Since July 2023, Graham has had the privilege of documenting the transformation of the Appleton Public Library—from demolition and construction to its ribbon cutting and community open house. Each visit brought a new opportunity to capture the excitement, passion, and the community’s investment in this project.

The newly renovated, state-of-the-art facility officially opened in March 2025 to serve Appleton and the greater Fox Valley region

July 19, 2023 – Library Before Construction

Before demolition began, I photographed the original library building, which had served the community since 1981 (we share a birth year!!). Walking through the quiet, familiar spaces stirred memories—from my own childhood visits, that atrium welcoming scent is burned into my soul and the train reading nooks hosted many learning to read sessions. These photos served as a final tribute to the library’s legacy.

July 25, 2023 – Groundbreaking Ceremony

Just days later, I joined hundreds of community members at the library’s official groundbreaking. The event marked the start of an exciting new era for public learning, connection, and creativity in Appleton.

February 15, 2025 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

After 18 months of anticipation, the Appleton Public Library opened its doors to the public with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. The newly designed space features more natural light, expanded square footage, and flexible zones for all ages. It was a joy to witness the community experiencing the space they had eagerly watched come to life.

March 29, 2025 – Photo Opp After-Hours Photo Walk

A month after the opening, I returned to the library for an after-hours Community Photo Walk hosted by Photo Opp. It was a chance to explore the new space through a creative lens, alongside other photographers. With three expansive floors, the building offered a perfect playground for experimenting with composition, perspective, and light.

As with any art form, working with limited tools can unlock unexpected creativity. We found ourselves returning to the basic premise of photography - how do we capture what's interesting about the world in front of us.

A few standout features of the New Library:

A large community meeting room
Creative studios for music, podcasts, and software production
Co-working spaces and quiet reading areas
A sensory room
A dynamic children’s outdoor play and learning space

May 27, 2025 – Exterior Highlights

Nearly two years after our first visit, we returned to photograph the library’s completed exterior. What once was a construction site has become a vibrant community hub. It’s a place for quiet study and bold collaboration—where neighbors of all backgrounds come together to learn, create, and grow.

A heartfelt thank you to The Boldt Company and the Appleton Public Library for trusting Graham Images to document this incredible transformation. It’s been an honor to capture the story of a space that means so much to so many.