Local History Index: Government Index: Pauline Haass Public Library
Library History - Part 2
Compiled and Edited by Michael R. Reilly
October 10, 2005, Last Revised 12/28/2005
Public Library Services for the Lisbon - Sussex Community
1981 to Present
Note: Where the word Picture appears in bold type indicates a photo appeared with source.
Sussex Library
by Fred H. Keller, March 1986
orig. printed "The First 150 Years", Lisbon-Sussex, Waukesha County, Wisconsin, page 26.
For many years before the Village of Sussex had a library, services were being provided to its residents in the form of Summer Reading Programs for children. The Village budget included funds for staff to run the six-week sessions in cooperation with the school district's loan of site and books.
The programs were so well received that a survey was taken of Village residents in 1979, led by the Sussex Jaycettes, to show the Village Board that year round library services were desired. A study committee recommended that a service contract with another library not be entered into, but rather that a Village library be established.
As soon as the Village Board agreed to a budget for a library and the necessary legal provisions were met, interested citizens began a long history of enthusiastically volunteering time and talents. While a search for a qualified librarian was being conducted by the Library Board, Friends of the Sussex Library (FOSL) was organizing to provide additional funs and services.
Early in 1980 Librarian Marion Kusnick had thousands of new books to process, in addition to the used ones collected by local Boy Scouts. By opening day [in] September 3, 1980, Librarian Phyllis Smith reported a book collection of about 10,000.
In October of 1980, the Waukesha county Board voted to establish a Federated Library System, allowing residents of the county to borrow from participating libraries. 15 of the 16 libraries began lending to county residents, with Sussex included.
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By the first anniversary, nearly 1,500 persons had registered for library cards. Shortly after that, Librarian Terry Zignego was hired. Many programs were offered over the years to help advertise the library and to encourage use of library services. The first successful Art Fling was held in 1982, displaying artwork from area schools. Holiday parties, pre-school story hours and film festivals have been among the successful children's programs. The number of children participating in the summer reading program has grown each year. As part of the reading program, the children have helped to build several prize winning floats for the Lions Daze Parade. Adult program have also been popular and have included topics such as resume writing, gardening, nature, tax information and fashion. A book discussion group meets once a month to share ideas and recommendations about books they have recently read. It is a very informal group and new members are always welcome to join. In 1985, the library was able to purchase a computer system with generous donations by the Lions Club and Lighthouse Baptist Church. The computer and printer is available for public use by anyone high school age or older who can demonstrate basic computer knowledge. |
A six-volume set of hard-covered Sussex Sun newspapers was presented by Fred and June Keller at the Sussex Library Open House Sunday at the Civic Center. Receiving the books were Joanne Smith, chairman of the library board; with directors Carol Wilde, Diane Fitzpatrick and Marjorie Kramer. September 1981. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection |
The Friends of the Sussex Library have supported the library through countless volunteer work hours and fund raising projects. The Friends have held rummage and book sales, plant sales, a walk-a-thon, and antique appraisals to raise money for the library. Many of the Library's special programs are made possible with the help of the Friends and other volunteers. An appreciation dinner for the volunteers has become an annual event.
The library has also received generous donations from local businesses and community groups.
The library has undergone some physical remodeling this year. Two large openings were made in the hallway walls to allow visibility from the main library area into the reference room. Shelving was rearranged to allow for future expansion. The result has been a more spacious and attractive library.
The library is currently open five days a week for a total of 28 hours. Card holders number approximately 3,500. The number of books in the collection exceeds 14,000. The library also has children's records, cassette tapes and book kits, music and foreign language cassette tape, and framed art work. Staff members include: Terry Zignego, Joan Moroney, and Fred Bauer. Library cards are free!!! Come and visit us soon.
