Monday, April 17, 2023

** All invited: Friday, April 21 at noon at east-side branch by Festival Foods **

 

Allen Buechel’s commitment to public libraries was clear.

During his 29 years as Fond du Lac County executive, he consistently supported libraries across the county with healthy annual budgets, right up until his passing in March 2022.

“He said, ‘I will always support the library. Always,’” recalls his wife, Betty Buechel, who added, “A library always puts a smile on your face when you come in.”

Allen’s legacy of supporting literacy will be recognized by the Fond du Lac Public Library as it renames its east-side branch as the Allen J. Buechel Branch (formerly FDLPL Express). The branch is located on the northwest corner of the Festival Foods plaza off East Johnson Street and Country Lane.

The community is encouraged to gather at the Buechel Branch to honor the late county executive on Friday, April 21 at noon as the library formally unveils the new name. The event will include brief remarks and light refreshments, and guests may view the new, permanent display honoring Allen inside the branch.

“Throughout his years as county executive, Allen Buechel helped the Fond du Lac Public Library thrive through his steadfast support,” said Jon Mark Bolthouse, library director. “We feel honored to be able to recognize him through the new name for our branch.”

Former Fond du Lac Public Library Director Ken Hall’s admiration for Buechel was evident in 2014, when he and others nominated the county executive for the Wisconsin Library Association Citation of Merit — which Buechel received in November 2014.

In his nomination letter, Hall wrote, “Allen recognizes the myriad ways that libraries support democracy, literacy, diversity and the economic wellbeing of county residents. More than any other non-librarian I’ve known — and perhaps more than many librarians — Allen Buechel understands the broad impact of libraries on the communities he serves.”

He added that Allen provided a “unique level of support” financially to ensure that even in the tough times, libraries could thrive.

Betty explained that her husband understood the needs of the community and constantly took steps to ensure that its residents could thrive.

She noted that he loved the job — so much so that he became the longest serving county executive in state history — because “He could help everybody out. [Many] came to him for help, and he certainly gave them help. He didn't shove them aside or put them in the background. He got to it right away, and he loved the challenge.”

An important part of that job, she explained, was supporting libraries.

“He felt it was important to have [libraries because of how they support] the community,” she said, noting that he valued knowledge.

In 2014, then-County Board Supervisor Judy Goldsmith wrote of Allen’s commitment to knowledge and to libraries.

In her nomination letter to the Wisconsin Library Association for Allen’s citation of merit, she wrote, "In Allen Buechel I saw another believer in the power of libraries to change people's lives, to provide them with a wealth of resources they might otherwise not be able to access, that could provide them with learning, entertainment and valuable resources for their daily lives. His commitment has significantly enriched the lives of the people of our county more than we can probably ever know."

On Friday, April 21, Allen again will be honored for his ardent support of libraries as his name will be unveiled on the Fond du Lac Public Library’s east-side branch. Betty thinks he would have found all the fuss a little embarrassing, but gratifying.

“He'd be so honored that [the library] did this. A little embarrassed, but honored. That's the way he was,” she said. “... He'd be so honored … And I know he's smiling.”