The Rhinelander District Library's Capital Campaign
Your Support is Needed!
Please note that the amount shown below on the PayPal image is only contributions received through PayPal.
As of September 10, 2025, we have received contributions of totaling $1,314,888.04.
Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated!!
Hello,
For 128 years, the Rhinelander District Library (RDL) has been a cornerstone of our community. It’s a place where people of all ages come to learn, connect, and thrive. Today, as we celebrate our rich legacy, we also look ahead to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the vital services the Library provides.
From our modest beginning, the Library has grown through community advocacy, landmark expansions like the 1904 Carnegie building, and the 1985 addition that nearly doubled our size. Along the way, our collection has expanded from 2,500 items to over 81,000, and annual visits have soared to more than 67,000.
Yet even with this growth, the Library has remained largely unchanged for four decades - while the needs of our community have evolved dramatically.
A Bit of History
Our story began in 1897 with Reverend Joseph H. Chandler and 600 books. Just a year later, our first public Library opened its doors thanks to the determination of local citizens and the generosity of the Rhinelander Woman’s Club.
From Our First Hundred Years: A History of Rhinelander by T.V. Olsen.
By 1902, the Library’s quarters had become too small. An application was made to philanthropist Andrew Carnegie for funding to build a new library. He responded with the promise of $12,500, with the conditions the city appropriate a minimum of $1,250 in annual support and provide a site for the building.
To meet Mr. Carnegie’s conditions, the Brown Brothers Lumber Company donated land, and the Rhinelander City Council voted for an annual allowance of $1,500 for operating expenses. Once plans were completed and the bids were in, it became apparent that it would be impossible to keep within the appropriation without materially cheapening the building. Mr. Carnegie was asked to increase his gift to $15,000, but he refused. After a personal appeal by Congressman W.E. Brown, Mr. Carnegie agreed to the $2,500 increase.
The Library’s cornerstone was laid by the Rhinelander Masonic Lodge in September 1903.
The formal dedication of the city’s first public building took place in November 1904.
Image Courtesy of Kris Adams Wendt
The formal dedication of the city’s first public building took place in November 1904. The new building was described by the Rhinelander Herald as being “up-to-date, complete in its equipment, pleasing to the eye and attractive in every respect.”
Since 1904, very few structural changes have been made to the original Carnegie Library.
In 1972, a storeroom was remodeled to accommodate smaller programs and meetings. Over time, the Adult Department bookshelves eventually obscured the windows and fireplaces, growing to nine feet high around the outer walls.
This necessitated the installation of extra supports in the basement to bear the weight. Subsequently, the lower level has seen a succession of electrical, plumbing, and heating updates that now line the ceilings with pipes and conduits.
In 1983, the Friends of the Rhinelander District Library sponsored an advisory referendum to build a new facility. Public sentiment to preserve the historic building at its significant location and the desire to keep construction costs economical led to the decision to construct an addition, completed in 1985.
Updates to the building’s interior layout, the HVAC system, wiring, and general maintenance have continued – but the original 1904 building and the 1985 addition have remained unchanged all these years, and updates and repairs are seriously needed.
Our Community Values Our Library
Our location is convenient to schools, and welcomes many classroom visits.
The Library also brings visitors and residents to Downtown Rhinelander.
Over the years, materials have greatly expanded to include audio books, DVDs, music CDs and much more.
Services have grown to include an extensive genealogy and local history section, a business center and Notary services.
The Library remains highly relevant to area residents for many reasons:
- Free access to a variety of items beyond books, including technology;
- Programs and activities for residents of all ages;
- Community gatherings for all ages;
- Encouraging literacy, curiosity and exploration;
- Preservation of history – and so much more!
About the Capital Campaign
Over the past several years, many Library patrons have shared the need for an updated facility that provides safe and easy access to the building, main floor restrooms, and additional space for work, study and community meetings.
Community surveys and interviews were held by the Library’s Board of Trustees and staff. A needs assessment was conducted by J.H. Findorff & Son, Inc., the Library’s construction manager.
This resulted in plans for a $7 million renovation and expansion.
A View from Stevens Street, Looking to the East.
The Renovation and Expansion will add 7,650 square feet to the building, and will include:
- Replacing the existing elevator and reconfiguring the stairwell to the lower level;
- Enhancing and adding study, work and community meeting spaces;
- Improving and expanding the Children’s area;
- Enhancing outdoor spaces and adding a perennial garden;
- Updating staff work areas;
- Walk-up and drive-up book drops will be more easily accessible;
- Parking – While the expansion will reduce the number of spaces on the north side, new parking will be added to the east side of the building.
The Library Needs Your Support!
The Capital Campaign will continue until $7 million is raised. For construction to begin, 85% of the fundraising goal must be met.
The Rhinelander District Library Foundation is fostering a Capital Campaign to raise funds for the renovation and expansion.
The Foundation and the Library are pursuing grant funds; however, funding for capital projects is limited, and entities typically judge a project’s feasibility by the monetary support shown at the local level.
The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law.
Your donation will only be used to fund this renovation and expansion.
The Library’s operational expenses will continue to be managed by the Library’s Board of Trustees and staff through its annual budget.
Donations of any amount will help us reach our goal of $7 million.
The Foundation has created a PayPal account so that you may safely and securely donate online.
As of September 10, 2025, we have received contributions of totaling $1,314,888.04.
Thank you to everyone who has generously donated!!
You may also mail your contribution:
RDL Foundation, PO Box 1225, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Our Library has served our community in countless ways for 128 years.
Citizens have consistently supported the Library’s resources and programs, as they truly make a difference in area residents' lives.
Please Support and Preserve our Library’s Legacy for Today – and the Future.