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Picture: Fred H. Keller collection |
Pauline E. Ebeling 1. PAULINE2 E. EBELING (ADAM1) was born 18 Jul 1905 in Richfield, Washington, Wisconsin, and died 28 Aug 1985 in Nursing home. She married GEORGE P. HAASS 13 Jun 1933 (Source: Sussex Sun, Library namesake Pauline Haass as a young girl, Tuesday, May 15, 2001.), son of GEORGE HAASS and BARBARA ?. He was born Abt. 1906 in Wisconsin, and died May 1967 (Source: SSDI.).Notes for P AULINE EBELING:Her will left a $500,000 gift to the Town of Lisbon to start a library, and today she is honored with the joint Lisbon-Sussex library named after her, the Pauline Haass Public Library. More About P AULINE EBELING:Education 1: Graduated Hartford High School, Hartford, Washington, Wisconsin Education 2: 1927, Graduated Milwaukee Normal School with teaching certificate. Occupation: Bet. 1927 - 1933, Various teaching positions Residence 1: 1975, Waukesha Ave., Sussex, Waukesha, Wisconsin Residence 2: Bet. 1980 - 1985, Nursing home More About G EORGE P. HAASS:Residence 1: 1930, Living with parents and sister in town of Lisbon Residence 2: 1933, Farm on corner of Lake Five Road and County Hwy Q, Town of Lisbon, Waukesha, Wisconsin More About G EORGE HAASS and PAULINE EBELING:Marriage: 13 Jun 1933 (Source: Sussex Sun, Library namesake Pauline Haass as a young girl, Tuesday, May 15, 2001.) |
"1987 year in review" - October - Sussex and Lisbon officially gave approval to a joint library. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 5, 1988, page 9.
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"Library gets series of historic books" - Pauline Haass Public Library officially came into existence January 1, 1988 As a direct result of the 1986 Lisbon-Sussex Sesquicentennial there was a special extended Weaver family get-together in Sussex. This event, September 12, 1987, attracted several settler descendants who donated family history papers to the library. Initially the new library will be located in the Sussex Civic Center, N64 W23760 Main Street. A new library director will take over February 1. Library directors are: Leo Miller, Chairman; Richard Allen, VP; Eileen Grenke, secretary; Ralph Lenz; Sharon Blank; Roger Johnson; Mike Ertl. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 5, 1988, page 6. Pictures on pages 4 and 6.
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Ribbon cutting - Doing the honors of cutting the ribbon to the new section of the expanded Pauline Haass Public Library are, left to right, Joy Botts, director; Marion Kusnich, first librarian at the 10-year-old library; and Richard Allen, library board director. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection
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Librarian Kathy Klager - Sussex Library display of Christmas Seals, Dec. 1994. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection |
Picture of Joy Botts, new library director, and current librarian, Terry Zignego. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 12, 1988, page 3. "Sussex/Lisbon News" - a week of special activities will lead up to the dedication of the Pauline Haass Public Library; scheduled for Sunday, February 14. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 19, 1988, page 5. Picture of library card registration at Sussex Sentry food store. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 5, 1988, page 6. "Youngsters birthday bash set for library" - Library supports national program for 5 year olds to get library cards. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, January 5, 1988, page 7. "Sussex/Lisbon News" - Dedication activities listed for event. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, February 9, 1988, page 6. "Library celebrates opening" - About 150 people turned out throughout the 3-hour event. Included library tour, presentation of plaques to Haass family, a proclamation by State Assemblywoman Lolita Schneiders, and introduction to staff. Source: Sussex Sun, Tuesday, February 16, 1988, page 12. Pictures |
1995 - In April, a fund raising drive begun, Quad/Graphics to match up to $150,000 in pledges. After the Halquist Quarry Company donated $7,500; the amount raised was about $120,000. John Squier, president of the Joint Sussex-Lisbon Pauline Haass Library board.
Library construction October 1995. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection
1996 - Library automated the catalog and checkout functions. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005.
Flyer: Fred H. Keller collection
1997 - Internet access added for reference staff. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005.
