ROCKFORD, Mich. — The Krause Memorial Library in Rockford is about to undergo a long-awaited expansion that promises to transform the local library experience. The expansion has been in the works for years, with community members and staff expressing excitement over the project’s potential to better serve the public.
Jennifer German, Regional Manager of the library, shared the significance of this moment for the community.
“It feels amazing. A lot of people in the community have put a lot of time and effort into getting to this moment. For over 20 years, people have been asking, ‘When are we going to expand the library?’ So it’s exciting to finally be able to say that the time is now, and it’s going to happen. It’s so needed in this community,” German said.
Since its opening in 1937, the library has been a central part of Rockford. But with its growing population and evolving needs, the building has outgrown its current space. The upcoming expansion, which voters supported in the recent election, is set to provide much-needed upgrades and improvements.
The expansion project is expected to cost nearly $12 million and is slated to begin in the fall of 2024, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026. The funding for the project comes from a millage proposal approved by voters on Election Day, highlighting strong community support for the initiative.
Rockford City Manager Thad Beard noted that the library is a vital community resource, with 50% of households holding library cards. He also pointed out some of the accessibility challenges the current building faces.
"The building entrance is elevated, and so you have to use a ramp that's pretty steep to get up there. It's difficult for anyone to walk or navigate if they have any mobility issues with the building," Beard explained.
Thad also expressed how it goes beyond just being a library that offers books. It is a social opportunity to connect with others in the community.
“The parents come with their kids and provides an opportunity for them, not only to get reading materials, but to have that social connection and interaction with other adults, especially for the senior age, we find several senior residents here that look for the social connection come looking for materials, but also equally important is the opportunity to interact with other people.”
The expansion will address this and other accessibility concerns, making the library more inclusive for all members of the community. In addition to physical upgrades, the expansion will also allow the Kent District Library to expand its programming, offering more space for children’s activities, outdoor programs, and community events.
“This is a great opportunity now that we can actually increase the footprint of the library, meet accessibility needs, and provide more space for children and outdoor programming. A wide array of issues will be addressed, and barriers will be removed with this new building addition,” said Beard.
Here are some highlights of the project as shared by organizers:
- A main entrance hub where visitors will have plenty of room to gather and sit in a beautiful, naturally lit space.
- Spaces for private and collaborative use, including six study rooms of various sizes, a large quiet reading room, a designated reading area and an outdoor reading patio.
- A new children’s room with double the space of the current children’s room for both materials and literacy-based activities.
- A larger, flexible community room that can accommodate multiple programs at the same time.
- A courtyard off the children’s and community rooms for outdoor program opportunities.
- A teen area complete with a study room and space to socialize.
- Spaces for senior-focused activities and social engagement.