Library History – Part 1
Library History- Part 2 Library History Part 3 Library History – Part 4
Compiled and Edited by Michael R.Reilly
October 10, 2005, Last Revised 12/17/2014
Early Library History:Milwaukee County
The first library was createdin 1848 by the Young Men’s (Literary) Association formed the preceding year. Itwas located in a single leased room on the second floor of a building standingon the northwest corner of Wisconsin and Main (now Broadway in 1881). The roomwas open on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday evening of each week. In November,1851, the library began a move to the 1st floor of a building owned by W.P. Young. The entire contents were nearly lost due to a fire that burned theentire city block. In September, 1867, the library moved into apartmentsin what was then called the Academy of Music, the last of several moves allwithin Wisconsin and Main location. By April, 1872 there were 11,184 volumes onhand. On March 8, 1878, the association transferred its property to the City ofMilwaukee, due to its inability to clear its debt.
The Public Library wasestablished by Legislative act, Feb. 7, 1878, and was considered a branch of theeducational department of the City of Milwaukee. The city retained the old roomsof the library until May, 1880, when the elegant building erected particularlyfor this purpose, by John Plankinton, was occupied. In 1881, the library has17,000 volumes. Source: History of Milwaukee, Wisconsin,Vol. 1, 1881, pgs. 560–565, and page 542.
Early Library History:Waukesha County
As early as 1866, residents ofWaukesha had perceived the contributions a library could make to theintellectual and the spiritual well-being of the citizenry, and formed the YoungMen’s Association with the hope of endowing their community with such aninstitution. Four years later, Oconomowoc residents formed a libraryassociation, somewhat ambitiously planning “a course of lectures, concerts,hops, oyster suppers, promenades, prayers, performances, Forest, Murdock, Booth(actors), a circus, a cockfight, for the perpetuation of the institution.”However, neither of these earnest efforts in behalf of the popular enlightenmentyielded lasting results. The library association subsided “after a fewspasmodic gasps for life” in the spring of 1871, and the books that hadbeen collected ended up in the firehouse, piled in a corner and forgotten. Apost-mortem concluded with the observation, “that a library unsupported bya regular tax is usually a failure.”
Perhaps Waukesha’s cityCouncil heeded this lesson when it voted in 1900 to assume support of the smalllibrary which representatives of the city’s women’s clubs, called together bythe Beacon Lights Reading Club, had begun in 1896. The growing collection andits librarian has been supported by annual dues and proceeds from variousentertainments put on by the women, including a minstrel show at the SilurianCasino in which the ladies took all the parts. But by December 1899 only $5.31remained in the treasury. Once it took control, the city government movedquickly to rescue its first investment in culture, by applying to AndrewCarnegie, the well-known industrialist and benefactor of libraries, for funds toconstruct a library building. In March, 1902 word was received from Carnegie’ssecretary that a gift of $15,000 would be forthcoming provided the city wouldfurnish a site (Cutler Park was chosen) and an annual appropriation of $1,500for the building maintenance. To augment funds, the library directors hadmemorial medals struck from the first sheet of steel rolled in Waukesha. TheWaukesha Free Library was dedicated on January 6, 1904.
About this same time,Oconomowoc had the beginnings of a library, and by 1907, Delafield, Hartland,and Pewaukee.
In 1958 the County Board voteddown a special committee’s recommendation that the sixteen public libraries jointogether to form a federated system, supported by county and state taxes, underwhich a full range of library services would be available to everyresident. In 1975 the same recommendation was also voted down; not until1980 was such a system, the Waukesha Co. Federated Library System, withheadquarters at the Waukesha PublicLibrary, finally established. All but Brookfield joined by the summer of1981. Source: From Farmland to Freeways, A History ofWaukesha County; chapter Culture and Recreation in Waukesha County,chapter written by Phillip M. Runkel with the assistance of Lydia R. Runkel,pages 447-448.
Early Library History:Lisbon-Sussex & Lannon
May, 1915 – Merton: The library has arrived and books may beborrowed any afternoon. Source: Waukesha Freeman,Thursday, May 6, 1915 [Editor’s note – a mobile/traveling library sponsoredby Waukesha Public Library (?). Did the “Library” visit theSussex-Lisbon area?]
Jan 14, 1932 – People in this vicinity should be interested tolearn that a consignment of fifty books from Madison have been placed in the Sussexschool for the benefit of any who wish to read them. Mrs. Rienow will act as librarian,if people wish to take advantage of this opportunity to make use of a travelinglibrary. More books will be added if occasion demands. Prof. Rienow wasinstrumental in getting this library here. (Rienon or Dienow). Source:Waukesha Freeman
During the 1933-34 Lannon school year, the PTA had thefollowing committees: Program, Finance & Budget, Social, Welfare, Weighing& Measuring, Publicity & Library, Child Welfare, Red Cross (these lasttwo were combined under one chairman), and Dramatic.
1939/Sept. – Mrs.William (Margaret) Miller, school librarian, announced that the library will soon open,and a new shipment of books is on the way.
