APPLETON, WI — Renovation work at the Appleton Public Library officially moves forward. Ground is broken during a ceremony on the library grounds. The symbolic start of the 40-million dollar project comes after many budget revisions. However, Library Director Colleen Rortvedt says library users will be greatly pleased with the final product.
“Whether you’re a person who wants those traditional library services, there’s a lot of traditional library in this,” Rortvedt says. “The gathering spaces, the exciting spaces, the interactive spaces. So I think everbody’s going to be able to find their spot. And I just can’t wait to see how people take advantage of the space in ways we never imagined and improve upon it.”
Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford believes library patrons will quickly forget the delays and going to the temporary library location on Kensington Drive.
“When we opened the temporary location, the excitement that people had about being in an old Best Buy store and how much nicer that was,” Mayor Woodford says. “I think they’re going to be blown away by this project. This is a major project for this community. This is a $40.4-million library. And the fit and finish and the quality of this library is going to reflect that. And the versatility of this space is going to reflect that.”
Appleton native and Microsoft President Brad Smith is the lead donor in the 12-million dollar public fundraising campaign for the library project. Smith believes even in the high tech, online age public libraries are as vital as ever to their communities.
“Computers are now in libraries. Librarians in turn help people learn about computers,” Smith says. “More than anything, they’re guides for other people. And so we do see technology playing an important role. We see libraries as places that help people learn new skills. Surely for us at Microsoft, we’ve been partnering with libraries across the country and partnering with the library here. I just think when you look to the future, getting this library built is not just important to the city of Appleton it’s important for all the people that live here.”
The renovated public library is expected to open in early 2025.
