Dwight Foster Public Library

What Dwight Foster Public Library does

Dwight Foster Public Library is a chartered municipal public library in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, founded in the 1890s and serving Jefferson County residents at no direct cost to patrons. The library is part of the Bridges Library System, a Wisconsin public library consortium that provides shared catalog, interlibrary loan, and digital resource infrastructure to its members. Core offerings include physical and digital collections, periodicals, audiobooks, and programming for adults, teens, and children, supported by a workforce of approximately 9 staff members and operating from a building that was expanded in 1983 to accommodate growing collections and program space.

The library extends beyond traditional lending into specialized community programming, including a Library Memory Project delivered in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, Dementia-Friendly Library certification, and StoryCorps Community Voices archival recording. Its local history and genealogy holdings constitute a long-curated intangible asset for the community. Funding is derived primarily from City of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson County tax appropriations, supplemented by the Friends of the Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 1979 with more than 150 members that funds programming, materials, and capital extras.

The business model is non-commercial: services are free at point of use to Wisconsin residents, and operating economics are governed by municipal budgeting cycles rather than market pricing. Strategic posture is oriented toward community service breadth — particularly for underserved populations such as individuals with dementia and their caregivers — rather than revenue growth or geographic expansion. There is no indication of commercial revenue streams, venture funding, or M&A activity.

Name

Dwight Foster Public Library

Legal name

Dwight Foster Public Library

Website

https://fortlibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1890

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Dwight Foster Public Library is a municipal public library in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, serving Jefferson County residents with free lending, local history archives, and community programming through the Bridges Library System.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210), Libraries and Archives (51921), Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services (5192)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA), Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community programs
• Digital lending
• Genealogy research
• Memory care programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Fort Atkinson

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Library Funding (Tax-Supported): The primary revenue source is municipal and county tax funding as a public library, providing free services to residents. The library receives support from the City of Fort Atkinson and Jefferson County.
2. Friends of the Library Memberships and Donations: Friends group offers membership tiers ($10-$100+) and accepts donations. Funds support events, programs, author talks, collections, and Explore Passes. Contributions are tax-deductible.
3. Fee-Based Services: Minimal fees for copying (10 cents/page B&W, 50 cents color), faxing (10 cents/page), and printing. Most core services are free with library card.
4. Memorials and Bequests: Library accepts monetary gifts, memorials, and planned gifts through deferred gift provisions for current needs or future trust fund projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Dwight Foster Public Library is a municipal public library providing free access to a 56,000+ volume physical collection, digital lending through Libby/OverDrive, public computers and Wi-Fi, printing/copying/faxing services, and a curated suite of community programs including dementia-friendly memory services, children's StoryWalk, oral history preservation, and social groups. The library serves all ages from birth through seniors with a 9-person staff and is supported by municipal funding, Friends of the Library memberships, and donations.

Product overview

Dwight Foster Public Library offers a comprehensive suite of public library services through both physical and digital channels. The library provides physical collections (books, CDs, DVDs, audiobooks), public computer and Wi-Fi access, copying/printing/fax services, and meeting room facilities. Digital services include Libby by Overdrive for ebooks/audiobooks, the CAFE mobile app for account management, and Beanstack for reading challenges. The library offers specialized programs including the Library Memory Project for dementia care, Community Voices oral history (partnering with StoryCorps), StoryWalk outdoor reading path, and various social groups. Research services include BadgerLink databases, genealogy resources, newspaper archives, and Udemy online courses. The library also provides accessibility services including assistive technology and specialized materials. Membership programs include the Friends of the Library organization and Junior Friends for teen volunteers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Library Card Service Free library card registration available to all Wisconsin residents, providing borrowing privileges, digital access, and program eligibility. Patrons from outside Wisconsin may purchase a non-resident card.
• Physical Collection Lending Circulation of 56,000+ physical items including books, large print materials, audiobooks, music CDs, magazines, newspapers, and braille materials. Available to all library card holders.
• Digital Lending via Libby/OverDrive Digital lending of ebooks, audiobooks, and digital media through the Libby by OverDrive platform and Wisconsin's Digital Library, accessible to all card holders.
• Public Computer and Wi-Fi Access Free public computer use and Wi-Fi access available to all patrons during library hours, including laptop bars and dedicated computer stations.
• Printing, Copying, and Scanning Services Self-service printing, copying, and scanning with per-page fees charged for black-and-white and color output. Fax services are also available.
• Home Delivery Service Delivery of library materials to homebound patrons, seniors, and individuals with mobility limitations who cannot visit the library in person.
• Interlibrary Loan Service Borrowing of materials from other libraries through the Bridges Library System and Wisconsin statewide library network, expanding access beyond the local 56,000+ volume collection.
• Meeting Room Reservations Reservation of community meeting rooms for library and community use, available to local groups and organizations.
• Curbside Pickup Service Curbside pickup of holds and requested materials, allowing patrons to collect library items without entering the building.
• Book a Librarian One-on-one appointments with librarians for personalized research assistance, technology help, and guidance on library resources.
• StoryWalk Program Outdoor reading installation program displaying children's story pages along park walking paths, designed to combine physical activity with early literacy.
• Community Voices Oral History Program Oral history program in partnership with StoryCorps that records and preserves personal stories from community members, with archived recordings available to the public.
• Library Memory Project Dementia-friendly memory program operated in partnership with Fort Healthcare and UW-Whitewater, with structured activities for individuals with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers.
• Memory Kits Circulating kits containing sensory and cognitive stimulation materials designed for individuals with dementia and cognitive disabilities, available for checkout.
• Music & Memory Program Personalized music playlist program for individuals with dementia and cognitive challenges, providing iPods loaded with curated music for therapeutic use.
• Purple Tube Project Adaptive video content program for individuals with dementia and cognitive disabilities, providing sensory-friendly and accessible video materials.
• Junior Friends Volunteer Program Volunteer program for youth to participate in library service activities, supporting programming and community engagement initiatives.
• Genealogy Research Services Genealogy and family history research support including access to Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest databases, a genealogy librarian, and the Local History Room collection.
• Used Book Sales Periodic used book sales of donated and withdrawn library materials, operated by the Friends of the Library as fundraising events pay-what-you-wish.
• Friends of the Library Membership Annual membership program of the Friends of the Library supporting fundraising through tiered contributions ($10, $25, $50, $100+), with naming rights for memorials and special collections.
• Social Groups Program Recurring social group programming including adult coloring clubs, Lego clubs, and themed social gatherings designed to foster community connection.
• Accessibility Services Accessibility services for vision and hearing-impaired patrons including adaptive technology, Pocketalk translation devices for non-English speakers, and braille materials.
• Veterans Services Collection Dedicated collection of materials and resources serving veterans and their families, including information on benefits, services, and military history.