Jan 29, 1941 – The Intermediate room of the Sussex school has received a groupof rebound books, which were fixed up by the workers of the WPA book-bindingproject in Waukesha, The old books are now in excellent condition. Source:Waukesha Freeman.
Public Library Services for the Lisbon -Sussex Community
1976 thru 1980
Note: Where the word Pictureappears in bold type indicates a photo appeared with source.
Nancy Kolesari informed (Sussex) Village Board that”Information has just been brought to our attention by an old projectreport found by our president (Sussex-Lisbon Jaycettes), that in 1968 theJaycettes were contacted by the then Library Board to phone Sussex residents asto their feelings of having a library in Sussex. the survey results were asfollows: 580 calls, 338 yes, 35 no, 191 no answer, 9 indifferent, and 7out-of-service”. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, November 21, 1978, page 1-2.
March 10, 1976 – Jo Hewitt, who spent many hours researching thefeasibility of contracting with surrounding communities for their libraryservices, will present her findings to the May 10th Town of Lisbon Boardmeeting. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, March 2, 1976, page6.
“Lisbon to Have Library Service” – Costundetermined. Library service to be included in 1976-77 Lisbon Town budget forthe first time. Mrs. Glen Janssen, of the library committee, spoke to town boardon March 22. Will be voted on by the Town’s electorate at the April 14th AnnualMeeting at 8 pm. Would pay as a percentage basis; based on books checked out.Main libraries interested: Menomonee Falls, Hartland, North Lake, and Pewaukee. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, March 30 1976, page 3.
Mrs. Jo Hewitt determined $20,000 would covercontractual agreements for the four libraries under a 1-year contract; mostgoing to Menomonee Falls Maude Shunk because of the large amount of servicesthey can provide. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday,April 6, 1976, page 1.
Voters at Town of Lisbon Annual Meeting vote infavor of pursuing contractual agreements, vote 140 to 80. Money to come from theunexpended surplus. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday,April 20, 1976, page 5.
Sussex board heard recommendation of the library board foralternative library services for Sussex residents. Sussex should participate insharing Menomonee falls facilities for cost of $720 for the summer program.Trustee Gloria Mutchler asked if there was money (in the budget); Trustee RonDuffe of the finance committee, “It may be difficult to get through theyear.”. Possibility of a Sussex library to be considered in next year’sbudget. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, May 18, 1976, page15.
“Sussex Looks to Library Service” -Sussex with a population of 3,762 does not have a library or even libraryservices, except for a six week summer program for Sussex elementary school childrenat Maple Avenue school. At the May 11th Sussex Village Board meeting, JoanneSmith, secretary of the Sussex library committee presented alternatives. Also oncommittee were, Carol Darrow, Doyle Alexander (principal of Maple Avenueschool), and Lois Wandschneider. The Village Board did approve $720 forcontinuing the summer reading program at Maple Avenue school that uses librarycards at no cost for elementary school children; to run this year from June 22thru July 29.
It is interestingto note in this Sussex Sun article, that the Sussex Lions’ Clubconsidered setting up a library, but lighting the ball diamond at Sussex VillagePark won out. Also, another alternative was to use the Hamilton High Schoollibrary, but was dependent on a government program to cover some costs.Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, June 8, 1976, page 6.
Menomonee Falls library board accused of dragging its feet onlibrary services contract. Hartland won’t sign if any of the other three don’t,and they insist on renegotiating the contract with town of Lisbon. contract nowon Menomonee Falls board agenda for July 13, 1976. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, June 22, 1976, page 5.
Sussex summer librarian is Mrs. Ann Anderson; announced storytime books to be read. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, June29, 1976, page 8. Also see August 10, 1976 edition page 11 for more information.
Mrs. Jo Hewitt, chairman of the Lisbon town Library Boardannounced hours of operation for the four libraries services have beencontracted for. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, August 3,1976, page 1.
Last year (1976) the town of Lisbon began contracting with threelibraries for services. Residents can take out books at Menomonee Falls,Hartland, and Pewaukee. Residents pressured the board for library services. EditorQuestion – What happened to the contract with North Lake library ? Source:Sussex Sun, Tuesday, February 15, 1977, page 1. Answer: In the SussexSun, November 8, 1977, page 8, indicates Lisbon has contracts with all fourlibraries; the article from Feb. 15. was wrong.
“Library on wheels visits in the area” – TheMaude Shunk Public Library in Menomonee Falls is on the move in a bright yellowvan dubbed the “Library-Go-Round”. Visits 20 neighborhood stops inMenomonee Falls and the town of Lisbon. Residents are able to check out booksand other material; if a book isn’t in the van, it can be ordered and picked upthe next planned stop. Article has list of stops for February and March. Source:Sussex Sun, Tuesday, February 22, 1977, page 2.
Lisbon budget for 1977-78 to include $20,000 for libraryservices; 1976-1977 actual expense was $20,300 versus $20,000 budgeted. Source:Sussex Sun, Tuesday, April 19, 1977, page 2.
