Progress — 2014
Page 33
Olson Library project moves forward
with vital donations, new design plan
The proposal to expand and renovate
Walter E. Olson Memorial Library in
Eagle River gained momentum in 2013
as the fundraising goal was reached and
a new facility plan was developed.
Olson Library Foundation officials
announced in early October that the
public library renovation and expansion project had received a $1.6 million
grant from Tawani Foundation of
Chicago. That was on top of a $100,000
gift from Terry and Sylvia Lutz last
September.
With the two grants, as well as donations from many community members, the fundraising campaign has
generated more than $2.3 million.
Meanwhile, designer and builder
Jeff Visner of Design/Build by Visner of
Eagle River, was retained last spring to
produce a design concept for the library. The Durrant Group, the original
designer of the proposed new library,
was replaced in February 2013 due to
corporate bankruptcy.
Visner toured the building extensively, deciding it was of sound construction and worth saving.
According to the plan, the existing
6,534-square-foot building will be refined and incorporate a new 6,644square-foot addition. In total, the
square footage will more than double
from the current library to 13,180.
Library officials note the fundraising for this project began at a time
when the economy was performing at
its worst in more than 70 years and
many thought it was too ambitious, but
the North Woods community served by
Olson Library pulled together with the
funds needed to make the renovation
and expansion a reality.
During the campaign, an assortment of library users proclaimed their
passion and dedication to Olson Library and what it means to the future
of this area and its people.
“I remember reading Tom Swift novels in the library when it was
located upstairs in City Hall on Division St. in the 1950s. The Eagle River
area has always been proud of its library and has supported it as a vital
community asset. The library has returned the favor by continuing to inform and serve each generation of Eagle River residents.” — Jim Holperin
“We love Walter E. Olson Library; it
is such a vital part of our awesome
community. If they don’t have what you
are looking for, they will help you get it.
We like the digital download. If you are
new to using the library, check it out,
you will be amazed at all they have to
offer. ” — Linda Sanborn
“The Eagle River library is such a
great place for the entire family. We
This artist’s rendition, by Design/Build By Visner, shows the proposed expanded and renovated Walter E. Olson Memorial Li-
love to sit down and read books together and use the small kids area. The Eagle River library also helps reinforce
the love of reading and inspiring our
children to learn.” — The Ritter Family, St. Germain
“Both the social importance and contribution a library provides our community cannot possibly be overstated. Let’s
consider the benefits: personal and professional development; a forum for social networking as a gathering place;
endless opportunity to be entertained
and awestruck by works of art; and an
opportunity to nurture and inspire the
next generation. From an economic perspective, a modern and efficient library bolsters our property values, and
perhaps more importantly, enhances
our quality of life. The library provides a
critical portal to the past, the present,
and the future.” — Bill Lochte
“It has been such a joy for my therapy dog. Quincy and I do a reading program at the library. The children love
the dog, and sitting with them while
they read a book, or tell the dog a story
is inspiring. There is a wide range in
their ages, but it doesn’t matter. Quincy
and I see children who love to read . . .
and I commend our library for encouraging them to do so.” — Nancy Diepenbrock
“While I was working, I did not utilize the library very much because my
main reading was professional journals, pharmacy literature, and information on new drugs and updates on
drugs previously marketed. Now that I
have retired, my reading is strictly for
brary in Eagle River. A fundraising campaign has generated
more than $2.3 million for the project.
pleasure and I use the library as often
as twice a week. It saves me having to
buy new books. It is amazing how soon
newly published books are available
through the library.” — Fred Prange
“The library not only provides
books, videos, magazines and other resources, but promotes a culture of readers through its many programs. My
daughter participated in the summer
theatre program. Many years later my
grandson had the opportunity to perform through the same library program. When visiting in the summer,
my grandchildren have heard presentations on ecology, participated in arts
and crafts, and learned how to play
chess. The library is truly a community
center for learning.” — Diane Reimer
“After my retirement, I volunteered
at the Olson Library for many years. It
was a wonderful place where everyone
was and is still welcomed, helped, and
enriched. It is truly a valuable resource
for the community.” — Ann Mayo
“As Vilas County clerk, I prepare
agendas and take minutes for the Vilas
County Library Committee. In that capacity, I have witnessed firsthand the
public service, commitment and value
that local libraries bring to their respecti ٔ