Oh, 2020, you destroyer of timelines, you betrayer of plans! Let us hasten to say that we are mindful that having been put on “pause” is about the least worst thing that might of happened. We stand in sympathy with all of those who lost so much this pandemic year. This year of floods, fires and tornadoes. This year of racial and political unrest. We believe that better days are coming.
Late in the summer of 2019 the Board of the Forest Lodge Library and the Katie Flowers Endowment began to look for a fundraising professional to assist us in the development of a Capital Campaign. Through the autumn and early winter months we met with a couple of fundraisers and ended up choosing to- work with Jim Radford and Baker Street Consulting of Stevens Point. Baker Street had considerable experience working with rural non-profits and libraries in particular, so, they seemed a good fit for us. Baker Street felt it would be advisable to conduct a small-sample feasibility study on behalf of our project-which was to commence in March, or, in short, just as the COVID-19 pandemic was stepping up its march across our nation. Thus, all interviews were conducted via telephone and we offer our thanks to those who participated. Mr. Radford returned to us with the message that, while exactly that moment might not be the right time (Summer 2020) his survey gave him cause to think that we would be able to raise the funds to complete the proposed facility expansion project and, people were glad to hear that we were continuing to plan as that represented good news in an otherwise dark year.
We have, in recent months, established an Executive Campaign Committee. That Committee is working to implement our campaign plan and are currently determining who in our communities would be able to assist us in securing the major gifts that will move this project forward. If you are such a person and we haven’t already connected with you, please contact library director Kristine Lendved at 715-798-3189 or klendved@cable.wislib.org or any member of the Board of the Forest Lodge Library or the Katie Flowers Endowment or of the Executive Campaign Committee.
With the passage of time since our initial designs were developed and costed, and with the material cost increases associated with 2020, we have increased our fundraising goal to $2.5 million.
In the fall of 2020 a civil engineering study was done on the proposed building site and the existing Forest Lodge Library/Cable Natural History Museum property. (owned by the Cable Natural History Museum) A topographical survey was conducted and soil boring samples were taken. The survey was ordered by Keller Builds and they are working with the Civil Engineering firm, Ruekert-Mielke, to provide us with some information on existing water issues on the properties and those that might result with the addition of a new building. It is anticipated that they will recommend effective mitigation strategies, as well.
To provide you with a somewhat more concise version of where we are now, here is a “one-pager” recently developed by members of the Executive Campaign Committee:
The Forest Lodge Library
Expansion Project Overview
The Forest Lodge Library has been in the same 1,004 square foot log cabin since 1925, which—while charming— places severe constraints on the size of the collection and patron use of the space.
The Katie Flowers Endowment, in support of the Forest Lodge Library, has established a fundraising goal of $2.5 million to finance the cost of a library expansion facility, which will be located on the lot adjacent to the existing log cabin library and will be attached to that facility by a connecting corridor.
This expansion facility will enable the Forest Lodge Library to offer enhanced library services to patrons and visitors. It will fulfill a community need for public meeting space for small and medium groups, including workspace and aligned tech for business people and students working remotely. The proposed design allows us to continue to utilize the beloved log cabin as an essential part of the library while the new building will offer additional resources and services.
The expansion facility:
- Allows the library to retain purchased materials and reintegrate collections that have been stored off-site.
- Is sized to accommodate anticipated space needs through 2040.
- Includes increased and enhanced technology services which will serve community needs now and into the future.
- Allows the library to offer increased handicapped accessibility and be in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Enables the library to offer expanded services for children and age appropriate space for young adults.
- Permits the library to offer daytime programming as well as space for individual instruction with a Community Room and Study Rooms. At present, all programming must be scheduled after operating hours or offsite and there are no private spaces for one-on-one sessions.
- Offers a dedicated parking area, improving safety for visiting patrons.
- Incorporates the log cabin as an integral and active part of the library. It will be principally an adult area for quiet reading and computer engagement.
= Will draw more visitors to downtown Cable.
Support is sought at many levels. Naming Opportunities are still available. To learn more about the project please visit forestlodgelibrary.org. To discuss a Naming Opportunity, a donation pledge, a stock transfer or a major gift please contact Library Director Kristine Lendved at 715-798-3189 or klendved@cable.wislib.org or any member of the Forest Lodge Library or Katie Flowers Endowment Board of Trustees or any member of the Capital Campaign Committee. We welcome your support!
