Building expansion options for Colfax Public Library to be discussed Wednesday

Colfax (WQOW) - The page has been turned on plans for a new library in Colfax, and book lovers aren't the only ones who could benefit.

If the walls of the building could talk, they'd scream for more space. Lisa Ludwig, the Colfax Library director, said the use of libraries have changed over time. Libraries are changing. It's not where people just come to browse anymore. We've actually been out of space for several years, she said.

Built in the 1900's, the Colfax Public Library is ready to write a new chapter and plans for a new home could include old roommates: police officers and village administrators.

Lynn Niggemann, the administrator and village treasurer for the Village of Colfax, said the administration room needs more space for holding meetings. "Our area is really limited when it comes to election and having board meetings. We have a small meeting space and some of our storage and reception area is located in the same area, she said.

An advisory referendum will appear on April's ballot. Voters in the Village of Colfax will choose from four options to address the current space crunch at the library.

Ludwig said one option is to create a stand-alone library. Another would be to create a facility for all three departments. The third option would be to expand the library to the basement of the building. "Using the lower level is on the referendum. There will be a lot of remodeling that will need to be done. So, now we're talking an elevator and more additional restrooms, Ludwig said. "The fourth option would be just to do nothing. We would remain in this building."

Between the Colfax Police Department and village clerk, the library is finding itself in a bind with just 1,800 square feet of space.

Dale Fenske, a patron of the Colfax Public Library, said that the library has turned out to be his second home. "It'd be nice to have a nice, big table that you can sit around and talk about certain issues that are included in the library needs. And, that isn't, we don't have that here," he said.

Ludwig said more space is needed to provide more services to the community. "We would like to have more programs and more services that we could offer to our library patrons but how can you do that with only 1,800 square feet? It's really tough."

Colfax Public Library serves over 20 municipalities, including the Town of Tainter, Bloomer, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie. There is a meeting at Colfax High School on Wednesday at 7 p.m. to talk about all four options.

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Building expansion options for Colfax Public Library to be discussed Wednesday