Library Expansion & Renovation Project Update
Construction Update
The library is now in Phase 2 of the expansion & renovation project. The new addition is being constructed at this time. As of January 2nd of 2025 the steel framing is in place and the exterior structure is in progress.
The library reopened to the public on October 31. Our parking lot is in the construction zone, so at this time we can only provide street parking on Church Street and Center Street. There is an outdoor bookdrop near the sidewalk to the entrance of the library. We have completed Phase 1 of our construction project and are now in Phase two, the building of the new addition.
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The Library Board of Trustees selected Miron as the contractor for the library's expansion and renovation project. The construction project preparations began September 9th. The library building will be closed to public and staff September 16 through mid-October. Any items checked out by patrons will not be due until October 31. You can change the pickup location for your holds if you do not wish to wait for them. Otherwise, your holds will be suspended and you will not lose your place in the hold queue.
Currently the part of the building that is being expanded has been demolished in preparation for the expansion. On the inside of the library the sprinker room is being relocated, an ADA compliant family bathroom is being constructed, temporary walls are being put up, and a new entrance to the libary is being created. The libary will look much different when we reopen mid-October.
Check out this great article from the Whitewater Banner about our project! Whitewater Banner Article
What Your Expanded Library Will Offer
Comparison of the Existing Library and the Expanded and Transformed Library
Comparison of Existing Library and Expanded & Transformed Library
Engaging the Community, Promoting Learning
New Children's Early Learning Wing
The Outdoor Event Space
Funded by the 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign
The New Makerspace
New Meeting Rooms
The New Entrance
Capital Campaign
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Expansion and Renovation
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is embarking on a Capital Campaign to raise $2,500,000 which, with $3,000,000 from the City of Whitewater, will fund an expansion adding 4,400 additional square feet, and a renovation of the existing space. The transformed library will:
- Offer expanded early learning areas, including play centers and places to gather
- Offer engaging teen and pre-teen spaces,
- Offer an expanded Makerspace area and upgraded technology to allow people to create, design, and learn 21st-century skills,
- Offer expanded large and small meeting, study, and collaboration spaces,
- Provide an inviting entryway that leads into a large meeting room to host community events,
- Offer expanded areas of informal seating for reading, studying, and socializing,
- Offer outdoor tables and spaces for community members to utilize the Internet even when the library is not open,
- Provide additional accessibility to materials and the opportunity for community residents to learn the latest technology, among other valuable skills,
- Provide much more natural light and upgraded facilities.
Revised Cost Estimate
August 2022
Project Cost Revisions Due to Inflation
Presentation to the Common Council
December 2021
Library Project Impact on City's Capital Improvement Plan
December 2021
City Finance Director Presentation
StudioGC architecture + interiors Selected
Fall 2020
Request for Qualifications Submission