PC: Elisha D. Smith Menasha Public Library
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ) — Changes are coming to the Elisha D. Smith Menasha Public Library.
On May 24, the library’s current location will shut down and move to a temporary location at the UW-Oshkosh Fox Cities campus while the building undergoes a renovation.
“We really want to have our library better suited for people to gather together and learn from each other,” said library director Brian Kopetsky. “We also want to allow people to utilize technology in a hands-on way.”
Almost every space in the library will see attention during the 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.
The temporary location at UWO Fox Cities will open on July 1; while construction at the library begins in June. The newly renovated library is expected to open mid-January 2025.
The project is estimated to cost between $8-9 million, with $3 million coming from the city. The rest of the project will be privately funded.
To learn more about the project, click here.
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