History of the "Memorial Library"

This lovely log-cabin-style building was originally built in 1961 as a memorial to Kokosing's founder, William "Bill" Rothenberg, Sr., who died in 1960 and ran Kokosing from its 1927 inception until his death.  His  wife, Melanie "Mrs. R" Rothenberg, continued as owner, and her two sons, Richard "Dick R" Rothenberg and William "Billy R" Rothenberg Jr., ran Kokosing for another 10 years until Mrs. R's death in 1970.  Starting in 1968, Billy R and his son, Ronald "Ronnie R" Rothenberg, ran Kokosing until selling it in 1979.

The "Memorial Library" (as we Kokosingers called it) was used as a quiet place to read, write, and reflect.  Occasional soft music played on the stereo system.  Some seminars and quiet group activities were held there.  And a clear, beautiful view of Miller Pond ("the lake") through a few tall pine trees invited contemplation and relaxation from the porch.

The camp was bought from the Rothenbergs and rented to Greg Finger, who ran Camp Thoreau-in-Vermont.  Thoreau ran as a camp from 1979 to 2004.  During Camp Thoreau's time, the Library was a general gathering space for small groups, playing music, watching videos, or just having a fire and hanging out.

Camp Akeela bought the Camp and began running their camp in 2008 and did many renovations and upgrades, including adding a huge pool near the bottom of the "boys' bunkline" (green bunks near the flagpole).  The Library now fills an important role in Akeela's culture as a quiet place for kids to go when they need a sensory break. It is a beloved part of campers' experiences. Every day at free time, many campers elect to spend time at the Library: reading, playing with Legos, and hanging out with friends. It is also used for creative regularly scheduled activities such as music, creative writing, drama, Dungeons & Dragons ... and, of course, a cozy spot for rainy day bunk activities.

Most of the buildings on the campus now are new, a few are repurposed and upgraded, but the Memorial Library has not been renovated in any way since it was built, except for the addition of a few memorial planting boxes added by Camp Thoreau folks (thanks!).

Names of donors to this renovation project will appear on a plaque inside the Library.