MONROE - The Monroe Public Library has begun initial steps to find more usable space in the building.
The library board has hired Mike Bahr of Plunkett Raysich Architects to study how the library can maximize space within the existing structure.
"The main thing we're trying to do is create more space" within the two floors the library occupies, library director Barbara Brewer said. The Monroe Public Library is located on the first two floors of a former medical building located just off the Square at 825 16th Ave. The top floor is used for administrative offices for the Monroe School District.
Bahr will be at the library later this month to take measurements so he can develop some plans, Brewer said.
One priority Bahr will have is adding more shelf space in the library, which will allow the library to add materials, Brewer said.
"We need more space for more materials," she said. A recent report that looks at the amount of materials libraries provide per capita listed Monroe's library as "basic."
Bahr has extensive knowledge of public libraries, Brewer said. He has worked with libraries in numerous Wisconsin communities, including Cottage Grove, Hartford, Mineral Point, New Berlin and Germantown.
"We look forward to working with him and identifying more space," she said.
There is no timeline on the project, nor is there a budget, she said. Donated funds will be used for the project.
The library board has hired Mike Bahr of Plunkett Raysich Architects to study how the library can maximize space within the existing structure.
"The main thing we're trying to do is create more space" within the two floors the library occupies, library director Barbara Brewer said. The Monroe Public Library is located on the first two floors of a former medical building located just off the Square at 825 16th Ave. The top floor is used for administrative offices for the Monroe School District.
Bahr will be at the library later this month to take measurements so he can develop some plans, Brewer said.
One priority Bahr will have is adding more shelf space in the library, which will allow the library to add materials, Brewer said.
"We need more space for more materials," she said. A recent report that looks at the amount of materials libraries provide per capita listed Monroe's library as "basic."
Bahr has extensive knowledge of public libraries, Brewer said. He has worked with libraries in numerous Wisconsin communities, including Cottage Grove, Hartford, Mineral Point, New Berlin and Germantown.
"We look forward to working with him and identifying more space," she said.
There is no timeline on the project, nor is there a budget, she said. Donated funds will be used for the project.