The Village of Wonewoc is nestled in the “driftless area” of Wisconsin, home to rolling hills and a quaint, historic downtown. The public library has been serving the community and surrounding region from its classic 1939 building for decades. But, space had become limited and the two-story facility lacked an accessible route between floors to meet ADA and accessibility standards. Further, the community wanted to expand its programming at the downtown centerpiece and have more space within which to host community events.

MSA architects were asked to help develop a modest addition to the existing building as well as a contemporary remodel in order to meet the community’s tight budget. The goals were to modernize access and amenities while also expanding public space. MSA worked diligently to develop an economical wood-framed addition that both complements and works within the existing infrastructure, while improving it with a new accessible main and rear entry. The addition spans 4,369 feet and includes a split-level foyer with new elevator. It also provides the library with an extended new children’s book area, young adult area, circulation desk, reading area with fireplace and library director’s office. The lower floor introduces a dedicated programming room with kitchen that also serves as a community gathering space after hours.

MSA’s goal was to deliver an economically effective design, including some limited remodeling to the existing facility, while providing new means to interconnect the new and old spaces, along with the additional lower level. A new accessible family restroom was added to each level, further allowing people of all ages and abilities to visit and enjoy what the library has to offer.

The $600,000 project received Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and was completed on budget. The revamped Wonewoc Public Library opened to the public in the fall of 2013 and has since become a popular community hub, host to multiple public and private events, workshops, educational opportunities, holiday parties, concerts and performances — both inside as well as on the sprawling green space surrounding the facility.

Image courtesy of the Wonewoc Library Facebook page.