Village of Fall Creek Awarded State Grant of 4.25 million for New Library Building Project
The Village of Fall Creek proudly announces that it has been awarded the highly competitive Flexible Facilities Program Grant of 4.25 million from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA), Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources. This funding will support the Village’s new public library building project. Announced on October 7, 2024, by Governor Tony Evers, this grant helps bring the library’s vision of an expanded, modernized facility closer to reality.
The Flexible Facilities Grant is designed to fund projects that help communities adapt to post-pandemic needs, including enhancing access to work, education, and healthcare services. The new Fall Creek Public Library will offer expanded internet access, designated spaces for remote work, online learning, and telehealth services. The updated facility will also feature accessible meeting rooms and technological resources supporting these essential services, ensuring that Fall Creek area residents can stay connected and thrive.
Capital Campaign Readiness Study
The Fall Creek Public Library contracted with Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC to conduct a
Campaign Readiness Study designed to determine the ability and willingness of businesses, individuals,
and foundations to support a capital campaign to create a new Fall Creek Public Library, community
meeting rooms, Community Hall, Fall Creek Administration, and public meeting spaces. Thank you to all of you who participated in the Campaign Readiness Study process. You can view the final reports below.
Building Project
Our library has embarked on an ambitious project to revitalize and expand our facility to better serve the needs of our community. This project is a significant undertaking that will shape the future of our library and have a lasting impact on our community for generations to come.
For over 60 years, the library has effectively served our area. Its mission is “to serve community residents of all ages by providing materials and services that meet their educational, recreational, and informational needs.” The library’s vision is to be the welcoming heart of the community, where all may come to discover, connect, and create.” The library urgently requires more space as the current space is only 1/3 of the minimum recommended size, according to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction, Public Library Space Needs. Currently, with just 3,000 sq. ft. of usable space and restricted digital connectivity, the library has been striving to innovate and address residents’ needs.
Community Input
You can view the proposed site plan, interior layouts, and renderings by Lien & Peterson here.
You can view the slides from the library’s Community Input Session presentation here.
Share your feedback through our Google Form here.
Email feedback with us by emailing buildingproject@fallcreekpubliclibrary.org
FAQ – Updated 10/14/24
How & when did this project begin?
- In July 2023, the library board approved a Strategic Plan for 2023-2027. Throughout our research in establishing our strategic priorities, investigation of the functionality of our current facility was a common theme in the feedback we received. We identified our facility as one of our strategic priorities.
- This led to a facilities assessment completed by our library system director and Wisconsin state expert in library buildings and spaces. The facilities assessment revealed numerous accessibility concerns and showed we are deficient in overall space for programs, materials, and services a library should be providing. To be competitive for future building grants, preliminary designs and a feasibility study with an architect are required.
- In August 2023, The Village Board approved the Library Board’s decision to hire Lien & Peterson Architects to complete a feasibility study and proposal for a new library building.
- In October 2023, a building advisory committee was formed, and work with Lien & Peterson began.
- In April 2024, the Village Board approved the Library Board’s recommendation to hire Crescendo Fundraising Professionals to complete a campaign readiness study.
- In July 2024, the Village applied for the Flexible Facilities Grant through the State of Wisconsin.
- In August 2024, Crescendo Fundraising Professionals presented the results of the Campaign Readiness Study.
- On October 7, 2024, the Village of Fall Creek was awarded 4.25 million from the State of Wisconsin through the Flexible Facilities Program grant to construct a new public library.
How will the new library be funded?
A large portion of the project is funded with the Flexible Facilities Grant from the State of Wisconsin. The remaining portion will be funded through a Capital Campaign.
Can we use the money for other projects in the Village? Instead of the Library?
The grant funds awarded from the Flexible Facilities Grant are specific to the construction of our new public library. It will not fund any other projects like dredging the pond, fixing sidewalks, street improvements, replacing park equipment, or lowering water & sewer bills.
What is the timeline for the new library project?
The project’s timeline is driven by the Flexible Facilities Grant. The grant requires the project breaks ground in July 2025 and is complete by September 2026.
How will you address pedestrian traffic at the new location?
Addressing pedestrian safety concerns near the new library building is crucial for ensuring the safety and accessibility of the facility for all residents. We will work closely with the DOT to implement safety measures. Here are the strategies we are considering:
- Add signage and crossing lights at the current marked crosswalk across Highway 12 near Memorial Park.
- Increase the height of the concrete barrier between road and sidewalk across the bridge.
- Request a speed limit reduction to Water Tower Road.
- Extend the current sidewalk to the entrance of the future library.
Do the Library, Village Hall, and Village Administration departments all need to be in the same building?
No, they are not required to be. However, a shared multi-use building offers numerous benefits for a small municipality, including cost efficiency, space optimization, convenience for residents, community engagement, flexibility, streamlined operations, and enhanced services. By relocating to a new facility, our current building becomes available for redevelopment, providing valuable space for small businesses to set up shops and thrive.
Why doesn’t the current building work?
We have a challenging lack of space for the community and staff, for programming, and for the library collection. It is not energy efficient, does not meet ADA standards, and was not built with the current needs of the library and community in mind. These conditions make it difficult for many people to use the current library facility.
What amenities and features will the new library offer?
The new library will offer a wide range of amenities and features to meet the needs of our community. This includes technology resources, a community center, flexible meeting spaces, dedicated areas for children and teens, a maker space, quiet reading areas, an outdoor Amphitheater, raised garden beds, outdoor seating, and more. We are open to suggestions and feedback from the community on specific amenities they would like to see.
How can community members stay informed about updates and progress on the new library project?
