Building Project Updates
Update: September 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 various grants and strategic planning efforts.
1. Flexible Facilities Grant: We are currently awaiting notifications regarding our application for the Flexible Facilities Grant. This grant, if awarded, would provide $4.25 million to construct an 11,000 square foot library. Should we receive this funding, we will then focus on raising the additional $3.5 million needed to complete the project. The grant stipulates that construction must be finished by September 2026, and award announcements are expected by October 1, 2024.
2. Digital Equity Grant: We are on the verge of submitting 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 potential new site within the city. While we cannot disclose the specific location yet, 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 the plans to include a one story 11,000 square foot new build (location is underwraps until secured) with a total estimated cost of $7.75 million. 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.
Update: August 2023
Spooner Memorial Library
DRAFT Future Exterior Layout Plan
The DRAFT exterior plan with photos can be viewed HERE.
Estimated Square Footage:
8,750 sq ft (Main Floor)
4,550 sq ft (Upstairs above current Children’s Area)
4,550 sq ft (Downstairs below current Children’s Area)
-1,560 sq ft for ramp on all 3 floors
Total estimated square footage: 16,290
Plan:
1. Tear down entire current children’s 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, and program space which will mean this space will not need to be covered by library staff.
4. Basement will be storage, employee workspace, and a mechanical room.
5. There will not be an elevator. A ramp will be built near the entrance to assist patrons and staff in going upstairs and downstairs. The ramp will use up 1,560 square feet of space, but will cost the library significantly less money to install and mean no yearly maintenance fees or dedicated phone lines.
6. The siding on the outside of the library will be replaced with non-rotting material.
7. The inside 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, and staff space.
9. The community garden beds will be moved in front of the book mural and the gazebo will be moved to the garden area. The fountain will be dismantled and put back up in a smaller format.
10. There will be two single stall bathrooms on all floors.
Once we have received permission for variance, the Library will move forward with creating a floor plan for the interior of the library.
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 109th 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 2021-2025 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.
Fast forward to April 2022, two space needs assessments have been completed. These assessments were the first step in determining how much space the library needs, projecting into the future 20 years. Both assessments suggested that the library should be at 20,000-22,000 square feet to meet the community’s needs. The next step was hiring a company to help with a feasibility study. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc (SEH) was hired and first researched the feasibility of a building expansion, the library staying where it is with an addition.
Since hiring SEH, the Library Board, Director, and City Administrator have researched each and every option to make an expansion work
The goal is a new library in 5 years that is fully funded through a campaign, grant writing, and hard work. We invite you, a valued community member, to take the journey with us. We think you’ll like the final product.
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 the plans to include a one story 11,000 square foot new build (location is underwraps until secured) with a total estimated cost of $7.75 million. 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.
Update: August 2023
Spooner Memorial Library
DRAFT Future Exterior Layout Plan
The DRAFT exterior plan with photos can be viewed HERE.
Estimated Square Footage:
8,750 sq ft (Main Floor)
4,550 sq ft (Upstairs above current Children’s Area)
4,550 sq ft (Downstairs below current Children’s Area)
-1,560 sq ft for ramp on all 3 floors
Total estimated square footage: 16,290
Plan:
1. Tear down entire current children’s 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, and program space which will mean this space will not need to be covered by library staff.
4. Basement will be storage, employee workspace, and a mechanical room.
5. There will not be an elevator. A ramp will be built near the entrance to assist patrons and staff in going upstairs and downstairs. The ramp will use up 1,560 square feet of space, but will cost the library significantly less money to install and mean no yearly maintenance fees or dedicated phone lines.
6. The siding on the outside of the library will be replaced with non-rotting material.
7. The inside 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, and staff space.
9. The community garden beds will be moved in front of the book mural and the gazebo will be moved to the garden area. The fountain will be dismantled and put back up in a smaller format.
10. There will be two single stall bathrooms on all floors.
Once we have received permission for variance, the Library will move forward with creating a floor plan for the interior of the library.
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 109th 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 2021-2025 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.
Fast forward to April 2022, two space needs assessments have been completed. These assessments were the first step in determining how much space the library needs, projecting into the future 20 years. Both assessments suggested that the library should be at 20,000-22,000 square feet to meet the community’s needs. The next step was hiring a company to help with a feasibility study. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc (SEH) was hired and first researched the feasibility of a building expansion, the library staying where it is with an addition.
