The D.R. Moon Memorial Library’s Inaugural Meeting of the Capital Campaign Committee launched Thursday evening as event attendees arrived at the Library to hear the vision for the future expansion and renovation of Stanley’s beloved Library.

Cathy Ryba, Library Board President and Campaign Chair, welcomed the evening’s attendees and shared her happiness at the community’s chance to join in on this exciting adventure. She then introduced Library Steering Committee member and Stanley resident, Jim Erickson, who mentioned, “We’re lucky to live in a community that values this Library.”

He shared that the Library gives the community connections not just because of its historic treasure but because it’s a place to gather and learn. He stated that with the community’s help the vision of the new Library can be made a reality. Erickson informed the attendees that Kolbe Window and Doors of Wausau, Wisconsin, generously offered to donate the windows to the library project. Mike Thompson, Vice President of financing at Kolbe Window and Doors, addressed the group and said that his company completes historic renovations all around the country and while it can pose a challenge to work with the state historic societies and keep the original character of a historic building, they are ready to rise to the challenge and modernize the library while restoring the original portion to its “former glory.”

Erickson then announced that the entire Library Board has unanimously agreed to donate their time, energy and financial support to guarantee that this project is a success. He expressed his amazement at the gift of $15,000 that Cathy Ryba graciously donated to the library campaign in honor of her mother, Marilyn.

Ryba read a letter from Walter Wartolec, Honorary Campaign Chair, proud Stanley native, and the first graduate of the Stanley High School, who enjoys visiting Stanley whenever he can.

Seeing the dream of the Library expansion and wanting to make it a reality, Wartolec donated funds to purchase and tear down the house adjacent to the Library for space for the expansion.

“Thank you for joining us as we take our Library into the next century,” Ryba stated as she introduced Library Director Elizabeth Miniatt.

Miniatt began, “I think our community has a rich history of generosity and civic mindedness. People who are willing to step forward and make our community a better place both today and for future generations.” She spoke on the value of the Library and its many uses in the City and surrounding areas today. She shared that the D.R. Moon Library offers tangible resources in materials, programs and technology, including free internet and WIFI hotspots that can be borrowed. She added that these popular check-out items have large waiting lists, thereby showing the relevance of the Library in this modern age. Miniatt states that the D.R. Moon Memorial Library is “that great, good space,” referenced to by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 2004 book, ‘The Great Good Place: Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community,’ but explained that the current library is lacking in space, accessibility, and room for community events. While the resources are free, many patrons cannot access these resources and are left lacking. The new library expansion will be inclusive and bring accessibility, space, and community connections to everyone in the community, young and distinguished alike. She stated, “It is truly a joy to bring this project to the community and move forward with the expansion and restoration of our beloved library. I know that everyone here recognizes how a strong library contributes to a strong community.”

Dave Jankoski, former Stanley mayor and Honorary Campaign Chair, shared why he supports the library campaign.

“I think there has been a masterful plan that has evolved here,” he began and commented that while he initially wasn’t impressed by the expansion sketches, he has come to see that it brings together Stanley’s history as it relates to the lumber industry. He stated, “It’s important that we all get behind this project, no matter if you are an individual or if you are a business and certainly, I hope, that the City Council will come through with the Community Development block grants.”

The plan of the campaign is to renovate and expand the D.R. Moon Memorial Library and is projected to take fourteen months in three overlapping phases with a cost of $4.5 million dollars. Jim Radford, President of Baker’s Street Consulting Group, explained that the cost to renovate the current library building is approximately $800,000 and it is the hope to have that completed first. He shared that he was inspired by the fact that the D.R. Moon Memorial Library is one of only a handful of libraries that is over 120 years old and is still in operation. Radford remarked, “There are a lot of roles in a capital campaign besides asking for money.” He urged community members to find out what their role will be. He further explained that there will be training session for those interested in being a part of the capital campaign to explore their role. He drew attention to the Library’s new billboard on Highway 29 and shared that it was a gift from the Baker’s Street Consulting Group.

 “We wanted to create more enthusiasm, more excitement, more knowledge. People here should feel really proud of the fact of having a library for 120 years,” Radford commented. He mentioned that the project is a “philanthropic endeavor” and not just fundraising. The connections formed in the process would last long after the campaign was over.

As the evening commenced, Nicole Witt, a member of the Campaign Steering Committee shared her excitement for increased space in the children’s area as the library is currently cramped thereby limiting space for books and patrons.  She said, “The D. R. Moon Library plants the seed for ongoing and future success in our area’s residents.” She added, “This goal will be challenging but it will be attainable. We need our community to look to the future and see the potential that this project has for everyone by boosting success, community and lifelong learning. Together our community’s spirit, generosity, and vision will make this campaign a success.”

If you are interested in joining the D.R. Moon Memorial Library’s Capital Campaign or to make a monetary pledge or donation, please contact the D.R. Moon Memorial Library for more information at 715-644-2004 or email at stanleypl@stanleylibrary.org