RIVER FALLS – The River Falls Public Library was awarded $4,080,488 through the Flexible Facilities Program (FFP) to be used toward renovations of the current library facility.

To mark the occasion, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers toured the River Falls Public Library on Monday, Oct. 7 to hear from Library Director Tanya Misselt about the ways in which the funds would be used to improve the library. Gov. Evers was also joined in River Falls by other grant recipients from nearby communities.

"We are thrilled to receive this support," Misselt said. "It was an honor to welcome Gov. Evers to our library and showcase how we plan to put the funding to good use. This transformative investment will make the library more adaptable for various programs, enhance accessibility, and ensure its sustainability well into the future. The new design will create a more efficient space for both staff and patrons, equipped with state-of-the-art technology to improve internet access user experiences for our community."

The Flexible Facilities Program through the State of Wisconsin’s Department of Administration included a total of $107 million in funds available. The maximum award amount was $4.25 million per project. Renovation or expansion of existing libraries was one of the projects eligible for the grant.

“On behalf of the library board and the River Falls Library Foundation and the incredible support that we’ve had from the city, we want to celebrate and make real some important changes for the library that will bring us into the next 25 to 50 years of this library,” said Rebecca Ferguson, president of the River Falls Library board of trustees.

The River Falls Public Library Board retained Baker Street Consulting Group in June of 2024 to conduct a feasibility study to provide insights and ideas on how to best proceed with the library’s renovation plans. The study is expected to be completed by October.

“As our community keeps growing, so does our need for resources like the library,” River Falls Mayor Dan Toland said. “For nearly 30 years, the current library has been an incredible resource for our residents. But to meet the needs of our growing community, the library will need updates. This grant will be a huge help – it’s going to make a real difference in bringing our library into the future.”

The River Falls Public Library was built in 1997 and is 32,850 square feet, including 23,850 square feet on the main level. It is located at 140 Union Street in River Falls, Wis.