Library rededicated

UW-Marshfield/Wood County rededicates renovated Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library

MARSHFIELD – Hamilton Roddis’ love of books and literature was reaffirmed Friday at the rededication of the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library on the UW-Marshfield/Wood County campus. 

The open house, hosted by the University Commission: UW-Marshfield/Wood County, celebrated the renovation of the library, named after the late Hamilton Roddis, who served as secretary, president and chairman of the board of the Roddis Plywood Corp., now Marshfield Door Systems Inc., for more than 60 years. The Hamilton Roddis Foundation contributed to the renovation. 

“My father, Hamilton Roddis, was a great reader,” said Augusta Roddis, Hamilton Roddis’ daughter. “He was a reader of history and of the classics.  …So a library seems a most appropriate memorial to him. … And I am greatly appreciative of everything the (UW-Marshfield/Wood County) is doing with (the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library).” 

Construction for the $500,000 library renovation project was finished in August.  The last of the new furnishings were installed in late January. Total construction cost for the project was about $300,000, with contributions from the city of Marshfield, Wood County and the Hamilton Roddis Foundation.  The state of Wisconsin funded technology and furniture costs, bringing the total cost to $500,000. 

 “I always have the feeling that I am the only one in Marshfield/Wood County who really understands how unique the partnership that supports this campus really is,” said Dr. Andrew Keogh, dean and campus executive officer. “The city of Marshfield, Wood County, the state of Wisconsin and, in this case, a private family foundation, the Hamilton Roddis Foundation, all had to agree at the same time, that remodeling of the library was important enough to put forward the money needed.” 

“The willingness to share responsibility for higher education in our community is extraordinary.  It is a unique partnership.  As I describe to the uninitiated how we do our business with so many partners, my listeners are surprised it works at all, and are amazed that it has worked well for more than 40 years.”

Prior to the renovation, the library had been virtually untouched since it was constructed in 1971 as part of the Helen Connor Laird Fine Arts Building.  The facility was completely refurbished to create an environment which incorporates state-of-the-art technology necessary for electronic research and learning. It includes a teaching lab, where students and faculty can upgrade their research skills; The Learning Center, which focuses on building and enhancing classroom skills; and small-study areas where students can work together on team and group projects.   

Donna Rozar, chair of the University Commission, spoke about how libraries have changed.  She recently returned to graduate school, and completed an information technology course. 

“I’ve learned it’s not how much you know, it’s how much you know about where to find it,” she said. 

Ruth Elderbrook, library director, stressed that the Hamilton Roddis Memorial Library is open to all Marshfield and Wood County residents, not just UW-Marshfield/Wood County students.

“We presently have the most high tech computer lab and teaching classroom on campus,” Elderbrook said. “There is wireless (Internet) access in the library as well as throughout the campus.  I think our new library lends itself to a comfortable and a bright and inviting environment in which to study or do research or just relax.” 

In the family history that Augusta Roddis wrote for “The Marshfield Story: 1972-1997,” she describes her father as “an avid student of history” who owned an extensive private library filled with classical and historical works. Hamilton Roddis established his namesake foundation in 1952 “so his family could continue his religious, educational and charitable benefaction.”  He died in 1960.