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Plans for new library taking shape in Orfordville

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Photo by Dan Lassiter

Connor Simonsin, 6, looks at a book on the floor while his father, Travis, looks through the shelves at the Orfordville library. Plans for a new library are becoming more concrete.

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Sarah Strunz

ORFORDVILLE — A new Orfordville library is now less talk and more plan.

The library board bought a parcel of land at 115 N. Center St. for $32,000 about a year ago. On Monday, library officials will request a variance for less parking than required at the new site during the village's plan commission meeting.

The new site is less than a block away from the current library at 203 W. Beloit St., where no parking spaces are available. Ten off-street parking spaces will be at the new library. The new site also is across the street from the municipal building and its parking lot.

"The building project has been something wanted and needed for many years," librarian Sarah Strunz said.

The board has raised $40,000 over the last year through small fundraisers, but it plans to start a full campaign once drawings are complete, hopefully early next year, Strunz said.

The board wants to stay within $500,000 to $600,000 for the project, she said.

"I would love to see the building built within the next three years," she said.

Officials will have a better idea of a timeline after more fundraising, she said.

The library's friends group, Greater Orfordville Area Library, is working with the board to promote the project.

Quarters are cramped in the two-level, 1,200-square-foot library, but the new building will provide more than 4,000 square feet on one level with plenty of open areas to relax and enjoy materials.

The upstairs of the library is not handicap accessible, so Strunz is eager to make everything available for everyone.

"I'm excited about the fact that everyone will be able to come to the library and sit and enjoy the library," she said.

Not much will be added to the collection, but items will be spread out in more accessible shelving.

The library will expand from its two public computers to at least six, plus four laptops. Space will provide for more programming, and a multipurpose room will allow small groups to meet during open hours.

"It's just an exciting time for the Orfordville community," Strunz said.