1998 - Moved into new library building and made the internet available to the public. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005.
Card: Fred H. Keller collection
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Library art piece 1999. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection |
Botts to retire from library - After 13 years of service at the Pauline Haass Public Library, Director Joy Botts has decided to call it a day. January 24, 2001 Roof leaking at library - On a trip to the library, one expects to see certain things. Typically, buckets are not among them. March 07, 2001 Library may need to cover roof-repair costs - Pauline Haass Public Library will most likely have to cover the costs to repair the roof on its facility, Trustee Henry Carlson said last Tuesday. April 04, 2001
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No children's fines policy could be permanent at library - At its next meeting, the Pauline Haass Public Library board could be making official its policy of no late fees for children's books. April 11, 2001 Library enjoys strong year - The Pauline Haass Public Library is proving itself more useful, and more used, every year. April 18, 2001 Library leak mystery may be solved - The Pauline Haass Library Board voted Wednesday to hire a local roofing company to investigate the cause of severe leaks that plagued the building during the winter. April 18, 2001 2001 - Library catalog is put online so that customers could search, reserve, and renew from home. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005. |
Lisbon 2000 Library Board... Emil Glodoski, Joanne Smith, Ron Evert. Picture: Fred H. Keller collection |
Library to test-market eBooks - It could become more difficult for young men to impress young women by carrying their books home for them from Pauline Haass Public Library this fall. Through grants from Wisconsin Federated Library System and Wisconsin Advanced Telecom-munications, the library is planning to... July 18, 2001
Library faces funding changes- Waukesha County Federated Library System's citizens committee has proposed changes, beginning in 2002, that could change the amount of funding Pauline Haass Public Library will receive in the future. August 14, 2001
Library reaches milestone - After almost 15 years in existence and nearly five years at its new location, Pauline Haass Public Library is expected to check out its two-millionth item today. November 20, 2001
PHL makes 2 millionth loan - As expected, the 2 millionth item was checked out of the Pauline Haass Public Library last week. November 28, 2001
Library use, presence climbed in 2001 The Pauline Haass Library had a busy and productive year in 2001, and 2002 is likely to build on that, director Kathy Klager told the Village Board on Tuesday night. May 21, 2002
Adult reading program takes off at library - How Mark Twain helped to bring Sussex and Lisbon readers together. August 13, 2002
PHPL wants you to read for pleasure. Officials at the Pauline Haass Library - call them librarians - are hopeful that a new series of programs offered at the library this fall will inspire local teenagers to do something they may not have done in a while: read. September 24, 2002
The Teen Summer Reading Program offered at the Pauline Haass Library is open to kids ages 11 to 18, and has been designed entirely by area teenagers. The program includes prizes as incentives for reading. Some of the sponsors of this year's program are Best Buy, Blockbuster Video, Capitol Cinemas, Comedy Sportz, the Friends of the Pauline Haass Public Library, Festa Italiana, German Fest, Green Bay Packers, Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, Hartland Music Center, Huffy Sports and the Milwaukee Public Museum. May 20, 2003
2004 - signed a contract to join the CAFÉ consortium and enable customers to easily search and borrow from ten times as many items. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005.
Library Board of Directors - Jane Anhalt (Lisbon); Marianne Baker, President (Sussex); James Batzko (Sussex Trustee); Donald Behrens (school representative); Charlotte Coe (Sussex); Emil Glodoski, Vice-President (Lisbon); Robert Williams (Lisbon Supervisor). Source: Pauline Haass Public Library Annual Report 2004, pub. April, 2005.
August 12, 2005 - Reference Librarian Karen Hurd, who headed the Adult Services department, retired after 11 years (a Waukesha county librarian for 30 years) on the PHPL staff, Ralph Illick is her replacement. With Ralph's promotion, Reference Librarian Becky Sorenson joined the staff on August 29th. Source: Pauline Haass Public Library News, Volume 18, No. 1, Fall 2005.