The Jack Russell Memorial Library, Hartford's "Community Living Room", Opens on October 24

Hartford begins new chapter with Jack Russell Memorial Library. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, 10/20/2011)

Excerpt:  The city's public library reopens Monday with a new name, Jack Russell Memorial Library, and a new location next to a historic mill pond on the Rubicon River.

Don't pay attention to the heavy machinery grading sand and gravel in preparation for paving parking lots, library director Mike Gelhausen said. He promised the library would be open for business Monday.

Inside, workers have been rolling in carts filled with books from the old library while others assemble rows of shelves or put texts in their designated places.

"We're getting things organized," Gelhausen said.

For the first time in its 107-year history, the library has its own building and can offer plenty of elbow room, Gelhausen said. It provides more than double the space and greater accessibility than its former location on the third floor of City Hall.

"We'd like this to be considered the community's living room," he said.

Congratulations to Mike Gelhausen, his staff and board, and the entire Hartford community.

It has INDEED been a long time coming!