On Saturday, July 13, a dedication was held at the Owen Public Library for a Book Nook that was sponsored by the Barteck family in memory of Elaine Barteck. Elaine was a wonderful and beloved woman who worked at the Owen Library for many years alongside Shirley Lehr. and who was known for her passion about books and literacy. She was known to be very organized and was very much appreciated by those who worked with her and the community she served. Before working at the library, she was a teacher. She was always passionate about books and literacy and after her passing, the Barteck family decided to give donations in her name to four causes and organizations that she was passionate about. The Owen-Withee Fire and EMS, the W-O-W kids’ meal program, the UCC Church, and Owen Library for literacy and children’s reading.

Noel Barteck introduced family members that were in attendance before Library Director Loralee Petersen said a few words about Elaine and her life in the community and role at the library. Along with sponsoring the Book Nook, the Barteck family also donated a paperback and hard cover version of “Little Quack”, a book written by Elaine’s mother, Ruth, that was published in five or six languages, including German which has the title Das Mutige Entlein. Elaine’s husband, Noel, put up the dedication plaque. After the dedication, refreshments were offered while Jeffer Scheuer read “Little Quack” to everybody that attended the dedication.