Lisbon residents manage to keep library services, $20,000 worth,by closing down the town dump, and borrowing for needed items such as roadequipment. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, May 31, 1977, page9. Note: The June 28, 1977 issue, page 1 describes town dump operation, annualcost was $35,000.
“Library Notes” – Hartland Public Library: NewBooks, Oct. 7, 1977. Listing of new book arrivals at library. Source:Sussex Sun, Tuesday, October 20, 1977, page 5.
“Falls library service at $21,0000” – A Sussexcontract with Menomonee Falls for library services would cost Residents $21,000per year. Figure presented at a meeting of Sussex and Menomonee Falls libraryboards on Tuesday, , November 1. Presently, Sussex residents must pay anon-resident fee to use outside library services. Sussex has no library of itsown. Joann Smith, Sussex library board chairperson said village board had beenasked several times for money (to get a library or library services started) butnone included in budget.
Menomonee Falls library director, RichardCrane, said he was surprised that Sussex has a library board but no library. Alibrary board (under Wisconsin state law) is a corporate body, and as such, alibrary board could enter into a contract (for library services or starttheir own library), not needing (Sussex) village board approval.
Town of Lisbon contracts with MenomoneeFalls, North Lake, Pewaukee, and Hartland; Menomonee Falls costs $13,000annually. According to Crane, Lisbon gets one weekly and two bi-weekly librarybookmobile stops. Also, one half of Lisbon’s usage is through the bookmobile. OnMonday, October 31, the Sussex-Lisbon Plan Commission met; one topic was todiscuss starting a combined library (nothing resolved). Source: SussexSun, Tuesday, November 8, 1977, page 1 and 8. Next meeting ofthe Sussex-Lisbon Plan Commission is January 30, 1978. Source: SussexSun, Tuesday, November 8, 1977, page 16.
“A library…for Sussex-Lisbon?”- Both library boards met January 31, 1978, and a decision was made to go aheadwith the planning and construction of a village-town library. Exact locationunknown, but both sides agreed it should be in the Village. The Sussex libraryboard was formed 3 years ago with Joanne Smith its current chairman. When askedabout location, she opted for the Weaver Drive entrance to the Village Park.Another person suggested remodeling the upstairs of the Village Hall. Sussexbudgeted $15,000 in 1878 for library services with Menomonee Falls, but itwasn’t sufficient to cover the cost. According to officials, the combined$35,000 ($20,000 from Lisbon budget) could be used to operate a new librarywithout substantial tax increase. Smith said that the Town of Lisbon has 60% ofhouseholds participating in its program. Another joint meeting will be February23, 1978. Smith envisions a small scale library at the offset. A joint libraryboard and a taxing district have to be approved by the Sussex and Lisbon boards.Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 7, 1978, page 2.
“Propose library district forSussex-Lisbon” – A joint Sussex-Lisbon library board and district wasapproved in concept by the Lisbon Town Board at its meeting, Monday, February27. The Sussex-Lisbon Jaycees asked the Village to build a concession buildingat Village Park, and they suggest that the spare room could be used as a starterlibrary. . First a joint library board must be organized. A library board has(according to Wisconsin Statutes) exclusive control over its funds, but thelibrary board must still submit its total budget to a municipality board forapproval. Sussex has a library board, BUT Lisbon has a librarycommittee. Town Attorney Clayton Cramer suggested representatives for bothSussex and Lisbon continue meeting to discuss a proposal. Town Chairman RichardJung wants to present the proposal the the Town’s Annual Meeting on April 12.Some supervisors said the proposed concession building was not a good locationor building for a library (the proposed building would be metal). Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 7, 1978, page 2.
“Sussex-Lisbon meet on library Mar.30” – Sussex library board and the Lisbon library committee will meetMarch 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Sussex Village Hall. Joanne Smith hoping to get atemporary building organized to a point now. She said a woman who has beeninvolved with the Friends of Libraries in other communities hopefully will get agroup going here to sort books and type cards. Will also discuss plans for apermanent library, land, and an architect to design it. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 28, 1978, page 5.
“Library site in Sussex or Lisbon“- Legal work and costs being worked on by respective attorneys. VillageAdministrator William Ross wants the area across from Sussex-On-The-Mainshopping center for the library location while Trustee Robert Stier doesn’tthink the library should be as big and should be in Lisbon, and save space forfuture Village projects. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, April 11, 1978, page 2.
