View important dates, project details, renderings and more.
The library is renovating!
The library will be closing after Friday, May 24th. We are expecting to move the library to UWO Fox Cities in June. To prepare for this move, the library will be temporarily closed while we pack and prep the building for the renovation. We expect to reopen at UWO Fox Cities by July 1.
- Holds to pick up at Menasha will be suspended starting Wednesday, May 15 until reopening at temporary location (you will keep your position on the list). If you would like to pick up your holds before July 1, simply select another pickup location within the Winnefox system when placing your holds in our online catalog.
- Materials due on May 25th or after will have their due dates extended through the duration of our closure.
- The book return at 440 First St will be open through Friday, June 14 for items to be returned. Between June 15 - July 1, you may return items to another library in the Winnefox system or hold onto your items until we reopen at UWO Fox Cities on Monday, July 1.
We plan to be at UWO Fox Cities through December 2024. Renovations on the library building are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024 and we plan to reopen the library at 440 First Street to the public in January 2025.
Read the news article from WFRV here.
Read the Post Crescent article here.
Project Renderings
What is the timeline for the project?
Construction is set to begin in June. Construction should be completed in late December. The building should be reopened to the public in mid-January, 2025.
Where is the temporary location for the library?
The library is working with UWO Fox Cities to utilize space on the campus for our collection and programs. Space constraints will prevent us from bringing the entirety of the library collection to the campus.
What happened to the Shopko Plaza / Menasha Center location?
As we were working with the building owner at Menasha Center it became apparent that the building would need substantial work for us to move in. That work would not be able to be completed in time to allow the library to shift location prior to construction beginning,
When will the library close to the public?
The library’s last open day before the move will be May 24th, 2024.
When will the library reopen in its temporary location?
We are planning on opening at the UWO Fox Cities location by July 1, 2024.
How much is the project going to cost?
The current estimates for the building project are between 8-9 million dollars.
How much is the library trying to raise in its public fundraising campaign?
Our goal for the public fundraising campaign is $350,000.
All contributions of any amount to the Renovation Campaign are greatly appreciated. All gifts and pledges are confidential. You may choose to remain anonymous. Please note all donations are tax deductible. Donate Here
How much of the library will be renovated in this project?
Almost every space in the library will see attention during this renovation. The outside of the building will see updates to the entrance and the Racine St. side of the building. In addition:
- The creative / makerspace in the library will be expanded and moved to the main floor.
- Four small group meeting rooms will be added.
- Two meeting spaces will be added to the main floor and the large meeting room on the lower level will be remodeled to include a teaching kitchen.
- The Fireside Room will be altered to allow it to be opened or closed off to the rest of the library to allow for programs. quiet readings space, or other activities.
How can people support this project besides donating?
Check out materials (even when we return), publicly support the project, come to our temporary library site once we've reopened.