Quantifiable outcome

• Library serves as free community resource available to all Wisconsin residents with a valid library card
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration23 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• StoryCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with StoryCorps national oral history non-profit for Community Voices initiative. Library provides space and coordination for facilitated recording sessions where community members preserve personal stories for future generations.
• Alzheimer's Association of Southeastern WisconsincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Library Memory Project providing programs to those living with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, and other forms of dementia through Memory Cafes and caregiver support.
• Lakeshores Library SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationCooperative library system partnership for Library Memory Project serving the region with rotating monthly Memory Cafes and educational programs.
• Monarch Library SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationCooperative library system partnership for Library Memory Project serving the region with rotating monthly Memory Cafes and educational programs.
• Fort Atkinson Parks & RecreationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for the Fort Atkinson StoryWalk at Ralph Park. The library provides rotating children's book pages installed along an outdoor path for family reading and physical activity.
• Fort Atkinson Community FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSupporting partner for the StoryWalk project and general library funding through the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation library fund.
• Jefferson County ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for dementia-friendly services including certified Dementia-Friendly Library status and Purple Tube Project distribution for crisis planning.
• U.S. Veterans Project LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary hosts weekly Veterans Café every Wednesday morning. U.S. Veterans Project provides volunteer hosts and donated snacks. Veterans and families gather for fellowship and information.
• Jefferson County Literacy CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing literacy resources for Spanish-speaking community members through dedicated recursos page with ESL materials and literacy support.
• Hoard Historical MuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary local history resource and collector for the community. The museum houses name index to Daily Jefferson County Union and extensive local history resources. Library provides genealogical reference services.
• Dodge/Jefferson Counties Genealogical SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSociety maintains a library and actively collects genealogical information. Also provides online query system for posting questions to members.
• Bridges Library SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationMulti-county library system (Jefferson and Waukesha counties) providing shared catalog (CAFE), digital lending, and resource sharing. Provides mobile app, online catalog, and system-wide services.
• BadgerLink (Wisconsin's Online Library)coreTechnology or IntegrationStatewide licensed digital resources including EBSCOhost databases, genealogy resources, historical newspapers, and educational content available free to Wisconsin residents.
• Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library SystemcoreTechnology or IntegrationRegional library system (Jefferson, Dodge, Fond du Lac counties) providing access to 24+ libraries, book van services, and interlibrary loan coordination.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Regional players

• Lake Mills Public Library: Small Wisconsin public library in adjacent Jefferson County, sharing Bridges Library System access and similar demographics. Comparable in scale but operates in a distinct municipal governance context.
• Cambridge Community Library: Small Wisconsin public library in the same Bridges Library System footprint. Similar small-staff, community-driven operating profile in a comparable rural/suburban Wisconsin setting.

Broad incumbents

• Milwaukee Public Library: Large Wisconsin municipal library system. Not a direct competitor but operates the same public-library model in Wisconsin and demonstrates the scale ceiling and full-service programming set that small libraries like Dwight Foster emulate selectively.
• Madison Public Library: Large Wisconsin municipal library system. Adjacent incumbent with broader resources and similar statewide library cooperative participation; offers reference point for programming scope small libraries can adopt.

Direct peers

• Watertown Public Library: Wisconsin public library in a similar small-city footprint, also part of the Bridges Library System. Directly comparable in collection size, programming scope, and tax-funded operating model.
• Hedberg Public Library: Public library in Janesville, WI, also part of the Bridges Library System. Closest direct peer — similar size, same system, same Wisconsin municipal-library operating model, and overlapping community programming.
• Jefferson Public Library: Public library serving Jefferson, WI, also a Bridges Library System member. Comparable small-city Wisconsin public library with similar tax-supported funding model and community programming profile.
• Whitewater Public Library: Wisconsin public library of comparable scale serving a small university-town community. Operates under similar Wisconsin public-library statutes with overlapping community programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/DwightFosterPublicLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/dwightfosterpubliclibrary
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dwight-foster-library

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Dwight Foster Public Library