After 19 months and thanks to over 450 donors, the Middleton Public Library is pleased to announce the completion of the Next Chapter fundraising campaign. In February 2021, the campaign met its $200,000 fundraising goal. Combined with previous gifts and reserve funding, this fundraising provides the library with $500,000 for building improvements. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this successful campaign through your volunteer and financial support! Next Chapter project upgrades will increase public square footage, create flexible new spaces, and improve customer service experiences in the library. Many building-wide improvements, such as mobile shelving, flooring in high traffic areas, fresh paint, new seating, and flexible service desks are already in progress. The project has also created new spaces in the building, including a multi-generational tech space, The Friends of the Library Book Shop on the main level, a local history room, and an additional large community meeting room. By reaching the fundraising goal, the library can now look forward to completing additional improvements in the coming months. The last year has been full of unexpected challenges as the library facility remains closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The public’s continued support for the Middleton Public Library is a remarkable testament to the value this community places on its library. A diverse group of donors supported this project with gifts ranging from $2 to $30,000. Donors also contributed significantly to Next Chapter through naming sponsorships of a new art gallery area, 2 outdoor benches, 2 Youth Services area honorariums, and 4 study rooms. The library is especially grateful to the Friends of the Middleton Public Library, who provided Next Chapter’s largest gift with its sponsorship of a new community meeting room in the former book sale space. The library looks forward to sharing more with the public about these gifts and their impact. Please join us in celebrating this exciting next chapter! For more information about Next Chapter, please contact Library Director Jocelyne Sansing at jsansing@midlibrary.org.