Fall Creek Library Expansion Receives Jump Start With $4.25 Million Grant
capital campaign on the way following Flexible Facilities Grant
On Oct. 7, the Village of Fall Creek was officially awarded a $4.25 million Flexible Facilities Grant from the state, funding a significant chunk of its public library expansion project.
Construction of the new public library building is expected to break ground in July 2025 and be completed by September 2026. The project is estimated to cost $7.75 million. With the Flexible Facilities Grant from the Wisconsin Department of Administration, that leaves $3.5 million left to raise.
In July of this year, after an intense preparation process, the village applied for the state grant. The Flexible Facilities Program awards funding for critical capital projects, including the expansion of existing libraries, to support and advance these ventures.
To raise the remaining funds, the Village Board is working with Crescendo Fundraising Professionals, LLC, on a capital campaign. The campaign is set to launch this winter, and until then, they are in the process of laying the groundwork for its success.
”We want to convey that libraries are not just about books; they are about building more vibrant communities.“ –Charlene Conradi, library director
Since the grant has been finalized, the architects at Lien & Peterson and the construction management team at R.J Jurowski Construction have begun to finalize the design work. The library board is also preparing additional grant proposals and working on the capital campaign.
The idea for a new library building was fully realized as part of their long-term strategic planning. “The current facility could no longer accommodate the needs of our community, both in terms of space and modern library services,” explained Charlene Conradi, the library director. The current Fall Creek library has been serving the public for over 60 years.
The new library is expected to offer a wide range of amenities that were previously unavailable due to space constraints, providing the community more opportunities to meet their needs. Projected amenities include more technology resources, a community center, flexible meeting space, and a maker space, among others.
“We want to convey that libraries are not just about books; they are about building more vibrant communities,” Conradi said. “It’s about creating a space where people feel inspired to learn, create, and connect.”
Continuing on the path of finalization requires a team effort. Collaboration and financial support through philanthropic gifts and pledges are essential as they move forward toward this goal.
While the current library is still open to the public, located at 122 E. Lincoln Ave., Fall Creek, community leaders are waiting for the building to be sold. With the site being put on the market, there will be more space to enhance the downtown business district, creating an opportunity for the area to be utilized in better alignment with the area's goals.
The library will continue to offer a safe and welcoming environment for people of all ages, now in a new and larger space to accommodate more of the community’s needs.
Find out more about the Fall Creek library’s expansion and how to support by visiting fallcreekpubliclibrary.org/buildingproject.
