We have heard that the new library building is now being built as a ‘stand-alone’. What will happen to the log cabin?
In January 2025 the Town of Cable chair (we are a joint library of Cable and Namakagon, however, Cable is our fiduciary agent and therefore, the applicants and ones responsible for our Flexible Facilities Grant) met with the Forest Lodge Library Board president and Cable Natural History Museum president, director, and additional board member to discuss progress in discussion regarding future use of the log cabin. It was at that point that the library was strongly advised to move to a ‘stand-alone’ but to also continue to proceed with discussion regarding possible future use of the log cabin.
The log cabin was built in 1925 and maintained a library collection and had a librarian who managed this collection. The museum does own the building – taking ownership of the log cabin in 1968. What will happen in the future is yet to be determined. The library and museum plan to continue this discussion in the fall of 2025.
How is the new library building being paid for?
The new library building has become a reality for our community due to the overwhelming support from donors and grants made available to us! Through the hard work of the present and past Katie Flowers Endowment Board of Directors and the Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees, much work has been done to reach out to individuals, businesses and groups to help financially support the much needed library expansion. We have also received the Flexible Facilities Grant, which has really been an integral part of being able to move forward with our architect and setting expected times for ground breaking and opening.
We continue to need support in the way of financial funding, as there will be possible continued costs with operating and maintaining the new library building, as well as possible unexpected costs due to the rising costs of materials and costs that may come along the way with the construction process.
When will the new library building be built?
Now that we have received the Flexible Facilities Grant, it is anticipated that we will break ground on the new library building no later than July 1, 2025. The anticipated opening date will be no later than September 2026.
What will happen to the current log cabin library?
The Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees and the community have been planning for the library expansion for many years. Throughout this planning process it has always been the intention to have the log cabin remain as a part of the library. To view a timeline that was presented at the March Community Update meetings at both Cable and Namakagon, click here: handout for March 3 2025 town meetings project update.
Plans tentatively had been to house the Wisconsin collection as well as some adult fiction and non-fiction titles, a small circulation desk, patron use computers, an adult reading area by the fireplace, and a used book sale area. The large table would remain in the log cabin as well and be available for meetings after hours. An existing, but currently unused side door would be the entrance from the new library building.
As of February 2025, the Forest Lodge Library Board has decided to not proceed with building a corridor to connect the two buildings at this time. The new building is now being built as a ‘stand-alone’. Whether or not the two buildings will be connected in the future is yet to be determined.
It is hopeful that the log cabin will remain a part of the library in the ways that we had been intending it to be utilized. The log cabin is leased to the Forest Lodge Library by the Cable Natural History Museum. The Cable Natural History Museum does hold ownership of the log cabin building, taking ownership of the building in 1968 when the museum was established. The log cabin had been a library for 43 years at that point.
Currently, conversations have been established between the Forest Lodge Library and the Cable Natural History Museum on ways that both entities could possibly share the building, as the museum has now indicated that they may need use of the log cabin space. We are hopeful to come to an agreement that will meet both the Forest Lodge Library and the Cable Natural History Museum’s needs as we both serve our communities and patrons. The museum has indicated, as of March 2025, that it would like to proceed with these conversations and meetings in the fall of 2025.
To view our Future Vision Statement of Log Cabin Library, please click on the link: https://forestlodgelibrary.org/2024/12/13/vision-statement-for-the-log-cabin-library/
About the size of it…what is the size of the new library building?
The log cabin was built in 1925 at just over 1,000 square feet. It has remained unchanged for the past 100 years. We are now playing ‘catch-up’ to serve an expanded population which doubles in the summer months, as well as the projected growth of the communities that we serve.
The new library building size, that has been approved by the Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees in October 2024, is approximately 4,500 square feet. In February of 2025, the Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees, along with the guidance and discussion with the Town of Cable chair, decided to move to a ‘stand-alone’ project. There are time constraints with our Flexible Facilities Grant that require us to move forward at a certain pace, and with current discussion standings with the Cable Natural History Museum over possible joint/shared usage of the log cabin, it was felt that this would be in the best interest to ensure the new building would go smoothly.
Discussions will still proceed with the Cable Natural History Museum regarding the potential for the joint/shared usage of the log cabin in the future. The Cable Natural History Museum has let the Forest Lodge Library know that they wish to proceed with these meetings in the fall of 2025.
Weren’t there Endowment funds from the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation?
The library did not receive any final funding from the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation. The Cable Natural History Museum, which owns the log cabin in which the Forest Lodge Library is housed, received Endowment funds for the ongoing care and maintenance of the log cabin building and grounds. No Foundation money was directed to the library itself.
How does the library currently receive funding?
The Forest Lodge Library is a joint library of the Towns of Cable and Namakagon. Each of these municipalities budgets an allotment 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.
The funds mentioned above are used to run the library and maintain the collection and programs. Additional funds have been needed to be raised in order to move forward to build the new building.
What is the financial plan to staff, maintain and operate the larger facility?
A low maintenance exterior and careful interior planning will help minimize maintenance expenses. The library has developed an estimated budget for operating expenses for the new facility. To date, fundraising has not been required for Forest Lodge Library operating expenses. In the future, an Annual Fund will be launched to assist with somewhat increased annual expenses.
Forest Lodge library is fortunate to have a great team of willing volunteers who may provide some staffing and maintenance assistance. Volunteers are always welcome at any time. If you wish to volunteer at the library, please contact Director Westlund at awestlund@cable.wislib.org.
What about the grounds?
The Forest Lodge Library will be continuing their meetings regarding joint/shared usage of the log cabin in the fall of 2025, as requested by Cable Natural History Museum. A sustainable garden area is planned for the North Entrance of the new library building.
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 will be evaluated to determine if the inclusion of solar would or could become a viable option. Due to the lot size, geothermal is not a viable option.
While sustainable energy solutions are philosophically attractive and align with our values, they also need to be cost effective. Purchase support for alternative energy solutions is not presently widely available.
What was done with the Book House?
The Book House has been removed and relocated to a new location. The books and materials that were inside the book house were sold to the extent possible during the summer 2024. Anything that was left was gifted or properly disposed of. To view the video of the book house moving day, go HERE.
Will the new library building have a space to sell donated and de-selected books and other materials?
At present, the plan is to have an ongoing book sale site housed in the log cabin, but, no final decisions have been made. Currently, the future use of the log cabin is yet to be determined. If space in the log cabin is not available for a used book area, there are plans to store used books in the new library building and have occasional book sales during off hours or maintain a smaller space in a room that may have some availability. The Forest Lodge Library Board will be discussing this as we move closer to our opening date in September 2026.
Are you still collecting donations? Is help still needed? How can I help?
We are still collecting donations!
Building costs, currently, are continuing to rise and looking forward, there is the possible need for funds for maintenance and operational costs. If you have made a pledge and still need to complete it, we appreciate your efforts in fulfilling that pledge when you are able. Every little bit helps!
If you would like to make a donation, go HERE.
There are also naming opportunities still available. To view naming opportunities available, go HERE.
If you would like to mail a donation in the form of a check, please be sure to make checks out to:
Katie Flowers Endowment
Mail to:
Forest Lodge Library
P.O. Box 176
Cable, WI 54821
If you have any further questions or needs, please feel free to contact Director Westlund:
awestlund@cable.wislib.org or call: 715-798-3189