Library’s ongoing capital campaign seeks to build trust, secure donors

Eight months ago, in June 2024, the Rhinelander District Library (RDL) and RDL Foundation launched a capital campaign for the $7 million renovation and expansion of its 121-year-old facility.

As of a recent Feb. 18 board meeting, Fundraising Coordinator Kim Swisher said the foundation has raised over $900,000 since its launch from donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Additionally, the day after the meeting, the library received notification from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation that it would donate $20,000 over two years, $10,000 in 2025, and $10,000 in 2026.

While Swisher said the fundraising has been slower than expected and initially hoped to complete it within two years, there's no set deadline. She said the team remains committed and is working to build trust and awareness in the community about the library's modern relevance.

"Of course, we wanted [the current amount raised] to be more…I was hoping we would hit a million dollars by the end of the year, but fundraising this type of money is a slow process," Swisher said. "We have to build trust. There was an effort done about 10 or 15 years ago that fizzled out. And so there's been slow processes of building back trust that this is happening."

The foundation is also actively applying for local and national grants, but Swisher said they want to see community support first.

"We continue to provide regular updates and information when donors ask,” she said. “I've had some phone calls from people about where the money is going, and we have a lot of information on that."

Renovation and expansion plans

Other than updates to the HVAC system and general routine maintenance, the library’s Carnegie building hasn’t been renovated significantly since 1985.

Swisher said the renovation and expansion are necessary to address aging infrastructure, improve accessibility and safety, and provide more meeting, work, and study spaces, which are crucial since remote work has become more popular.

According to the library, the project plan began with community surveys and interviews held by the library’s board of trustees and staff, and J.H. Findorff and Son, Inc. in Wausau, the library’s construction manager, conducted a needs assessment.

The plan will add 7,650 square feet to the approximately 15,000 square-foot building.

It will include replacing the existing elevator and reconfiguring the stairwell to the lower level. "The elevator is more than 40 years old. They can't even find parts anymore. Sometimes they have to have parts made reconfiguring the stairwell because it's not friendly," Swisher said.

Swisher also said the expansion includes a new 100-seat meeting room that the public can access at night through a keypad and emphasized the enhanced privacy of the workspaces so community members can take advantage of telehealth appointments, as one example.

"We interviewed two men in their late twenties or early thirties who both work remotely, and they said that the biggest reason they could no longer have virtual meetings here is because there's no privacy," Swisher said, which the construction project aims to change.

Additionally, the children's and outdoor areas will be expanded and improved. "Other than a couple of things out front, there's no outdoor seating," Swisher said. "This plan will address outdoor gathering spaces and have a perennial garden for our master gardeners."

The plan will also update the staff’s work areas, a combination of cubicles and offices. Walking through the library, Swisher pointed out the small, cramped spaces. “I mean, they have no room. They have no room,” she said.

Other improvements include more easily accessible walk-up and drive-up book drops, new parking added to the east side of the building, restrooms on the main level, long-needed building maintenance, such as replacing leaking windows, and new entrances that will meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Construction will begin once 85% of the fundraising is complete. Swisher said the library will do everything possible to remain open during construction.

Beyond books

As of 2023 (the 2024 stats were not yet available at press time), the library has 10,522 cardholders who, in addition to checking out books, take advantage of the multiple other offerings, from magazines, music, movies, puzzles, two public notaries, access to free technology, and more.

The Library of Things offers various miscellaneous items available to check out, such as games, musical instruments, and kits for anything from writing to macrame to memory games for seniors.

The library also has a robust programming and activities lineup for children, teens, adults, and senior outreach, providing materials to homebound individuals.

Denise Chojnacki, the children’s librarian, whose front desk area faces Franklin, the library’s popular loggerhead musk turtle, said that the children’s department even offers free passes to the Northwoods Children’s Museum in Eagle River, the only one within an 80-mile radius, according to the museum.

"Families can come and check one out for 24 hours, and it admits up to eight people," Chojnacki said. "Even if it's ten bucks in admission, that's 80 bucks they're saving."

Modern library

However, Swisher said one of the biggest challenges is that people think of the library as a place for children. "It's way more than that," she said, explaining that the library supports people of all ages and demographics.

"This library plays a significant role for parents, for teens to come and get books that they can't afford to buy or to have experiences with other teens that they might not get at high school," Swisher said. "For adults, it offers opportunities for meeting new neighbors or new friends. And for seniors, it's critical. It gives them a lifeline."

"I think a lot of it is people think libraries are outdated, and they're not. There are so many vital services," Swisher added.

The library's role in the community is the driving force keeping the capital campaign's momentum going. The foundation members remain optimistic and continue outreach and grant applications, and Swisher is looking forward to contacting snowbirds and vacation homeowners this summer.

"This library has been a foundation of our democracy since its formation," Swisher said. "We cannot think it's irrelevant because that would mean you haven't been here lately. And if you haven't been here lately, let us show you around. Let us show you all the things that are happening."

The library is located at 106. N. Stevens St. It often holds open houses for interested community members to learn more about the building project and the fundraising status.

Donors may send checks of any amount to the RDL Foundation at P.O. Box 1225, Rhinelander, WI 54501, or donations can be made securely online through the foundation’s PayPal account at rdlfoundation.org.

For more information, visit rhinelanderlibrary.org or rdlfoundation.org or call 715-365-1070.