Currently only 1,250 square feet, the Monroe Library's can house a maximum of 8,000 volumes of material.  In addition to having limited space, patronage has increased 50% in recent years.  Because of its small size yet relatively large member base, many events put on by the library (and community at large) need to be held off site.  The public computers are in use 88% of the time the library is open, and usually there is a waiting list to use them.  During children's events and workshops the existing library is packed wall to wall with people, which is less than ideal if you simply want to find a book and read it in a quiet atmosphere.

  As described above, the current Monroe Library has clearly outgrown its current space.  Functioning not only as a library but also as a gathering place, there is simply not enough space to house the books, magazines, computers, people, activities and events which take place there.  

  In addition to serving its primary function, the Monroe Library also is a place where members of the surrounding communities can gather.  Here they have a place where they can come together and share the latest news, happenings around town, and learn about their neighbors.  Simply put, the current facility cannot function adequately as both a library and community gathering place.  The new library will not function exclusively as a place where people come and check out books, magazines, and newspapers, but will also provide places for the community to come together, learn about one another, and educate each other about the world that surrounds them.

  Designed by Broadleaf Architecture PC, the new library has the capacity to hold over 15,000 volumes of material, will offer free Wi-Fi Internet access, have numerous computers available for public use, community meeting rooms, as well as many places where you can sit down and enjoy a good book.