Marathon County Public Library - The 1960s

The 1960s

By the mid-1960s the Wausau Library was bursting at the seams. Thanks to $580,000 of federal, city and private funds, a major remodeling project adding 27,300 square feet (2,540 m2) to the library building was undertaken in 1968. Space was once again tripled and the Neoclassical facade replaced by concrete blocks. The remodeled building was unveiled on October 19, 1969.

As the new decade dawned, city and county officials began exploring the idea of merging the Wausau Public Library, Marathon County Library and all the local public libraries into one system. Considerable costsavings would result from such a consolidation. Accordingly, in 1973, the Marathon County Public Library was established under director Wayne Bassett.

In the years since the merger, the Marathon County Public Library went from strength to strength. Library collections countywide were enriched. Branch libraries were remodeled or new facilities were built. In January 1995 a new, $5.2 million headquarters library opened its doors in Wausau. Echoing the original Andrew Carnegie library, the new building incorporated architectural features from the late 19th century-early 20th century.