Since 1901 our library has worked to serve thousands of patrons each year through our resources, programs, and services. Our current building is the original library built over 120 years ago and is the only building in the area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our community has agreed that we need a more accessible and updated space to continue to meet our area’s learning and resource needs for the next 100 years.

The beautiful space we currently have is unfortunately aging and in desperate need of restoration. This will include replacing the windows, improving insulation, upgrading the electrical to meet new codes, and ensuring ADA accessibility. To address the space needs of our community, a complementary addition to the existing library is planned. The addition will feature a fully-equipped, flexible community room, increased programming and technology spaces, meeting space, comfortable reading and computer areas and relaxed seating as well as plenty of room for special events and and outreach. See the proposed space yourself with the following video walkthrough produced by our architects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do I support the library building project?
We are fortunate to have a generous community and a supportive City Council! The library board conducted a pre-campaign study to ascertain the level of community support for a capital campaign to raise funds for the library improvement plans. The study involved interviews with many area residents and the results were very favorable and supportive of the library building project.

The best way to support the library right now is to join our Friends group or make a donation to our building fund. We have a variety of ways to donate online, by mail, or by stopping in to the library.

Other ways to support the project:

• Volunteer to be part of the campaign.
  
• Make your own personal gift or pledge to the project.
• Share library stories and interest in the project to friends and neighbors.
• Provide social media coverage of support for the project.
• Ask the businesses you frequent to lend their support to the campaign.
• Attend City Council meetings to express support for the library.

If you are interested in supporting the library in other ways, give us a call at 715-644-2004 or stop by and talk to us!

Although there are additional costs to renovating a historic building like our library, renovation is actually not as expensive as demolishing it and building new. Out of the total projected construction cost, renovation is only a quarter as expensive as building new ($80/SF vs $300/SF). Also, much, if not all, of the renovation costs will be covered with grants due to the historic nature of the building.

Additionally, the library building is a historic landmark, completely unique in this area. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Many in our community have expressed their view that the current building is an important community asset and needs to be preserved with comments like these:

“It’s a piece of history, even driving by, it is inspiring to keep it as a part of the community.”

“We love that it is a historic building and want to keep preserving it for future generations.”

• Patron Seating—When planning seating for patrons it is recommended to use 30 square feet (SF) per seat. Currently we have 30 SF for seating, with no comfortable seating. The new library will have 850 SF for adult and youth seating.
• Staff Spaces—Workspace sizes are designed by staff function, not the number of staff members. Function include check-out, check-in, book sorting, delivery/courier, material preparation and more. The ideal allocation is 150 SF per function. For Stanley this includes the consolidation of two service points into one as well as a director’s office.
• Computer Workstations—The recommended size for individual computer workstations ranges from 35-50 SF. While computers have gotten smaller, the need for workspace remains. The proposed design will allow for twice as many computer workstations as the library currently has.
• Multipurpose Meeting Rooms/Study Rooms—A general meeting space is based on 10 SF. per audience seat with room for the speaker. Today’s libraries include spaces for individuals or small groups. These rooms are used for various purposes such as collaborative work, test taking, tutoring, virtual meetings, tele-medicine visits, and quiet workspace. Currently, the library does not have any meeting/study rooms.
• Collection—The standard in libraries is to widen the aisles to a minimum of 42” to allow accessible access. The use of 84” or 90” high shelving is no longer recommended so the lower height shelving requires more SF. Collection SF is based on 10 volumes/SF.