Madison Philanthropists Give 600K For Barneveld Library Expansion

Two Madison philanthropists are giving a $600,000 donation to the Barneveld Public Library to help cover the costs of an expansion project.

Library director Carrie Portz says the large donation from Jerry and John Frautschi will go a long way at a time when libraries all over face cuts in government support.

“Our circulation items that we’re checking out have increased 210 percent over ten years. We’re having record-breaking attendance at our programs repeatedly. Libraries are seeing increased demand for services; especially when times are tough, people turn to their library.”

Portz says the gift is unprecedented for a Wisconsin community the size of Barneveld.