The Community Partner for Red Herring at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is The Friends of Door County Libraries (Friends). A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on July 15th will go towards our Community Partner. Those interested in attending the preview to support this organization, may arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the performance for general admission seating. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in advance on the day of the preview (watch your email for link!), or in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks once you arrive. Half of the proceeds will benefit this show’s Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of Red Herring, July 15th through August 9th, 2026.
The Friends of Door County Libraries (Friends) exists to ensure that every resident and visitor in Door County has access to the learning, connection, and inspiration that libraries uniquely provide. A volunteer-driven 501(c)(3), the Friends enhance the Door County Library system’s ability to meet community needs, from early literacy and lifelong learning to social connection and civic engagement. Reading matters. Books matter. Libraries matter. The Friends translate that conviction into action, helping keep libraries welcoming spaces where people of every age and background can read, discover, explore ideas, and grow together.
What are some of the main programs or services offered by the organization?
The Friends’ programs are designed to benefit the entire community by expanding what the Library can offer and who it can reach:
• Book Sales that Give Back – Every donated and purchased book directly funds programs that make a difference, from children’s reading programs to digital learning resources. Community members’ donations and volunteers strengthen local library services across all eight Door County branches, from Forestville to Washington Island.
• Access for All – Friends funding ensures that each branch can meet local needs, updating largeprint and children’s collections, renewing movie licenses for family nights, and purchasing technology that connects rural patrons with new learning opportunities. Additionally, Friends provides books to community members who might have difficulty visiting libraries.
• Community-Wide Reading and Discussion – During the annual Door County Reads, hundreds of people receive free copies of the selected book thanks to the Friends. Wider access to the chosen book means that more people join in public discussions and attend author and panel events. The historical fiction novel The Briar Club by Kate Quinn was the 2026 selected title, and dozens of free events were held across the peninsula from mid-January to late February 2026.
• Author Engagement and Social Awareness – Programs, such as year-round Book & Author Talks, bring nationally recognized authors to Door County for discussions around health/wellness, sports, popular fiction, and more, sparking dialogues and empathy in our community.
• Public Advocacy for Learning – The Friends champion the message that libraries are a cornerstone of democracy and civic life, rallying community members to protect access to knowledge, access to information, and free inquiry. The Friend’s was the proud co-host of the Door County premier of “The Librarians,” the award winning documentary about the courage of library workers against censorship, at the 2025 Door County Film Fest.
Can you share a meaningful or inspiring story from the past year highlighting your work?
Events organized and underwritten by the Friends can spark open dialogue about community well-being. A powerful example was the 2024 evening with Pulitzer-finalist journalist Meg Kissinger, whose memoir “While You Were Out,” examines the intersection of family and mental illness. The Friends helped bring together local mental health professionals, experts, and residents for a candid, compassionate discussion on how mental health challenges affect people of all ages. The Door County Pulse described the event as “an evening of honesty and connection,” where more than 150 attendees filled the Kress Pavilion to listen, share experiences, and leave with a new understanding and local resource information. These experiences underscore that the Friends’ impact is not just measured in dollars raised, but in human connection, understanding, and lifelong curiosity. Attendees described the evening as “transformative” because it was a chance to talk openly about issues often left unspoken.
What are some of the challenges your organization faces in carrying out its mission, and how are they addressed?
The Friends’ community-centered model faces challenges that reflect larger societal needs.
• Bridging Gaps in Access: Rural geography and limited transportation mean not everyone can easily reach a library. The Friends help close that gap by ensuring each branch receives the resources needed to bring programming and books directly to the people.
• Funding Threats Beyond Door County: Reductions in national and state library funding jeopardize core services such as inter-library loans. The Friends’ advocacy keeps community voices at the forefront, emphasizing that “libraries must remain homes of free and inquiring minds.”
• Volunteer Sustainability: As the community grows more diverse and seasonal populations shift, recruiting new volunteers is vital. The Friends meet this challenge by creating opportunities for people of all ages to contribute in a welcoming way. Through these efforts, the Friends ensure that the benefits of the library reach farther and last longer for everyone in Door County.
Looking ahead, what are some of the organization’s goals or priorities for the future?
Looking forward, the Friends aim to deepen their community impact by:
• Sustaining and expanding year-round access to literacy and technology programs for all ages.
• Growing partnerships with civic groups and other local nonprofits to co-create community events.
• Ensuring every Door County branch remains fully resourced to meet local needs, especially for children, seniors, and those with limited mobility.
• Increasing awareness of the broader social value of libraries — as safe spaces for connection, dialogue, and creativity.
What is the best way for the community to support these efforts?
Everyone in Door County can play a role in strengthening the libraries that enhance the community:
• Become a Friends’ member – all membership fees are put back into the community through one of the Friends’ many programs.
• Donate books, media, or funds – every gift keeps programs free for those who rely on them.
• Volunteer – from sorting book donations to helping at book sales or other events, volunteers are the heartbeat of this effort.
• Join the conversation – attend Door County Reads events, author talks, and discussions that build community awareness.
• Advocate for libraries – echo the call that reading matters, books matter, libraries matter.
• Spread the word – tell friends, family, and visitors how the Friends’ work enriches all of Door County. When people support the Friends, the entire community benefits through stronger connections, shared stories, and a thriving public library system that belongs to everyone.