Our vision is to renew our much-loved community library space, so it continues its long tradition of providing room for everyone.
Waverly is growing, and the world is changing. Growth and change affect every institution including the public library, a free space designed for everyone. The Waverly Public Library needs expansion and renovation as it nears 25 years at its current location.
Why?
At busy times, the Library is noisy and overcrowded. Visits have increased 167% in the last 25 years, but the Library has not changed. Library usage has shifted, now providing a hub for technology, materials, and over 1,100 programs a year. Libraries must transform to serve their new and important role as a community center.
Why Now?
- The Library can't grow or expand its programming.
- Costs will increase in the future.
- Grant funding is available today.
How Does it Compare?
The Make Room For Renewal Capital Campaign represents a lower cost per capita than many recent Iowa Library improvement projects. The WPL Board of Trustees, WPL Foundation Board, Friends of the WPL Board, and Staff have created an economical project to fit everyone’s needs.
Much has changed in 25 years!
Our space needs improvement.
Back in 1997, Google didn’t exist. Smartphones didn’t exist. The International Space Station didn’t exist. On the shelves of stores and libraries, the Harry Potter books didn’t exist. In the past quarter century, so much has changed. It’s now 25 years since construction of the Waverly Public Library, and much has changed there too:
- CHILDREN, by the thousands, have attended story time and other programs, sparking young imaginations and curiosity,
- TEENS have become an active part of the Library, using the space in new and exciting ways,
- ADULTS are joining innovative activities, while still nostalgic for quiet places to relax with a good book, and
- OUR COMMUNITY has been forever transformed by technology and society’s diverse interests and changing needs.
Despite all this change, the Library has remained a Waverly cornerstone – a free public space designed for everyone. But while the building was well planned and well maintained, the Library services of today no longer fit the spaces built 25 years ago.
“The Waverly Library meets the multi-generational and multi-cultural needs of our community. There are programs, materials, technology and fun – literally something for everyone!”
– Deanna McCue, WPL Foundation President
