Olson Memorial Library

December 2017 The of OLSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY

“A library is a great place to learn and spend time with family and friends. We hope it becomes your home away from home.”

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW AND THE THREE LAKES NEWS PAGE 2 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017

THANKWalter E. Olson Library YOUFoundation We’re honored to have been selected to help complete this important community project in Eagle River.

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Pella Commercial INTERIOR • EXTERIOR • STAINING • PAINTING • PRE-FINISH SHOP Sales Consultant EPOXY FLOORS • WALLPAPER • FAUX FINISHES • CAULKING Rob Coleman was proud to work on this project. 500 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay, WI 54304 (715) PellaWI.com 800-242-1008 358-0808 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 3 Library grand re-opening celebrated New $2.5 million facility designed for community ______BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR ______

“The updated library not only serves as a ofspaces, environmentally-friendly materials community and cultural center, but also as a and opportunities for the community. I hope technology hub for our residents and visitors this library is a place for community-build- to explore, interact and imagine.” ing connections.” That’s how Library Director Nan An- The new building now has an additional drews described the Walter E. Olson Memo- 4,500 square feet of space and houses new rial Library at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for study areas and reading rooms, a new public the newly expanded and renovated library meeting room, young adult and teen space, Dec. 15, 2017. self-check station and a technology area ded- Nearly 200 Eagle River area residents, lo- icated to digital creations. cal officials, donors, library leaders and vol- “This updated library is not just a library, unteers gathered for the festive event. it is a community and cultural center — a Among the speakers at the grand re-opening single source of equal access to opportunity celebration were Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker found in Vilas County and the diverse com- and philanthropist and retired Lt. Col. Jen- munities of Wisconsin,” said Pritzker. “Li- nifer Pritzker of Tawani Foundation. braries have always been filled with More than $2.5 million was raised to ren- resources available for free to anyone. How- ovate and expand the library, with $1.6 mil- ever, today’s libraries are not only reading lion coming from Pritzker, president and and research centers, but community toolkits founder of Tawani Foundation, the philan- that provide individuals with the resources thropic arm of Tawani Enterprises Inc. Other they need to grow.” gifts were raised from private donations. Andrews told the audience more than Pritzker told the large audience at the cer- 35,000 books line the walls of the library, emony that her family has owned a property which started in 1897 as a small reading on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes since 1937 room. Today, the library is one of several joint and has many memories tied to this area. libraries in Wisconsin and is supported by six “Congratulations to the Walter E. Olson municipalities, including the city of Eagle Memorial Library. I am honored to help ded- River and towns of Cloverland, Conover, Lin- icate the Abram Nicholas Pritzker and coln, St. Germain and Washington. The li- Robert Pritzker Wing, after my grandfather brary has about 75,000 visitors per year. and father, respectively,” said Pritzker. “The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library is “Through these men, I was taught the impor- a great transformational project that deliv- tance of investing in the community you live ers on meeting the changing needs of the in. This building stays true to its legendary Nearly 200 people attended the grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the expanded community,” said Andrews, who led tours fol- and renovated Walter E. Olson Memorial Library. —Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERBUSCH design, but adds more modern features, open lowing the ceremony. Gov. Scott Walker also attended the grand Behind the scenes dition to the north side of the existing library re-opening and noted the library has doubled The project was designed by OPN Archi- at 203 N. Main St., with an expanded park- in space to more than 11,000 square feet to tects, with offices in Cedar Rapids and Des ing area to the east. The single-level building serve communities in the area better. Moines, Iowa, and Madison. The building took advantage of the original architecture “The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library’s project was led by the general contractor, and amended the roofline, which had created status as a joint library supported by six DeLeers Construction Inc. of DePere. Several problems. nearby municipalities is an excellent exam- local contractors also were involved in the The finished plans include an enlarged ple of communities coming together to share project. computer area, study areas, a cozy fireplace knowledge for the common good,” said DeLeers Project Manager Rod Golonka for reading and talking, an expanded chil- Walker. “I’m proud to be here for its reno- said the building plan went well with the as- dren’s area and a young adult space with vated grand re-opening, and I’m confident it sistance of the foundation, OPN Architects gaming area. will remain the area’s historical, go-to public and subcontractors who participated in the Other new parts of the library include a source of knowledge for years to come.” project. Tinker’s Studio for patrons who want to cre- Nancy Schaffer, president of the Walter “The plan worked out very well,” said ate films, work on genealogical projects or Olson Memorial Library Foundation, said Golonka. “This is the first library I was in- transfer videos to digital. the goal of the library supporters was to ex- volved in while I was at DeLeers. But it was There is also a community room with pand without going to a referendum and us- pretty straightforward. We came in at bud- large folding-glass doors with an art display ing taxpayer dollars. get.” area and special lighting, and a central infor- “Thanks to the generosity and commit- Golonka said the foundation was excellent mation desk for library employees and vol- ment of Col. Pritzker and Tawani Foundation to work with through the project. unteers. Joining Andrews on the staff are and the area donors’ generosity, we have now “They had a strong emphasis on purchas- Mickee Stuckemeyer, administrative assis- arrived at today’s grand re-opening/ribbon- ing from local suppliers and using local sub- tant, and Pat Lamon, children and youth ser- cutting ceremony, and for that the founda- contractors as much as possible,” said vices coordinator. There also are 32 tion, the board of trustees, the building Golonka. “I had weekly progress meetings volunteers who perform 106 hours of free ser- committee and the communities served by with the foundation and on-site construction vice per week. Retired Lt. Col. Jennifer Pritzker of Tawani the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library and superintendent Shane Alger.” There is a book drop directly into the Foundation helped dedicate the new Walter the A.N. Pritzker and Robert Pritzker Wing building on the east side, adjacent to an off- E. Olson Memorial Library during the ribbon- are most humbled and grateful,” said Schaf- Project highlights cutting ceremony Dec. 15. fer. The $2.5 million budget allowed for an ad- Turn to CELEBRATION, Pg. 4 PAGE 4 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 Come and enjoy our new facility! ______BY LAURIE STOEGBAUER BOARD OF TRUSTEES PRESIDENT, WALTER E. OLSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY ______

