De Soto, Edgerton, and Spring Hill Libraries Renewal Study

The overall goal is to create a more flexible layout that makes it easier to respond to the community’s changing needs over time. While well-maintained, the DeSoto and Spring Hill libraries have not seen major renovations in the nearly forty years since they opened in 1982, nor has Edgerton since it opened in 2000. Renovating provides an opportunity to both replace critical building infrastructure such as roofing, windows and network cabling and make cosmetic updates such as shelving, paint, flooring and lighting.

While these locations were not initially prioritized in the Library’s Comprehensive Library Master Plan (2015), the Library Board and Administration desired some level of refresh at these locations.

Library staff and consultants presented conceptual designs and budget estimates to the Library Board in August 2022. The Library Board will provide direction for scope and timing at a future meeting. Library staff will develop a timeline for the renovations once direction is received.

Design priorities in general are:

• Security enhancements
• To modernize and add flexibility to service desks.
• To create study and meeting spaces for both quiet and collaborative work where possible.
• To update public computers and network capabilities.
• To create or update 6 by 6 Early Literacy Spaces and children’s activity areas.
• To provide future flexibility by updating shelving and layouts.
• To bring in natural light when possible

We’re in the conceptual design stage currently, so the designs are more groupings of spaces than blueprints. The spaces and finishes will evolve as we go through the design process. Final designs will be approved by both the Library Board and each individual city in accordance with their policies. We will share approved design concepts with residents as soon as we are able.

While it’s too soon to know for sure, we anticipate that design for one of these locations could begin as soon as 2023. Each building will have its own timeline, which we will share with residents when more concrete dates are determined.

The Library Board will likely consider overall timing for this work at their fall retreat, in conjunction with other proposed projects from our Comprehensive Library Master Plan.

Yes. The length of any future closures will depend on the scope of the renovation, which will be determined by the Library Board. The Library will notify residents via email, social media, Library publications and in-branch signage in advance of any closure period and will provide information on how to access alternative Library services.

The Library Board will consider the conceptual designs presented in August. As presented, the total estimated project cost for all three locations would be approximately $4.51 million (estimate assumes 2023 construction costs).