Oconomowoc Library Task Force proposes expansion plans amid community input

The Oconomowoc Common Council convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the expansion and renovation of the city’s library. The meeting highlighted the outcomes of a recent two-day design workshop, known as the "spark session," which engaged over 70 community members in generating ideas for the library's future.

The advisory task force, which met four times, focused on how to enhance the existing library while keeping it at its current location. The primary recommendations from the workshop included adding to and renovating the library rather than relocating it. Key features discussed included the need for a drive-up book drop and a pick-up window, akin to fast-food service models, to modernize library access.

Concerns were raised about the proposed increase in library size from 24,000 to 54,000 square feet. Some council members questioned the necessity of such an expansion, particularly given the potential loss of parking spaces. The task force acknowledged these concerns and proposed three design options that aim to minimize parking loss while accommodating the library's expanded needs.

The proposed designs included vertical expansions to maintain a smaller footprint, with one option suggesting a three-level atrium and another focusing on a single-level layout with a central courtyard. Each design option was crafted to ensure that the library could handle the anticipated increase in capacity while addressing community feedback regarding space needs.

The council emphasized the importance of public input in the planning process, noting that the task force actively sought volunteers from the community to participate in the design discussions. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further refine the proposed designs and address the community's concerns about parking and space utilization.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored a collaborative approach to enhancing the library, reflecting the community's desire for a modernized facility that remains accessible and functional for all residents. Further steps will be taken to finalize the design options and engage the public in the decision-making process.