Library board asks Village Board to prioritize 2026 capital requests, including storefront express option
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Summary
The Cottage Grove Library Board asked the Village Board to rank library capital requests for 2026. The board’s request includes options discussed in the strategic plan such as a storefront/express library, reduced-scale footprints and a book drop; staff clarified what a storefront express library would and would not provide.
The Cottage Grove Library Board voted to ask the Village Board to prioritize the library’s capital requests for 2026, including options outlined in the library’s strategic plan.
The 2026 capital priority justification, posted with the agenda, largely carried over from the prior year and adds requests tied to the new strategic plan. Board members said the requests include options such as a storefront/express library (a small programming space that would not house a full collection), a reduced-scale library footprint, and—separately discussed—the possibility of a book drop for offsite returns.
Staff clarified that a Storefront Express Library would not house a collection, would not change the community’s obligation for the Dane County library tax, and would likely offer programming and a book drop rather than full library services. The board asked staff to update the memo to explain what a storefront express library entails so Village Board members and residents understand the differences from a full branch.
Megan moved that the board ask the Village Board to rank the capital requests during the municipality’s prioritization process; Lisa seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.