Although it has been long in coming, the partment of Public Instruction and our li- renovation and expansion project is all the brary is a member of the Northern Waters board of trustees hoped for and we are de- Library Service. This is a joint agency of lighted with the new library. So many peo- Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, ple in our communities have been Sawyer, Vilas and Washburn counties, serv- responsible for making this happen and we ing over 155,000 residents. This agency’s want to thank everyone. mission is to provide access to quality li- The Walter E. Olson Foundation had a brary services that enrich the communities dream and, after years of commitment and of northern Wisconsin through training and countless hours, made it happen. The foun- education. dation formed a building committee of their There have been many benefactors for members, the trustees, the library director this project. Donations have been received and the community to aid in planning this from individuals in our communities, as facility. well as businesses. The board of trustees represents the six In one of the many dark hours of this separate entities that form the joint library project, it was necessary to provide a tem- district of Walter E. Olson Memorial Li- porary location for our library without hav- brary. Each community selects representa- ing to close. At that time, Ministry Health tives based on population. These Care (now Ascension) came forward to pro- communities and representatives are Mary vide a donation in kind by giving us a space The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library board of trustees include, front row from left, Barb Le - Platner and Joyce Owens, St. Germain; to house the library. We have used this loca- veille, Joné Davis, Laurie Stoegbauer and Caron Stegemann; and back row, Nan Andrews, Jill Barb Leveille and Laurie Stoegbauer, Lin- tion for over two years free of charge. We Kunes, Joe Eisele and Jack Loomis. Missing from the photo were Kathy Patten, Mary Platner coln; Jill Kunes, Washington; Kathy Patten, would not have had the funds to keep our and Joyce Owens. —Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERBUSCH Eagle River; Caron Stegemann, Conover; library open without them. Joe Eisele, Cloverland; and Joné Davis, The entities of our joint library district all are welcome, both visitors and residents. well as our volunteers, make the day-to-day Northland Pines School District. should be thanked for their continued sup- Our director, Nan Andrews, and employ- operations of the library possible. Please Public libraries are governed by the De- port. Our library is open to the public and ees Mickee Stuckemeyer and Pat Lamon, as come and enjoy our new facility.

dozer and move the mountain. And here we are today.” Celebration Jensen said the project has had many FROM PAGE 3 heroes, including the hundreds of people who have pledged and donated to the project. street parking area for 22 vehicles, includ- “They have been incredibly steadfast and ing ADA-compliant spaces at the east entry. faithful in their support,” said Jensen. “Over Phil Jensen, Olson Library Foundation all this time, 99.8% of all pledges have been campaign chairman, admitted there were faithfully paid.” some hurdles to clear during the project that Betty Gussick, a 30-year volunteer at the had its beginnings in 2002. library and one of the founders of the Walter “We found the road could be bumpy, but Olson Library Foundation, was delighted we pressed on,” said Jensen. “Some bumps during the grand re-opening celebration. became mole hills, others became moun- “It is the best day I could have wanted in tains. We learned you either go around the my lifetime,” said Gussick. “I kept telling the mountain, go over the mountain or some- people I wanted to see this day in my life- times you have to go find yourself a bull- time. I am thrilled.”

