Library capital campaign receives donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals

In June 2024, the Rhinelander District Library (RDL) and the RDL Foundation launched a capital campaign for the renovation and expansion of the 121-year-old facility on Stevens Street. Thanks to the generosity and support of a variety of local businesses, organizations and individuals, more than $845,000 has been raised in support of the project, according to an RDL press release.

The goal of the campaign is to raise $7 million.

Pictured, from left to right, are Christy Schneider, Heather Sturtevant, Cindy Goll, Dee Jacobs, Lynn Erbstrosser, Deb Richardson, Cindy Zielenski, Carolyn DeJongh and Sue Bessert of the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club.
(Submitted photo)

 Some of the donors to the campaign include the GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club, the Northwoods Genealogical Society, Walter and Donna Gager, Frasier’s Plumbing and Heating and AirPro Fan & Blower Company.

The women’s club has been a benefactor of the library since its founding in 1898, and continued its support with a donation in September 2024, the release states.

Walter and Donna Gager are long-time contributors and patrons of the Library. As Library Champions, their 2024 matching donations will provide a new elevator for the updated facility.

In October 2024, Frasier’s Plumbing, Heating and Cooling selected the library capital campaign as their Duck Fund September recipient. As shared on their Facebook page, “Giving back to our community is one of the reasons we love what we do at Frasier’s. The Library is an essential hub of this community for so many. The team at Frasier’s voted and they agreed — the Library is special for all of us. As kids who grew up here and parents now ourselves, we’re grateful to have this wonderful resource available to us.”

In December 2024, the Northwoods Genealogical Society presented a check for the capital campaign. The society, along with the library, works toward the goal of making a great genealogy department housed at the library, and meets monthly in the library’s only meeting room.

On Jan. 14, Kyle Kuehneman and Nick Confer from AirPro Fan & Blower Company presented library staff with a second donation for the renovation and expansion project. 

“The main thing for us is supporting the community and giving back to the community,” Kyle shared. This was AirPro’s second donation in 2024.

“We are very grateful to these organizations and the many individuals who have shown their support for our needed renovation and expansion,” said library director Virginia Roberts.

“As the Rhinelander District Library celebrates its 128th year of service to our community, we are looking forward to ensure we continue to provide the multitude of services that so many of us, our families, friends and neighbors rely upon,” Roberts continued.

The Rhinelander District Library Foundation is currently accepting donations of any amount. Checks may be sent to Post Office Box 1225, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Donations may also be made securely online through the Foundation’s PayPal account at RDLfoundation.org.

The Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law. Donations to the campaign will only be used to fund this renovation and expansion.

Volunteers, staff, and members of the Board of Trustees have been working on the renovation and expansion plan for more than 10 years, the release states.

The project will add 7,650 square feet to the building, and will include:

• Replacing the existing 40+ year old elevator;

• Improving and expanding the children’s area;

• Adding and enhancing community meeting spaces, and

• Creating additional work and study spaces.

The 1904 Carnegie building and the 1985 addition will receive critical updates including:

• Adding restrooms on the main level;

• Long-needed building maintenance including replacing leaking windows, and

• New entrances that are on-grade, safer, more easily accessible – and that meet current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

For more information, visit https://www.rhinelanderlibrary.org/.