The D.R. Moon Library has long stood as a cornerstone of our community—a place where curiosity is nurtured, lifelong learning is encouraged, and connections are formed across
generations. While its shelves hold countless stories, it is the generosity of local donors that continues to write the library’s most meaningful chapter.
We are proud to shine a spotlight on the Jankoski family, whose story reflects both a deep personal connection to the library and a commitment to its future. In the 1950s, Dave Jankoski’s use of the library began while he was still in high school. Without access to encyclopedias at home, he relied on the library’s resources to complete reports and research term papers. He recalls not only the value of those materials, but also the librarians who were always willing to help guide him.
That connection carried forward into the next generation. During the Jankoski children’s early years, they were regularly brought to the library by their mother, Patricia. An elementary teacher who deeply understood the importance of reading, Patricia encouraged her children to select books, explore stories, and develop a love of learning from an early age. Patricia often described her first-grade students as “little flower buds,” finding joy in watching them open up as their
reading skills blossomed—a philosophy she brought into her own home. Over the years, the library has remained a trusted resource for the family, including access to specialized books through WISCAT, the state-wide interlibrary loan program. Whether for education, personal interest, or simple enjoyment, the library has consistently met their needs. The Jankoskis also recognize how libraries continue to evolve. They are especially enthusiastic about the potential for expanded senior programming. A public meeting space could provide
opportunities for community gatherings, partnerships with Chippewa County Health Services, and even senior meals or dedicated meeting areas. For them, the library represents far more than a place to check out books—it is a hub for connection and community support. With this lifelong appreciation in mind, the couple has consistently followed their values throughout the multi-year effort to provide the expanded and restored library Stanley deserves.
Dave Jankoski served as the co-chair of the Building Connections Capital Campaign and the Jankoski family has committed to donating $25,000 over a five-year period as a way of saying thank you for what the D.R. Moon Library has meant to them. Library Director Elizabeth Miniatt said, “Throughout this process, the Jankoski’s have been
people I’ve come to rely on for their insight and support. Their generosity and commitment to the library, their feedback throughout the design and development process, their presence at library events and major milestones for the project, and their consistent appreciation for everything the
library provides the community have been truly amazing. I am so grateful for their dedicated partnership in helping shape the library’s future—supporting programs, enhancing resources, and ensuring the space continues to serve the community for generations to come.”
Stories like the Jankoskis’ highlight the personal impact the library has had—and continues to have—on local families. Each contribution represents more than financial support; it reflects a shared belief in the power of knowledge, access, and community connection.
As the D.R. Moon Library looks toward the future, donor involvement will remain essential in adapting to changing needs while preserving the values that have always defined it.
In recognizing our donors, we celebrate not only their generosity but also their commitment to strengthening a resource that benefits us all. The D.R. Moon Library is more than a building—it is a living, evolving space shaped by the people who believe in it