The new Walter E. Olson Memorial Library features large windows for natural light and areas New bookshelves in the adult, young adult and children’s sections hold 35,000 volumes at the to relax for reading everything from books and magazines to newspapers. Walter E. Olson Memorial Library and are shared with the Northern Waters Library System. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 5 Library built to benefit community ______BY NANCY SCHAFFER OLSON MEMORIAL LIBRARY FOUNDATION PRESIDENT ______

This area always had a geographical draw because of the land and water. As tourists and others moved here and supported the area, the small towns grew and along with more people, more services were needed and there became a need for a library. Andrew Carnegie said, “A library out- ranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert.” In 1897, Eagle River had 20 saloons. Alva Richison, who owned a general store that also housed the Western Union Tele- graph office, believed that people, especially young folks, should have some other place to frequent so opened a “Free Reading Room” in his store, thus the beginnings of a library. Even when a fire destroyed that building, the books were saved. In 1910 some townspeople formed a Li- brary Association, took subscriptions, sold library cards for 5 cents and received a cash donation from the town. In 1915 a joint venture between the women’s club and the local Rotary Club took charge of the library in the form of donated books and it was named the Eagle River Library. During World War II, the library was moved to the second floor of the old City Hall building on Division Street and as the collection expanded, it was relocated downstairs in the building. Members of the Olson Memorial Library Foundation include, front row and Laurie Stoegbauer; and back row, Lee Liermann, Phil Jensen, In 1964 a joint library was formed con- from left, Deb Obrodovich, Dar Kadulski, Norma Yaeger, Tina Koller Nancy Schaffer, John Hletko, Nancy Schuller and Jan Christofferson. sisting of the city of Eagle River, and the —Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERBUSCH towns of Cloverland, Lincoln and Washing- ton. By 1977, the library in the old City property owner and frequent visitor to the to percent of circulation. Chairman Phil Jensen, Deb Obrodovich, Hall building was in need of more space, so area. His foundation sold the property after As early as 1990, it was apparent that Nancy Schuller, Laurie Stoegbauer and a group of civic-minded individuals began his death and the library was one of the the Olson Library was rapidly becoming Norma Yaeger. Jack Loomis serves as legal to solicit funds for a new library. beneficiaries of the proceeds. overcrowded and something needed to be representative and Nan Andrews is the cur- Walter Cronkite said, “Whatever the cost The new library was constructed for a to- done to adequately serve the patrons. In rent library director. of our libraries, the price is cheap compared tal cost of $465,000 and dedicated as the August of 1992, a group of citizens formed Thank you to River Valley Bank, to that of an ignorant nation.” Walter E. Olson Memorial Library in 1980. the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library mBank, BMO Harris Bank and their staffs, In 1979, major funding of $350,000 was In 1989, the towns of St. Germain and Foundation to support the library’s mission the Eagle River Airport, First Congrega- obtained from the estate of Walter E. Olson, Conover were added and the method of and to expand the library in the future. The tional United Church of Christ and North- a rug manufacturer in Illinois who was a funding was changed from equalized value initial board of directors who signed the Ar- land Pines schools for the use of their ticle of Incorporation were Lee Liermann, conference rooms for many meetings over Ellen Hendrickson, Jim Slagle, Betty Gus- the past few years. sick, Phil Patterson, Al Moustakis, Dick Thank you to OPN Architects, DeLeers Hansen and Al Geiger. Construction, all the subcontractors, Josh In 2006, the foundation was approached Fuller and the Northland Pines Fab Lab by Library Director Diana Anderson, who students, owners’ representative Bruce reiterated the fact that the library was in Wetzel, the library board of trustees, the serious need of expansion, and as she put it, building committee, Lumberjack Grant spe- “bursting at the seams.” Thus the building cialists, and a special thanks to Shane Al- project began in earnest. ger, building project supervisor from There were some hurdles along the way DeLeers. and it has been quite the journey, but we When a new library was built in Troy, now have a spectacular new library. The Mich., in 1971, Isaac Asimov said, “Con- foundation, trustees and communities gratulations on the new library because it served by the library and the new A. N. isn’t just a library. It is a spaceship that will Pritzker and Robert Pritzker Wing are most take you to the farthest reaches of the uni- grateful. verse, a time machine that will take you to The present foundation members are the far past and the far future, a teacher Secretary Dar Kadulski, Vice President that knows more than any human being, a Tina Koller, Treasurer Lee Liermann, Wal- friend that will amuse you and console you, The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library serves more than 74,000 visitors a year. To assist the ter Olson Library Friends Chairwoman Jan and most of all, a gateway to a better and staff, 32 volunteers perform 106 hours of free service per week. Christofferson, John Hletko, campaign happier and more useful life.” PAGE 6 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017

WISCONSIN GOV. SCOTT WALKER

NANCY SCHAFFER

PHILIP JENSEN WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 7 A long and winding road Fifteen-year project ends with new Olson Library ______BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR ______

