The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a new lease agreement for Valley Branch Library on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and an agreement with an architect to design improvements to the library.

The new lease for Valley Library in Lakeland Plaza in Lakeland extends the current agreement for 10 years. Valley Library has been located in the plaza for more than 30 years.

The size of the library will expand from 2,500 square feet to 3,500 square feet. The additional space will allow for improvements and expansion of library spaces and services for patrons in the Lower St. Croix Valley.

Proposed remodeling for the library would include more space for public programs, and more space for restrooms, vestibules, and mechanical equipment. The project designs are expected to be complete by March 2019, with construction planned for April through June 2019.