Waunakee Rotarians had a chance to tour to the new public library building, now under construction at North Madison
Street, after a brief meeting March 14.
The building features an area for expansion to the west, providing a possible future space for village offices or the library itself should the need arise in the future.
With windows throughout providing natural light and views of Waunakee’s Main Street area, the building offers ample space for study sessions teens and adults can use.
The additional space is mainly for gathering areas – not book collections, explained Todd Schmidt, who noted that the number of books won’t change.
The upstairs area includes a place for older teens and is adjacent to a technology hub, Todd said. It also includes study rooms for students who need tutoring.
A quiet space is located at the end of the library on the second floor, where a fireplace will be located.
Todd said the building design mimics the topography and noted that a prairie will be planted, and a trail will follow along the building.
The children’s section is under construction downstairs, and includes a family study room and a children’s programming room.
In an area Todd referred to as the den, periodicals will be kept, and patrons can help themselves to coffee at a self-serve noon.
Local artists’ work will also be showcased. Leo Rotelli’s paintings will hang on one wall of the Library Board Room, where Michael F. Simon Builders is providing a table.
A larger gathering space downstairs will provide an area for larger programs and community meetings.
Also downstairs, a donor wall will be located recognizing those who contributed to the library’s capital campaign.
A long hallway has been designated History Hall, where Endres Manufacturing Company has donated funds for a display case.
In the planning for the past 15 years, the Waunakee Public Library is scheduled to open Aug. 1, and for now, Todd said, construction remains on schedule.

 

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Other News:
–The Lodi Rotary Smelt Fry is March 30 and April 3 at Lake Wisconsin Country Club.
–President Mark McFarland announced the following donations approved by the board of directors: WaunaFest Run – $750; High School football field – $5,000; $500 to each Waunakee quilting group; $500 – Live from the Park; $500 Post Prom; $500 Race for the Cure; funding for 30 REACH A Child backpacks for the Waunakee Police Department.

Guests: ??

Visiting Rotarians: None.
 
Birthdays: March 23, Phil Simon; March 26, Ken Ballweg

Anniversaries: None.

 

 

Greeters: March 21, Neil Kruschek and Nancy Thomas-Kuehn; March 28, Alan Langeteig and Drew Lawrence; April 4, Kim Langfield and Bob Lenz.