Tuesday, October 15, 2024
ov. Tony Evers announced that the New London Public Library will receive a $3.9 million state grant.
Funds will help pay to convert the former First State Bank building into new space for the library.
New space will include six classrooms, a science lab, and three computer labs with 30 desktop computers.
With project funding, the library will have increased broadband speed and technology that will improve digital access and enhance the library’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) center.
The Wisconsin Department of Administration is providing the grant through its Flexible Facilities Program funded as part of the American Rescue Plan Act.
New London was part $115 million in grants for new construction and renovations of public libraries and community centers that Evers announced on Oct. 7.
“We’re working to build the 21st-century infrastructure and workforce Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21st Century, including expanding access to high-speed internet. Every Wisconsinite should have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, and these investments will help build upon our work to close the digital divide, especially in our rural areas and communities,” said Evers.
First State Bank donated the building to the library after it moved its headquarters to a new location in New London.
The two-story building offers 26,000 square feet of space.
Plans are to house both youth and adults services on the first floor, as well as administrative offices and a commons room. There will be an interactive play area for children.
Adult Services space will have more computers, study areas and seating.
The second floor will feature a STEM area and a technology area where patrons can learn about CNC machining, laser cutting and woodworking.
There will also be teen space on the second floor, where they can do group projects, play video games and watch TV.
The second floor will also include a video room with a green screen and equipment for creating and editing videos.
A music room will allow musicians to practice and produce recordings.
A large community meeting room with a commercial-grade kitchen and several small meeting rooms.
“Our vision for the future of the library is to be a resource and technology center for the community and surrounding areas to come gather, learn, connect, create and make, instead of merely coming in to check out items,” said Ann Hunt, director of the New London Public Library. “The new library with its meeting spaces, teen room, children’s interactive play area, telehealth room and STEAM area will provide the spaces to allow those things to happen.”
Hunt said she was stunned and ecstatic” when she learned that the library had received the grant.
“A dedicated group of individuals and myself have been working to raise the money for the project over five years and three iterations of the building plan. This grant will be the culmination of our hard work paying off,” Hunt said.
When asked about the next steps moving forward on the project, Hunt said, “We need to look at the grant and determine the requirements before we accept bids. It will be a winter build so work will begin in November or December. We are hoping to be done by late summer to early fall next year.”
City Administrator Chad Hoerth also noted that city and library staff must review the paperwork associated with the Acceptance of Award document, ensuring the project is in compliance with all grant requirements, before signing the document.
“The Library and Museum Board did advertise for bids for construction before the grant award to see what costs would be for a phased approach for construction. That bid opening is set for Oct. 24. But now with the grant they can proceed with the full renovation,” Hoerth said. “I’ve got a call into the engineer to see if we need to post any Addendums or maybe delay the opening a bit to maybe include any grant requirements and information we’re receiving from the state into the bid specs. We’re working on that evaluation process now to see if we need to postpone the bid opening a bit due to the new grant. But that’s too be determined.”
In addition to the grant, Hunt noted that hundreds of individuals, organizations and businesses have donated a total of $1.9 million toward the project.
“The city has given $250,000 with another $500,000 pledged,” Hunt said. “And as it always has been, the city is responsible for the library’s operating costs.”
““Receiving the $3.9 million Flexible Facilities Program grant is a great accomplishment for Library Fundraising Committee, the Library and Museum Board and city staff that were involved,” Hoerth said.
“This funding will enable the development of a new public library, including community spaces for STEAM programming and community events. The renovation of the previously donated First State Bank building will become another important anchor on North Water Street in our downtown district.”
Hoerth noted that “The city has been very active in transforming New London’s downtown area, making significant investments in road infrastructure, beautification improvements, additional off-street parking and collaborating with developers on new downtown housing projects. The ongoing transformation of downtown is exciting, as we’re seeing many business and property owners invest in their storefronts as well. The renovation of the New London Public Library will most certainly draw many users and new traffic to our downtown district.”
