The Mixed-Use Library

7 August 2009 - 7:00am

Libraries are struggling to make ends meet in Milwaukee. One possible solution: integrating a mix of uses.

Public surveys and brainstorming sessions led to the idea to expand the use of library buildings to drive more revenue generation.

"Needing to update collections, services, and buildings, MPL already has drawn on a telephone survey, focus group sessions, and a community visioning group to present four configurations for its branch system. All the configurations include mixed-use libraries that would share a building with retail or residential facilities but would be smaller than the current 12 neighborhood libraries.

The first mixed-use library is already on the way, involving a housing development, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel."

Source: Library Journal, August 6, 2009
Bookmark and Share
If hundreds of people in your community raised reasonable concerns about a planning program you developed, how would you respond? Perhaps you might call a community meeting, or ask community elected officials to reach out to community leaders.