JT Library Planning

04/14/2026

04/14/2026

04/04/2026

Images from the exhibit hall at the PLA Conference.

11/16/2025

I am happy to announce the release of the July 2025 update of the WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Library Building and Space Planning Guidebook. Includes updated links. Get a free PDF emailed to you when you complete this form

Get WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Library Building and Space Planning Guidebook. The guidebook contains: * A quick overview of the library building process * Step-by-step worksheets and guidance to get you from dreaming to a building * Valuable information for small libraries, wherever t...

10/13/2025

ICYMI: The application period for the next round of Grants for Local Projects (Non-State Grant Program) from Governor Tony Evers closes at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 31! Learn more and apply for projects for your community by clicking the link in the comments.

10/09/2025

Learn more about the 4th edition of Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline

The webinar offers an introduction to the revised Space Planning Outline, including more information on the relevance and limitations of the Outline as a pla...

08/20/2025

Hoping to start a library building project -- Check this out

When: Oct 6 – Nov 16, 2025 (4 weeks) Where: Online & Asynchronous Cost: $275 (10% discount if you register 2 weeks in advance!) CE Credit: 2.0 CEUs / 20 LEUs Program: 318926 REGISTER ONLINE Payment and Cancellation Policy Questions? Email the CE TeamHave you seen the need to improve or change serv...

06/25/2025

Community members gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new library and community center.

06/25/2025

A major expansion and renovation project at the Stanley library is now officially underway.

06/06/2025

https://lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium.com/2025-lake-superior-libraries-symposium/

WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Quick Look into the Process of a Public Library Building Project, John Thompson (IFLS Library System & JT Library Planning) [ROOM 228]

Undertaking a building a new library or renovation project is often a once in a lifetime adventure. Most librarians have little or no experience navigating the process. This session will provide an overview and visual walk through of a public library building project process starting with assessing the initial needs of the library and community, developing your vision, hiring an architect, and other steps up to going out to bid. The presentation is based on the WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Library Building and Space Planning Guidebook. While the guidebook is written with smaller communities in mind the process is applicable to public libraries of various sizes. Ample time will be provided for attendees to ask questions. Get a free PDF copy of WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Library Building and Space Planning Guidebook emailed to you when you complete this form: https://forms.gle/VAKj3zrXKEfGvNoo7

Get WHAT THE $@!! AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO? A Library Building and Space Planning Guidebook. The guidebook contains: * A quick overview of the library building process * Step-by-step worksheets and guidance to get you from dreaming to a building * Valuable information for small libraries, wherever t...