Beth Stapleton was born and raised in Hartland and outside of a few years away at college, she has lived in Lake Country and Wisconsin her whole life. She currently works as the Circulation Supervisor at Town Hall Library in Merton, but her path after high school was horticulture. Beth wanted to dig in the dirt and watch things grow.
For six years she worked at Sentry Foods as a florist, but after being rear-ended while delivering flowers, switched careers and became the office manager of the office of the chiropractor who was treating her for whiplash. After her third child, she quit working to stay at home and raise her family. While her children attended school, she became church and school secretary at their school, Zion Lutheran Church and School. From there she moved to greenhouse worker, office manager at Curves, and finally landed at the Town Hall Library when they built their home in North Lake. If you have ever been in the Merton Town Hall Library, you’ve seen her.
Meet Beth Stapleton
Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Thank you for asking me to be part of The Faces of Lake Country. I’ve lived in the area my whole life. Although I enjoyed the little traveling I’ve done, I always tell people the four seasons are what I really enjoy about Wisconsin. The colors in spring and fall, the scents of burning leaves and campfires, freshly mowed grass, brats and burgers cooking at a tailgate party. The sounds of birds in the spring and snow falling at night.
Some of my favorite memories growing up in Lake Country are 4th of July celebrations, ice skating in Nixon Park, penny candy at Jackson’s Department Store and riding bikes all over town, just so long as we were home before the street lights came on. Living in a small town meant you had people everywhere looking out for you.
I enjoy cooking, gardening, home decorating, camping, campfires, watching football and Harley road trips. I love sitting on my front porch in my rocking chair with a book and a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and spending time with family and friends. Being a “Grammie” is the BEST.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have been married to my husband Craig for 37 years. We have three grown children, two of whom are married, two grandchildren, and another grandbaby on the way. My father passed away when I was in college, but my mom, almost 93, still lives in Hartland. I grew up in a family of six children. My remaining siblings, three sisters and a brother, also still live in the area which makes family gatherings all the more fun.
Beth Stapleton at Work
Q: Please tell us about what you do.
I currently work as the Circulation Supervisor at Town Hall Library in Merton. My library job includes hiring and training of all circulation (front) desk employees and high school pages (shelvers), scheduling circulation desk coverage, and overseeing all duties related to circulation. This includes our van delivery which runs between libraries five days a week, checking in and out materials, creating new library cards, collecting fees, repair of damaged materials, processing of new materials, handling overdue and lost items, and assigning any additional tasks needed to keep the library neat and orderly.
Our goal is that everyone in the library is consistent in how tasks are accomplished and are able to answer all questions. It is important to me that I never ask anyone to do a task that I haven’t done myself, and that everyone has all the tools necessary to do the job. I have great employees who love reading, but most importantly, they love to help people and their community. We are proud to say that Town Hall Library is the “best kept secret of Lake Country” because of our friendly and over the top customer service.
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
The people. Every day I get to smile, help people, and hopefully make their day better. The great part is, they do the same for me. I never know what interesting thing I may learn about someone while having a brief interaction with them as they come in for their library items. It makes every day different and fun.
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Raising our family, struggling financially.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Raising our family, watching our children grow into adults and parents. Knowing that the sacrifices we made were so worth it when we see who they’ve become as adults.
Q: What are some of your future goals?
I’ve never been a big goal setter, but retirement and spending more time with family and grandchildren. I’d love to jump in the camper and travel cross country to see the Redwood Forest. Or into the mountains of Tennessee and Kentucky. Sit on the beach in Georgia and put my toes in the sand. Clean my house!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
I have worked since I was 11 or 12 and in every job I learned from the people I worked with and for. A little bit of what kind of person they were has made me the person I am or am still striving to be. Learn from the people you meet and work with. Enjoy what they add to your life and what you hopefully can add to theirs. SMILE! It makes people wonder what you’re up to!
Beth Stapleton & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love?
You don’t need to travel far to find FUN! There is music and festivals and food to enjoy. Country roads to explore.
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
My newest favorite is Johnny Manhattan’s. Pink Mocha for a girl’s lunch, Beer Snobs for a good burger and beer, Kick Switch for a great fish fry. I love to eat when I don’t have to cook, so anywhere really.
Q: What three words would you use to describe our community?
Home town fun.
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am really a shy person.
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
Ha! I work at a library! I enjoy reading suspense novels, historical fiction, Civil War era, a good beach read, family dramas, cookbooks, my Bible.
A Few Good Men, Forrest Gump (well almost any movie with Tom Hanks), Pretty Woman, Footloose, White Christmas, The Holiday, MaMa Mia, The Sandlot, and many Disney movies.
I love any music I can dance to, music with lyrics that speak to me or lift my spirits, favorite hymns.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Now and forever my parents. The role model they set was/is simple. Go to church, live your faith every day, be honest and hard-working, respect your elders and those in authority, treat others as you want to be treated. They taught me to look for and appreciate the many blessings given to me. It has led to a very fulfilling life.
Q: If you could have lunch with anyone, who would it be with? Why?
My Retreat Sisters from Kenosha. Because it always involves “the best Bloody Mary” we can find in any area we are visiting, and so much laughter and tears.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I wish I was adventurous and deep thinking enough to have a bucket list. Maybe when I retire I’ll write that list.
Q: What makes you the happiest?
Knowing I have a Savior, family, friends, my health. Making memories with family and friends. Being a “Grammie.”
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Count your blessings. It makes you aware of what a full and happy life you have. Appreciate the small things along with the big. Be thankful. Hug those you love every chance you get.
Where to Find Beth Stapleton
Merton Town Hall Library
N76W31429 County Hwy VV
North Lake, WI 53064
Email: bstapleton@townhall.lib.wi.us
Phone: 262-966-2933