An undertaking that began with a 2002 community, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, needs study of Walter E. Olson Memorial for additional library outreach. Library, built in 1979, was celebrated last Any year that the library reaches that Friday as a $2.6 million expansion and ren- annual goal, Tawani Foundation will award ovation project at the library was com- an additional $10,000. So library founda- pleted. tion fundraising continues with such events While the Walter E. Olson Memorial Li- as the annual golf outing that generates brary Foundation and the library board of matching grants by Tawani. trustees faced many challenges throughout Meanwhile, the Lumberjack Resource the project, their goals of remodeling and Conservation and Development Council renovating the current 6,500-square-foot Inc., headquartered in Rhinelander, building and completing a 4,500-square- awarded the foundation a $10,000 grant to- foot addition to the existing structure were ward the storm-water management on the fulfilled. library site. The combination of under- Funding for the new library renovation ground drain lines, rainwater collection sys- and expansion was initially raised through tem and parking lot catch basin is in gifts and pledges from the community after keeping with prudent management of the a multiyear library foundation campaign site. that raised approximately $1 million from During the last decade and a half, two the winter of 2010 through the summer of adjoining lots were purchased to allow the ’13. library’s expansion and also filled the need The campaign was given a gigantic boost to provide off-street parking. by a grant from Tawani Foundation of $1.6 Six municipalities and their residents million. own the library and include the city of Ea- Beyond the initial grant, Tawani Foun- gle River and the towns of Cloverland, The community room at Walter E. Olson Memorial Library also features special lighting and dation created a discretionary fund to be Conover, Lincoln, St. Germain and Wash- hangers to display art from local artists. —Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERBUSCH used by the foundation, in consultation ington, as well as the hundreds of summer with the library director, that will permit visitors who use the library, located at the A Building Committee, selected by the li- itant to retain ownership, council members the library to expand its programming and corner of Main and Spruce streets just brary board of trustees, first met Dec. 22, gifted the library to the town of Lincoln in outreach. For a period of 10 years, Tawani north of downtown Eagle River. 2014, in the library conference room. The October 2014. The original project was bid Foundation will match funds raised by the committee consisted of Steve Perry, chair- with prevailing wages and the bids came in The library plan man, representing the joint owner munici- around $4 million. Library officials had to In 2007, the Durrant Group of Dubuque, palities; Jill Kunes, Jone Davis, Mary explore how to handle reconstruction that Iowa, was selected for a design study. Dur- Platner and Laurie Stoegbauer, all repre- would be in full compliance with Wisconsin rant had been in the design business for 80 senting the board of trustees; Nan An- law, but structured entirely different to years and was highly regarded. drews, library director; Norma Yaeger, lower the price of the building project. Durrant Group completed a design library volunteer and library foundation It was determined the town of Lincoln study for the library, which recommended a member; and two community members, Jim would transfer ownership to the founda- space of 13,150 square feet for a cost of ap- Holperin and John Biggs. tion, whose articles of incorporation allow proximately $2.4 million. However, the de- The committee began by reviewing the it to hold, improve and use real property. sign required the library to vacate the proposed new library building plan which While its purpose is to benefit the Walter E. premises for an extended period of time and included a 2007 and ’10 facility analysis, Olson Memorial Library, the foundation is it had a uniform flat roof over the structure. space program requirements and concep- not subject to public bidding since it is not There also was a recommendation from tual design, cost estimate and schematic de- a governmental entity. contractors consulted to abandon and design by the Durrant Group for a totally new With new direction, the Library Build- molish the present library. library estimated to cost $3.2 million. ing Committee met weekly in January 2015 In 2010, the needs assessment was up- Local businessman Jeff Visner, owner of and then proceeded to have 30 more meet- dated with a concept for a totally new li- Design/Build by Visner, took an interest in ings in 2015 to insure that every detail of brary to be built just north of the existing the future of the library. He spent consider- construction, both interior and exterior, was facility. It was to incorporate 13,800 square able time inspecting the original library studied and analyzed for both practicality feet on one level and a lower level of 6,400 and felt that it could be renovated and ex- and enhancement. square feet for mechanicals and future use. panded into a new facility that exceeded the Mid-year 2015, Biggs and Holperin re- The project, estimated at $3.26 million, was previous designs. He created a new design signed from the committee due to other accepted by both the foundation and the which was faithful to the original architec- commitments and board of trustee mem- board of trustees. ture, satisfied the proposed space needs, bers Joe Eisele and Walt Camp joined the Fundraising began immediately with used the existing building structure and committee, along with Bernie Hupperts, the hiring of the capital development firm eliminated the flat roof of the original de- representing the community. of Woodburn & Kyle of Madison, Ind., to as- sign. The majority of the 30 Building Commit- sist in raising the $3.26 million to fund the The new design was endorsed by the li- tee meetings were held in the conference project. brary foundation, the campaign cabinet and room at Design/Build by Visner, which had In the fall of 2012, the 85-year-old Dur- the library trustees. multiple amenities such as computer-gen- rant Group unexpectedly ceased operations erated graphics and samples of everything A lighted globe from the old library has been and closed its doors. The foundation turned A long road placed in the new library wing. to exploring other options. Because the city of Eagle River was hes- Turn to JOURNEY, Pg. 14 PAGE 8 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 9 Congratulations! Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of the Walter E. Olson Library Foundation and the Library Board of Trustees, Eagle River has an expanded, fully renovated library facility at the corner of Main and Spruce streets. We Salute You! This message is brought to you by the following community-minded businesses. ACE IS THE PLACE Depend on the people at Nelson’s for all your needs. FOUNTAIN BLU • Hallmark Cards • Lawn & Garden • Hand & Power Tools Distinctive Gifts • Plumbing & Electrical Supplies & Fixtures T-SHIRTS F SWEATSHIRTS F WIND CHIMES • Propane Filling • Keys Duplicated 1659 Hwy. 45 North Open 7 days a week “Service Is Everything” Eagle River, WI 54521 TOYS F PUZZLES F BOOKS to serve you 622 E. Wall OPEN DAILY 11 A.M. - CLOSE Office: CANDLES F CARDS F ARTWORK Eagle River, WI 715-479-7300 • ELECTRICAL • REFRIGERATION • HEATING STOP IN — BROWSE — ENJOY! Hardware 715-479-6631 • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING Toll Free: Nelson’s