“Lisbonites agree to library“- Town of Lisbon residents voted 81 to 74 in favor of having the Town Boarddrawing up an agreement for a Sussex-Lisbon joint library at the Annual Meeting,Wednesday, April 12, 1978. Denise Wenger, a Lisbon library committee member,told residents that contracts for library services expected to rise 48% or$30,000 in the future. There are Lisbon 2,034 library cardholders for the fourlibraries. 30,000 items are expected to be checked out by year’s end; 19,000 ofthat from Menomonee Falls, the most used. The present contract with MenomoneeFalls doesn’t cover costs. For every item checked out, Maude Shunk pays $1.21,while Lisbon pays only $0.71 each. Much of the Town’s usage comes from students.The contract with Menomonee Falls ends July 23, while others end late summer orearly fall. Supervisor Gus Sandroni explained that Menomonee Falls’ contract wasfor only 10 months at a time to keep total cost under the $20,000 limit.Menomonee Falls charges, their own residents, $21 for a family library card,which will be rising to $45. Some Town residents voiced their only wanted thelibrary van service, wouldn’t travel to library. Some suggested using HamiltonHigh School’s library, but most books are purchased with the students in mind,not for the general public. An additional librarian and custodian would have tobe added. Resident Kathy Garcia note a local library “would be a place togather the culture of the area and not just accumulate materials and visualaids.” Resident Alvin De Villers thought, “it’s time we start growingand owning.” The next Sussex-Lisbon library committee meeting, Tuesday,April 18. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, April 18, 1978, page 1.
“Petition forces Lisbon to meet on library” – Aspecial meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, at 7:30 p.m. ; a petitionwith fourteen signatures calling for repeals join with Sussex in forming a jointlibrary board. Petition asks that vote be taken on June 6 on the resolution”the Town of Lisbon shall not grant any conditional use grants until thetown budgets a new master zoning plan.” Sharon Bader, petition submitter,said, “We don’t think the new library will give us a quality service.”Also said it would be many years before library would be able to serve thecommunity. Note: There was heated debate at the April Annual Meeting thatnew library wouldn’t provide level of existing services. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, May 2, 1978, page 1.
“Book not closed on library issue“- A meeting to be held June 6 will discuss the library board and creation of aLisbon town park commission. Petitioners reported to have withdrawn petition dueto “wording wasn’t legally correct”. Also, the town is working withSEWRPC on a master plan. Biggest objection – library committee had things/planslaid out, and residents couldn’t vote on a a choice. Mrs. Bader said,”Do they realize the estimated cost is between $200,000-300,000? That wewill go without any library service for a while if we decide on a jointsystem?” these questions she wants cleared up. Also, a letter “To theEditor” regarding library a wise idea for Lisbon residents, and on page 2,the “Library director writes” (Richard Cramer of Menomonee Falls)explains the Maude Shunk library operation, costs, etc. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, May 9, 1978, page 1-2.
“Petitioners disappoint library group” – DeniseWenger disappointed they (the petitioners) didn’t meet with the committee.Sharon Bader – not withdrawing petition; didn’t meet because “alldiscussion this issue will be a matter of public concern at the special meetingon Tuesday, June 6.” Leo Wolf, one of the Town petitioners, did attend acommittee meeting and it reviewed the economics of the library situation withhim, said Wenger.
“Further, it is important people understandthe town would spend another $200,000 in contracting for library services overthe next four years, whether we have our library or not.” And it could behigher depending on contract increases. Lisbon’s population is expected to riseto 38,000 by the year 2,000 (according to town chairman Richard Jung), so a muchgreater need there is for a library. committee hopes to start library with10-15,000 books, and to finance the collection with a bond issue, and would paya percentage of the cost over a 5-10 year period. The shelf life of a book -estimated to be about 10 years, said Wenger. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, May 16, 1978, page 1.
“Dear Editor” – “Lisbon library vote“- article contains contents of a letter sent to those who petitioned on thelibrary question in Lisbon. ‘Dear Resident, …’. Sincerely, Town of LisbonLibrary Committee.” Followed on page 9 an letter “To the Editor“,an explanation about the petition from petitioners. signed, “Respectfullyyours, Sharon Bader, Petitioner Circulator”. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, May 23, 1978, page 2 and 9. [Editor Note: the entire letter(s) were notincluded here to prevent duplication of already known information.]
“Maude Shunk meets on library contract” – TheMenomonee Falls library board to meet, Thursday, June 1, to consider a amount ofa contract with the Town of Lisbon and the terms of the contract. 8:3- a.m. atthe library. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, May 30, 1978, page 1.
“Meet on joint library today” – At the May 24joint meeting with Sussex, a resident asked of the town whether family librarycards would be available from Menomonee Falls, if a joint library was started.Town Chairman Richard Jung said they would be. Also, people are sending for thenew library, but the money can’t be accepted until the joint Town/VillageLibrary committee (board) is approved. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, June 1, 1978, page 1 and 2.
“Lisbon residents nix joint library plan” -Lisbon residents voted 122-41 not to form a joint library board with sussex atthe June 6 meeting at Hamilton High School. Residents also voted to continuecontracting library services for 3 1/2 years or a period of time deemed legal.Also authorized board to expend from Town funds to satisfy these contracts.Electors decided to have the Town pursue a county library system, and authorizedboard to assign a committee to study this system. A copy of this was sent to theWaukesha County Supervisor (Board?). Committee to report back at 1979 AnnualMeeting.
