The Mayville Library stands as a successful and cherished community asset. However, in line with the growing demand for technology and public spaces, the library embarked on a careful evaluation of its current 7,500 sq. ft. facility, which has been its home since the late 1960s. Following a thorough space needs analysis, it became evident that to meet both present and future requirements, the library would benefit from doubling its space. In collaboration with Zimmerman, the vision for this enhanced facility came to life in the form of the new Ted & Grace Bachhuber Memorial Library.

With a population of just under 4,900 people, the library notes that nearly 3,900 community members hold a library card. The institution annually circulates more than 50,000 items from its collection throughout the community. The existing library had one meeting and multipurpose room, meaning some library programs had to be accommodated off-site. The library has also experienced a significant increase in demand for access to technology resources and tools, including computers, the internet, printing and distance communication and learning.

With input from the community, the library began to identify which spaces were the most successful in other libraries that had recently completed. Several enhancements were identified to help the institution remain a vibrant and relevant community resource well into the future. A site half a block away from the original library and conveniently located near Mayville’s downtown main street was identified as the new home for the Ted & Grace Bachhuber Memorial Library.

The new 18,000 sq. ft. energy-efficient, highly accessible building boasts robust technological capabilities. The design features ample windows to provide plentiful daylight and enhanced views out of the building. The heart of the design is the clerestoried “community living room,” which serves as the gathering place and features a fireplace as its organizing focal point.

The main level also features children’s, adult and teen collections, a business center, a library/children’s programs space and large, flexible multi-purpose rooms accessible after hours for outside functions. Additionally, there are small conference/meeting rooms and private study/collaboration rooms. A larger circulation desk and work room also live on the main floor. The lower level features a larger multipurpose space, storage and additional unfinished space for future expansion.