ARGYLE — A new chapter is about to begin for the Argyle Public Library, 145 years after the Argyle Library Association was formed. The library is preparing to welcome the community into its new home in the Argyle Community Center. The renovation is nearly complete, all new furnishings have been installed and the public is invited to get an early look during Argyle’s Homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 3.
The library’s soft opening begins at 8 a.m., when visitors can browse the collection and check out materials until noon. Children’s crafts and other activities will also begin at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the morning. Welcoming remarks and thank-you announcements will take place at 9 a.m., followed by the community Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with baked goods, refreshments and activities. A formal grand opening is planned for early 2027.
The move represents a major transformation for the library. Its former 900-square-foot location was the second-smallest public library in Wisconsin. The new space is nearly five times larger, creating more room for books, resources, programs and people of all ages.
A large-format book scanner is among the new additions. The equipment will allow the library to digitize historic newspapers and other large-format materials, helping preserve Argyle’s history for future generations.
The Next Chapter Continues to Need Community Support
The library’s capital campaign, which is a joint effort of the Argyle Public Library, the Friends of the Argyle Public Library and the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin, continues; additional funds are still needed for remaining renovation expenses, building debt reduction and growth of the Library’s Endowment Fund.
Current fundraising opportunities include the Women’s 145 Years of Service Campaign and the opportunity for supporters to purchase pavers for the outdoor area planned for construction in 2027.
Representatives from the Friends and the Community Foundation will be available during the Open House to answer questions and share information about ways to support the campaign.
For more information, contact Linda Gebhardt at Linda@cfsw.org or 608-758-0883, ext. 7007. For information about the library’s soft opening, contact Jennifer Detra at argyledirector@swls.org or 815-541-5082.
