The Friends of the Caestecker Public Library is a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting and nourishing the library as a valuable community asset.
Since its formation in 1982, this organization has focused public attention on the library, raised money to provide materials and equipment not provided by the library budget, and supplied over 500 volunteer hours per year. Activities of the Friends include delivering materials to homebound residents, organizing book sales and an annual luncheon, providing hospitality at library events, and running the library on Sunday afternoons. They also started the Library Besties group for young Friends of the Library in 2025.
Funds raised by the Friends are used for a variety of purposes, such as purchasing magazine and newspaper subscriptions for the library, funding special
programs, providing a scholarship to a graduating Green Lake High School Student, donating free books for kids age 6-12 who visit ThedaCare Physicians in Green Lake, and supporting facility improvements. They’ve also funded “unusual” items for the library’s “Library of Things” collection, such as the bird monitoring kit and telescope.
The Friends have led significant capital campaigns, including raising funds for the library’s new roof in 2011, contributed significant funds to the lower-level remodel in 2017, and the main floor bathroom remodel and family bathroom addition in 2021. The Caestecker Library truly owes much to our hard-working and generous Friends.
As our community looks to the future, we recognize that a library is, and will continue to be, one of our most valuable assets. Following a community survey and strategic plan completed in 2025, the Caestecker Library Board is now developing conceptual plans for the improvement of open land adjacent to the library for community access and benefit. If you are looking for a way to partner in future library improvements and initiatives, consider donating to the Friends of the Caestecker Public Library or including them in other planned giving opportunities.
Participation in the Friends ranges from paying annual dues to taking an active role in the organization’s many projects. Won’t you join us?
To join the Friends simply visit the library, call 920-294-3572, or send an email to director@greenlakelibrary.org. Sign up for the Friends’ newsletter if you’d like to stay up to date on activities, current initiatives, and ways to get involved.