Federal funds for libraries are expected to be slashed like many other programs, and that has Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez concerned.
Rodriguez went on a fact-finding mission Aug. 11 to the Gillett Public Library, and she spoke with Library Director Shannon Stoner and others about what the local library provides and what it needs to remain a vital community hub.
Rodriguez was amazed to find out how much the small library does for city residents and those living in the surrounding towns.
“They are truly part of the community hub,” she said. “They do so much more than books. We were just going through this library, and they do programming for young adults. They do programming for seniors, for kids. They have a free pantry here that people can get food from if they need it. It’s so important to make sure we’re supporting our libraries.”
A lot of the federal funding goes through the states in the form of grants. Stoner noted a lot of the library programming in Gillett is made possible through grants.
“If we do not get that federal funding that we are used to, that is going to curtail our ability on the state level to be able to support libraries like this,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said she’s worried about what will happen to libraries in small towns like Gillett. She noted that there’s more funding in the 2025-27 state biennial budget to help libraries, but questions if that bump from the state will just be swallowed by the federal cuts.
“We need to talk to our federal representatives about how important it is to have funding and support for our community libraries,” Rodriguez said.
The lieutenant governor’s visit yielded a lot of information about how libraries make good use of the limited funding they have and how they’re keeping up with technology. She noted that the federal government’s thought that libraries don’t need to be funded is a mistake.
“They were talking about how individuals are coming in and wanting more large-print books, so they’re ordering large-print books,” Rodriguez said about her meeting with library representatives. “Kids are needing to learn more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and trying to make sure that they’re prepared for what’s going to be happening in the future, so they’re purchasing books about science and technology, and they’re also doing programming about that.”
The Gillett library is very responsive to the community, in Rodriguez’s view.
“We want to make sure we’re supporting them,” she said.
Rodriguez noted that, when her children were younger, the family made regular trips to the neighborhood library, because it was something for the family to do.
“It doesn’t cost anything for families,” Rodriguez said. “Libraries are the one place where people can congregate where they’re not expected to pay, and that is such a unique part of the community. I loved taking my small kids there, and now they’re a little bit older, 16 and 18, but I still make sure they realize how many resources are here in a library.”
Stoner told Rodriguez about some of the adulting classes she holds for teens getting ready to go out into the world, and how she teaches things like budgeting and more.
“Talking about a resume, how do you apply for a job, how do you make a budget and how do you balance a checkbook, so to speak?” Rodriguez said. “Those are really important skills for young adults, and the library is preparing them.”
Rodriguez said she doesn’t know why the federal government is cutting library funding and claimed the governor’s office would be reaching out to find out more. However, she felt it was important to hit the road now and get information about what libraries are doing so she and Gov. Tony Evers can push back.
“It is really concerning to me that we are cutting services for everyday Wisconsinites,” Rodriguez said. “That’s going to hurt people particularly in smaller towns and areas like here. The cuts across the board at the federal government are very concerning to me, and just one of those is for libraries. This is in service of tax cuts for very wealthy people. I would see that money go into the communities to support programs like this.”
Stoner said the library provides a lot of outreach, including housing a food pantry and produce stand, hosting National Night Out and even providing an outlet each Halloween for exchanging costumes so they get more use.
The library also provides resources for those who are looking for jobs. Besides searching online via computers, there is a binder at the main desk where Gillett residents can look, not only within the city, but also neighboring Oconto Falls and Shawano County.
“We look for local jobs preferably for those who don’t have cars,” Stoner said. “Gillett is pretty small, so you can pretty much walk anywhere you want to work.”
Stoner said the library grants from the state fund Libby, which provides access to e-books and audiobooks online, as well as the inter-library loan program that allows Gillett patrons to borrow books from other libraries without having to go to those libraries. She said she worries about what would happen if that funding were to go away.
“That’s really important to us to provide services and provide materials for people,” Stoner said. “Now I’m getting ready for budget for 2026, so if something has to be cut, I will have to cut it from somewhere in the budget. I’m going to do everything I can — fundraising, anything — in order to provide for my community.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
