The Dedication Ceremony for the newly renovated and expanded Lakes Country Public Library in Lakewood, Wisconsin, was held on July 27, 2024. Commonly known as Lakewood Library, the facility is jointly owned by the Towns of Doty, Lakewood, Riverview, and Townsend. Tom Thielke, co-chair of the Library Expansion Committee, emceed the Dedication. Local officials from Oconto County and the Four Towns (Doty, Lakewood, Riverview and Townsend) were on hand for the event. Ms. Alice Sturzl, former President of the Wisconsin Library Association, was also in attendance. Local artist Pat Lowery sang a stirring rendition of “America the Beautiful” and provided musical entertainment before and after the ceremony. Jennifer Garner, representing Senator Tammy Baldwin, delivered a congratulatory message. Senator Baldwin sponsored a $500,000 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) grant the library received via U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. She wrote, “Public libraries are essential for our communities, providing a space for people of all ages to learn, get online, and collaborate with one another. I worked hard to deliver direct support for this project and am so proud to help expand Lakes Country Public Library to give Wisconsin families a safe place to learn, meet, and grow.” Ms. Julie Lassa, WI USDA Director of Rural Development, addressed the crowd at the Dedication. “These are some of the best events that I have the honor of attending because of the hard work and dedication that goes into a project like the Lakes Country Library,” said Lassa. “Libraries serve as one of the pillars of the community that help bring people together.” ![]() Library Director Katie Esserman, Jennifer Garner from the Office of Senator Tammy Baldwin, USDA Director of Rural Development for the State of Wisconsin Julia Lassa, and Library Expansion Committee Co-chairs Kathleen Marsh and Tom Thielke with the “Key to the Library” at the Dedication held on July 27, 2024. Kathleen Marsh, Co-chair of the Expansion Committee, also spoke. “Remarkably, this project has been funded almost entirely by grants, private donations, and local fundraisers. This is a true testament to how much the Lakes Country Communities value this resource,” she said. In addition to the Rural Development grant sponsored by Senator Baldwin, the library received a $300,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant from Oconto County, $100,000 from the Otto Bremer Trust, $50,000 from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation, $25,000 from WPS Foundation, $20,000 from the Friends of the Lakes Country Public Library, as well as hundreds of private donations from all across the country.
“These grantors as well as private donors who contributed $1000 or more will be included on a permanent donor wall that will be in place by Christmas,” said Marsh. “If you want your name on it, it’s not too late. Call the library before November 1, and we can make that happen.” The architect for the new addition was Jeff Musson. The general contractor was RJM Construction. Smith Concrete, Northeast Surveying, Tony’s Redi Mix, Dama Plumbing, Lumber Jake Windows and Painting, Hundt Landscaping, Mountain Stone Works, Demerath Masonry, Chimney Mechanix, Kuzynski Konstruction, Kemmer Electronics, and Joan White Studio & Gallery were all local contractors who worked on the project. Linda Denz, Linda McKenna, John Zeller, and Ted Bartels, who all served on the Library Expansion Committee, were recognized. At the conclusion of the formal ceremony, the Library Expansion Committee presented Library Director Katie Esserman and Library Board of Trustees President Jeannine Albers with a ceremonial “Key to the Library.” The newly renovated facility includes a number of special features. The Anderson Serenity Room was designed for those with sensitivity issues with dimmable lights, blinds, and muted décor. Catholic Charities of the Green Bay Diocese helped provide resources for tele-health in one of the new small meeting rooms. The Local History Room features displays and artifacts from the area. These conference rooms and work spaces, as well as the main conference room, can be reserved by calling the Lakes Country Public Library at 715-276-9020. Comments are closed.
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