County system? – Marie Arons, Townresident, said in 1974 a public library consultant recommended a Waukesha Countylibrary system instead of establishing a town/village library system. She saidthat Town Chairman Jung received a letter from State Department of PublicInstruction consultant, Sally Drew in February 1974 (though it was her personalopinion not official). Jo Hewitt, of the library committee told voters thecounty library system had been proposed to residents and was voted down in1975. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, June 13, 1978, page 1 and 2.
“Library contracts pending” – Supervisor GusSandroni reported that all four libraries were meeting in early July, and theTown will know soon whether it has contracts. Town Attorney Clayton Crameradvised board that a 3 1/2 year contract was legal. Resident Leo Wolf questionedthe correct reading of the motion which gave the board the power to negotiatefor library services. wolf tape recorded meeting; Supervisor Sandroni may listento tape. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, June 27, 1978, page 1.
“Library services held up” – At Monday night,July 3, meeting, Sandroni told residents still no contract with Menomonee Falls;holding up other contracts. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, July 4, 1978, page 1.
“Lisbon delays signing Falls library contract“- Received contract but Board didn’t sign due to questions about bookmobileservices. Sandroni to meet with Menomonee Falls on July 18. Board would like tosee more of the Town serviced. Other contracts expected by July 12. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, July 11, 1978, page 1.
“Lisbon want 3-plus year library pact” – Lisbonnegotiating with Maude Shunk for 3 years, 5 months, August 1, 1978 thru December31, 1981. Lisbon recently extended the contract through July 31 to avoid lapsein services which cost $1,670 for the one month. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, July 18, 1978, page 1. Also much the same covered in Sussex Sun,Tuesday, July 25, 1978, page 1.
“Wolf sues Lisbon again” – (Leo) Wolf wants thecourt to order the town clerk and treasurer not to spend any monies except forhighway crew salaries and library services until the matter is settled. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, July 25, 1978, page 1.
“Tie vote stalls library contract” – Town Boardvote on Menomonee Falls contract ended in a tie; Sandroni absent. Will bepresent at a special July 31 meeting. One contract clause, Town to reimburse theMaude Shunk library directly on January 1 for any books not returned. The Townin turn has the power to levy a special assessment against each individual forthe cost. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, August 1, 1978, page 1 and 2
On page 4, “Library van rolls inLisbon” – article contains pictures of van and two townresidents using service. Robert Rapp, sole Menomonee Falls Bookmobile librarian.Town wants equalized stops across its 24 subdivisions instead of only 3 stops.Those stops were: Blue Heron subdivision at Clearview Dr., Carberry St. nearPlainview and Townline Rds., and at the Willow Springs Trailer Park. User statsfor 1977 and through June 1978 are given in article.
“Lisbon approves pact with Shunk library” -Contract unanimously approved by the Lisbon Town Board, Monday evening, July 31.Contract can be terminated by either party with a 6 month notice. Agreementcalls for 8 different stops every two weeks. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, August 8, 1978, page 1 and 2
“Lisbon approves library cooperative contract“- The Lisbon Town Board approved a 3-year contract with Hartland and North Lakelibraries, Monday night, August 14, 1978. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, August 15, 1978, page 11.
Town chairman Jung appointed 3 people tolibrary committee to investigate the possibility of a county wide libraryservice. They will work jointly with the Library Committee. Appointed were:Marie Aron, Sharon Bader, and Pat Wolske. “Wolf sues Lisbon again“- (Leo) Wolf wants the court to order the town clerk and treasurer not to spendany monies except for highway crew salaries and library services until thematter is settled. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, September 12, 1978, page 2.
“Library gets go ahead” – Village Board setaside $17,000 in revenue sharing for its new library. On Thursday, September 2,the sussex Library Board, headed by Joanne Smith, recommended the Villageproceed with a program to organize its own library. Village Board said librarywill be scheduled for budget considerations in 1979. Most likely to be housed inthe new Jaycees’ building in sussex Village Park. Estimated costs are $40,000for books; shelves and furnishings another $12,000; $10,000 for a part-timelibrarian, and $5,000 for supplies and maintenance. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, September 19, 1978, page 1.
Pictures of “Library-Go-Round” van andresidents. Article includes schedule of new stops in Town. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, October 3, 1978, page 1 and 2.
On page 2 “Citizen input welcomed atmeeting on county wide library system” – Area librarians and citizensto meet Thursday, October 12, at W.C.T.I. at 7:30 p.m.
“Letters from our readers“; “Yes tolibrary” – a letter from a representative of the Sussex-LisbonJaycettes Library Committee in support of concession building use for a library.Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, October 10, 1978, page 2.
“Ready for Sussex library?” – Village Board tohold village wide survey to get input from all. Village Board member John Bauerwanted to see guidelines on how to proceed with a library before budgetdiscussions are started. Member roger Johnson suggested putting a villageTrustee on the Library Board to improve communications between the two boards.Two Library Board members recently resigned” Carol Darrow and ElwoodSchmidt. Village President Paul Fleischmann appointed Diane Fitzpatrick to fillunexpired term for Schmidt to May 1980, and Moody appointed to fill Darrow’sterm to May 1979. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, October 17, 1978, page 2.
