May 28, 2025
On May 28, 2025, the Town of Middlebury came together to celebrate a historic milestone—the official groundbreaking of the Ilsley Public Library Renovation & Expansion Project. Members of the Ilsley 100 Project Team, the Town’s Selectboard, Library Trustees, Friends of the Library, generous donors, and community members gathered to mark the beginning of construction on one of Middlebury’s most treasured landmarks.
Circa 1924
Originally built in 1924, the Ilsley Public Library has been a cornerstone of downtown Middlebury for over a century. Through two previous expansions, it has grown alongside the community it serves. But with changing needs and growing demand, the current structure can no longer support the full scope of services and opportunities a 21st-century library should provide.
A New Chapter for the Ilsley Public Library
In response, the Ilsley 100 Project Team was formed in early 2022 to envision a bold and thoughtful transformation. In partnership with the Middlebury Selectboard, they crafted a plan to revitalize and expand the historic Carnegie-style building—preserving its architectural significance while preparing it to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The celebration marks the official start of that vision becoming reality. In August 2023, ReArch Construction, in collaboration with Wiemann Lamphere Architects, was selected as the design-build team for this transformational project. Their design brings together innovation, sustainability, and respect for history, featuring a two-story addition that blends beautifully with the existing structure.
The renovation and expansion will deliver:
- A welcoming new main entrance
- Dedicated spaces for children, teens, and adults
- A spacious community room for events and gatherings
- A rooftop garden and green space
- Updated bathrooms and a new mechanical system
- A new elevator and improved accessibility throughout
More than just a building upgrade, this project represents an investment in the heart of Middlebury. It is a commitment to lifelong learning, community connection, and a shared future. The new Ilsley Public Library will be a dynamic hub—open, inclusive, and ready to serve generations to come.
The story of the Ilsley Public Library is far from over—and this new chapter is just beginning. Stay tuned for updates as we build a library for the next 100 years—together.
