Wabeno Public Library
Mission
The Wabeno Public Library is dedicated to being a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where we empower its patrons’ personal, educational, and professional growth with equal access as well as a supportive, judgement-free attitude.
We Are...
Sharing Knowledge
• Preserving Wabeno history by organizing, maintaining, and increasing access to any historical materials retained by the Library.
• Acquiring and making available books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other services as will address a patrons’ needs to a) become well informed, b) locate answers to important questions, c) cultivate imagination and creative expression, d) develop skills for career and vocational advancement, and e) enjoy leisure by means of reading and other media services.
Being Accessible, Inclusive, and Equal Access
• Recognizing and celebrating that the Wabeno Public Library serves all members of the community and its visitors, regardless of age, political or social views, gender (including gender expression), sexuality, persons with disabilities, race, ethnicity, or country of origins
• Serving all patrons — regardless of background, cultural heritage, interests, political views, and social views — of the community and surrounding region.
• Diversifying our collection to reflect a broader range of cultures and opinions.
Building the Future
• Implementing new technologies and utilizing it as a tool to grow interest and relevance within the community, as well as increasing digital inclusion and digital equity.
• Steering the library to be more future ready and adaptive to change, and ensure the success of the library for the next generation of users.
• Fostering creativity, spark curiosity, build connections, and strengthen the community.
Our Story
The first library in Wabeno, Wisconsin was actually a room set aside in the town hall in 1921. The collection of books was not very extensive, and a Traveling Library from Madison was depended on for an assortment of reading material. The librarian at the time (Gertrude Hentzman) would take a wagon to the depot and get the books from the freight train, and return them the same way. At that time, no money was allocated for supplies, but the one-cent-a-day fine for overdue books was used for postage. Gertrude had a salary of $100 per year.
In the 1890’s, the Chicago Northwestern Railroad Company built a log cabin in Wabeno to use as their land office. When it was no longer needed in 1923, it was donated to the Town of Wabeno to be used as a permanent library. The building is a one-story, one-roomed structure measuring approximately 29 ft. by 21 ft. The floor-to-ceiling book shelves, which occupy all of the outside walls, are original to the library. Additional freestanding shelves and table in the center of the room were added later.
Building Built
Library Founded
Listed on National and State Register of Historical Places