Brown County Library board advances projects, prepares Pulaski move, and lists Ashwaubenon branch for $695,000
GREEN BAY — October 16, 2025
The Brown County Library Board met Thursday evening at the East Branch, covering everything from rural library construction and property sales to policy changes at Central Library.
East and Denmark branch updates
East and Denmark Branch Manager Bobbie Kuehn, who has worked for the library since 2004, reported that the East Branch continues to post the system’s highest public-computer use and sees constant demand for its five study rooms.
Groups from Aspiro and other adult-special-needs programs visit almost daily, while patrons with limited English proficiency frequently rely on East staff for faxing, printing, and technology help.
East offers four weekly storytimes, and Denmark’s weekly storytime continues at the Village Hall while construction proceeds on the new OneDenmark joint library and community center.
A highlight of the season will again be “Reindeer Cheer,” scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 4–7 p.m., featuring live reindeer, sleigh photos, and indoor crafts. Last year’s event drew strong attendance despite sub-zero temperatures.
Kuehn also noted that the East Branch served 1,031 free children’s meals this summer through the Green Bay Area Public Schools program and that AARP Tax-Aide volunteers helped 236 taxpayers during tax season.
Rural services and new construction
Work continues toward the new Pulaski Branch in the former Dollar Tree building. An engineering assessment is underway, and staff reiterated that moving in as soon as feasible would save money, since the county owns the new site but still pays rent at the current location.
Meanwhile, the OneDenmark project celebrated its official groundbreaking this week, drawing a standing-room-only crowd that included Governor Tony Evers, state officials, local leaders, and community members. Board members described the event as energetic and symbolic of growing excitement for the county’s rural library expansion.
Central/ADRC/Job Center partnership
Library Director Sarah Sugden reported that the project’s new coordinator has begun work and that the accounting firm CLA is finalizing a detailed financial analysis confirming overall county cost savings once the Central Library, Aging & Disability Resource Center, and Job Center operate together.
The findings will be reviewed with county leadership ahead of the October 29 County Board meeting, where the project’s capital funding is on the agenda.
Ashwaubenon branch updates
Trustees reviewed realtor materials and agreed to list the current Ashwaubenon Branch building for $695,000. The 8,000-square-foot property will be rezoned from public to B-2 commercial, with village officials indicating support for the change. Staff noted early interest from a potential buyer, though the branch will remain occupied until the new facility is ready.
Central Library behavior policy
The board approved new site-specific rules for Central, responding to ongoing issues downtown. The policy prohibits food and drink and limits patrons to one backpack and one small personal item that fits beneath a seat, with no large suitcases or duffel bags allowed.
Sugden emphasized that Central Library is not a warming shelter and will refer anyone seeking daytime refuge to community partners such as the Micah Center or the Salvation Army.
Finance, facilities, and community programs
Sugden reported that the library expects a year-end budget surplus. The Central Library HVAC replacement is nearly complete, and the Brown County Library Foundation has pledged $60,000 for project management of the Denmark build.
Personnel news included the hiring of David Snyder as Kress/Wrightstown Branch Manager and two new maintenance workers. NWTC will conduct a security assessment and de-escalation training at Central later this year.
Community events remain strong: PopCon returned October 4, and staff are exploring a larger, collaborative version with NWTC, UW-Green Bay, and St. Norbert College this spring. The Local History Series launched with author Jeffrey Rosen drawing more than 300 attendees. The annual Give-A-Kid-A-Book campaign kicks off October 30, and the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will make an appearance outside Central the same morning from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Looking ahead
The board adjourned to closed session under Wis. Stat. § 19.85(1)(g) to discuss legal strategy related to the Ashwaubenon Branch project. Next month’s meeting is expected to include results of the county financial review and updates on the Pulaski and Denmark construction timelines.