Library Expansion Project
The 2024 City of Plymouth Budget included funding for the Library to conduct a space needs analysis to assess the library facility and service needs for the next 20 years. The project was funded one-third by the City and two-thirds by the Library Foundation. Throughout the spring and summer, the Plymouth Library, their selected consultant FEH, and a task force of citizen volunteers, reviewed needed upgrades/updates of the current space and developed initial concepts. This project is still a work in progress and the design and plans are still subject to change.
All of the design concepts, can be found at this link: https://fehdesignsparks.com/plymouth-public-library/
Please note: the properties adjacent to the current library location are not available for purchase.
Why is the library in need of a renovation?
The library is an aging facility with many fixtures near the end of their lifespans. The last major renovation and expansion was completed before the signing of the Americans with Disability Act in 1990. Any future renovation of the library will need to bring the facility up to code. The library is seeing an extraordinary increase in use, especially by families. Scroll down to see more information on library use trends.
How is the library funded?
The library's operational budget is funded partially by the City of Plymouth based upon property taxes and partially by Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Washington, Manitowoc, Fond du Lac, and Calumet counties based upon a formula tied to physical checkout of materials from municipalities that do not have their own library. Total City of Plymouth resident support per capita in 2023 was $37.78 per the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Libraries Division.
How is the library building maintained?
The library's 2024 budget includes $23,000.00 to maintain the building and equipment which includes but is not limited to: Elevator maintenance contract, HVAC maintenance contract, Fire systems testing and maintenance, internet and networking maintenance, computer and technology maintenance, janitor and bathroom supplies, and other small repairs to the facility.
The City maintains a 5-year capital improvement plan for all City facilities. City budgets can be found at this link: https://plymouthgov.com/documents
Next Steps
The library is applying for a grant to seek funding for a portion of the current needs. The Library Board of Trustees and Common Council have not approved a formal plan for funding. Several options for a phased approach are still being explored.
Library Use Trends - Click or tap on the images to enlarge them
The library is seeing increased foot traffic and programming attendance.
- The library is one of the only places where families with young children can play and explore without an admission or registration fee.
- With the rise in virtual work, education, and healthcare the library is a space people can access the internet and services for free.
- The library is the only location in Plymouth that has printing, copying, scanning, and faxing available to the public.
In 2023 we saw a 21% increase in total library visits compared to 2022. This year we are already seeing a 9% increase in library visits as compared to the same time frame (January-May) in 2023. Library visits are also up compared to pre-pandemic numbers. There has been a 19% increase in library visits for January - May 2024 compared to January - May 2019 (the last “normal” year before the pandemic). The new traffic is split between children and teens after school and more adults using the space for WIFI.
In 2023 our total WIFI use increased 70% from the previous year. We are also seeing increased demand for private meeting spaces with the rise of hybrid work, online schools, and other personal needs.
Families with young children are heavily using the library. Circulation of picture books and board books have increased significantly.
We are also seeing an increase in teen use of the library including checking out materials. Safe teen spaces are vital to a vibrant community.
The demand for digital services has increased due to ease and convenience of accessing digital content on personal devices. CDs and DVDs are no longer in high demand. While we are seeing the shift of visual and audio materials to digital formats, demand for print items has increased.
Our skilled library staff spends a lot of time teaching community members how to use our digital resources along with troubleshooting techical issues.
