History of the Library

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The Cadott Community Library loaned its first book on July 14th, 1956.

The library owes its existence to the Cadott Women’s Club who were instrumental to its beginnings. The library was originally made up of books donated from citizens’ own private collections, with shelving and other necessities purchased by the Woman’s Club.

Before then the library had been a state loaned collection since the 1930s during off school hours, but it was eventually deemed inadequate by Cadott residents.

A formal opening was held on August 19th, 1956, marking the establishment of Cadott’s first library and Ruby Dietzler was hired as the first librarian.

After a few years, the growing library moved into a former Presbyterian Church building along with the village hall, which was a gift from pharmacist, George Miller.

In October of 1967, Ruby retired and Janet DeJung become the new librarian for Cadott. Then, when the former Citizens State Bank building became available, the library was moved to a more permanent home. The new space allowed for many new services, a larger collection, and reading areas.

In February, 1983, Cadott joined the Indianhead Library System, now the IFLS Library System which it is still part of today. In 1990, Janet retired after 23 years of service to the Cadott Community Library and Susan Sims was hired as her successor. Susan retired in 1994. Dorothy Kaiser served as director until her retirement in 2005, Jennifer Smith until 2009, Carrie Hopp until 2014, Paula Stanton until 2017, and Katelyn Noack served for one year between 2017 and 2018.

Today, the library provides a growing collection of 15,800 items, 4 public access computers, free wifi connectivity, an adult book club, children’s storytime, craft and game programs along with other planned events, and many other services. In October of 2024, the Village of Cadott receieved a $3.7 million Flexible Facilities Program Grant. These funds enable the library, after nearly 30 years of non-compliance with the ADA and more than 50 years in the former bank building, to construct a brand new, modern, accessible, and energy efficent building. Located at 628 North Highway 27, the new library building is expected to open in the summer of 2026. Just in time for the 70th Anniversary. 

Between completion of the build and 2031, focus for library services will be on employment, health care, and technological advancement for the community. We look forward to the opprotuntities the FFP grant have opened for the library’s success and continued service in our new Forever Home.

Currently, Samantha “Samma” Johnson serves at the Library Director; hired in October of 2018. They have a vested interest in improving the library. Previously, they served nearly 8 years as an Assistant Librarian to our neighbors at the Augusta Memorial Public Library. They served on the MORE Executive Council as Secretary in 2021-2022), were a member of the LSTA Advisory Committee (2020, until dissolved in 2021), a WPLC Selector, and aided in the creation of the Inclusive Services Guide for Wisconsin Public Libraries.