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Thank you, Olson Memorial Library Foundation and Board of Trustees, on a job well done! We’re proud to be part of this community project.

YOUR FAMILY-OWNED HOMETOWN BUSINESS SINCE 1970

RICK NEIS 3883 Hwy. 70 East, Eagle River MP 7548 (715) 479-7012 • Fax: (715) 479-7013 CRED. 225915 WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 11 Public library in Eagle River started with ‘free reading room’ in late 1890s

The concept of a public library in Ea- gle River dates back to the late 1890s. Since that time, there have been several library locations — including at businesses, in the high school, in City Hall and finally, at the current location. Many organizations and people also have been involved in the growth and continuance of a public library in Ea- gle River. The history of the library from the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library website follows:

Pre-1897 — (Written by Mort Cook, an early resident of Eagle River) “At one time, prior to the year 1897, Alva G. Richison operated a store in a small building which stood east of the O’Connor building (later housed First National Bank). He sold to- bacco, candy and notions. He also operated the Western Union Telegraph office, the in- come from which was a big item in his business. The late Robert Ziebell, then in his teens, worked for him. (That location) is where he learned telegraphy, which prepared him for a successful railroad career. “At that time, our little town had about 20 saloons. Mr. Richison, being a religious man, thought that the people, especially the young, should have some other place to go, so he started what he called a ‘free reading room’ in a part of his store. That, I believe, was Eagle River’s first library. “In a very short time the little building became too crowded, so Mr. Richison moved across the street into a vacant store building. In addition to Western Union, he se- The former Walter E. Olson Memorial Library was constructed in 1979 opened in 1980. A Walter E. Olson Foundation grant for $350,000 cured the agency for the American Express on two lots on the corner of Main and Spruce streets and officially helped fund the project. —Contributed Photo Co. He also put in a stock of hardware and 1914 — After the library had been in ex- ownership of cards entitling bearer to the for $50 and transfer all books over to the paint. In the meantime, Rev. H. C. Todd, pas- istence for about four years, the Eagle River privileges of the library, though for some high school library. tor of the Congregational Church, took Woman’s Club took charge of it and has time in abeyance, has been revived. Mrs. charge of the reading room. 1932 — (March 28 club minutes) Club since been the main factor in its support, Delia D. Austin has been chairman of the li- voted to sell bookcases to high school for “From there on up to recent years, my raising necessary funds by giving entertain- brary board and also of the financial com- $30. memory of the library is rather sketchy. I do ments and taking up collections among the mittee since the library was started. Though 1939 — (May Club minutes) A club mem- remember a fire (in which) the building was businessmen. small at present, the books mostly confined ber reported on the new library sponsored destroyed, but the books were saved . . . I am 1915 — (March 6 club minutes) Library to fiction, the library may be regarded as the by the Eagle River and Service clubs. not sure of the location. Standing Committee was created by the Ea- nucleus of a future institution that shall 1940 — (January club minutes) Club “Later, about 1910, some of the townspeo- gle River Woman’s Club. (March 20 club have a home of its own and prove an impor- voted to hold a contest to find a name for the ple formed a Library Association, took sub- minutes) Club voted to sponsor a public li- tant factor in the educational advancement new library, the name to be accompanied by scriptions, received a cash donation from the brary. Many books were donated to the li- of the community.” Source: excerpt from a 250-word essay on the merits of the new li- town, and sold library cards at 50 cents brary. The Inter Se Society, another woman’s “Early Days in Eagle River Wisconsin.” Pub- brary. This will be a county project. (Febru- each, thereby giving the library a new lease organization, also helped by donating books. lished in History of Lincoln, Oneida and Vi- ary club minutes) A $10 book on art was on life.” Inter Le Club donated $40.19 for purchase las counties, Wisconsin. Compiled by George presented to the library. Voted to create a 1910 — In or about the year 1910, some of new books. O. Jones, Norman S. McVean and Others. Penny Book Fund to aid in purchasing of the residents of Eagle River formed a li- 1918 — (Feb. 9 club minutes) Public li- H.C. Cooper Jr. & Co, c1924. books for the library. brary association and took up subscriptions brary being housed/maintained in Miss 1925-’26 — (Club minutes) Ruth Rantz 1942 — (March club minutes) Discussion for the purchase of books. A small sum was Harriet Richmond’s store. Librarian being designated librarian with funds being of the library plight created by abandon- realized by this means, the members pur- paid annual salary of $50. raised by bake sales. From Jan. 1 to March ment of the WPA and no funds for the li- chased cards at 50 cents apiece, and the 1923 — (April 10 club minutes) Large 8, 1926, a total of 35 cards were issued from brary. The club voted to elect a member to town board donated $100. The first books part of club’s interest and energy expended the library representing 24 families. Club the Library Board. (September club min- purchased were kept in a building which on the library. A program entitled “Our Li- voted to card-catalog the library and sign up utes) Report of the Library Committee indi- stood on the site of the present First Na- brary-Its History,” presented and its for “Book of the Month Club” subscription. cated that the City Council had consented tional Bank. The building subsequently value/suggestions for its future welfare dis- 1928 — (May club minutes) Entry indi- to have the library moved to City Hall. Com- burned down, but the books were saved. cussed. cated that “Mother India” placed in library, mittee authorized to act with Service Club Subsequent purchases and donations have 1924 — “The library has been housed at but not on shelves. in hiring librarian. (November club min- since increased the number of books in the different times in various store buildings. 1930 — (September club minutes) Club library to 915. The custom of charging 50 cents a year for voted to offer four bookcases to high school To HISTORY, Pg. 12 PAGE 12 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 ciates are $5,327. The LSCA federal grant awarded $1,500 to the Eagle River Public Li- History brary Board for construction. In July, the FROM PAGE 11 Wisconsin Public Libraries Survey was completed by Board President John Digert. Total floor area of library is 900 square feet, an in- utes) Report of the Library Committee indi- crease from 700 square feet after remodeling. cated that the library has been moved to City Seating capacity of 46 users. Total book col- Hall and a wire barrier created to enclose it. lection is 5,550. 1946 — (December club minutes) 1965 — (March 8 club minutes) Report on Woman’s Club donated $100 to the City Li- the new library presented by club member brary. Betty Houkes and plans detailed for ex- 1948 — (Club minutes) Club voted to do- tended local library service plus increase of nate $100 to the library toward new shelves. material through Book Mobile. (March 16 (April Club minutes) Three books on Wiscon- dedication remarks of Board President John sin were purchased for the Library Conser- Digert) “It is significant that we are the first vation Program. library in Wisconsin to use a construction 1949 — (January club minutes) Proceeds grant through the new Library Services and from the Flower Show were turned over to Construction Act.” (March 27 club minutes) the Library Fund. Announcement of opening of new library on 1950 — (January club minutes) Money March 27 in association with a club tea from from the Flower Show, amounting to $80, 2-4 p.m. was given to the library. 