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.
-
Westonka Library engages community in planning for new building
General site concept showing relationship between surrounding natural environment and new Westonka Library building. Building design and floor plans are in development and will be shared at a future community engagement session.
Hennepin County Library hosted an open house at Westonka Library Tuesday, July 18, as part of a series of events to engage the public in the upcoming new build project. These events will give residents an opportunity to hear about the upcoming project, view drawings and floor plans, and share their feedback.
In addition to considering library services, collection, and cardholder data, since the spring of 2023, Hennepin County Library, and project partners, has been engaging community members and Westonka Library staff in a variety of ways to gather input for the new Westonka Library building.
We heard you
It is important for us to hear from community members who use the library. The number one takeaway from reviewing the data collected through community engagement efforts is that Westonka Library is a beloved and essential part of the community.
More than 25% of survey respondents said they would go to the library more if the physical space had more natural light, room to spread out, space for kids and teens, and better space for individual and group work, better wayfinding, more accessible parking, and an easier-to-use book return.
Another highly requested change is a larger browsable collection. Respondents of all ages said they wanted an up-to-date selection of popular and entertaining materials, as well as collections that reflect a variety of formats, reading levels, and interests.
More than books
Westonka Library is an essential community hub. It is a place to explore, learn, and play. Patrons see the library as a space to gather and connect with family, friends, and neighbors, access county and community resources, attend classes and events, and use technology. Having fun is a top priority for both adults and youth. Spaces, both inside and outside of the building, should facilitate community-based conversation, gathering, and events.
Many survey respondents commented on their desire for more natural light, a sustainable design, and connections to the surrounding natural environment.
Sustainability
The new Westonka Library will be built with sustainability at the forefront.
- Net-Zero: A feasibility study for designing a net-zero library facility was conducted in 2018/2019. A net-zero building balances energy used with energy produced through on-site renewable sources such as geothermal heat source and solar panels. The study found that the Westonka Library, based on its building size and ample south-facing site, would be an ideal candidate for a net-zero facility. This project is expected to have a payback of 13 years.
- Tree preservation: A significant number of healthy, mature existing trees surrounding the current building will remain. Those trees to be preserved are denoted in green on the graphic above.
- Water management: The flow of water on the site will inform 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
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library updates email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page.
-
County board approves funding for next phase of Westonka Library project
General site concept showing relationship between surrounding natural environment and new Westonka Library building. Note: building design and floorplan are in draft form and may change before construction begins.
The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved the second phase of funding for the Westonka Library project November 2. The next phase of the project will include architectural design by Gensler. In this phase, materials, systems, and equipment will be determined and the design will begin to represent the completed building.
The main components of the library will be the collection, two study rooms, a video conference room, flexible teen and children’s areas, a meeting room, staff workrooms, accessible entrance and restrooms, interior and exterior book returns, parking, and site improvements. The project is expected to begin in late 2024 and will likely take 15 months to complete.
Sustainability
The new Westonka Library is being designed with sustainability at the forefront. The building will be net-zero, meaning that it will produce 100 percent (or more) of the energy it consumes through renewable energy sources generated on site. Net-zero status will be achieved through use of geothermal and solar energy. Additionally, to reduce impact to the environment during the project, as much as 75 percent of the existing building – including the wood beams from the original structure – will be reused, recycled, and kept out of landfills.
Site design
The placement of the library within the landscape provides an opportunity for the building to complement, not overshadow, its environment. Landscaping at Westonka Library will be welcoming and inclusive. While protecting existing large trees, landscaping will be enhanced with native plants and nature paths designed for accessibility. The landscaping will highlight the importance of water and stormwater management and provide a learning opportunity for library patrons. The county has contracted Ten x Ten for landscape architecture work.
Community engagement
Community input is critical to this project. Hennepin County Library plans to engage the public throughout the project, with the next meeting expected within the first few months of 2024.
Project updates
Interested in receiving future updates on the project? Subscribe to the Westonka Library updates email list or visit the Westonka Library building project page.
