The Katie Flowers Endowment, in support of the Forest Lodge Library, had established a fundraising goal of 1.7 million dollars to finance the cost of a library expansion facility which will be located in the lot adjacent to the existing log cabin library.
In October 2024, the Forest Lodge Library, with the assistance of the Town of Cable, who is the fiduciary agent of the library, received the Flexible Facilities grant through the Department of Administration of the state of Wisconsin. It was in the next few months that the Cable Natural History Museum brought forth the discussion about their use and needs of the log cabin, as its owners. After many meetings with community stakeholders, the decision was made to move forward with the new library facility as a stand alone building.
The new library facility will enable the Forest Lodge Library to offer enhanced library services to patrons and visitors and will fulfill a community need for public meeting space for small and medium groups, including workspace and aligned technology for businesses working remotely. The continued use of the beloved log cabin as a part of the library is still yet to be decided and worked out with the owners of the log cabin, the Cable Natural History Museum.
- The Forest Lodge Library has been located in the 1004 square foot log cabin since 1925 which, while charming, places severe constraints on the size of the collection. The new facility will allow us to retain purchased materials and reintegrate collection that has been stored off-site.
- The new facility is sized to accommodate anticipated space needs through 2040.
- Increased and enhanced technology services will serve community needs.
- The new facility will allow the Forest Lodge Library to offer increased handicapped accessibility and to be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- The Forest Lodge Library will be able to offer expanded services for children and age appropriate space for young adults.
- It is hopeful that the Forest Lodge Library will be able to continue its plan to utilizing the existing library as a Community Room. Study room spaces located in the new facility will enable the library to offer daytime programming as well as space for individual instruction or private workspace. At present, all programming must be scheduled after operating hours or off-site and there are no private spaces for one-on-one sessions.
- The planned facility offers a dedicated parking area, improving safety for visiting patrons.
- Possible plans for the log cabin were to have it remain as an integral and active part of the library and be principally an adult area for quiet reading and computer engagement.
- Already a destination, an enhanced library facility will draw more visitors to downtown Cable.
Support is sought at many levels. Naming Opportunities are still available. To discuss a Naming Opportunity, a donation or pledge, a stock transfer or a significant gift please contact Library Director Amanda Westlund at 715-798-3189 or [email protected] or any member of the Forest Lodge Library or Katie Flowers Endowment Board of Trustees. We welcome your support!
The Katie Flowers Endowment, trade name Forest Lodge Library KFE is a legally enjoined Wisconsin 501 ( c ) 3 that functions as the fundraising arm of the Forest Lodge Library and whose sole purpose is to support the library. The EIN is 39-1994280.