Polk Library on the UW Oshkosh campus. May 3, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The design for a revamped library on the UW-Oshkosh campus is moving forward. But the project isn’t a done deal just yet, with the financial support for it still needing to be secured.
Polk Library opened its doors in 1962, with a second half added in 1969. Over a half century later, campus officials are hoping to write a new chapter in the building’s history.
UW-Oshkosh Chancellor Andrew Leavitt said, “This building needs to be replaced simply because it’s the end of it’s life.”
Leavitt said the basic systems, like water pipes, are now showing their age. Those who use the library agree.
“The basement — I think there might be some sewage issues down there because it hasn’t been smelling good, and I’m hoping the remodel will help to fix those issues because I think it’s just an old building that needs to get up to date,” UW-Oshkosh Student Atticus Kaphaem said.
But the project isn’t a done deal just yet, with the financial support for it still needing to be secured.
“Ultimately it’s the state of Wisconsin that pays for academic buildings on its university campuses,” Leavitt said. “So we would be looking for the legislature and the governor to help fund this facility.”
The university was considering three options for this project, including a renovation or a completely new building. Ultimately, what they elected to go with is a hybrid model, where the south side will be renovated and the north side will be demolished and replaced.
“It’s the way we can achieve significant cost savings in terms of maintaining buildings, utility surrounding the buildings,” Leavitt said.
The remodel also reduces the building’s physical footprint. The university has implemented various strategies aimed at addressing declining enrollment and a budget deficit. That included layoffs, furloughs and academic restructuring.
But that doesn’t make this project any less of a priority for administrators.
“It’s going to be very appealing to students, whether they’re studying by themselves or studying in groups,” Leavitt said. “So this is sort of the new way forward for libraries, and we want to make sure UW-Oshkosh is in the front of it.”
“I think a lot of students would like to see it improved. In a remodel, I’m hoping to see that we’d have more reservable study rooms for students than five,” Kaphaem said.
The revitalization will also add entrances and exits to each side of the library.
If the proposal clears the Board of Regents, Legislature and governor’s office, construction could begin as early as March 2026, with the work being completed in June 2028.
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