“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.”
~ Andrew Carnegie
Do we even need a library in our community? People can find everything they need online.
Libraries today do more than just provide books and information. They:
- Provide community meeting and gathering
- Provide resources and training on:
- Job hunting resources
- Computer/technology training
- Resume development
- Internet and Wi-Fi use
- Offer opportunities for experiential learning at libraries in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) or STEAM (inclusion of the Arts) programming and activities:
- Cooking
- Robotics
- Gaming
- Knitting, crocheting, and sewing
- Painting
- Video and Sound productions
- Share online resources such as E-Books, downloadable audio, video materials, and online databases
- Offer access to equipment and rooms for:
- Videoconferencing/Online meetings
- Telehealth
- Social networking sites promote the library and its services
- E-Government
- Online tax filing
…and they still also provide information and check out books!
Why do we need a new library?
Since the Centuria Public Library was moved into the current building in 1985, the needs of our community have continued to grow and change. The building that currently houses our library is not able to support patrons with disabilities, and lacks adequate space to:
- house our growing collection
- support programming and children’s activities
- provide a place for members of the community to hold meetings
- provide areas of private/personal use for studying, telehealth,
- provide adequate space/storage for staff needs
In addition, we want to be a great, modern library and provide some of the services listed above. In a long-range planning and facilities study done in 2022, it was determined that the library needs an additional 8,000 square feet to add these services.
Are people still using the library?
In 2024, 4,732 individuals visited the library to check out materials, attend a meeting or program, or use our computers/WI-FI.
Where will the new library be located?
The Village of Centuria has purchased the lot next to the library, this site as well as the current library building will provide sufficient space for the new library.
What will happen to the things we loved about the old library?
When we sent out our community survey, we heard back a lot of responses (and from the community in person!) worried that we would lose our “small town feel and cozy charm.” These insights are being added into plans for the new library, and…we’d LOVE your input!
Please reach out if you’d like to be more involved in the planning/fundraising or would like to donate!
- Phone: (715) 646-2630
- Email: director@centurialibrary.org
- Address: 409 4th St, Centuria, WI 54824