Recession Not Holding Back Fort Atkinson's Library Expansion Effort

Link to July 18 Wisconsin State Journal article, "Fort Atkinson pushes to expand library ".

Excerpt: A down economy in Fort Atkinson means it’s time to expand the library.

The first expansion of the Dwight Foster Public Library came in 1931 in the midst of the Great Depression.

In 1983, when interest rates were in double digits, the library doubled its space to 21,000 square feet.

And now, in the midst of another recession, the community has started to rally for a $5.5 million, 12,000-square-foot expansion project designed to provide more space and help the library adjust to the demands of technology.

More than $500,000 has been raised by selling naming rights to parts of the library, putting the fundraiser for the project one-third of the way toward its goal of $1.5 million.

The city has kicked in $2.5 million, while the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation has pledged $1.5 million.

It's a Great Season for Reading

Spencer Branch Library (Marathon County)

Link to July 17 Marshfield News Herald article, "Spencer Spotlight: Summer a great time for everyone to read".

Excerpt: Each summer, the Spencer Library schedules performances for the enjoyment of our children -- young and old. There is a common message that reverberates at each program: Take the time to read.

According to our last artist, Kevin Boyles, there are books that cover just about every topic you can think of. If our library doesn't have a certain item, it can be ordered from another location.

The Digital Divide in Marathon County

Link to July 18 Wausau Daily Herald article, "Digital divide persists in rural communities".

Excerpt: As the owner of a construction company and a classic car buff, Corey Westfall knows the Internet could open up his town of Halsey workshop to the world. The thing is, it's tough to imagine all the possibilities when e-mailing and uploading pictures can take hours on his dial-up connection.

"Mostly, I'd just like to do something in 10 minutes or a half-hour," Westfall, 38, said.

Westfall is one of a still-unknown number of rural Marathon County residents whose Internet access is slow or unreliable, a handicap in a changing world and struggling economy. Statewide, nearly 60 percent of residents and 43 percent of businesses don't have broadband Internet service,[RG emphasis] according to a recent survey by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin aimed at securing federal stimulus money.

The article neglects to point out that public libraries have become community hubs for high-speed Internet access. That being said, travel to a library, waits during periods of peak use, and limits on computer time are inconveniences for rural business owners.