To mark Public School Library Month, Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski visited two local schools to present checks reflecting their share of the 2026 library aid distribution.

In her capacity as chair of the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL), which oversees the $1.6 billion Common School Fund, Godlewski delivered $101,038 to Northland Pines School District and $207,766 to the School District of Rhinelander.

The Common School Fund distributes annual library aid to every public school district in Wisconsin.

For many districts, it represents the only state funding dedicated to school libraries and media centers, a critical lifeline as schools navigate tightening budgets and work to ensure students have access to books, technology, and the resources they need to thrive.

“All children deserve access to a well-resourced school library. These spaces go beyond supporting academic achievement, they actively drive it,” Godlewski said. “When students have strong library programs available to them, they show up more engaged, more curious, and better prepared to succeed.”

As BCPL chair, Godlewski has partnered with fellow commissioners and a dedicated staff to strengthen and expand the Common School Fund, achieving record results for Wisconsin’s students and communities.

At a time when growing numbers of school districts are turning to referenda just to meet basic operational needs, this distribution offers a dependable, stable source of support for classrooms and libraries statewide.

Under her leadership, the Common School Fund has grown to $1.6 billion, enabling a record $73.5 million distribution, a 103% increase since she assumed the chairmanship. A central focus of her tenure has been investing in Wisconsin communities, directing more than $678 million toward local projects, businesses, and entrepreneurs. The returns generated by those investments flow directly back into school libraries across the state.

“Growing the Common School Fund during a period of rising costs and tightening budgets is something I’m proud to have been part of,” Godlewski said. “The need is clear, I see it in schools across the state. This distribution is a direct investment in outcomes, ensuring students everywhere have access to the resources that make learning possible and success attainable.”

About BCPL

The Board of Commissioners of Public Lands is a constitutional body of the State of Wisconsin responsible for managing the Common School Fund and other state trust funds for the benefit of public education.

Through its investment programs, the BCPL provides financing to municipalities and school districts across Wisconsin. The interest generated from these local investments supports the Common School Fund, now valued at $1.6 billion, which delivers annual library aid to every public school district in the state.