The New Glarus Public Library will open the doors to its new building Thursday, June 4, with a grand opening celebration that includes a book pass, ribbon cutting, reception and local art display.

The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. with a ceremonial book pass, where community members will pass the final books from the former library to the new location. Participants should meet at the Village Park gazebo. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the new library, 26 5th Avenue, followed by a reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with refreshments, music and art.

The opening marks the end of a long effort many years in the making to bring a new library to New Glarus. The project gained major momentum in October 2024, when the Wisconsin Department of Administration awarded the village $4.25 million through the Flexible Facilities Program to help fund construction. The grant was intended to support expanded broadband access, technology, private workspaces and a new library facility serving more than 6,100 people in New Glarus and the surrounding area.