The right move
By Jo Mahlum
Contributing Writer
KEWAUNEE – Friends of the Kewaunee Library has been around for 51 years as of this February, but celebrating their first anniversary in their new home.
What originally started as a business in the basement of the Kewaunee Library 51 years ago has undergone many upgrades and taken root in many buildings.
Recently, the facility was located in a former liquor store but moved to an old apartment building.
“We did downsize in terms of square feet in the building but the configuration looks much bigger than our old location and the ambience of this building is so unique and the customers just love it,” Becky Carter explained.
In relation to the bookstores and libraries that she has been to over the years and Carter said, “We may not be the biggest or the fanciest, but we have the best atmosphere for sure.
“Four people were in the store, none of them knew each other, but I got to watch them come together and spend hours talking about books.”
Within this new space they have ventured into, Carter said she had “witnessed a type of escapism” among the community that she has never seen before.
“People travel here on foot, they come from nearby cities and we have people that have come through our doors from all across the country. I even remember one time watching a couple driving on the highway, notice our sign, almost come to a complete stop, just to take the exit and then walk through our doors laughing about the whole experience. All just to come visit our shop.”
These moments signified that they made the right choice in moving and make their first anniversary “All the more special,” Carter said.