The D.R. Moon Memorial Library’s plan to expand and renovate received a giant boost Monday, Oct. 7 when the library was included by Governor Evers in $115 million worth of grants, made possible via the Department of Administration’s (DOA) Flexible Facilities Program and funded through the U.S. Department of the Treasury Capital Projects Fund as part of the American Rescue Plan Act passed under President Biden.
“We are very, very thankful to Governor Evers and the state of Wisconsin for funding libraries,” Library Board President Cathy Ryba said of the award and its impact.
The D.R. Moon Memorial Library’s share of the above grant total is $4,137,056, allowing for library construction to start in spring 2025 and finish in summer 2026. Also among local communities receiving funding for new library construction and renovation from the grants are Cadott with $3,74,710 and Fall Creek with $4,250,000. A total of 35 tribal and other communities received funding with the grant announcements.
Governor Tony Evers shared reasoning behind the grant awards.
“We’re working to build the 21st-century infrastructure and workforce Wisconsin needs to meet the demands of the 21st Century, including expanding access to high-speed internet,” Gov. Evers said. “Every Wisconsinite should have access to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet, and these investments will help build upon our work to close the digital divide, especially in our rural areas and communities. I’m incredibly proud to be working alongside our dedicated state agencies and federal partners to help bolster our public infrastructure, including supporting our libraries and community centers and expanding access to critical services for folks in every corner of our state.
“We’ve seen a lot of interest in these projects to remove barriers and expand vital broadband services for Wisconsinites,” said DOA Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld. “I’m excited about the variety of projects these grants will help support across the state.”
D.R. Moon Memorial Library Board President Cathy Ryba shared the following press release regarding the grant made to Stanley:
Stanley will be getting a state of the art, brand new library experience for everyone! The Governor’s office has announced that a $4.137 million grant has been given to the D.R. Moon Memorial Library to bring this wonderful new facility to the town! We were invited to the presentation of the awards at River Falls with Governor Evers.”
The renovation and expansion project of the D.R. Moon Memorial Library started in 2015 when Walter Wartolec purchased the house to the west of the library and had the house razed and the site made ready for building. There was a campaign then to build but it did not get any traction and it was not fulfilled.
Fast forward to November 2022, and a building committee was formed and began the search for an architect. River Architects were selected and the process of developing the vision for the library project.
“The D.R. Moon Memorial Library board and the campaign committee have been working on the current Building Connections Capital Campaign, led by over 30 local volunteers for over a year,” Ryba said. “This spring we became aware of a Flexible Facility Grant for such a project. Elizabeth Miniatt, the library director, Nicole Pilgrim, the city administrator and our consulting firm, Baker Street, worked diligently to fill out the application.
“We can’t thank the city council and city administrator enough for the support you have given our project. This will be an enhancement not only for Stanley but the entire area and one to be proud of. To all the people and organizations that have given their time, donations and pledges, thank you for having faith in the project. This award has moved us closer to our goal, but we still need your support to cross the finish line. If anyone wants to take advantage of any of the naming opportunities prior to the completion of the project, please let us know. The money raised by the Building Connections Capital Campaign will continue to go into the building fund. It will sustain our library to be viable way into the future.
“Our building connections project will now begin with the hope of starting in the summer of 2025. We will keep you posted on where we are in the process on our Facebook page and our website.”