Wisconsin Library Opens 650-Gallon Saltwater Aquarium

Marathon County (Wis.) Public Library opened the Phyllis Donner Aquarium at its Wausau Headquarters December 6. The 650-gallon saltwater aquarium—located in the children’s story room—features a living coral reef and more than 30 species of tropical fish and creatures.

A $76,000 donation from the estate of former Wausau resident Phyllis Donner, who died in 2011, helped pay for the $35,000 aquarium. Several organizations collaborated to support the project, facilitating its construction and shipment. Acrylic Tank Manufacturing of Las Vegas built the tank and donated the livestock. Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. of Wausau donated transportation of the tank and frame from Las Vegas to Wausau. Crystal Finishing Systems of Schofield, Wisconsin, donated the frame and constructed and donated the tank cover. The $6,000 annual tank maintenance, provided by Tankmates of Wausau, will be paid for by the Friends of the Marathon County Public Library and the Marathon County Public Library Foundation.