Three 'wows' for the new Verona Public Library

By Derrick Van Mell and Steve Steinhoff

The 31,000-square-foot, $6.4 million Verona Public Library opened in 2006, funded mainly by municipal bonds. The site is 4.3 acres and allows for 20 years of growth.

Today's libraries differ greatly from those of the last generation. Beside computer labs, electronic media, fax and copy services, new program spaces allow for tutoring, teen study and group projects.

In spite of the Internet, library use is up across the country and particularly in Verona. Studies show that 30 percent of Americans are library users and 90 percent support the libraries' community contribution.
 
Membership growth

Susan Hedrick, library director, points to three "wows" in the building:

• The amazing window wall overlooking the prairie
• The quiet reading room with a fireplace
• The castle in the children's reading area
• Membership has increased 35 percent since the new building opened and circulation and visits have nearly doubled. The seven large and small meeting rooms are in constant use, an amazing 2,000 times per year.

Designed by Dimension IV Architects-Madison, the library has become a local tourist attraction; one visitor moved to Verona just because the library had made such a strong impression.

Startling efficiency gains

All this growth has been supported by only 3.5 new employees. The added space has let the library use new technologies like automatic checkout.

The new construction includes better ergonomics:

• Floor padding
• Correct counter heights
• Better lighting
• Proper shelving.

The size, attractiveness and efficiencies have also helped the library expand its core set of volunteers from 6 to 50.

Ripple effects

The library was part of the city's master development plan, including a City Hall, police station, senior center, and public works building. The land was obtained in a creative "land for water" swap with Dane County. The site abuts the large Badger Prairie Park and the Glacier Drumlin Trail winds by.

More than 400 nursery trees from the project were replanted on or near the site or around the city. The bond underwriting was made easier by the strong investment by Epic Systems in Verona; Epic has generously supported library programs and donated all the bricks for the building.

Small businesses use the library's meeting rooms, Wi-Fi and fax connections, and of course, the research assistance of the professional library staff.

Lessons for businesses

The location, design, and financing of the Verona Public Library make it a huge success for everyone. Hedrick agrees there might be a lesson here for businesses.

As much as businesses value creative thinking, it can feel awkward to just sit and think at work. The success of the Verona library suggests businesses should have a quiet room, full of resources and empty of distractions, to stimulate collective -- and profitable -- creativity.

Derrick Van Mell is principal of Van Mell Associates, management consultants specializing in strategic facility decisions. Steve Steinhoff is executive director of the Neighborhood Design Center, helping communities become great places.

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