As Eaton continues to grow, so does the demand for the Eaton Public Library.
The Library has seen massive increases in meeting room use, computer usage, visitors, afterschool programs, and other services from year to year. In the past three years, visits to the library have increased by 73% and meeting room usage has increased by 175%.
In response to increasing usage and the evolving needs of local families, the Library has taken essential steps to plan for the future, including the acquisition of two adjacent properties that will allow for meaningful expansion in the years ahead.
Architectural Selection Process
In late 2025, the Town of Eaton issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking architectural and engineering services for the Eaton Public Library Expansion Project. Fourteen proposals were received and evaluated through a formal selection process that included proposal review, qualification scoring, cost analysis, and structured interviews. A review committee consisting of Town staff, Library staff, Library Board members, and a Friends of the Library representative evaluated the submissions and interviewed the top-ranked firms. Following this process, the Town Board approved the selection of RATIO Architects in February 2026 to lead the Master Planning, Concept Design, and Schematic Design phases of the project. RATIO Architects brings extensive public library experience and will guide the community-driven planning process throughout 2026.
For more see the council packet!
Next Steps
The Library, Town staff, and RATIO Architects are beginning the master planning process to evaluate existing facilities, identify future space needs, and explore opportunities created by the recently acquired properties. Community input will continue to play a key role throughout the planning process, including stakeholder workshops, public engagement opportunities, and concept review sessions. Information gathered through these activities will help shape future design options and recommendations for the expanded library campus.
- September 2026 – February of 2027 - Future phases of design (Design Development and Construction Documents) will be considered following completion and approval of the planning and schematic design process.
- August – December 2026 – 2027 Town and Library Budgeting Process
- August / September – Town Board Work Session to review Schematic Design Package
- August 6, 2026 – Schematic Design package presented to Library Board
- July 11, 2026 – Public engagement and stakeholder workshop during Eaton Days
- June – August 2026 – RFP and selection process for CM/GC partner (Construction Manager and General Contractor)
- June–August 2026 – Schematic Design phase
- Mid June, 2026 – Master Plan and Concept Design package completed
- May 12, 2026 – Community stakeholder workshop
- April–May 2026 – Site analysis, visioning, and program development workshops
- April 2026 – Master Planning phase begins
- February 18, 2026 – Town Board approves selection of RATIO Architects
- February 2026 – Selection committee interviews shortlisted architectural firms
- November 2025 – RFP issued for architectural services
- November–December 2025 – Demolition of structures on newly acquired property
- June 30, 2025 – Town closed on 127 Cheyenne Avenue
- June 12, 2025 – Town Board approved purchase of 127 Cheyenne Avenue
- April 22, 2025 – Library Advisory Board approved purchase of 127 Cheyenne Avenue
- March 6 & 20, 2025 – Public hearings on Special Use Review Permit for 131 Cheyenne Avenue
- October 17, 2024 – Needs assessment presented to Town Board
- September 2024 – Needs assessment completed and presented to Library Advisory Board
- August–September 2024 – Community focus groups conducted
- June 27, 2024 – Town closed on 131 Cheyenne Avenue
- June 10, 2024 – Public survey for needs assessment opened
- April 18, 2024 – Town Board approved purchase of 131 Cheyenne Avenue
- April 15, 2024 – Library hired third-party consultant to conduct community needs assessment
- March 26, 2024 – Library Advisory Board approved purchase of 131 Cheyenne Avenue
- February 8, 2024 – 131 Cheyenne Avenue property owner approached Library about purchase
Resident input and community feedback have been a key part of this planning process, including a survey, focus groups, and talkback board activities. A new resource is now available: the Library Expansion Conceptual Designs Community Input Overview, which provides community members with more information on the expansion options. To share your thoughts on the expansion options, please visit this link. If you have additional comments or questions, please contact Library Director Amber Greene at agreene [at] eatonco.org (agreene[at]eatonco[dot]org).