“Reveal joint library plan to Lisbon officials“- Mrs. Pat Wolske presented a report to the Lisbon town Board on October 23, ona county wide library system. Library systems became possible as a result of theenactment of the Wisconsin Library Law in 1971.
“Smith praises county wide libraryplan” – “I see it as having marvelous benefits for an area likeSussex…In favor of system by hands tied by our own communitygovernments.” Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, October 24, 1978, page 4.
“(Sussex Trustee Glen) Moody asks for a library decision“(Sussex Trustee Glen) Moody said recently the Library Committee will ask theVillage Board at its next meeting on Tuesday, November 14, to decide definitelywhether or not the village can have a library. Site – large meeting room aboveVillage Hall has a number of problems with the construction of the area whichwould have to be remodeled. Not conducive for those in wheelchairs and LibraryCommittee member Diane Fitzpatrick said area has enough space but sound would bea problem. Library Board Chairman Joanne Smith said the concession stand isstill most ideal location – all it needs is heating.
“Petition for library” – 654Sussex resident signatures obtained in support of a village library. VillageBoard presented signature petition October 24. Sussex-Lisbon Jaycettes,Lionettes, and the Woman’s Club are canvassing signatures.
“In community hall?” – Theuse of redoing the upstairs halls and meeting room to be discussed on October 30by Health & Property Committee chaired by Gloria Mutchler. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, October 31, 1978, page 1.
“Lisbon tries gemuetlichkeit on Sussex” – Jointboard meeting agreed on appointing one official from each area to sit on each ofthe various committees of the other. No voting rights and strictly for the”purpose of liaison”; including library committee.
“Letters from our Readers” -Sussex-Lisbon Jaycettes thank residents who signed library petition.
“Talk Sussex library tonight“- Discussion by Village Board and residents to recommend library on November 7,7 p.m., at Maple Avenue School. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, November 9, 1978, page 1-2.
“Library budget at $58,000“- Library Board of Sussex asking Village Board tonight (Tuesday November 14) toestablish a library. If approved, the Village’s first library could be readythis spring. Library Board also requesting that $17,000 from Federal revenuesharing this year be set aside to study whether to use Jaycettes Building orVillage Hall. Budget of $58,000 also requested. $40,000 for books, $6,000 forfurniture, $5,600 for part-time librarian, and $5,000 for supplies.
“Ask citizen input on town library” – The town of Lisbon Library Committee has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday,November 15, at 8 p.m. at Town Hall, for interested residents to come forward toexpress their views on future library services. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, November 14, 1978, page 1. (Note: Same article on page 19)
“Sussex library closer” – Village Boardapproves village library. Nancy Kolesari informed Village Board that”Information has just been brought to our attention by an old projectreport found by our president (Sussex-Lisbon Jaycettes), that in 1968 theJaycettes were contacted by the then Library Board to phone Sussex residents asto their feelings of having a library in Sussex. the survey results were asfollows: 580 calls, 338 yes, 35 no, 191 no answer, 9 indifferent, and 7out-of-service”…
Budget requests to be discussed December 12at 7 p.m. Picture of petition presentation by Nancy Kolesari. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, November 21, 1978, page 1-2.
“Town of Lisbon survey falls short” – Onlyabout 72 people responded to Monday, November 20 meeting or 1/3 of thosepresent. A special meeting in the near future for a presentation of anindependent library study by a professional group. Study cost shared by Sussexand Lisbon. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, November 28, 1978, page 5.
“Sussex liaisons” – Village President PaulFleischmann appointing Gloria Mutchler as (town of Lisbon) library committee liaisonfor Sussex.
Editorial – “About libraries“- Editor says that libraries need continued future support and Sussex residentsshould consider this commitment. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, December 5, 1978, page 2.
“Lisbon signs library contract” – Town Boardaccepted a 3-year contract with the Pewaukee library beginning Jan.1, 1979 thruDec. 31, 1981. $3,500 cost per year, then $3,800, and $4,10.. Town has 3-yearcontracts with four libraries.
“Propose committee pay” – Ifapproved, Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, certain villagecommittees may be paid, including four library committee members at $4.00 perhour. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, December 12, 1978, page 1.
“Library at the hall” – The Library Board andHealth & Property Committee endorse second floor of Village Hall as atemporary site for Village library. Voted unanimously in favor at a specialjoint meeting, Tuesday, December 19. According to Joanne Smith, a group of citizenswill start working on fund raising to make the site accessible to handicappedlibrary users.
“Sussex sticks with teen center,library budget” – Sussex residents approved a $1,074,940 budget on Dec.12., but about 12 Sussex residents generated a lot of discussion on funds for a proposedteen center and a library. Trustee Roger Johnson estimated the library, budgetedat $56,259, would cost about $5 per family next year. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, December 26, 1978, page 1.
