Honoring the Past and Embracing the Future in Dubuque, IA

Libraries understand the delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future—a balance that the Carnegie-Stout Public Library (C-SPL) in Dubuque, Iowa, is striking beautifully. The library, which has served its community since 1902, is in the midst of an exciting and thoughtful renovation designed to expand its services, modernize its facilities, and continue its legacy as a cornerstone of the Dubuque community. 

Planning the Path Forward 

Strategic planning is no small feat, and Library Director Nick Rossman, who joined C-SPL three years ago after a stint in Waterloo, has led this process with a keen focus on community needs. In late 2022, C-SPL embarked on a series of in-person and online focus groups to gather input. “We had done a survey shortly before,” Rossman explains, “so we concentrated on focus groups to dive deeper into what our patrons needed and wanted from their library.” 

These focus groups, held throughout the late summer and early fall, provided essential feedback that helped shape the final strategic plan, which was completed by January 2023. The community’s voice was clear: they wanted more space, better accessibility, and enhanced services. With a population of approximately 60,000 and a library budget of just over $4 million, C-SPL had to be strategic in addressing these needs. 

Challenges to Address 

The plan highlights several key challenges that C-SPL needs to address. One of the most pressing issues was the library’s existing facilities, particularly the question of whether to open a branch on Dubuque’s growing west end. The Dubuque County Library already operates a branch in nearby Asbury, which raised the question of whether C-SPL should expand its presence there or focus on enhancing its central location. 

After careful consideration, the decision was made to focus on space planning at the existing site. The library is currently housed in a historic Carnegie building, expanded in 1981, with a total of 54,000 square feet spread across three levels in the original structure and two levels in the newer addition. The last significant renovation, which took place from 2009 to 2012, uncovered and restored many historical elements of the Carnegie building but left unresolved the need for additional space. 

Parking, or the lack thereof, is another significant challenge. The library is landlocked, with only metered parking available, a situation that Rossman acknowledges is less than ideal. “The city is working on a smart parking plan,” he says. “There’s potential to offer an hour or two of free parking to library cardholders, which could make a big difference.” 

Space Planning 

Following the strategic plan, C-SPL partnered with FEH Design, a firm known for its work with libraries, to conduct a deeper dive into the library’s space needs. The result? A plan to add 18,000 square feet to the existing building at an estimated cost of $13 million. This expansion would include a third level on the 1981 addition, along with utilizing an atrium space to add an additional 3,000 to 4,000 square feet. 

In total, this extra space will be a game-changer for the library. It will allow for a reorganization of the collection, making it more accessible by reducing the need for high and low shelving. The first floor could become dedicated to youth and teens, while adults would have the second floor, moving all staff areas up to the third floor. The Friends of the Library group, which has been a vital supporter of C-SPL, will also benefit from additional space. 

One of the most exciting aspects of the renovation is the potential to expand the library’s makerspace. Currently, this space is in high demand, and the renovation will provide much-needed room to accommodate more patrons and more activities. “Our makerspace needs to be celebrated,” Rossman enthuses. “It’s very busy, and we’ve outgrown the space.” 

In addition to the physical expansion, C-SPL has been modernizing its services. The library recently launched Patron Point software to streamline hold notices and pickup alerts, part of a broader effort to enhance marketing and communication with patrons. The results have been promising—circulation was up last year, a trend Rossman attributes to both a return to normal post-COVID and the library’s improved marketing efforts. 

Finding Funding 

With the space needs assessment complete and a plan in place, C-SPL is now moving into the fundraising phase. The library has drafted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a fundraising feasibility study, which will help determine how much money can be raised privately before seeking additional support from the city. “The city is very friendly to the library, but statewide, city budgets are tight,” Rossman notes. “There's a lot of pride in maintaining historic buildings in Dubuque, and no shortage of competition for attention and funding.” 

As the library looks ahead, Rossman and his team are cautiously optimistic about fundraising, knowing that the expanded space will not only enhance the library’s ability to serve the community but also reaffirm its role as a vital, vibrant part of Dubuque’s cultural and educational landscape. 

For libraries, the C-SPL renovation is a reminder of the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of our communities while preserving the rich history that makes our libraries unique. As Rossman says, “There is a lot of positive momentum in the City of Dubuque, and we're excited to contribute to continued success.” It’s clear that the Carnegie-Stout Public Library is well on its way to an even brighter future.