the top and bottom shelves are difficult for many to safely reach. Tables and chairs can obstruct pathways, creating challenges for patrons with mobility concerns. Uneven sidewalks and street curbs have also caused lack of accessibility.
Need for Designated Spaces: The lack of designated areas is evident. Teens have no specific space to socialize, and Story Hour occurs in a multifunctional area where children’s play creates distractions. Children’s craft activities take place among the books, limiting access to the collection for other patrons. Adult programming results in bulky tables blocking access to important resources, causing our seating arrangements to be insufficient for individuals wishing to study, work remotely, or enjoy our magazine and newspaper collection. Furthermore, Young Adult books should ideally occupy their own space, distinct from Children’s and Juvenile collections.
Demand for Study Rooms: Presently, our only meeting room serves multiple purposes, including storage for microfiche, newspapers, and used books, which hinders its effectiveness. Realistically, it can only seat two patrons. As telehealth services become increasingly important, patrons require access to private rooms equipped with technology. Unfortunately, we currently have only one room that meets these needs, leading to frequent conflicts over usage. Just last year, a patron had to conduct a telehealth appointment in a public area due to the lack of availability, highlighting a pressing issue. We also receive requests for larger meeting rooms, which we cannot accommodate, and when the Library Board needs to hold closed sessions, they are forced into a cramped breakroom that lacks the necessary sound privacy. By expanding our library space, we would provide the community with access to essential meeting places that are not currently available, including spaces that operate later into the evening (until 7:00 p.m.), are free, are equipped with necessary technology for work meetings, are reservable, and facilitate one-on-one technology assistance provided by library staff. This enhancement is not just a luxury; it’s an urgent necessity for a community striving for growth and accessibility.
Why Now?
The urgency for a new library has never been more pressing. The longer we wait to expand, the more the costs associated with construction and renovation will rise. Our current facility is already insufficient for our community’s needs, and our growth is stifled until we can create a space that allows us to flourish
A Critical Moment: The oldest portion of our library was built in 1962, and although we added 2,000 square feet in 1997, that expansion has long since proved inadequate. Now, a quarter-century later, our library, which serves a thriving community, is merely 5,500 square feet—and it’s bursting at the seams. We owe it to our patrons to create an environment that supports our evolving role in the community.
Size Matters: In 2021, we enlisted the expertise of two architectural firms to conduct thorough space needs assessments. Both firms unanimously concluded that in order to adequately meet the current and future demands of our library, a facility size of at least 20,000 square feet is necessary. This is not just a suggestion; it is a matter of fulfilling the library’s potential as a community hub. Additionally, a recent Capital Campaign Readiness Study has shed light on the fundraising capabilities specific to our area. The findings indicate that the community is ready and eager to support a new library, but we must align our vision with the realities of fundraising potential. The roadmap forward requires us to create a new, larger library that can truly serve our community’s diverse needs. While a 20,000 square foot library may seem financially out of reach at this time, a larger library is imperitive. A goal of a 12,000 square foot library is more attainable, though statistics show that other comparible libraries in the state have an average of about 15,000 square feet.
Embracing Technology: In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, access to technology is no longer a luxury; it is a fundamental necessity for success in education, employment, and health management. Our library serves as a vital resource, providing the technology and digital literacy programs that empower individuals to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. By bridging the technological divide in our community, the library ensures that everyone—from students to job seekers—has the tools required to participate fully in today’s society. We fill critical gaps in access, offering resources that level the playing field and foster equal opportunities for all community members. Now is the time to expand our offerings and enhance our facilities, enabling us to meet the growing demand for technological resources and support. With your help, we can ensure that our library remains a cornerstone of progress and opportunity for all.
Strong Community Support: Recent data underscores a clear and compelling message: our community is eager for a larger library. A 2025 community survey and a 2024 Campaign Readiness Report both affirm that residents are not only ready but enthusiastic about supporting an expansion or new build. There is a palpable desire for spaces that foster community gathering and personal growth. Regular library users recognize the pressing need for more space to accommodate programs, resources, and services, while those who may not frequent the library understand the broader implications of community development. This widespread consensus highlights an opportunity we cannot ignore. The community is standing behind this initiative, and now is the right moment to harness that support and realize the vision for a larger library. Together, we can create a dynamic space that meets the evolving needs of our community and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
What Will Financial Support Look Like for the Project?
- The City of Spooner has agreed to support additional operating costs once the project is complete.
- The library received a donation of $200,000 from Dave and Ted Schmitz to purchase a property and land to secure a final resting place for the future library.
- The library has received a pledge for $500,000.
- The library has received two $50,000 memorial donations to support the project.
- The library, with help from Spooner Library Foundation, will fundraise and grant-write to support the project financially.
- There is community support backing the project. In fact, a recent community survey showed that 90% of respondents were extremely likely or likely to financially support a future project.
Where Will it Be?
- The library will be on the corner of Walnut and Summit Street in a property referred to as the old fire hall by locals.
- This location was selected because of its proximity to downtown as well as parking and green space potential.
What Will It Cost?
- Once a new schematic design is created and a cost estimate has been established, we will provide an update to the community.
What is the Floor Plan?
- The current floor plan was developed for a larger library, 18,500 square feet, on the current lot. While the Board plans to use a lot of the design for the scaled down library, 12,000 square feet, a new floor plan needs to be drafted.
- The larger floor plan included an 1,800 square foot program room (fits 180-200 chairs or 51 individuals for a meeting), three two-person telehealth/study rooms (80 square feet each), one medium sized conference room (fits 20), one smaller conference room (fits 12), and one small conference room (fits 6). These rooms will be available to the public for meeting, telemedicine, work, and educational needs during library hours. Additional space will be dedicated to collection, lounge, children’s play space, and staff space.
- The schematic design for the larger library was developed by an architect with input from library staff and the Board, with input from the Community survey that was released in spring 2023. A new schematic design will be prepared, most likely by spring of 2026 to fit the new library location.
Donations
Give money, stocks, charitable donations to the library.
There are three options to donate, directly through the library by writing a check to “Spooner Memorial Library,” or through the library foundation by writing a check to “Spooner Library Foundation” or by giving line. The library is considered governmental and the foundation is a 501(c)3.
Spooner Memorial Library
421 High Street
Spooner, WI 54801
or
Spooner Library Foundation
421 High Street
Spooner, WI 54801
Support the Project
- Follow the library on social media to stay up to date
- Subscribe to the Library Newsletter
- Provide media coverage of support for the project by sharing social media posts and newsletters
- Share your library stories and interest in the project with librarians
- Join the campaign committee
- Give money, stocks, charitable donations to the library
- Attend City Council meetings to express support for this project
- Make a pledge over three years