Hancock Library welcomes the community into their new space

The Hancock Public Library hosted an open house on Valentine’s Day as a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and see the new meeting space. Librarian Lisa Eisch, working side-by-side with the Hancock Library Board, has been instrumental in making this project a reality. The Library Board of Directors includes Chairman Michelle Bacon, Jim Miller, Lucy Vezina, Karin Flyte, Mike Arcado, Bob Wordell, Bill, and Linda Zick, who were dedicated to ensuring that grant requirements were met.
A previous donation-funded project had been established for this endeavor, which grew thanks to large gifts from area residents, devoted patrons, and citizens. The library board then approved payment for an architectural design that would serve the community’s need for a small meeting conference room with a kitchen and updated bathrooms.
In 2024, the state of Wisconsin presented an opportunity for rural libraries called the Flexible Funding Project (FFP) grant, which Hancock was able to secure. Other sources of funding came via the Central Wisconsin Community Foundation. Integral to pulling all the pieces together to completion were Bill Zick, as project manager, architect Jonathan Vave, and Hancock contractor, Rick Buckholt, as construction manager.
The grant has provided Hancock with access to much-needed services, including a telehealth center, a place for job seekers to research and comply with employment certifications, and health and education programs offered through Extension services.
Visitors and patrons can utilize the space and technology for school projects, employment needs, find answers to a variety of questions, local information, and so much more.
The Hancock Library and Board are currently moving forward in a partnership with the village of Plainfield and the UW Extension’s Rural Economic Venture program to create Tell the Story of the Central Sands of Wisconsin.
The next event at the Hancock Public Library will be a “Walk Through the Wars” with Sheri Caves on March 4 at 10 a.m. Then, on March 11 at 10 a.m., there will be an introduction class to bluebirds. This program will have participants building a house. Pre-registration is required. More information can be found on the Library’s website, hancocklibrary.org.