“Lisbon questions…What’s in a name?” – TheNorth Lake library contract was signed and approved. A 3-year contract beginsJanuary 1, 1979 at $1,200; $1,300 in 1980; and $1,400 in 1981
The Menomonee Falls library made anadjustment in the Town’s contract. Lisbon to pay $22,765 for 1979. People havelong overdue books and materials; Maude Shunk will turn bills over to the Townfor collections. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, January 9, 1979, page 7. (Note: same article appears January 16, 1979)
“What’s cost to remodel library?” – A temporarysite for the Sussex library should be the Village Hall upper floor, according toGloria Mutchler, chairman of the Library Committee. However, Village Board saidestimates should be obtained on heating, ventilating, chairlift and restrooms.Discussion on this site was tabled until figures can be presented. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, January 16, 1979, page 1.
“Sussex asks county for library study” – Sussexasked county to set up a 15 member committee to study a county-wide librarysystem. Committee will have up to three years to make report. Will make athorough investigation of public library services and library needs incounty. Will a county-wide system meet these needs? Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, January 23, 1979, page 3.
“Library in school building?” – Health &Property Committee Chairman, Gloria Mutchler, met Monday, January 29; Lions(Jaycees?) Club building in Sussex Village Park a possible. Costs to remodelupper hall at Village Hall approximately $22,000. Lions building and Jayceeswould need new furnace. The Orchard Elementary School is also being consideredas a permanent site. The Hamilton school administration is discussingpossibility of closing it next year due to declining enrollment in the area. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, January 30, 1979, page 2.
“Review of the News of 1979” – January: Plans forproposed Sussex library studied. Choices: Lion’s building, Community Hall upperlevel, Jaycee building, or Main-Orchard school? Note: School closedin June 1979 due to expected decline in Hamilton School District birthrate.
February: Study recommends joint librarybetween Sussex Village and Lisbon.
April: Voters at Annual Lisbon meeting defeatSussex-Lisbon joint library issue.
June: Librarian hired in Sussex, meetsvillage board. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday,January 1, 1980, page 4.
“1979 Resume” – September: Friends of the Sussex Library seeking start and members.
October: Village offers$250/month rental (to Hamilton district) for Orchard school building.
November:Hamilton High school board submits new lease plan; village not satisfied with”fine print”.
December: Sussex Finance committee leery of Main-Orcharddeal. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday, January 22,1980, page 6-7.
“Lisbon versus Sussex” – Sussex wants Lisbon’sposition on its library planned for this spring. Wants to know if Lisbon wouldcontract for library services. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 6, 1979, page 1.
“Study recommends joint library” – A studyjointly funded by Lisbon’s Library Committee and the Sussex Library Board;findings presented by Sonia Bielmeier, library consultant and librarian atBrookfield Public Library.
“As community growth and library useincreases, contract costs increase, ” The study says. “Over a periodof years contract costs eventually exceed the dollar value of itemscontracted.” Lisbon’s contacts increase from approx. $20,000 in 1978 toabout $30,000 in 1979, well over the estimated 10% increase projection.
Study calls for establishment of a librarycollection of 16,000 volumes by 1984 and sets forth plans for achieving 80% ofstate standards (2 volumes for each person served) by 1981. Cost estimates forestablishing a Lisbon-Sussex library call for $109,641 the first year (1979) and$60,000 plus 10% increase each year from 1980 to 1984. Thus services would totalapprox. $476,000 for 1979 to 1984; to be shared by the two communities. Thestudy suggests that the Sussex library location light equalize usage by the twounequal populations (currently 65% Lisbon to 35% Sussex). Based on projectedcontract increases, the study recommends a joint library venture. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 13, 1979, page 6.
“Study urges joint library” – [Editor Note: Much ofsame above] Joanne Smith, chairman of the Sussex Library Board noted that Lisbonresidents voted there to oppose expenditure of funds for such a library, and shesaid a number of Lisbon residents seemed opposed to the idea at a February 12meeting, preferring contracted services. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 20, 1979, page 1.
“Recommend closing Main, Orchard, add pool” – [anexcerpt] Dr. Lee F. Olsen, Hamilton school district administrator recommended ifschool closed, interested parties could confer with board on alternative usesfor the site. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 27, 1979, page 1.
“Joint plans of Sussex-Lisbon reach impasse” – At ajoint meeting of the Sussex and Lisbon Plan Commissions, Wednesday, February21., certain areas can’t be worked together. But, the Lisbon Town Board agreedthat contracting with Sussex for library services has its general approval. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 27, 1979, page 1-6.
