A look at the interior of the renovated Menasha Public Library. February 4, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Menasha’s Elisha D. Smith Public Library, built in 1969, will re-open Saturday– with a few new bells and whistles for the community.
“We have 3 new meeting rooms, 2 study rooms, we have a more distinct teen area than we had before, so it’s glassed in. A little more teen centric,” said Library Director Brian Kopetski.
Kopetski spoke more about the renovations as they wrap up the final touches before opening day.
One addition included a kitchen in the basement, where the library plans to host interactive cooking classes.
“We’ve always seen the library as a place for education and learning, and this will allow us to lean a little bit more into hands on learning instead of giving someone some books or some DVD’s and saying ‘Ok, go home and use this stuff!’” Kopetski said.
Another change is the expansion of its makerspace – where the library house’s 3-D printers and digital design computers for community use.
Kopetski explained how it began. “We created that 3 and a half years ago as a kind of proof-of-concept space, and that was so popular that we wanted to make that part of this renovation.”
The makerspace has become a larger element for many public libraries.
Mead Public Library in Sheboygan added one in 2016, and Director Garret Erickson said it’s been a great tool.
“We see people from kids, all the way up in age and even some couples and families working together,” he said. “So there’s a benefit from a relational standpoint as well as a job skills standpoint. I think it’s kind of a fun way for people to learn skills is to come to their public library.”
Kopetski hopes the community will jump right into the activities they have to offer once they re-open.
“Really, we’re just trying to create a place in Menasha for our community to be proud of, and hopefully become an incubator for ideas and businesses and learning,” he said.
A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at noon on Saturday.
Taxpayers paid for $3 million of the project, while $6 million was collected from private donors.
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