By Joleen Sterk, Director - Menomonie Public Library
Festina lente–make haste slowly. Today marks three years since our friend Joan Polasky died. We received an annuity gift of $77,238 from her estate in early 2022. The gift was given to highlight the library’s unique architecture, and to celebrate art and nature. Our goal was to better integrate the landscape into our available programming space, and focus on the mental health benefits of green spaces.
After hiring Ayres Associates (Eau Claire, WI) to work with community stakeholders to develop a multi-phase plan for our outdoor space, we leveraged Joan’s gift to apply for and receive a Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for $44,250. Mayo Clinic Health System’s Northwest Wisconsin Community Giving Committee also generously contributed $100,000 to the project.
Jenny Jorgenson, Community Engagement Specialist at Mayo Clinic Health System writes,
“Recognizing the many ways this investment will impact the health and well-being of the Menomonie community and knowing what an incredible partner the library has been in community wellness efforts, we are confident this donation towards the library aligns well with our priorities of meeting the needs of our patients in Dunn County and beyond.”
The final piece of the financial puzzle came from a decision by the Menomonie City Council to allocate $29,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding in early 2024 for the project. As part of a broader initiative to create welcoming spaces for visitors and future residents, the City of Menomonie will play a substantial role in reimagining the Library’s outdoor space. Located on Lake Menomin, this outdoor area will provide space for members of the community to work and play.
In November 2024, City Council awarded the low bid to Haas Sons, Inc. of Thorp, WI at a cost of $245,040.90. With this award in place, community members can look forward to the creation of a multi-use outdoor gathering place at the Library in Summer 2025 with some exciting amenities:
A large paver patio with seat wall
Outdoor tables, chairs & comfortable lounge seating
New additional bike racks
A new paved, ADA accessible path to allow for easier wheelchair, stroller and walker access
As interest in the project grows, additional funds may be directed toward new doors for accessing the space, a shade canopy, a pollinator rain garden, enhanced electrical service for outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, or a “Sound Garden” outside the children’s area of the library.
With our proximity to the many trails around Menomonie, and our beautiful shoreline site, we are uniquely positioned to engage with nature. There is strong scientific evidence that time in nature supports mental health and well-being. Our hope is that people will be drawn into a closer connection to the natural environment around them, re-discover the joy of gathering in the outdoors, and reinforce their public library as a place for respite, reflection, and community.
You can learn more about the project and make donations HERE.
Joleen has worked at MPL since 2005, and served as Director since June 2021. She has always preferred being outside, especially when reading.
