Submitted by barnard on
The Patterson Memorial Library, a cornerstone of the Wild Rose community, holds a storied history that dates back to its establishment in 1930. Initially consisting of a few shelves built by the Village Board within the Village Hall, the library's first librarian, Anna Hoaglin, faithfully served from its inception until her passing in 1954. In the same year, a transformative event occurred when Katherine Patterson bequeathed $10,000 to construct a new library building.
This new facility was dedicated on August 11, 1957, with Ruth Clark assuming the role of Library Director. Under her stewardship, the library thrived, becoming an essential hub for knowledge and engagement within the village. After an impressive 26 years of service, Ruth Clark retired, making way for Linda Steffen, who took over as director in 1980. Linda's 32-year tenure marked a period of expansion, as the library underwent two significant renovations in 1985 and 2005. The expansions saw the addition of a central portion to the library and the incorporation of new amenities, such as a circulation desk, foyer, restrooms, and the Community Center, complete with a convenient warming kitchen.
In 2012, Kent Barnard assumed the position of Library Director, leading the institution into a new era. The Patterson Memorial Library continued to thrive, providing an inviting and safe space for patrons to explore its vast collection of books, movies, and other media. The library also embraced modernity, offering digital services, including digitizing VHS tapes, film, 8mm, and super 8 films. Furthermore, it provided facilities for small Zoom meetings and recording family histories. The library also took great pride in its archives, offering a curated collection of digitized ephemera, showcasing the village's rich heritage.
In 2022, the library received a remarkable contribution from Jerry Apps, a prominent local author known for his impressive portfolio of over 50 books and six Wisconsin Public TV video programs. Jerry's generous donation of $10,000 led to the creation of the Jerry Apps Reading Room, situated in the location where the original library building once stood. The room not only houses autographed copies of Jerry's works and DVDs but also features comfortable seating, providing visitors with a cozy space to enjoy literature. A charming addition to the room came in the form of a "secret door," added by Director Kent Barnard during an earlier expansion, adding a touch of whimsy and delight for children during Storytime sessions. The Jerry Apps Reading Room was officially dedicated on July 21, 2023, solidifying its place as a cherished and cherished part of the Patterson Memorial Library's heritage.
