UW–Oshkosh Chancellor Manohar Singh, left, greets Gov. Tony Evers, right, and Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman, center, Tuesday morning before a tour of Polk Library.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman and other leaders toured the University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh’s Polk Library on July 8, days after finalization of the 2025-27 state biennial budget, which includes funding for a complete revitalization of the critical campus complex.
UWO Provost Ed Martini, left, points out some of the changes in store for Polk Library.
Polk Learning Commons, situated in the heart of campus and adjacent to Reeve Memorial Union, will take the place of the existing Polk Library—a key UWO facility long in need of renovation. The $137.5 million project was included in the 2025-27 state biennial budget and was signed July 3 by Gov. Evers.
Evers and Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman were on hand Tuesday at Polk Library, to announce and celebrate the upcoming project.
Groundbreaking is anticipated next spring with completion currently targeted in the 2027-28 academic year.
“The State Legislature and Governor Evers understand UW-Oshkosh’s role and responsibility in this region’s and state’s growth, and we are so grateful for their investment in Polk Learning Commons and the institution,” Chancellor Manohar Singh said. “The revitalization of a futuristic library, research and collaboration hub and resource center is poised to serve students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community so well for decades to come. Our work to bring the vision to reality is just beginning. It’s an exciting time for UWO.”
Upon completion, the revitalized library complex will total 163,000 square feet, a footprint 30% smaller than the existing Polk Library’s, but more modern, with brighter, more sustainable and efficient use of energy and space. Inside, the library will include UWO’s library collection in addition to serving as a centralized crossroads for student support, including services such as tutoring and the university writing center. The learning commons will stand on the existing Polk Library footprint.
For years, Polk has suffered from water penetration problems and outdated, failing mechanical systems. A large sign informs students that heating pipes are failing and some areas of the library are closed for protection due to the potential of hot water pipes bursting overhead. Students in a spring 2025 course called “Telling Stories for Fun, Profit and World Peace” chose to make the Polk Learning Commons rebirth a focus of their advocacy project… and it clearly got the attention of state leaders…
Reimagined spaces
UWO explored three design options for the next-gen library: a full-on renovation of existing Polk; a completely new library construction project; and the hybrid renovation-and-new-addition option which is now moving forward in UWO planning.
Plans call for a full-scale renovation of the current Polk Library’s 1969 wing paired with the demolition and reconstruction of the complex’s 1962 north wing.
The reimagined library will “appear as one new building when complete,” according to architects’ design approach. It will integrate entrances and exits on every side of the building, make better use of the north-facing quad that connects with campus green space, align with Dempsey Hall and campus’s central mall and walkways, incorporate a new café-like “social collector space” on its north side referred to as the “porch,” and feature a striking multi-use space on the building’s northwestern, second-floor corner.
The hybrid design approach is responsive to the preferences of today’s UWO learners and reflective of sustainability goals within the UWO2030 strategic plan.
Learn more:
Polk Learning Commons: A glance at the project approved in the 2025-27 state budget…