1970 — (Excerpt from typewritten notes) 1951 — (April club minutes) Flower Show “First formed as a paying library in 1925. money turned over to the library. Present library employs one full-time librar- 1952 — (April club minutes) Discussion ian and one part-time librarian; has a board of Book Mobile tabled for the present time. of eight. There are approximately 9,000 vol- 1955 — (Sept. 12 club minutes) Woman’s umes in the library. It is also serviced by the Club received check for $25 from Rotary Multi-Library System from Ashland and by Club reflecting Flower Show proceeds and the Wisconsin Valley Reference Service Li- this check endorsed over to the Library brary. Circulation for 1970 was 19,804.” Board. Club voted to hold an Art Exhibit and Olson Memorial Library installed its first computer in 1990. Admiring the new technology were Tea, which subsequently generated $85.25 1972 — On Jan. 11, Board President John Betty Gussick (at computer), the Rev. Rick Lawrence and Library Director Vicki Ahlswede. for the library. Digert reports at a quarterly board meeting —News-Review File Photo 1961 — (Jan. 9 club minutes) Club mem- the library is a duly constituted library, clas- 1980 — (Project description) Total cost of request from the Merlin library catalog. ber Mrs. Thomas appointed to Library Board sified as a type 3 library with no more than construction project is $468,722. Architect is 2017 — The library board and foundation as representative of the Woman’s Club. seven members on the Library Board. At a Leonard Reinke of Reinke, Hansche, Last completed a $2.5 million renovation and ex- 1962 — (January club minutes) New July 13 board meeting, board passed a mo- Inc. located in Oshkosh. July 10 Library Ded- pansion project at its current location. The quarters for the library discussed. City Coun- tion accepting the Constitution of Eagle ication and Open House. Project completion new Eagle River area public library expands cil voted to provide $1,500 to fix up area River Joint Library Board of Trustees (Sec. date Sept. 1. the total space from 6,500 square feet to downstairs. There will be a new front, win- 43-Laws 71) as written by John Digert. At 1995 — Library participates in Badger- 11,000 square feet. Improvements include in - dows in back of building, new floor and this meeting, plans for future expansion of Dial Consortium. creased space for collections, a large commu- painted walls. the library were discussed. 2014 — The library is one of 30 library nity room, a new Young Adult area, a digital 1963 — (April 8 club minutes) Books 1976 — (Oct. 14 special board meeting) members of the Northern Waters Library Tinker Studio, study carrels and a conference bought with proceeds from Antique Show, co- Motion passed to assess at the rate of Service (NWLS), a system serving eight room, as well as greatly increased Wi-Fi cov- sponsored by Rotary Club. 0.00013, which would bring in $1.30 on each northern Wisconsin counties. Member li- erage. The foundation notes the library has 1964 — (Feb. 24 club minutes) Proceeds $10,000 of equalized valuation of the towns braries formed the Merlin Integrated Li- been built and finished entirely with donated from sale of State Calendar, $8, donated to Lincoln, Cloverland and Washington, and the brary Service Consortium and share funds and without the use of taxpayer dol- purchase children’s books. March 30, the Ea- city of Eagle River. resources available for patrons to browse and lars. gle River Library Board Building Committee 1977 — (Board meeting minutes) Library posted a bid notice for the remodeling of the circulation was 36,008 volumes. (May 18 Li- old fire station at the City Hall for use as a library Board meeting) Arno Wehle, board brary. Estimated costs from Genisot & Asso- president, read a letter from Miss Pelz, president of the Walter E. Olson Foundation of Wilmette, Ill., announcing that the Olson Grant for construction of a new building will be $350,000. 1979 — (Account authored by Diana Bloom Anderson) “The library was moved into the second floor of the old City Hall building on Division Street during World War II, subsequently relocating downstairs as its collection expanded. Eventually, it outgrew that location and a new library was built in 1979 on two lots at the corner of Main and Spruce streets. It officially opened in 1980 as the Walter E. Olson Memorial Li- brary. Mr. Olson was the founder and owner of Olson Rug Co. in Chicago; he owned property in the St. Germain area on Big St. Ger- main Lake and Moon Lake. His foundation sold the property after his death; the library was one of the beneficiaries of the proceeds.” (July 11, 1979, summary of bids) General work for 6,500 square feet of construction is awarded to Teschendorf & Shrock Inc., at Two youngsters enjoyed looking at the $224,824. Groundbreaking date is July 25 at The former Walter E. Olson Memorial Library served the community from 1979 through 2016, globe in the former Olson Library. 11:30 a.m. but eventually outgrew its walls due to expanded programming. —Contributed Photos WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 13

