APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – The new Appleton Public Library has officially opened, marking a major milestone for the community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicked off the grand opening, with guided tours, library card sign-ups, and family-friendly activities filling the day with excitement.
Snow continues to impact slow first half of sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago
“What is most exciting to me is seeing how people are immediately coming in and bringing this building to life and putting it to use. That’s what it’s about, it’s about people,” said Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford.
The library, which took 17 years to bring to fruition, was delayed several times over the years, but Woodford emphasized the importance of not letting setbacks get in the way.
“We’ve been through several delays with this project over its 17-year history, so we weren’t going to let a little snow keep us down or put this off for another week or two,” Mayor Woodford said. “We wanted to get going and the place is full of people.”
The new space was made possible through the efforts of several hundred donors, and community support was evident throughout the day’s events.
“We got 625 donors, which is very impressive, and most of the money came from individuals or family foundations. The Appleton Library staff donated over $10,000,” said Nanci Micke, president of Friends of the Appleton Public Library.
The new facility was designed for flexibility, offering spaces for learning, collaboration, and more.
Who should yield when merging in Wisconsin? State Patrol gives reminder to drivers
“Libraries play such an essential role in the life of a community,” said Mayor Woodford. “This building was designed with care around every detail, and it’s designed to last, be flexible, and to be used.”
The grand opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for Appleton residents, offering a vibrant space for generations to come.
