The second installment in the donor spotlight series highlights Cathy Ryba, the current president of the D.R. Moon Library Board. Cathy and her husband Jeff are proud supporters of the library. They stepped forward early on in the library’s capital campaign to make a $15,000 donation in honor of Cathy’s mother, Marilyn Tipler, who encouraged Cathy’s love of reading.
Cathy said about the current building and renovation project, “This building deserves being renovated since it has stood the test of time through the love of many past and current Stanley residents. Current and future residents should have a renovated and updated part of the library that serves their needs well into the future.”
When asked about her history with D.R Moon Library she shared that since 1979 she has enjoyed the use of the D.R. Moon Memorial Library, and has serving on the Library Board numerous times. “As the current Library Board President, I am very proud to be a part of this project. Renovating the library has been a topic for a very long time.” In the current state of ever-evolving technology, Cathy believes it is important that our community library is able to keep up with the latest technology, providing services for all age groups, and having room for the growing collection.
The library board wanted to honor the strong community sentiment to preserve the historic building and expand the library without sacrificing its history and charm. Cathy still recalls the day that Walter Wartolec–who was highlighted in last week’s article–came to the library board to express his interest in the project and pledged his support. Walter bought the house next door and had it removed to be ready for an expansion, but it would still be several years before the library was ready to move forward with the project.
After a few library director changes, Cathy notes that the library was blessed to hire Elizabeth Miniatt. Elizabeth became the guiding light and the project could finally get started. Our team grew to include River Architects, who partnered with the library board for months to create the initial design and layout with exceptional creativity and passion. Our capital campaign was launched with the help of Baker Street Consulting Group and a core team of local volunteers. Finally, after Governor Tony Evers made the project a reality with the Flexible Facilities Program funding, our construction contractor, Hoeft Builders, was added to the team.
Cathy states, “It is important that when patrons walk into the library, they should experience a light and welcoming space.” The library will be handicap accessible for the first time in its history so that all can use this facility. The upper level of the new section of the library will feature spaces for children and young people while the upper level of the historic building will be dedicated space for adults and seniors.
Cathy also shared, “What is most exciting is the lower level. You can access it by elevator or stairs. You will walk into a café area that will have coffee available and seating to gather and chat, play games, or do puzzles. Enter another set of doors, and you will be in a community room. This room will be space for up to 120 people that can be used for free. Residents can use this space for events, birthday parties, showers, or family gatherings. ADRC and Public Health have also expressed interest in providing educational programs here.” She continued that this will be a space for all community members. “Really, let your imagination run wild for all the uses of this space. I look forward to seeing everyone take advantage of this beautiful facility.”
Additional donor spotlights will be released throughout the coming months as the library counts down to the completion of the project in Summer 2026. We invite you to join us in celebrating the collective effort that has helped make this dream of an expanded and restored library into a reality, and consider adding your own support to this historic project. Follow the D.R. Moon Library’s updates in the newspaper and online to stay informed as the project continues.