On September 10, I posted an entry about the Forest Lodge Library in Cable, Wisconsin which claims to be the oldest log cabin library in the state. That claim has been challenged by the Wabeno Public Library in Forest County which is also located in a log building. Lois Radloff, Director of the Wabeno Public Library, has provided the following information about the library building.
In 1993, the Wabeno Public Library was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The research for that designation was completed by the Nicolet National Forest Service in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. The structure was completed by the Chicago Northwestern Railroad as its land office in 1895. The application for designation on the National Register states “the Land Office turned the building over to the city of Wabeno in 1923 to be used as the library.” It has been in continual use as a library to this day.
Thanks to Lois for bringing this information to our attention. We have included the Wabeno Public Library on the Wisconsin Library Heritage Trail.