At a time when information is available instantly on phones, computers and laptops, communities across the country are making a surprising but deliberate investment in bricks-and-mortar libraries. Far from becoming obsolete, public libraries are being reimagined as essential civic infrastructure. They are evolving into flexible, technology-rich spaces that support education, workforce development, cultural programming and community connection in ways that purely digital platforms cannot replicate.
The modernization and expansion efforts reflect a broader shift in how libraries are used and valued. Today, libraries are being designed to serve as gathering places, learning hubs and anchors for downtown revitalization. They offer equitable access to technology, provide safe spaces for collaboration, and host everything from job training to public meetings. As a result, cities and towns are committing significant capital dollars to expand, replace and redesign these facilities so they can better meet contemporary needs and keep citizens happy.
A much-needed $35 million library expansion project will soon launch in La Mesa, California. City officials have planned to expand the public library since 2008, and now that funding has been secured, the library addition will serve as the first phase of a multi-phased civic center reconfiguration initiative. The expansion will increase the footprint of the existing library and support other new civic facilities located nearby.
The project will renovate 10,000 square feet of interior library space and add more than 6,000 additional square feet, increasing the total library size by approximately 60 percent. The work will address long-standing capacity constraints, introduce flexible programming and community-use areas and upgrade public amenities to support modern library services. Portions of the library will be relocated to accommodate new community event space, along with additional staff areas, new study rooms and an outdoor patio. Once completed, the library’s new gathering spaces will be shared with the new city hall located nearby. The project is currently in the planning and feasibility review phase, with construction anticipated to begin in spring 2029.
City officials in Brookshire, Illinois, are also moving forward with plans to build a new community center that will include library-related programming in the heart of the city. While no final cost estimate has been established, the project is expected to total approximately $52 million. The goal is to create a central gathering place that can support year-round programs, public meetings, recreation and community events.
Planners envision a flexible facility designed for both daily drop-in use and large gatherings. Preliminary plans include multi-purpose program rooms, dedicated meeting space and a large open area that can be reconfigured for classes, workshops and seasonal activities. Supporting spaces such as secure storage, staff offices and public restrooms are also included. Site improvements will enhance accessibility and safety, with upgraded sidewalks, improved access routes, new lighting for evening events and landscaped gathering areas. The project is currently in the planning phase, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
In Prairie Village, Kansas, a $33.4 million replacement of the Corinth Library is part of the Johnson County Library system’s long-term capital improvement plan. The project will replace the aging Corinth Library with a modern, full-service facility designed to deliver improved services and operate more efficiently.
The new library will feature expanded amenities, flexible programming spaces and updated technology infrastructure. Designs include larger community meeting rooms, enhanced areas for children and teenagers, flexible learning spaces and improved accessibility. Energy efficiency and overall functionality are also key priorities, positioning the new library as a civic anchor for the surrounding neighborhood. The project is in the early pre-design stage, with construction to follow and a targeted completion date of 2028.
Officials in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, have announced a $25 million project to deliver a new public library that will replace two older facilities that are outdated, undersized and inefficient to operate. The new library will consolidate services into a single, modern facility designed to better serve families and residents throughout the community.
According to current planning documents, the facility will include flexible meeting rooms, study spaces, and co-working areas, along with access to technology and research resources. The project will be delivered in multiple phases and since that work will require additional time, construction is not expected to begin until 2029.
A $49 million library project is also in the works in Gallup, New Mexico. In early 2025, city officials authorized a multi-year capital fundraising campaign to support construction of a new modern library serving Gallup and surrounding areas.
The proposed facility will add approximately 45,000 square feet, creating space for flexible learning environments, updated technology, workforce development areas, expanded learning zones, and multipurpose rooms for community meetings, cultural programming and educational events. The library is intended to function as a civic hub that enhances downtown activity while providing equitable access to educational and digital resources. The project is currently in the early planning stage, which is expected to continue through 2026. No construction solicitation timeline has yet been announced.
Together, these projects illustrate how libraries are being repositioned as vital public assets rather than relics of a pre-digital era. As communities plan for growth, equity and economic resilience, modern libraries are emerging as multi-functional spaces that support lifelong learning and civic engagement. For the construction industry, these investments signal a steady pipeline of complex, community-focused projects that blend architecture, technology and placemaking in meaningful ways.
Mary Scott Nabers is president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. She is a former statewide office holder in Texas and has decades of experience in the public and private sectors. She is an expert in the P3 world and an experienced business development professional.
