Melanie Stevens is a retired teacher / librarian from Clinton Community School District. She lives with her husband Jeoff and they have two adult children Chris and Megan (Joe). They have two grandchildren, Jackson and Midge. Melanie's community activities include serving as a co-president on the CPLFoundation and she is an Elder at 1st Presbyterian Church of Clinton.  

"I am working on the foundation because I believe in the free and equal access to information tat libraries provide for everyone. Clinton Public Library is cramped into a very small space I imagine easier access and enhanced programming for people of all ages in a larger library space."

Stephanie DeLong ​is a retired Clinton Elementary teacher who continues to substitute teach and volunteer in the district.  Stephanie's family includes her husband Charles, her daughter Bridget (Mark), son Matt (Julia), and son Jordan, a senior at UW-Madison, and grandchildren Everett, Eliza, Tanner, Eva, and Abi. Stephanie is an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, secretary for Friends of Carver Roehl Park, she's on the Rock County 4-H Alumni Scholarship committee, and a director with the CPLFoundation. 


"Since the days when the 'Bookmobile' visited the village of Avoca near my parent's farm, the library has always been a special place to expand my horizons and enhance my life.  As a parent, and now grandparent, sharing my love of books with children is a legacy that lasts forever.  Being a part of the CPLFoundation will give this gift to future generations in Clinton."  

Margaret Palubinski is the office manager of the 1st National Bank in Clinton. She lives with her husband Mike, has grown daughters and five grandchildren. Margaret's community involvement includes Clerk/Treasurer of the Rock County Unit of Wisconsin Town’s Association, Secretary/Treasurer of Rasey House Corporation, Chairman of the Scholarship committee–Beloit Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, and Secretary of CPLFoundation.

"I grew up attending library story hours and looking forward to a weekly visit with my mom to get more books. My children and grandchildren are also avid readers because of their association with our local library. The services provided by our librarians exceeds the mere labeling of books and to maintain we must expand! The library is the heart of the community. "

The members that make up the Clinton Public Library Foundation believe that the library is the heart of the community. We invite you to meet the Foundation members and what they have to say about the Library. 

Gary Sommers is self employed as a farmer and he lives with his wife Teresa. His community activities include Clinton Kiwanis, Clinton FFA Alumni, and church. 

"The library is an important asset for the community."

Mary Ann Inman is an art teacher and reporter for the Clinton Topper. She lives with her husband Tom, and has two grown daughters and three grandchildren. Her community activities include work as CPLFoundation's co-president, and Mary Ann is also the president of the Wisconsin Regional Artist Association. 

"The library is free and opens its doors to people of all ages and all walks of life to enhance education and entertainment. It is a gathering place, research center, and staffed by friendly helpers."​

​​Clinton Public Library Foundation Board of Directors


Donna Beals-Pearsall has been a citizen of Clinton since 1982. Over the years she has been involved in a variety of community, church and school initiatives. Donna, married to Ken, is an active member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, and she teaches 4-year-old kindergarten at Clinton Elementary School. Donna enjoys reading and spending time with her 5 children and 5 grandchildren.

Connie L. Tracy is The Village of Clinton's President and lives with her husband Lynn. She also has three adult children and six grandchildren. Connie's community involvement includes being on the Village Board, Parks Board, Plan Commission, Legislative Review, Emergency Management and says " I am happy to serve wherever citizens expresses a need."

"The library serves as a welcoming place for visitors. I work on the CPLF because I both see and hear the needs of many citizens young and old."

Sonja Capes is employed by First Presbyterian Church in Clinton and also self-employed as an interior/exterior cleaning and organization specialist.  Sonja lives with her husband Brandon and three children Drea, Mia, and Myloh.  Sonja is active in 4-H, Village Parks Board, a member of Sarina's Squad, a local group raising money for a diabetes cure, and she is a director with the CPLF. 

"Growing up my best friend's mom was/is a librarian here in town who worked Saturday mornings, so I grew up spending many Saturdays amongst the shelves. Many fond memories lead back to this place, and I want my children and other kids, as well as adults in the community, to have a great library to love and enjoy like I did. Even though our current library holds a treasure trove of knowledge and worlds of fantasies it lacks the space to operate at its full potential. I joined CPLF because I would like to see the library become the hub of our community. A place where all can come in and learn in spaces that are appropriate for each service instead of being squeezed together. By working together, I believe we can create a community space that will be loved and used for generations to come!"

Sue Risseeuw works as the secretary at Christ Lutheran Church. She lives with her husband Randy Risseeuw and has adult children Dylan (Lauren) and Jameson (Diedra) Nass, and grandchildren Willa, John Wylly, Milo, and Abigail. Sue's community activities include serving as Treasurer on the CPLF board, Director of the 55+ Senior Tech Help-Desk Program at the Clinton Public Library, and Kid's Club teacher at Emmanuel Reformed Church, and Treasurer of CPLFoundation. 

"After living in the Clinton area for over 45 years, I have made use of the Library’s services as a youth, young adult, parent, and now “empty nester.” In recent months, while working with my 55+ patrons at the Library, I have observed firsthand the many ways in which our current facilities are lacking. I have witnessed the changes in the needs of the Clinton community and am convinced that a larger Library would better serve these needs."

Diane Beilke is retired from the Stateline Literacy Council and lives with her husband Tom. She is active in our community as a member in the Clinton Women's Club, Friends of the Clinton Public Library, and a director with the CPLF. She also teaches English as a second language every week at the library. 


"I love the library and believe it is an important part of the community. I'm working on the CPL Foundation because it is so important that we have a bigger space and a community meeting room."