Would you like to pick up a book on hold at R.H. Stafford Library in Woodbury even when the library is closed?

Would you enjoy using a creative lab with 3D printers, sewing machines, creative software, and photography equipment at the library?

How about a podcasting studio? Or a dedicated book club room?

Here’s your chance to tell Washington County officials what you want included in a major renovation of the library. A community engagement workshop will be held Tuesday, May 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the library.

You can complete this online survey or go to the library and share feedback on notes attached to an engagement exhibit.

The county hired MSR Design, located in Minneapolis, for the design phase. The cost of the project is estimated at $22 million.

R.H. Stafford Library opened in 2002 and is the fifth busiest library in the state and the third busiest in the Twin Cities. As part of the newly renovated Central Park building, the library takes up 30,000 square feet on the main level and 9,000 square feet on the lower level.

The county states in a news release that after nearly a quarter century of use, the library’s layout “no longer meets current needs, interior finishes are worn, and major mechanical and electrical systems are nearing the end of their lifespan.”

Goals include a high-traffic design, safe and welcoming spaces, improved accessibility, sustainability elements and enhancements like a children’s area for creative play and learning. 

The survey asks about technology and creative labs, meeting and study spaces, specialized user areas, quiet spaces, and work and social spaces.

While nothing is set in stone, nothing has been ruled out either, including expanding the space. 

“We will be studying options to expand the usable space, which could include expanding the building footprint, but it is too early to say whether we will or won’t,” County Capital Projects Manager Erik Jalowitz told Woodbury News Net in an email. “Expanding the building footprint would require additional parking analysis on the site as well.” 

Adding sustainability features is another option.

“Recently completed projects included many design features to maximize energy efficiency as well as renewable energy options such as solar,” Jalowitz stated. “Technology improvement is another feature that is considered with all Washington County projects, especially library projects.”

The county says more community engagement will take place in the summer and fall. Jalowitz said “plans will develop quickly over the next several months.”

Construction should begin in 2027 and is expected to take 14 to 16 months depending on the final project scope. Planning hasn’t yet begun for how to provide access to library materials during construction. 

County officials note the renovation will not begin until the Park Grove Library renovation in Cottage Grove is finished, which is expected to be completed next spring.