Plans for new library building are going full steam ahead

By Ginna Young At long last, after dreaming and planning, and searching for funding, the goal of a new public library for Cadott, is becoming a reality. Thanks to a Flexible Facilities Grant that was applied for and received, the project is well on its way toward completion.

To let the community know what is happening while they wait for the new building, Cedar Corp. put together a conceptual design.

For the exterior of the building, at its future East Mills Street location, it will have brick precast veneer.

“It’s going to have a similar color to the school building,” said Cory Scheidler, with Cedar Corp. “It’s not going to look like the school, but we want it to be complimentary to the school.”

There will be high windows on the south side, and along the east and west sides, to bring natural light into the building. There’s also plenty of access for students and adults, and children, to cross the highway.

Safety has been a concern since the start of the process, but the WisDOT did not feel there was a safety issue and would take no action on the crossing. It was suggested to them to install some kind of indication that pedestrians will be present, but that was shot down.

“They’re not even interested in that,” said Scheidler.

Therefore, the present crosswalk will remain and another crosswalk will connect to the library.

“We are going to have to have some storm water treatment on this site,” said Scheidler.

A small trash enclosure will also be located at the library structure.

“The idea of the building, is to make it as maintenance free as possible,” said Scheidler.

Moving to the interior of the building, a community center will be included within and can be leased out, with access control. There’s a staff area for prep and sorting, staff restroom, and a circulation desk in the main space, as well as some special features.

“Libraries are changing, it’s not just about books and things like that anymore,” said Scheidler.

But, for those who can’t wait to delve into the things on the shelves, there are adult and children’s areas, study and reading areas, and a meeting area.

The project is on budget, with bids for construction set to go out by mid-April, and if all goes well, they will start construction by the first of July, which is a requirement of the grant.

“It’s kind of full steam ahead right now,” said Scheidler. “It would have been a long time coming, if we hadn’t obtained the grant.”

Jessie Sather (left) and Cory Scheidler, with Cedar Corp., display the plans for Cadott’s new public library. The facility will be funded through a grant that was received and construction will begin in July.

Photo by Ginna Young