Oak View Staff Picks: RenOVation Edition

Published on July 28, 2025

Smiling staff members enter the Oak View Branch.

By Priscilla W.

There’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air at the Oak View Branch as we prepare to temporarily close our doors for our renovation.

While it feels bittersweet to pause our services—I will truly miss seeing our wonderful patrons, storytime families, and Tail Waggin’ Tutors Kadey and Kam—I am excited about what is ahead. This renovation is not just a facelift; it is a thoughtful redesign that will help us better meet the needs of our amazing community.

The library is more than a place to check out books. It’s a gathering space, a study hub, a “third place” for students after school, a resource for job seekers, and a refuge for readers of all ages. These updates will allow us to create a more welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for all our visitors.

Mock-up of new front desk area.

Staff at the front desk smile at the camera, while a pair of eyes stares out from the Returns slot.

I know that I am not the only one excited, so I invited my coworkers at Oak View to describe which aspect of the renovation they are most excited about. The varied answers truly show just how impactful this renovation will be.

Alexa: “I'm looking forward to having heated sidewalks because it will make it safer and more navigable for customers who are coming in on those really snowy/cold days. The possibility of slipping or trudging through snow basically goes away.”

Amy: “I am excited for the additional study rooms and the opportunities that will provide for after-school teens to collaborate on homework without us shushing them. Also, I am anxious to see the reaction of the younger kids the first time they return to the "new" library after school.”

Claire: “I am excited for the increased accessibility we will have with the addition of a family bathroom and mothers' room in the vending area.”

Emilyn: “One of the most special parts of being a librarian is witnessing the everyday wonder of our patrons here at Oak View. When the community enters our library, we are not only providing resources, but also a welcoming place for everyone to be. I believe that the most exciting aspect of this renovation will be updating and creating new and efficient spaces for all to engage in.”

Karen: “I have been following the proposed plans and am super excited for all of these much-needed changes. As a retired landscape designer, I especially welcome the improvements to the exterior of this lovely building so that there are more places to enjoy the calm park setting.”

Kennedy: “The enclosed courtyard* is going to be a fantastic new space. It’ll allow us to offer programs outdoors and provide visitors with a peaceful place to relax or read year-round.”

Monica: “Oak View feels like my second home and the people here are like family, so I love seeing the space look beautiful and welcoming for both the community and the neighborhood. I’ll be so excited to see our longtime customers’ reactions and to help new visitors feel welcomed and at home. It is hard to pick one. So here are two of my favorite updates; enlarging the staff break room and replacing the tile and front door in the entryway.”

Mock-up of new study rooms area.One staff member knocks on the Group Study Room door, while another smiling staff looks out at her.A staff member spies on Priscilla reading in the study room.

Spencer: “Expanding from one study room to four.”

Teague: “I am most excited for the fenced-in courtyard*! Since Oak View is situated in a more nature-facing area of Sioux Falls, it will be especially nice to have the ability to enjoy it! There is something quite comforting about sitting outdoors while perusing a book.”

Mock-up of enclosed courtyard.Staff members sit on a picnic table with books in the current, small outdoor area.

Our guests have also voiced similar excitement! Families with young children are looking forward to additional outdoor seating with the updated landscaping. Studious visitors are eager for  the enclosed staff area to reduce traveling noise. Those who have noticed that the toddler room is overdue for a refresh will be thrilled to see that completed when the interior is painted.

The branch will officially close for renovations on Monday, August 18, 2025, with an expected reopening in late December 2025.

While closed, we encourage you to visit nearby branches (Downtown Branch is closest) or access our digital services online. Be sure to follow us on social media and check our website for updates, photos, and reopening news as the renovation progresses.

Thank you for your continued support! We cannot wait to welcome you back into a beautifully transformed space built with our community in mind.

 

 

*The enclosed courtyard is made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Paul Lansky Trust.

 

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