Thursday, February 6, 2025

Huge win for Fremont

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The phone rang during Mrs. Highlander’s 4K story time at the Neuschafer Community Library in Fremont.

Library Director Melissa Krause answered the call and was informed that the library would receive a $4.25 million grant.

The funds are from the Wisconsin’s Department of Administration Flexible Facilities Program (FFP) and will be used to build a new library and community center.

Krause crafted the grant proposal with help from library board members, staff, Friends of the Library, economic development experts and community members to craft the grant proposal.

There was one catch: the FFP funding is to be used to create a facility for high-speed internet, to help rural communities access work, education and healthcare remotely. The library’s current site was inadequate for expansion, so Krause went on the hunt for suitable property.

She spoke with local boards and officials and one possible site was sold unexpectedly at the last minute which almost derailed the grant proposal.

“I was making Hail Mary phone calls looking for any leads,” Krause said. “I felt like I was letting my community down if I couldn’t at least apply, and I couldn’t without a site for the project.”

Longtime library patrons Lloyd and Sue Mathison stopped into the library and they arranged a meeting with Bonnie Lewin. She offered her property at 208 Waupaca St. at below-market value with the condition that it be the site for the library.

Lewin, Mathison, Krause, and Kim Hopkins, president of Friends of the NCL, were present. Lewin negotiated the contract with the Friends of the NCL.

“It was a powerful moment,” Hopkins said, “It felt like a turning point that allowed us to move forward.”

With site selection figured out, Krause supported grant with details concerning community surveys, strategic planning, demographic data, and assessments of the current building’s limitations. The Neuschafer Community Library serves a population of approximately 2,148, reaching beyond the Village of Fremont to parts of Winnebago and Waushara counties.

The extra support details helped the grant application score 92 out of 100. The new library will have private tele-health and study rooms, a senior center, dedicated teen and indoor children’s play areas, business meeting rooms, a maker space, and high-speed internet connections that will boost to 100 Mbps, a significant improvement from the current 25 Mbps.

“You made me cry happy tears. This is so wonderful for Fremont,” said Bonnie Lewin when she heard the news.

Next steps

Once paperwork is completed to receive the grant money, the library will assemble teams and plan logistics for the new facility. They will form committees, assign tasks, and lean on expertise from community leaders and volunteers. Krause encourages collaboration and hopes those wanting to help, even in a small way, to reach out.

“It was a requirement that the new facility could be fiscally supported within our current budget, or we lose any benefits to bringing the facility to the community in the first place,” said Krause.

There are plans to add solar power to lower the operational cost of the facility. Phase II plans include converting the warming kitchen to a commercial kitchen, accommodating farm-to-table programs, or rentable options. The large multi-use space is expected to have inclusions such as an auditorium for author talks and community events like plays.

“Libraries were a place of wonder to me as a child,” Krause said, “and that’s what I hope to deliver here.”

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