Learn more about the Westonka Library project
The new library will be built on the site of the current library and will better meet community needs for contemporary library service with an early learning area for families, meeting spaces for students and groups of all ages, and enhanced access to technology. The new facility is envisioned to be a net-zero energy building. A net-zero facility is designed to produce 100% (or more) of the energy it consumes through renewable energy sources generated on its site.
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Footings and foundation taking shape at Westonka Library
Crews are making good progress at the Westonka Library new build site. New water and sewer connections for the building were completed in October. Work underway this month includes excavating, forming, and pouring footings and foundation walls outlining the building’s footprint.
Commerce porch footings, looking east from the mechanical room towards Commerce Boulevard.
Staff workroom. The square at the center right is the footing for the stoop at the breakroom exterior door. The vertical forms in the distance are the exterior shear wall adjacent to the carve garden.
Carve garden. To the left will be the adult reading room, to the right, the staff workroom.
Northwest corner. The lower portion will be the park porch, the higher section will support the window wall looking out over the park.
Southwest corner. The lower portion will be the covered porch and walkway, the upper portion the library's exterior wall.Upcoming Work
Work scheduled for the rest of November includes:
- Setting foundation walls
- Below-grade waterproofing
- Backfilling
- Grading the building pad
Project updates
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page.
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A new chapter: Westonka Library celebrates start of construction with groundbreaking ceremony
From left to right: Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson, Hennepin County Deputy County Administrator Dan Rogan, Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson, Hennepin County Administrator Jodi Wentland, and Hennepin County Library Director Scott DuimstraHennepin County, the City of Mound, and community partners gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the new Westonka Library on October 24. This project, rooted in shared values of learning, sustainability, and community connection, is a vision many years in the making.
Celebrating shared leadership
The event featured remarks from Hennepin County Commissioners and local leaders, who spoke about the importance of public spaces in fostering equity, access, and innovation. A ceremonial turning of the soil symbolized the collective investment in a future where everyone has the opportunity to learn and connect.
“This will be a space that reflects the values of this community: curiosity, inclusion and resilience. It will be a place where everyone feels welcome, where creativity is nurtured, and where knowledge is accessible to all,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Heather Edelson.
From left to right: City of Mound Council Member Sherrie Pugh, Hennepin County Commissioners Heather Edelson and Kevin Anderson, and City of Mound Mayor Jason Holt
Hennepin County Library team
Hennepin County Facility Services teamMore than a building
The groundbreaking event marked more than the beginning of construction. It celebrated a vision years in the making: a space where people of all ages will come to explore ideas, access resources, and build relationships. The new Westonka Library is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive place where curiosity and creativity thrive.
The Westonka Library has long served as a trusted resource and gathering place. The new facility will build on that legacy, offering a modern, adaptable space that continues to meet the evolving needs of the community. The new facility will include:
- Bright, flexible spaces for all ages
- Early learning and youth-focused zones
- Sustainable, net-zero energy design
- Community meeting room – a space that will be available for tutoring, book clubs, workshops, and neighborhood gatherings
- Improved accessibility and amenities
- Covered porches for gathering, reading, and relaxing
- A boardwalk path, garden terrace, and nature play area
- And more
A vision shaped by many
This project reflects years of planning and public engagement. Community input helped shape a design that prioritizes flexibility, accessibility, and sustainability. Every element, from gathering spaces to outdoor features, was informed by the needs and hopes of the Westonka community.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a celebration of collaboration. This library is the result of years of planning, listening and working together across agencies, departments, and communities,” said Hennepin County Commissioner Kevin Anderson.
Looking ahead
Construction will continue through next year. While the library is closed, patrons may visit the temporary holds pickup and return drop off location at Mound City Hall or visit alternate locations.
Project updates
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page. -
Milestone reached as Westonka Library project moves forward
The Westonka Library project enters a new phase as demolition begins, paving the way for the library’s next chapter.
Since the library closed in early July, crews have been preparing the building for demolition by salvaging material that could be saved and reused, or recycled, elsewhere in the community. This process can be quite long as it requires careful deconstruction of the building to keep salvageable materials intact.
This work included reclaiming exterior wood siding and interior wood paneling, plumbing fixtures, millwork, exterior metal flashing, doors, light fixtures, some outdoor light poles, and some of the structural beams. To save the beams, parts of the roof were removed prior to demolition so the contractor could gain access to that material.
Demolition of the building started this week.
What’s next in the project?
Water and sewer work required for this new construction project originally planned to start October 15 will now start October 13 and run through October 20, 2025. Be alert for road work on Commerce Boulevard (County Road 110) between Church Road and Sherwood Drive. Traffic will be shifted but both lanes will remain open. Be alert for construction crews and drive with care.
All work is weather dependent.
Temporary holds pickup and return location
During the closure, patrons may pick up and return holds at Mound City Hall, located at 2415 Wilshire Blvd in Mound.
Project updates
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page.
Share your stories
Have any fun stories, favorite events, or memorable moments of your time at Westonka Library? We'd love to hear them! Share with us.
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Plans progressing for Westonka Library replacement
Hennepin County hosted a community meeting at Westonka Library Saturday, March 2, as part of a series of events to engage the public and share updates on the Westonka Library replacement project.
The new Westonka Library will better meet community needs for contemporary library service with an early learning area for families, meeting spaces for students and groups of all ages, and enhanced access to technology. The new facility is envisioned to be a net-zero energy building. A net-zero facility is designed to produce 100% (or more) of the energy it consumes through renewable energy sources generated on its site.
Community engagement
Westonka Library serves residents in the west metro cities of Minnetonka Beach, Minnetrista, Mound, Spring Park, and surrounding communities. In 2023, approximately 29,000 people visited the Westonka Library, and more than 90,000 physical items were checked out. In the same year, there were 6,150 public computer sessions and 13,000 Wi-Fi connections. Westonka Library is an essential community hub. It is a place to explore, learn, and play.
In addition to a survey which garnered 496 responses from library patrons between April and August of 2023, Hennepin County staff have also been meeting with local government agencies, including the city of Mound, to discuss plans.
Incorporating feedback into design
Feedback from the community is important as plans progress on the Westonka Library project. This feedback will be incorporated as the new design is taking shape. The new Westonka Library will be a space to gather and connect with family, friends, and neighbors, access county and community resources, attend classes and events, and use technology. The space will be accessible, modern, include study and meeting spaces, and feature natural light and a connection to nature. The central focus of the space will be the library collection with defined areas for adult, teen, and children’s collections.
Sustainability remains a priority
The new Westonka Library will be built with sustainability at the forefront. Climate action initiatives include:
- Net-Zero: A feasibility study found that the Westonka Library, based on its building size and south-facing site, would be an ideal candidate for a net-zero facility.
- Geothermal: Energy from the earth
- Solar: Rooftop solar panels
- Tree preservation: A significant number of healthy, mature existing trees surrounding the current building will remain.
- Water management: The flow of water on the site has informed the building location and design, and 92% of stormwater will be managed on site.
- Waste diversion: Recycling, salvage, and reuse of 75% of construction and demolition waste will reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Project updates
Construction on the project is set to begin in late-2024 with completion expected in mid-2026.
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library updates email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page.
A look at potential designs
The renderings in the document linked below are concepts depicting what the interior and exterior of the new Westonka Library could look like. They are not final plans and may change as the project progresses. See images in full meeting summary document (PDF 0.6 MB).
Site plan highlighting where the building will be located on the site, and how patrons will access the building. 
South elevation highlighting the building entrance.
South elevation highlighting what the building might look like during the day and at night.
West elevation highlighting what the building might look like during the day and at night.
