Battle brewing over future of Menomonee Falls library

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58)) -- A battle is brewing in Menomonee Falls over the future of the library as the village board considers cost-cutting measures in the next budget.

Supporters are speaking out because they say the board is threatening to close the library altogether. Those supporters lined up this week to tell the village board just how much the library means to the community. But they're bracing for major changes they say will not reflect the community.

Ian Dickmann is a former library board member. He said, "It sends a message that our trustees are not interested in the community as a whole. They're interested in a small portion of the community."

Dickmann served on the library board until his term ended this month. He's enormously proud of the library, but also concerned some village board members may want to slash its budget or close it altogether.

Dickmann said, "It sends a bad message to families who want to move to this community. This is a wonderful library that we have. It's a gem of Menomonee Falls, it's a reason to move to Menomonee Falls."

Like most libraries, it offers more than just books: there is reliable internet, a teen space for homework, puzzles and games to check out, and a vast array of digital content.

Dickmann called it a community gathering space. He was the last of dozens of people who spoke Monday at the village board meeting in support of the library.

Twelve-year-old Lauren told the village board, "Save our library. People depend on it for certain resources, and we need it."

Many criticized the board for considering cuts or closure.

Library supporter Arlene said, "You certainly do not represent me, nor thousands of other library-loving residents."

And Nicole said, "For you guys to use a political agenda to close the library is just a sad thing for this community."

After the public comments, supporters gave their efforts a minute-long standing ovation.

Much of their ire is directed at new village trustee Brad Jubber, who, according to emails released under open records requests, floated the idea that "Menomonee Falls residents are affluent and can buy their own books."

He also anticipated a book audit.

Dickmann said, "He expressed to us that book bans are coming. That he, himself, is planning on submitting book bans."

Jubber did not respond to requests for information or an interview.

The first library budget decisions will have to be made this fall.