Since hiring SEH, the Library Board, Director, and City Administrator have researched each and every option to make an expansion work
The goal is a new library in 5 years that is fully funded through a campaign, grant writing, and hard work. We invite you, a valued community member, to take the journey with us. We think you’ll like the final product.
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 the plans to include a one story 11,000 square foot new build (location is underwraps until secured) with a total estimated cost of $7.75 million. 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.
Update: August 2023
Spooner Memorial Library
DRAFT Future Exterior Layout Plan
The DRAFT exterior plan with photos can be viewed HERE.
Estimated Square Footage:
8,750 sq ft (Main Floor)
4,550 sq ft (Upstairs above current Children’s Area)
4,550 sq ft (Downstairs below current Children’s Area)
-1,560 sq ft for ramp on all 3 floors
Total estimated square footage: 16,290
Plan:
1. Tear down entire current children’s 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, and program space which will mean this space will not need to be covered by library staff.
4. Basement will be storage, employee workspace, and a mechanical room.
5. There will not be an elevator. A ramp will be built near the entrance to assist patrons and staff in going upstairs and downstairs. The ramp will use up 1,560 square feet of space, but will cost the library significantly less money to install and mean no yearly maintenance fees or dedicated phone lines.
6. The siding on the outside of the library will be replaced with non-rotting material.
7. The inside 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, and staff space.
9. The community garden beds will be moved in front of the book mural and the gazebo will be moved to the garden area. The fountain will be dismantled and put back up in a smaller format.
10. There will be two single stall bathrooms on all floors.
Once we have received permission for variance, the Library will move forward with creating a floor plan for the interior of the library.
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 109th 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 2021-2025 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.
Fast forward to April 2022, two space needs assessments have been completed. These assessments were the first step in determining how much space the library needs, projecting into the future 20 years. Both assessments suggested that the library should be at 20,000-22,000 square feet to meet the community’s needs. The next step was hiring a company to help with a feasibility study. Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc (SEH) was hired and first researched the feasibility of a building expansion, the library staying where it is with an addition.
Since hiring SEH, the Library Board, Director, and City Administrator have researched each and every option to make an expansion work
The goal is a new library in 5 years that is fully funded through a campaign, grant writing, and hard work. We invite you, a valued community member, to take the journey with us. We think you’ll like the final product.
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 patrons’ needs.
- Increased Service Demand: The substantial growth in our library’s services highlights the critical need for expanded space. Since our last renovation, we have experienced a staggering 91% increase in visitor traffic, a remarkable 265% rise in program attendance, and an astonishing 378% increase in the number of programs offered. This unprecedented demand underscores the necessity for a larger, more functional facility that can accommodate the diverse needs of our community and enhance the overall library experience.No designated program space
- Safety Concerns: Ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff is of paramount importance. Currently, staff members face significant challenges when accessing storage areas, often needing to use ladders to retrieve essential materials. This practice poses a real risk of accidents and injuries. Additionally, some storage spaces are in plain view, creating a cluttered environment that detracts from both the library’s appearance and its usability for patrons. Furthermore, staff are required to use step stools to access Compassion Kitchen food bags, adding another layer of safety risk. Most concerning, our main office lacks safe egress options in the event of an emergency, such as an active shooter incident. Addressing these safety issues through an expanded facility is not just beneficial—it is essential for the protection of our staff and patrons alike.
- Accessibility Issues: The library’s current layout compromises accessibility. When programs or Compassion Kitchen food packaging events are in progress, patrons are unable to access sections dedicated to DVDs, magazines, and audiobooks. 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.
- 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 facility ranging from 11,000 to 16,500 square feet that is expandable in the future is both attainable and essential to meet the needs of our community.
- 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 2023 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 it Cost?
- The library has applied for the Flexible Facilities Grant for $4.25 million with plans to reminaing $3.5 million through a capital campaign.
- The library has additional support of the City of Spooner for additional operating expenses. The estimated additional operating costs would be $20,000 annually.
- The library was gifted $50,000 which has supported the project so far
- The library has very supportive patrons who have already said they would support the campaign
Where Will it Be?
- The Library Board cannot disclose the planned location as its procurement is being negotiated. It is downtown Spooner.
- This location was selected because of its proximity to downtown as well as parking and green space potential. The size of the lot accomodates a one story building which saves costs and allows for a more accessible building.
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, 11,000 square feet, a new floor plan needs to be drafted.
- The plans that were written into the grant include the following: 1,800 square feet for a 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.
Donations
Give money, stocks, charitable donations to the library.
Please drop off or mail a check to to the library below with a note that you would like to donate to the building project.
Spooner Memorial Library
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