Sun Prairie Public Library Expansion and Renovation Complete
The community is invited to a ribbon cutting and a “Love Your Library Gala” to celebrate
SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (3/23/26) — The Sun Prairie Public Library has recently completed a 21-month expansion and renovation project, adding 28,000 square feet to the existing library. Highlights of the project include the addition of a larger youth services area, a dedicated teen space, an aquarium, an outdoor amphitheater, a state-of-the-art makerspace, and an atrium. The building was recognized as a Dane County Climate Champion and is seeking LEED silver certification. To celebrate this milestone achievement, we invite the community to join us at the “Love Your Library” Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and a ribbon cutting on Friday, 29, 2026.
The renovation includes more accessible space for the adult collection, five study rooms, an updated holds and self-check-out space, a reconfigured Welcome Desk, a drive-up window and outdoor lockers holds pick up, technology upgrades throughout, an expanded Friends of the Library Read Before Bookstore, and accessibility, furniture, and flooring enhancements to the Sun Prairie Media Center.
End-of-life mechanical systems were replaced with a geothermal HVAC, new roof with solar photovoltaic panels, a battery-energy-storage-system and microgrid, and LED lighting throughout. Sustainability features including bike racks, prairie gardens, and electric vehicle charging stations were also added. In May, the existing parking lot will be renovated.
Although the construction itself began in 2024, planning for the expansion began in earnest in 2018 with FEH Design. The process was community driven and started with an architectural analysis, with an advisory task force comprised of more than 50 residents. Between 2019 and 2022, the Sun Prairie Public Library held several SPARK sessions with the entire community, which led to a conceptual design that was used as the basis for the final design.
The final design process began in 2023 along with a public $3.5M capital campaign led by the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation. The capital campaign was successfully completed in 2025 and included several naming opportunities which can be found throughout the library.
Following this milestone achievement, celebratory events have been scheduled including the “Love Your Library” Gala on Saturday, April 18, 2026, and a ribbon cutting on Friday, May 29, 2026.
“Library projects of this scale are a once in a generation project and reflect evolving public library services and response to community needs and growth,” said Svetha Hetzler, Sun Prairie Public Library Director. “We went into this project with community, service, and sustainability goals and aspirations in mind and those goals led to the architectural design and construction. Throughout the process we have remained committed to our mission – to serve as an accessible central hub by supporting lifelong learning and literacy. Our vision is to serve as a dynamic, positive community force connecting all to the world of ideas, information, and discovery in a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels they belong. This project reflects the library’s mission and vision today and for the next generation.”
The Sun Prairie Public Library and the Sun Prairie Public Library Foundation invite the community to celebrate this milestone achievement on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 5:30-8:30pm at the Love Your Library Gala. This year’s Gala will be on site at the newly renovated and expanded Sun Prairie Public Library featuring cocktails, dinner, tours, and a special program by acclaimed author Quan Barry. Each ticket includes a copy of her latest novel, The Unveiling. For tickets and information visit www.sunlibfoundation.org/events.