What Families Need to Know About the 2022 Appleton Public Library Move

appleton library is moving

We’re really excited about the transformation that will be taking place at Appleton Public Library over the next year and a half or so. Families and children were really taken into consideration when designing new spaces and we cannot wait to check out the children’s garden when the project is complete. In the meantime, we’ll be checking our books out at the temporary library location on the south side of Appleton in the former Best Buy off Calumet Street.

Lower level children's outdoor play area
Children’s Garden Redering, via Skidmore, Owings and Merrill

Appleton Public Libary Temporary Location

The temporary location is 2411 South Kensington Drive, Appleton. You’ll recognize the temporary location as the former Best Buy and then a community Covid testing site. When you’re visiting the library, you’ll be able to park in the adjacent lot or access the library on the Valley Transit bus route 11 East College/Buchanan.

FAQ About the Move

When will the library open at its new location? 

The first day that the library will be open in the temporary location is Monday, May 23, 2022. 

When is the last day that the library will be open downtown? 

You can use the downtown library until Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

What will be available at the new location?

This fun video can help nervous kids (and their grown-ups!) to know what will be happening during the move, at the new location, and for summer programming!

What if I have a book due while the library is closed?

Just hold on to it! The due dates will be extended through the closure. If you are in a hurry to get something returned or need new books, visit another InfoSoup Library and you can use your Appleton card there. 

When will I be able to pick up and place holds from the Appleton Public Library while it is closed or in the new location? 

All previous holds have been suspended, they will continue to move up the holds queue or you can change your pick-up location (see the video below for how to do this) or you can cancel your hold. 

New holds can be made and suspended until the temporary location is open or you can choose another location as your pick-up library. 

Can we still use curbside pick-up? 

During the transition, curbside will not be available. The service will resume at the temporary location after they are open and settled in. 

Will there be any programming during the closure? 

There will be some virtual programming and programming that will be held in community locations such as the Scheig Center at Memorial Park, Appleton North High School, Copper Rock in Downtown Appleton, and at City Center downtown. 

Will there be summer programming?

Yes! The library and Appleton Parks and Rec will be teaming up to bring children’s programming to the community this summer. 

Appleton Public Library Programming 2022

Roaming Ruckus also returns this summer! APL and The Building for Kids partner to bring fun programming to parks around Appleton on Saturday mornings during the summer. We’ll update with locations as soon as they’re released.

When will the remodeled downtown location be open? 

The library is projected to be at the temporary location for 18 months. When it returns to its new location, some of the things we’re looking forward to seeing are:

Library Entrance via Skidmore, Owings and Merrill

Where can we get coffee, ice cream, or play near the temporary location?

Lion's Park, Appleton
Lion’s Park, Appleton
  • Coffee
    • Starbucks – Three locations: 3420 East Calumet (in front of Target), 1800 South Kensington Drive (inside of Target), W3226 County Road KK (in front of Kohls)
    • All Tied Up Floral Cafe, N474 Eisenhower Dr, Suite LDrive through and outdoor seating available for a full menu of hot and cold coffee drinks and Chocolate Shop hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, and shakes. (All Tied Up will be relocating to Downtown Appleton in late spring 2022)
    • Dunkin’, W3208 County Rd KK, Appleton
  • Ice Cream
    • Tom’s Drive-In, 3301 East Calmet Street, Appleton
    • JD’s Drive-In, 1939 East John Street, Appleton
    • Culver’s, 3631 East Calumet Street, Appleton

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