Northshore Library poised to transform Bayside community

A new chapter is opening in Bayside, as the North Shore Library takes shape at 711 Grace St. While construction is underway, I had the chance to get an exclusive firsthand look inside this transformative space with the Lemoine family, longtime library enthusiasts.

“I’m incredibly excited,” says Erin Lemoine, a mother of two, her face lighting up as she imagines the future. “We visit the existing library all the time.”

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The Lemoines, like many local families, rely on the library as a regular part of their routine, borrowing stacks of books each month. But today, they got a rare look behind the scenes of the $9.5 million North Shore Library project, a facility designed to be both functional and inspiring.

“I’m excited that the new library will be filled with natural light,” Erin says. “It will have those cozy reading nooks that we love and a space where kids can play and explore—I’m so excited.”

The new 24,000-square-foot library is located at the intersection of Brown Deer and Port Washington roads and offers not only a modern center for learning and community, but also the convenience of the new apartment buildings located just above. This innovative design aims to create a vibrant, interconnected space that is inviting to both residents and visitors.

Watch: Northshore Library poised to transform Bayside community

A new chapter: Northshore Library poised to transform Bayside community

“This creates the opportunity for many other people to use this space,” Lemoine adds.

North Shore Library treasurer Roger Arteaga-Derenne shares the ambitious vision behind the project.

“It was a whirlwind,” he explains. “Usually, projects of this size take five or more years from concept to completion, but we completed this one in just a year and a half. That speed shows our passion and commitment to this community.”

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The new facility promises to be a game-changer for the North Shore, with dedicated spaces for kids, teens and adults, a 24-hour meeting space, a community room for events and even a drive-thru window for added convenience. And yes, there will be a play area for the younger crowd to spark creativity and fun.

This space, 10,000 square feet larger than the existing library, will be just what the community needs.

“This is a great example of how four different communities — River Hills, Glendale, Bayside and Fox Point — can come together and work toward a common goal,” said Ronda Goulet, the library’s director.

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Still, there’s work to be done. Arteaga-Derenne stresses that the library needs additional funding to fully realize the vision. “We’re looking for donors to help bridge the gap and make this dream a reality for the North Shore community,” Arteaga-Derenne says.

Scheduled to open in summer 2025, the North Shore Library is poised to be much more than a traditional library; it’s a place where education, connection, and innovation will thrive for generations to come. For more information or to make a donation, visit the North Shore Library website Website.

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