“Letters from our readers” – From “Citizens forQuality Library Services”, Write expressing concern over the joint study bya biased consultant, consistently opposed to contracted library services, or acounty library system. Letter mentions that federal funding of library vanservices stopped, and costs to be absorbed by the Menomonee Falls library.Letter also criticizes Town Board for making decisions on library servicesbefore the next annual town meeting. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, February 27, 1979, page 12
“Library study not adequate, Crane” – Richard Crane,director of Maude Shunk library, says study by consultant not adequate, butmakes it clear he’s not opposed to a joint Sussex-Lisbon library. He citesdifferences in her population estimates versus SEWRPC projections; that her annualcontracted library services increases of 10-20% should be based on the cost ofliving increases. Also explains that the library bookmobile services werepreviously financed under CETA (The Comprehensive Youth Employment Act). Furtherhe notes that certain library services could be contracted with other librariesto reduce costs. Also felt that Brookfield has a particular attitude oncontracting library services, and an objective consultant should be have beensought out. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 6, 1979, page 1-2.
“Time is right for cooperative library”– Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 6, 1979, page 3
“Quarrel not the first” – [Recap ofSussex versus Lisbon”. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 20, 1979, page 1.
“Joint library talks Thurs.” – Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 20, 1979, page 2
“Should Lisbon face future as owner orrenter?” – Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 20, 1979, page 4
“Create county library committee”– Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 27, 1979, page 1
Picture of Orchard St. School building behind Main St. School. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 27, 1979, page 1.
“Committee asks publicfor cooperative library” – More of same. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, March 27, 1979, page 9.
Adto vote Yes Lisbon by local residents. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, April 3, 1979, page last.
“CloseMain-Orchard; Change boundaries again” – Hamilton School Board met Tuesday,April 10th. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, April 17, 1979, page 1.
“DefeatSussex-Lisbon joint library” – 250 people atmeeting. Jo Hewitt, “Now is the time to join with Sussex…”. PatriciaWolski, “Not so. The Falls won’t contract for just the van service.”.Leo Wolf, “We’ll be buying a pig in poke”.
The taxpayers agreed withWolski and Wolf and by a loud voice vote, a joint library with Sussex wasdefeated. Source: Sussex Sun,Tuesday, April 17, 1979, page 1 & 8.
“Sussex Library to open soon” – Village Boardsigned rental-purchase agreement with Hamilton School Board for Main-OrchardSchool. In past week 35 cases of books arrived. Friends of the SussexLibrary Club held an inaugural charter signing, on Monday, January 7. Mrs.Jeanne Gabel, speaker, for Sussex Hamilton school library. Members Joanne Smith,Sally Droese (publicity), Nancy Kolesari, Micky Bierman, Marion Langlois, andJeanne Schmidt present. Source: Sussex Sun., Tuesday,January 15, 1980, page 4. On page 5, Agreement signed byVillage board January 9; Hamilton School board to sign January 21. Rent to be$250/mo., with an option to purchase in two years. Village will be responsiblefor operating costs, estimated to be $28,000 per year, using Orchard schoolbuilding only. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, January 15, 1980, page 4. Picture
Obit excerpt: Clinton Swanson, born in Sweden in1910, started his teaching career at age 19 at Hill Rural School near Merrimac,Wis., and spent 20 years in various Sauk County schools. Clinton came to Sussexin 1949 to take over as the eighth-grade teacher and principal, and stayed onthe job for eight years. The major event of Principal Swanson’s eightyears was the building of the first part of Orchard Drive School, rightbehind Main Street School. Before he left, Swanson would see an additionbuilt onto the school, which in the 1980s became the Sussex Library, Teen Havenand senior citizen dining site. It would evolve into the joint Sussex-LisbonPauline Haass Public Library, which later moved to a newer building.Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel On-line, October 06, 2004
Library board of Sussex Village to meet withFriends of the Sussex Library , January 24, to discuss division of authority. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, January 22, 1980, page 4.
SEWRPC advises Village of Sussex to keep Main-Orchard schoolopen (due to projected population/development) and to build a new village hallwhich would include a library. . Sussex renting Main-Orchard as of February 1,as library, teen and senior center. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, January 29, 1980, page 1.
Early librarians/volunteers sorting books. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection
New Sussex librarian Terry Zignego helped Andy Kempen in selecting reading material. Zignego who has been the librarian less than a month said she is really enjoying her job.
Picture of Main-Orchard signing agreement.Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, February 12, 1980, page 2.
“Library to open…finally” -Phyllis Smith named new librarian replacing Marion Kusnick whose full-timejob interfered with her part-time librarian position. Mickey Bierman ispresident of the Friends of the Sussex Library. Source: Sussex Sun.,Tuesday, September 2, 1980, page 5. Picture
Sussex Library September 1980 at former OrchardElementary School. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection
The ever expanding, eight-month-old SussexLibrary has a new service. An outdoor drop box for returning books during hourswhen the library is closed was installed at the entrance to the Sussex CivicCenter. The box drop, a donated item, was reconditioned by Armond Langlois, alibrary volunteer. Librarian Phyllis Smith and volunteer library helper DanWaldhauser checked out the new addition Saturday morning. When the library isopen, this outdoor book return will be locked. Mrs. Smith reported that thereare now over 1,250 card-holding library users. (Sussex Sun photo.Picture: Fred H. Keller collection)
Library History- Part 2