‘A place close to home’

The Walter E. Olson Memorial Library recently completed a $2.5 million expansion and renovation project. After more than 10 years of planning and fundraising, the new design of the library added 4,500 square feet in the Abram Nicholas Pritzker and Robert Pritzker Wing to the 6,500 square feet, with all funds raised by the Olson Library Foundation. The capital campaign was boosted by a $1.6 million grant from Tawani Foundation. Some of the scenes from the new library include: Above left: The new adult section features a cozy fireplace and comfortable seating area. Above right: Library Director Nan Andrews is ready to assist library patrons from her desk. Right: Staff and volunteers assist library visitors from the new information desk. Left: The expanded children’s area features books, movies, games and work areas. —Staff Photos By GARY RIDDERBUSCH PAGE 14 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 In early January 2017, the Eagle River City Council approved the revised site plan Journey for the project with the understanding that FROM PAGE 7 any future storage water issues with the site would be the full responsibility of the library board of trustees. from cabinets and carpeting to lighting and The interior work at the library began in wood. February 2017. The remodeled and reno- When the construction bids came in too vated library offers a community room, con- high in March 2016, the library board of ference and non-conference rooms, an trustees deemed them to be beyond the expanded children’s area, a more spacious range of available funds, thus being unable computer area, a Tinker’s Studio and an ex- to continue with the building plans prepared tensive adult and young adult book area by Design/Build by Visner. flooded with natural light and comfortable In a letter to library benefactors, the li- seating. brary foundation wrote: “Mr. Visner worked The new off-street parking lot has 22 tirelessly to provide us with a new facility of spaces and there is a privacy fence erected which we could take great pride. It is unfor- on the north and east sides of the parking lot. tunate that it was beyond our means. While While some landscaping was completed prior there have been expenses for the design to winter, any additional landscaping will be work already completed, access to those doc- completed in the spring of 2018. uments and the software that created them Library Director Andrews and her staff, will mitigate some of the costs going forward. professional movers and a large group of vol- Also, as stated, much of the preconstruction unteers moved the library collection, equip- work has been completed.” ment and supplies from the temporary The Library Building Committee then in- location back to their home at 203 N. Main terviewed two architectural firms, and at the St. the first two weeks of December. same time, the library board of trustees A grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting transferred the library ownership to the li- ceremony for the new facility was held Fri- brary foundation, which allowed the project day, Dec. 15, with Gov. Scott Walker, retired to become a private building project utilizing Mickee Stuckemeyer, administrative assistant at Olson Memorial Library, works at a computer Lt. Col. Jennifer Pritzker of Tawani Founda- in the high-tech Tinker’s Studio open to the public. —Staff Photo By GARY RIDDERBUSCH a “design-build” concept. tion, Library Director Andrews and library Design-build is a joint venture between foundation members offering comments to for the support of donors in that effort. names honoring the donor or someone a the general contractor and designer and is attendees. Library officials also have announced the donor wishes to honor. Installation of the the fastest delivery method. The risk to the Buy-a-Brick campaign dedicated to the new pavers will occur next summer when the li- foundation is minimal, it is more cost-effec- Fund the furnishings furnishings in the library. These decorative brary grounds will be completed. tive and utilizes integrated services, accord- Almost all available funds were dedicated brick pavers will flank both sides of the side- “Buy-a-Brick” order forms are available at ing to library officials. to construction of the library, and officials walk leading to the library’s west entrance. the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library. There will need to reuse many of the furnishings, “We hope everyone will want to be a part is also a link available on the library website A rejuvenated approach fixtures and much of the equipment from the of history as we bring the library home,” said at olsonlibrary.org so donors can purchase a A new Foundation Building Committee old library. Nancy Schaffer, president of the library foun- brick and enter names and dedications on a was formed including founding members, While some items are serviceable, most dation. “Honoring someone with a laser-en- virtual brick. Bricks are available starting at representatives from the board of trustees are dated and worn. Library officials have es- graved brick bearing their name will be a gift $125. The site shows the donor how the brick and community members. tablished a separate $200,000 budget to re- that lasts a lifetime.” will look when it is ready to be installed near The new committee selected OPN Archi- place as much as they can and are looking Individual pavers will be imprinted with the west entrance to the library. tects from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Madison, to renovate the present structure and en- large the facility to meet the library’s needs and stay within the budget. OPN began working in the summer of 2016 and the construction drawings and sup- porting information were submitted to the state of Wisconsin for the permit review Jan. 31, 2017. The Foundation Building Committee then hired DeLeers Construction Inc. of De- Pere as the general contractor. Mountain Engineering of Iron Mountain, Mich., was also hired. The company began some exploratory de- molition within the building in December 2016. The official groundbreaking for the Wal- ter E. Olson Memorial Library expansion and renovation project took place March 30, 2017. DeLeers engaged local contractors to handle the electrical, plumbing and heating of the project, and a variety of building materials were purchased locally. During the project, a temporary Olson Li- brary was located in the previous Medical Arts Building on East Hospital Road, located just adjacent to the Ascension Eagle River Hospital parking lot. This gift from then Ministry Health Care, greatly simplified the construction schedule, according to library The floor plan of the new Walter E. Olson Memorial Library shows the young adult section with conference rooms (new wing to left), a commu- officials. two main entrances, a children’s section (far right), the adult section and nity room, computer room and the staff work area. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING PAGE 15

AA GreatGreat BoostBoost toto EagleEagle River!River!

We salute the Walter E. Olson Memorial Library Foundation, the Board of Trustees, the generous donors, the contractors, the town of Lincoln and everyone who had a part in the expansion and renovation of the Olson Memorial Library. What a boost for education and future economic growth. Parsons Parsonsof Eagle River Striving to do what’s best for you! 5353 Hwy. 70 West Eagle River, WI 54521 (800) 341-4421 www.parsonsofeagleriver.com PAGE 16 OLSON LIBRARY GRAND RE-OPENING WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27, 2017