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The history of the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library is one marked
by the generosity and dedication of the Manitowish Waters community.
Frank & Betty Koller
In 1986, Frank and Betty Koller generously donated the library to the
town of Manitowish Waters in memory of their son, Frank B. Koller. They
again showed their support and generosity with the donation of a 760 square
foot addition to the building in 1996, and continue to be wholehearted
supporters of the library.
Pauline Zeber
Pauline Zeber was the first librarian at the Frank B. Koller Memorial
Library, working on a volunteer basis since the library’s inception. As
a retired professional librarian, Pauline continues to support the library
by both serving as treasurer on the library board and by volunteering her
time and efforts to assist with new material purchasing, cataloging and
helping to manage library operations.
The Sullivan Room
The Sullivan Room was donated in 1988 by Robert Sullivan in memory
of his father Willis G. Sullivan. Today, the Sullivan Room is used as meeting
space by many community groups and activities.
The Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Koller Memorial Library is an auxiliary support
group for the library. For more information about their activities or on
becoming a Friend of the Library, see the Friends
web page.
Library Volunteers
The library keeps its doors open with the help of almost 50 volunteers
who are signed up to work at the library. Volunteers assist with front
desk work, shelving materials, processing books, computer work, hours of
filing, and, most recently, the arduous task of bar-coding all library
materials for the new automated circulation system. Contact Janelle Kohl
for information about volunteering at the library.
Other Donations and Support
Many other community members and part-time residents continue to support
the library with donations, memorial donations and gifts. These tax-deductible
donations are used to purchase materials and equipment for our growing
collections. The library also makes use of used books and materials, and
of equipment donations. Contact the librarian for information on how your
gifts can help to support the Frank B. Koller Memorial Library.
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| April 9, 1985 | Committee was created to look into forming a library.
Committee members: Rev. Hall, Chairman Helen Townsend Betty Skrobot Toby Hyland |
| August 27, 1985 | Committee recommended present site and a building to be constructed. Frank & Betty Koller offered to donate the library. |
| October 2, 1985 | Library voted down at town meeting, 21 to 1. |
| March, 1986 | Second town meeting votes to establish the library. Frank & Betty Koller again offer to donate the building. |
| July 22, 1986 | The first library board was sworn in, consisting of: Pauline Zeber (Chairman), Maxine Hall (Secretary), Robert Gunther, Toby Hyland, and Sue Carlson |
| September 26, 1986 | Ground breaking. |
| December 22, 1986 | Pauline Zeber was appointed Librarian on a volunteer basis. |
| June 22, 1987 | Library opens its doors. |
| July 19, 1987 | Library dedication. |
| February 22, 1988 | Friends of the Library was formed, with Sue Rasey as president. |
| May 23, 1988 | Construction began on the Sullivan Room, donated by Robert Sullivan in memory of his father Willis G. Sullivan. |
| July 1, 1991 | Janelle (Oldenburg) Kohl was hired as a full time librarian. |
| June 1996 | Construction begins on a 760 square foot addition, again donated by Frank & Betty Koller, with new equipment supported with funds from the Friends of the Library “Tea Bag” fund-raiser. |
| December 1996 | Materials moved into new addition. |
| Spring 1998 - Spring 1999 | Janelle Kohl and volunteers begin task of bar-coding materials for proposed automated circulation system. |
| March 15, 1999 | Library begins new automated circulation system. |
Highway 51
P.O. Box 100
Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin 54545
(715)543-2700