Oregon Public Library’s $12.5M Transformation
Project Type: New Library Construction
Oregon, Wisconsin | Population: 11,000
Our Services Provided
Planning & Feasibility Study + Capital Campaign
Campaign Highlights
Project Total: $12.5 million
Capital Campaign Goal: $2.5 million
Public Investment: $10 million (Village of Oregon)
Outcome: Campaign successfully completed
Impact: Visits doubled after opening, 700+ new library cards in first 3 months
Recognition: Featured in American Libraries (Oct. 2024) and Library Journal (Nov. 2024), 2023 Dane County Climate Champion, Daily Reporter Top Projects of 2023
The Opportunity
The Village of Oregon had outgrown its downtown library and lacked a viable path to expand in place.
The community needed a larger, more flexible facility - one that could support modern programming, technology, and gathering spaces while reflecting the character and growth of the area.
The solution was a new 31,000-square-foot library designed to serve as a welcoming, light-filled community hub - connected to both downtown and the surrounding natural landscape.
Our Approach
Overcoming a Pandemic Pause
Baker Street Consulting Group conducted the planning and feasibility study and partnered with the library to guide a capital campaign alongside a significant public investment from the Village of Oregon.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the campaign, we worked closely with leadership to:
Reassess strategy
Adjust the fundraising goal
Refine messaging
Reposition the campaign for a successful relaunch
Rather than lose momentum, the campaign emerged stronger, clearer, and better aligned with community priorities.
Like many campaigns, Oregon’s effort paused during early COVID-19 uncertainty.
Instead of stalling, the campaign used that time to reconnect with stakeholders, strengthen its case for support, and build a more resilient foundation.
When the campaign resumed, it did so with renewed energy, stronger alignment, and broad-based support - ultimately leading to a successful conclusion.
The Results
Today, the Oregon Public Library is more than a building - it is a vibrant community hub where residents gather, learn, and connect, both inside and out.
Fully funded project combining public and private investment
Successful campaign relaunch following pandemic disruption
A modern library positioned as a long-term community anchor
Patron visits doubled compared to the former facility
700+ new library cards issued within the first three months
Expanded programming, including new teen-focused services
The New Library
31,000 sq. ft., two-story facility (3x the size of the former library)
Flexible spaces for children, teens, and community use
Expanded meeting rooms, study areas, and programming space
Energy-efficient, LEED-inspired design with abundant natural light
Integrated indoor-outdoor experience with views of the conservancy