Community members can stay informed about updates and progress on the new library project on our website: www.fallcreekpubliclibrary.org/buildingproject We are committed to keeping the community informed and engaged throughout the project’s development.
How can I get involved with the new library project?
There are many ways to get involved and contribute to the success of the new library project. This includes attending input sessions and public meetings, participating in surveys and focus groups, volunteering your time and expertise, and advocating for the library in the community. Your input and involvement are invaluable in shaping the future of our library!
Could a smaller library be built for considerably less money and the village maintain the current space, taking over library space for community rooms?
Part of the library’s need is for additional meeting and programming space for library activities. Spaces within the building will serve multiple purposes. The larger community room will serve as the primary location for larger library programs and events as well as serving as a community event space, community meeting space, and election space among other things. The community space will be designed so it can be used when the library and village hall are closed. The smaller meeting spaces within the library will also be available during library hours for use by individuals, groups, and community organizations.
Were other sites considered? Why are we considering the proposed location?
After careful consideration and thorough evaluation of numerous potential building sites, the building committee and our architectural & engineering firm identified several key factors that guided our decision:
- Lot Size
The chosen site provides the largest amount of land compared to other potential locations. This ample space offers many opportunities for the design and layout of the multi-use building and the incorporation of outdoor amenities and green spaces for recreational and community use.
- High Visibility Location
The selected site is in a high-visibility location in our village. This offers several advantages, including increased accessibility for residents and visitors, greater exposure to community events and programs held at the facility, and enhanced community engagement.
- Contingent Land Donation
This significantly reduces the upfront costs associated with land acquisition, allowing us to allocate resources more effectively toward the construction and development of the multi-use building.
What is the purpose of building a new public library?
The purpose of building a new public library is to create a modern, accessible, and dynamic community hub that meets the evolving needs of our residents. The new library will provide expanded resources, services, designated spaces, and programming opportunities for people of all ages. The project will prioritize residents’ health and well-being by providing an improved library experience. This improvement will grant residents better access to telehealth, remote work, and virtual learning by increasing technology access and introducing new collaborative areas, dedicated workstations, computer labs, and private workspaces.
Why do we need a bigger library when we have the internet?
The internet is great and has become a central part of our daily lives. We provide free internet at the library year-round whether we are closed or open. However, the internet does not provide a physical space for community life and engagement. Additionally, our rural area has unreliable internet and limited availability; many households do not have access to fast or affordable internet. Besides providing access to the internet at our location, there are many tangible things the library offers, including:
- Opportunities to meet others, learn new things, and engage in Fall Creek community life.
- Space to study, take tests, conduct meetings, apply for jobs and certifications, tele-medicine, host events, play, and work.
- Fast, free Wi-Fi which can be accessed outside of the building as well as Wi-Fi hotspots patrons can check out to bring the internet home with them.
- Space which often serves as a much-needed respite from Wisconsin weather as a free-to-use place that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
- Physical materials including books, movies, and magazines, still account for most library checkouts.
- Tech support to help community members maneuver and adapt through constant tech challenges and changes.
- A place for community members to connect safely online.
- A one-of-a-kind space in our community where people of all ages are engaged.
- Affordable, accessible printing, scanning, and tech support.
Why can’t you remodel the current space?
Remodeling the current site would not provide the footprint
necessary to respond to the current or future demographic needs of the village due to several factors, one of which includes limited parking downtown. Remodeling an older building, while seemingly
cost-effective at first glance, often reveals hidden expenses and structural limitations. The costs of upgrading an existing space, adhering to building codes, and addressing these unforeseen issues can quickly escalate, making renovations much pricier, while not even fully addressing the issues and limitations that the library is facing. Most importantly, remodeling the existing structure does not increase the available square footage, address the lack of parking or many of the other limitations and
issues that IFLS deemed important for the Fall Creek Public Library in their Facility and Space Needs Assessment per the Department of Public Instruction’s Library Space Standards.
What will happen to the old building?
That will be determined by the Village of Fall Creek Board of Trustees. Community leaders look for the current
library/village hall site to be sold which would offer opportunities for business development to improve the quality of life and downtown vibrancy.
How will the new library be accessible?
The new design of the library will ensure that everyone can get to the library, maneuver within it, access materials, fully participate in activities, and feel welcome.
- Safe pedestrian walkways.
- Wider aisles clear of obstructions.
- Wider doorways, automatic door openers, and accessible door hardware.
- Well-identified wheelchair-accessible parking areas, pathways, and entrances.
- Restrooms that provide caregiver flexibility.
- Adequate lighting.
- Private study areas for patrons who need to bring personal equipment, require the assistance of a reader, or are distracted by noise and movement.
I love this library! How can I donate in support of this project?
Please contact the Library Director, Charlene Conradi, to discuss your contribution. Checks made out to the Library Building Fund and dropped off or mailed to the library.
Why did we do all the drawings with the architecture firm before the study? Who paid for them?
The initial concept drawings were needed to determine a cost estimate for the project as well as a visual concept to share with study participants. This initial work was paid for by the library. Additional design will occur once funding has been secured.
Was this bid out or brought to many architecture firms to assess? The price seems high.
Contracting with multiple architectural firms to develop concept drawings and budgets would not be cost effective for determining the initial budget. Architects use standard market pricing to develop these preliminary budget numbers for a library project. As the project moves forward the library board and design team will balance the cost of materials versus the life cycle cost of those materials. One type of carpet might be cheaper initially, it needs to be replaced more often than a higher grade of carpet.
Is there a town representative that could do this cheaper and not take a cut as big as a large architectural firm would?
While design/build (one designer/builder) projects often occur for commercial construction, the library project is public construction. As a public construction project, the development of the design must be separate from the construction of the building. The construction of the building must be publicly bid for and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
