How is the new library expansion building being paid for?
The library expansion 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 expansion, as well as possible unexpected costs that may come along the way with the construction process.
When will the new library expansion be built?
Now that we have received the Flexible Facilities Grant, it is anticipated that we will break ground on the new library expansion building no later than June 30, 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. Plans tentatively have 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 will be the attachment site for the corridor to the new library expansion building.
It is hopeful that the log cabin will remain a part of the library in the ways that we have been intending it to utilized. The log cabin is leased to the Forest Lodge Library by the Cable Natural History Museum, the museum does hold ownership of the log cabin building. Currently, conversations are being had 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.
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 expansion building?
Built in 1925 at just over 1,000 square feet, the log cabin library 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 expansion building size, that has been approved by the Forest Lodge Library Board of Trustees in October 2024, is approximately 4,500 square feet. The Library Board feels that the current library expansion design, along with the approximate 1,000 square footage in the log cabin library, can accommodate all materials and services considered essential to a contemporary public library.
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 is the library funded now?
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.
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 current and expanded 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.
What about the grounds?
The Forest Lodge Library plans to work in concert with the Cable Natural History Museum to maintain a campus atmosphere surrounding the separate structures. A sustainable garden area is planned for the North Entrance of the Facility Expansion 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 will happen to the Book House?
The Book House will be removed from the property to make room for the expansion facility. The Book House will be re-located in late September.
Will the library expansion 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. But…yes! There will be such a space!
How can I help?
Pledge today! You can fulfill your pledge over one to three years, whatever works best for you. Thank you!
Forest Lodge Library
cablelibrary@cable.wislib.org
715-798-3189
forestlodgelibrary.org
P.O. Box 176
Cable, WI 54821