The Katie Flowers Endowment, trade name Forest Lodge Library KFE is a legally enjoined 501 (c)3 that functions as the fundraising arm of the Forest Lodge Library and whose sole purpose is to support the library.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What will happen to the current log cabin?
The proposed design allows us to continue to utilize the beloved log cabin as an essential part of the library. It will serve as an adult reading room and house periodicals, non-fiction and historical resources. Don’t let the architectural rendering mislead you. There will be no changes made to the iconic log cabin, save that an existing but currently unused side door will be opened to allow the passageway to the new facility. - Why is it so big? Are you sure it is big enough?
- The Cable Natural History Museum owns log cabin and its lot. The museum administers the Griggs Burke Endowment to maintain the building and grounds. The library expansion is designed to accommodate all materials and services currently housed in the log cabin in the event it is no longer available.
- The Forest Lodge Library size (1008 square feet) has not changed since it was built in 1925. We are now playing catch-up to serve an expanded population – which doubles in the summer months.
The expansion will provide:
- Improved safety and accessibility with a main entrance and parking on the north side of the new structure.
- Meeting spaces and study rooms, identified as a community need in the 2017 Cable Visioning Tomorrow study. The new meeting spaces will be available to the community, both during and after library hours.
- Increased technology services.
- More shelving and displays for print and non-print collections.
- Additional patron seating and reading areas.
- More space for quiet study, computer training and
library programming.
- What happened to the Endowment funds the library got from the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation?
The library did not receive any funding from the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation. The Cable Natural History Museum, who owns the log cabin in which the Forest Lodge Library is housed, received Endowment funds for the ongoing care and maintenance of the building. No Foundation money was directed to the library itself.
- Why is the Children’s area so large? Will it be too noisy?
- Juvenile and young adult users double from June through August. The free span ceiling structure of the expansion will allow adjustments to be made based on changing patron demographics and needs.
- Noisy programs or activities will be held in one of the meeting rooms to keep disruption to a minimum.
- The adult reading area in existing log cabin will be designated a
quiet space.
- What about sustainable energy solutions?
- Solar panels located on the roof of the Cable Natural History Museum currently power air conditioning in the log cabin.
- The proposed building site would need to be evaluated to determine if the inclusion of solar would or could be a viable and affordable option.
- Due to the size of the lot, geothermal is not a viable option.
- While sustainable energy solutions are philosophically attractive and certainly align with our values, they would also need to be cost effective. Purchase support for alternative energy solutions is not presently widely available.
- How is library funded now?
The Forest Lodge Library is a joint library of the Towns of Cable and Namakagon. Each of these municipalities makes an annual payment to the library based on an equalized property values calculation. Their annual contribution must meet or exceed this defined amount to exempt them from paying County Library Tax.
Additional funds are received from Bayfield County and from adjacent counties which represent reimbursement for services rendered to residents of communities without libraries.
- What is the plan to staff, maintain and operate the larger facility?
- A low maintenance exterior and careful interior planning will help minimize maintenance expenses.
- Forest Lodge Library is fortunate to have a great team of willing volunteers who may provide some staffing assistance.
- The library has developed an estimated budget for operating expenses for the current and expanded facility and this document is available upon request.
- To date, fundraising has not been required for Forest Lodge Library operating expenses. It may be an option to consider in the future.
- What about the grounds?
- There will be bike racks.
- Future plans include an outdoor classroom, edible landscaping
and more.
- How can I help?
- Pledge today! You can fulfill your pledge over time however works best for you.
- Pledges and/or donations should be made to The Katie Flowers Endowment, the fund-raising arm of the Forest Lodge Library and a 501 ( c ) (3) organization.
- Be sure to check with your employer to see if a corporate match
is available. - Give online at forestlodgelibrary.org. You can use your credit card through Paypal. Funds gifted in this manner will be transferred to the Katie Flowers Endowment.
- Contact Forest Lodge Library (715-798-3189) to discuss a Naming Opportunity, Sustaining Gift, or how to include the library in your estate plans.
- The Forest Lodge Library/Katie Flowers Endowment would be open to in-kind donations of materials, services or art.
- Is my contribution tax deductible?
- Contributions are tax deductible according to Internal Revenue Service standards. You will receive a thank you and acknowledgement from the Katie Flowers Endowment that can be used for tax purposes.
- What is the timeline for the fundraising campaign?
- Two to three years. We hope to have the necessary funds raised by early 2022 so construction can start that spring.
