Library fundraising campaign reaches milestone

Efforts to fund a renovation and expansion of the historic Rhinelander District Library continue with some donors contributing multiple gifts to the project and a new announcement of a gift pledged in memory of a beloved community leader.
On June 30, the Rhinelander District Library Foundation launched a Matching Funds Campaign made possible by a generous $120,000 donation from an anonymous donor. According to a Foundation press release, the donor’s hope was that the community would match this gift to help advance the Capital Campaign’s efforts to renovate and expand the 128-year-old Rhinelander District Library.
“The community has responded with enthusiasm and support,” library officials reported late last week. “Since the launch, individuals and families have contributed $33,838.38.”
On August 26, the Rhinelander District Library and Foundation received two donations at the Library.
AirPro Fan & Blower Company donated $10,000, their third substantial gift to the Campaign.

The GFWC Rhinelander Woman’s Club also contributed $10,000, their second major gift since the campaign began last year.
In addition, the National Association of Theater Owners of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (NATO of WI/UP) has also pledged $25,000 to the Matching Funds Campaign in memory of George Rouman.
Rouman, a well-known local entrepreneur who served as president of the company that operates Rouman Cinema and the Fun Factory Sweet Shoppe, was killed in a car accident on June 9, 2024.
The group is also working with the library to support a future gift dedicated for the Children’s Collection space, according to the release.
Together, these contributions, along with the many community donations, have brought the Matching Funds Campaign to $78,838.38.
There is still time for the community help make a difference by contributing to the matching funds donation challenge, the release notes. Donations can be made securely online at RDLFoundation.org or by mail to:
Rhinelander District Library Foundation
PO Box 1225
Rhinelander, WI 54501
To date, the Capital Campaign to renovate and expand the 128-year-old Rhinelander District Library has raised $1,260,799.68.
“The $7 million project will provide much needed renovations including 7,650 square feet of new space that will modernize the children’s area for growing young minds, create meeting and study rooms for students, groups and community events, add restrooms on the main level of the Library, replace the 40-year-old elevator to ensure full accessibility, and improve entrances and windows to protect the building’s integrity,” the release states.
For more information on the Capital Campaign, visit RDLFoundation.org or stop by the Rhinelander District Library today.