Planning for the Future: A New Central Library

Central Library Update

Planning will proceed for a new Central Library in the next few months. Watch this space for details!

• Why does Madison need a new Central Library?
• Project Timeline, Background & Planning Documents
• How much will a new Central Library cost?
• Why should we build now?
• Where can I learn more about the proposed Central Library?
• History of the Central Library
• News stories featuring the Central Library
• Upcoming meetings schedule
• Let us know what you think about a new library.
• See Fact Sheet for Central Library and Fact Sheet on Central Library and Branch Libraries for more information

Why does Madison need a new Central Library?

The current Central Library is 45 years old and there are economic and functional reasons why replacing the library is necessary and supportable.

The building needs replacements for costly mechanical systems. The roof, elevators, front doors, HVAC system, and security system all need to be replaced. Many mechanical systems are original to the 1965 building and replacement parts (or even persons who know how to fix the mechanicals) are hard to find. Repairs to the building, its mechanicals, and lighting and electricity are frequent and costly.

The building was not designed for computers. In 1965 it was not envisioned that the library would be the public hub of computer use that it has become. This requires modern data cabling, yet the building’s design ensures that re-cabling is an expensive and laborious process each time it is necessary. In addition, much of the public space formerly dedicated to reading, seating, and working/researching is now dedicated to 34 public computers. Usage data shows that more computers (and the wiring and space to support them) are needed at the Central Library.

The building is cramped. Of Madison Public Library’s 1.1 million print and media holdings, more than 524,000 are housed at the Central Library. The collection outgrew the building’s capacity years ago and there is no room for expansion, so the library is forced to make challenging decisions regarding the withdrawing books and other materials to make room for new books and formats. 40% of the Central Library’s collection is in storage and not available for the public to browse.

The building is heavily used. The Central Library receives over 450,000 visits per year (20% of all Madison library visits). Central library visitors check out 900,000 items (19% of all check outs) and log nearly 200,000 public computer sessions (30% of all computer use). Meeting room use has increased despite the lack of space and condition of the current rooms. The Central Library has a service area population of nearly 38,000 people in and around the isthmus. It also provides library services to many people who work downtown but live elsewhere, and use the Central Library as their most convenient “branch.”

For a complete description of the physical concerns and reasons they can't be cost-effectively fixed, see the Facility Report for Madison Public Library and the Report on Deferred Maintenance. (September 2009)

How much will a new Central Library cost?

Current financial comparisons, prepared August 27, 2009, show a variety of scenarios. Read about each of them below. A short summary shows:

Renovation (of current library building on Mifflin and Fairchild Streets)
Library project cost = $27 million
Net City cost = $24 million

"Hotel Scenario" - (new Library on West Washington; rest of block 66 redeveloped by the Fiore group to include hotel)
Library project cost = $37 million
Net City cost = $16 million

"Condo Scenario" - (new Library on West Washington Ave.; rest of block 66 redeveloped by the Fiore group; no hotel)
Library project cost = $37 million
Net City cost = $24 million

Or read the full analysis of all three projects: Financial Comparison of Central Library Proposals

Why should we build now?

Mayor Cieslewicz has explained the reasoning behind building now rather than waiting for the economy to improve in several places, including on his blog entry on October 15, 2009, titled Now's the Time.

"Now is the time to invest. We will never get construction bids as good as the ones we should see next year and people need jobs right now. Moreover, this is about positioning ourselves to take full advantage of the economic recovery as it comes.

Finally, this is about building a healthy city. The Edgewater will dramatically increase public access to the lake, revitalize a landmark hotel, add badly needed hotel rooms downtown, and create exciting new public spaces. The new Central Library will be part of a full block redevelopment that will create even more activity and attractive public spaces. And a city that loves learning as much as we do needs a facility that is up to date. Modern libraries are more than just shelves of books. They are civic spaces where people go to learn and share ideas. Madison's Central Library should be the intellectual ground zero of a community whose economy and culture is largely built on education." - Mayor Cieslewicz's blog, "Build the City" August 31, 2009

"After many years of planning, this budget includes funding over the next three years for a new Central Library. Since I have been in office, we have made significant investments in our branch libraries. In today’s economic climate we can take advantage of the lowest bid process in decades to now invest in our Central Library. This project also opens up the entire block for further development and further tax revenue for the city. With a combination of private fundraising, New Markets Tax Credits and the new tax revenue generated by further development of the block, the City is able to build a new library for the same net cost over 15 years as renovation of the existing library. We also estimate the project will also create 200 to 300 good paying construction jobs." - Mayor Cieslewicz, 2010 Capital Budget, Budget Narrative

Where can I learn more about the proposed Central Library?

• read the planning documents
• read recent newspaper articles
• follow the Our Library. Our Future blog, authored by BIll Kunkler of Fiore Companies
• attend meetings of the Library Board or upcoming meetings and events
• sign up for email updates

Upcoming Meetings Schedule

no meetings scheduled at this time

Look for more meetings on the Central Library coming soon.