A new chapter is being written for the Sun Prairie Library. By March 2026, the library will increase space by nearly 80% with new facilities for teens, artists, performances, and more.
In May, the Sun Prairie Library Board awarded Kraemer Brothers a construction contract, and work is now underway.
Library director Svetha Hetzler said, “I am really looking forward to a public library that will be able to serve our community today and for our next generation so that everyone has a place to thrive through literacy and life-long learning opportunities.”
The newly expanded Sun Prairie Public Library will have a March 2026 ribbon cutting. | Rendering via Sun Prairie Public Library
What
The expansion (from 25,075 sqft. to 60,00 sqft.) and renovation of the library includes:
- Geothermal HVAC and a microgrid system with solar panels
- Makerspace (think: recording studios, cooking and art demo spaces)
- Library of Things (think: garden tools, kitchen equipment, hobby materials)
- Dedicated teen space
- Larger youth services programming room
- Outdoor amphitheater
- Study rooms
- Larger bookstore and cafe space
- Atrium
- Art display areas
Why
Hetzler said, “Public library services and resources will better reflect the increasingly diverse identities, interests, and needs of our residents of all ages and backgrounds.”
Since the library opened in 1999, circulation has more than doubled, and programming has nearly tripled
How
The total cost of the project is $20 million. The City of Sun Prairie’s portion is $16.5 million. The Sun Prairie Library Foundation has raised $2.4 million of the remaining costs through an ongoing capital campaign.
