Who We Are
Welcome to CBTL (Cooler by the Lake), a digital resource dedicated to the preservation of knowledge and the dissemination of trustworthy information. Originally established as a field guide and resource hub for librarians in Northeast Wisconsin, CBTL has grown into a comprehensive digital media platform that serves a global community while staying true to our educational roots.
Our name, “Cooler by the Lake,” is a nod to our origins near the Great Lakes, but today it symbolizes our approach to information: refreshing, clear, and deep. In an era of clickbait and misinformation, we strive to be a sanctuary of verified facts and thoughtful analysis. We believe that the principles of library science organization, verification, and accessibility are more needed in online media than ever before.
Our mission is to empower our readers through knowledge. Whether we are covering community developments, health breakthroughs, educational trends, or practical home advice, we apply the same rigor that a research librarian would apply to an archive. We are here to help you navigate the noise of the modern world.
Our Editorial Board
Eleanor Vance – Editor-in-Chief
A former research librarian with a Master’s in Library Science, Eleanor is the guardian of CBTL’s standards. She has spent a decade in public outreach programs in Wisconsin and now leads our digital transition. Eleanor believes that “access to accurate information is a fundamental human right.”
Dr. Marcus Thorne – Historical & Civic Correspondent
Dr. Thorne brings an academic perspective to our team. A retired history professor, he oversees our educational and civic content, ensuring that we provide historical context to current events.
Lila Chen – Community & Lifestyle Editor
Lila focuses on the “living” side of our content. From local community gardening projects to modern health tips, she keeps CBTL grounded in the day-to-day needs of our readers.