Why Now?

At the August 20, 2025 Board of Mayor and Aldermen retreat, Library Director Lisa Plath shared the story behind the Collierville Burch Library expansion as a journey shaped by community input, thoughtful planning, and a vision for the future. The sections below share her message, highlighting why this project matters and how it will serve Collierville for generations to come.

Collierville is known for its exceptional quality of life, and the library is a vital part of that. As more families move here, many from out of state with high expectations for public services, they’re looking for more than just great schools and parks. They’re looking for a library that reflects the same high standards.

Not everyone uses every Town amenity.

Some residents may not visit the library, just as others may not use the turf fields, pickleball courts, or playgrounds. But for those who do, the library is essential.

It’s a place where:

• Children discover the joy of reading
• Teens find a safe space to learn and connect
• Teachers and tutors find support
• Small business owners access tools to grow
• Residents attend workshops, write resumes, and work remotely

The library is a hub for learning, connection, and opportunity.

And now, with the proposed expansion, it can become even more — a place for community-wide events, civic engagement, and lifelong learning.

“Everything matters.”

The Town of Collierville administration is dedicated to upholding the Collierville Standard—a tradition of excellence in every detail. In Collierville, everything matters, from street signs to splash parks, and the library is an essential part of that vision.

We’ve waited patiently while other projects moved forward. Now, it’s the library’s turn to grow.

The vision for expanding the Collierville Burch Library has been years in the making shaped by community input, expert planning, and a growing need for modern space.

Here’s a brief timeline of how we got here:

2004–2014: Laying the Foundation

• The Town of Collierville took over the library from Shelby County in 2004.
• Deanna Britton, the first Town Library Director, quickly recognized the building was designed as a branch—not a main library.
• She championed the idea of a modern, future-ready library and began laying the groundwork for expansion.

2014–2015: Community Input & Early Planning

• The Town hired Haizlip Studio and a library consultant through MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) to conduct a Needs Assessment.
• Input was gathered through staff focus groups, public meetings, and interviews with stakeholders including educators, business leaders, and civic groups.
• A concept was presented in 2015 — one that remains relevant today.

2014–2019: Competing Priorities

• The formation of Collierville Schools and the construction of Collierville High School took center stage.
• The library expansion wasn’t added to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) until 2019.
• In December 2019, Director Deanna Britton retired.

2020–2022: Renewed Momentum

• Lisa Plath became Library Director in 2020.
• In 2021, the library conducted a new community survey to validate the 2015 findings.
• In 2022, the project scope expanded to include a multi-purpose meeting space, based on growing demand and the library’s central location.

2023: Community Engagement & Validation

• Consultant Susan Ewing conducted another survey, gathering 600 responses.
• Findings confirmed the need for more space, modernization, and support for Collierville’s growing population—especially preschoolers.
• The Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BMA) gave the green light to move forward with architectural planning.

2024–2025: Design & Decision

• Architect Michael Walker developed a concept and was hired for full design services.
• In 2025, Deputy Town Administrator Katrina Atkins joined as project manager.
• The BMA reviewed construction estimates and reaffirmed their support at multiple work sessions.

In the spring of 2025, after an article about the library expansion appeared in a local publication, misinformation began circulating on social media. The Town responded to ensure the public had the facts.

Here’s what we clarified:

❌ Claim: The library only has 647 cardholders
✅ Fact: The library has over 19,000 active cardholders—more than a third of Collierville’s population.

❌ Claim: “No one uses the library”
✅ Fact: In the past year alone (2024) the library welcomed over 190,000 visitors.

While the misinformation was frustrating, it also brought attention to the project.

“I’ve concluded that what was happening back in April and May was really this generation’s form of public discourse,” said Library Director Lisa Plath. “If the library project wasn’t on people’s radar before, at least we now had their attention.”

This isn’t the first time the library has been at the center of civic conversation. Before the current building was constructed, a local newspaper once asked:

“How would you vote? A new Town Hall or a new public library?”

They encouraged residents to contact their elected officials, just as we encourage you to do today.

The Collierville Burch Library is more than a place to check out books. It’s a vibrant, evolving resource that supports residents of all ages and stages of life.

Here’s what we offer today:

For Children & Families

• Storytimes and early literacy programs
• Summer Reading Program to prevent learning loss
• Family-friendly events and seasonal activities
• Access to educational tools and reading kits

For Teens

• Clubs, volunteer opportunities, and leadership programs
• Dedicated teen space for studying and socializing
• Support for school projects and academic success

For Adults & Professionals

• Resume writing assistance and job search tools
• Technology classes and digital literacy workshops
• High-speed internet and public computers
• Quiet spaces for remote work and study

For the Community

• The Halle Meeting Room—currently the Town’s only public meeting space
• Programs for all ages, from author talks to craft nights
• Access to the Library of Things, Reminiscing Kits, and mobile apps
• A welcoming space for connection, creativity, and lifelong learning

As Collierville grows, so does the demand for these services. The library is already doing so much with limited space, and the expansion will allow us to do even more.

The Collierville Burch Library is ready to grow, both in size and in service to the community.

The expansion project is designed to meet the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Here’s what’s coming:

A 20,000-Square-Foot Expansion to include:

• A flexible, multi-use meeting and event space that can host up to 300 people
• Modular design allows the space to divide into three separate rooms
• Infrastructure to support civic events, educational programs, and private rentals
• A new revenue stream to support library operations and programming 
• Adult Reading Center and Conservatory 

Enhanced Library Spaces

• A vibrant, reimagined Children’s Area for early literacy and family engagement
• A modern Teen Space with updated technology and flexible seating
• Flexible community rooms for workshops, meetings, and small group gatherings
• Upgraded infrastructure, including HVAC, flooring, and furnishings

A Civic Space for All

This expansion isn’t just about the library, it’s about creating a central gathering place for Collierville. Located next to Town Hall and surrounded by green space, the new facility will serve as a hub for connection, learning, and celebration.

“We want to create a place the community can be proud of for many years to come.” – Mayor Maureen Fraser