On Feb. 20, the Sun Prairie City Council approved plans for a library expansion that will increase space by more than 78% and include facilities for local performances, “makers,” and business meetings, according to a report from the Wisconsin State Journal.
Construction could begin as early as June if project bids are approved by the city council at its April or May meetings. That would put the larger 61,000-square-foot library on pace to open in summer 2025.
Since the current library opened in 1999, circulation has more than doubled, with more than 540,000 physical items checked out in 2023 and almost 124,000 digital materials downloaded. Library programming has experienced a similar expansion over the same period, nearly tripling in number of events and participants.
Among the features of the expanded library will be:
- A new “library of things,” where people can check out a variety of tools or other items for gardening, cooking, hobbies, and other needs;
- A “maker space” that will partner with Sun Prairie Media Center to provide recording studios and space for cooking and art demonstrations;
- An outdoor amphitheater with seating for 200; and
- Additional private study and discussion rooms for remote workers, students, people with appointments, and others.
