During the September 20 Village Board meeting, the Village Board will be reviewing and considering a plan to renovate the library space in Village Center during 2022 and 2023. We celebrate 20 years of the Village Center next year, and while much of the interior is still in excellent condition, the library carpet and restrooms have deteriorated and need to be refurbished. Other space changes are also being considered to enhance library services and aid operational efficiencies.
The renovations would be funded by using $1.8 million in Lange Bequest. This is a reserve fund, which was established through a generous donation from Elaine and Larry Lange in the amount of $5.5 million for the Shorewood Public Library, that focuses on funding one-time projects to improve the library environment and patron experience. Up to $35,000 of 2023 Village Capital funds is also being requested to resolve a preexisting facilities issue.
Currently construction is anticipated to occur between October 2022 and February 2023. During this time, the library is requesting that the Village allow use of the Village Center meeting room for limited in-person library service and use of the vacant police station space for library staff to process and catalog newly purchased materials as well as storage of returned materials.
Please review the
library's website for updated news on the renovation project. We also encourage community members to review the
Library Renovation Master Plan to learn more about the specific plans to enhance the library space. Any questions on this project can be directed to Library Director Rachel Collins at
rachel.collins@mcfls.org or call 414-847-2676.