Library Expansion & Renovation Project Updates
Phase Three of the library's building project begins in June 2025. The existing library space will be renovated.
May 31 will be the last day the building is open to the public.
June 1-22: The library will be closed. Only online services will be available.
June 23: Curbside service begins. You may pick up holds at the library. Phone lines will be open for reference questions and assistance with online services. Summer Reading logs may be picked up. (Click here for more information about the library's Summer Reading Program, which runs June 9 - August 1).
Estimated Reopening: November 2025.
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Our parking lot is in the construction zone, so there is only street parking. The temporary entrance to the library is located on Center Street (see photo below). There is an outdoor bookdrop near the sidewalk to the entrance of the library.
Windows being installed (photo taken on 3.19.25)
Inside view of the library looking towards the new entrance (photo taken on 3.6.25).
Brick is being added to the south/front side of the building (photo taken 3.6.25).
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Building Project History:
Check out this great article from the Whitewater Banner about our project and this great article about the Groundbreaking event complete with a gallery of photos.
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Groundbreaking, October 2024
Library board members and staff.
What Your Expanded Library Will Offer
Comparison of the Existing Library and the Expanded and Transformed Library
Comparison of Existing Library and Expanded & Transformed Library
Engaging the Community, Promoting Learning
New Children's Early Learning Wing
The Outdoor Event Space
Funded by the 100 Extraordinary Women Campaign
The New Makerspace
New Meeting Rooms
The New Entrance
Capital Campaign
Irvin L. Young Memorial Library Expansion and Renovation
The Irvin L. Young Memorial Library is embarking on a Capital Campaign to raise $2,500,000 which, with $3,000,000 from the City of Whitewater, will fund an expansion adding 4,400 additional square feet, and a renovation of the existing space. The transformed library will:
- Offer expanded early learning areas, including play centers and places to gather
- Offer engaging teen and pre-teen spaces,
- Offer an expanded Makerspace area and upgraded technology to allow people to create, design, and learn 21st-century skills,
- Offer expanded large and small meeting, study, and collaboration spaces,
- Provide an inviting entryway that leads into a large meeting room to host community events,
- Offer expanded areas of informal seating for reading, studying, and socializing,
- Offer outdoor tables and spaces for community members to utilize the Internet even when the library is not open,
- Provide additional accessibility to materials and the opportunity for community residents to learn the latest technology, among other valuable skills,
- Provide much more natural light and upgraded facilities.
Revised Cost Estimate
August 2022
Project Cost Revisions Due to Inflation
Presentation to the Common Council
December 2021
Library Project Impact on City's Capital Improvement Plan
December 2021
City Finance Director Presentation
StudioGC architecture + interiors Selected
Fall 2020
Request for Qualifications Submission