Beloit Public Library is proud to announce two distinguished community leaders as Co-Chairs of the capital campaign for Discovery PLAYce, the Library’s planned early learning center for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers.
Frank McKearn, President of R.H. Batterman, and Stephanie Knueppel, Owner and CEO of Stateline Mental Health Services, will lead the effort to bring this transformative initiative to life.
The campaign, titled The Campaign for Beloit’s Children, seeks to raise $3.15 million in gifts and pledges, including naming opportunities and a public giving campaign. Discovery PLAYce will be a free, interactive learning environment inside Beloit Public Library designed to spark early brain development and learning readiness through hands-on experiences rooted in literacy and connection.
“As Co-Chair of the Fundraising Committee with Stephanie Knueppel, I invite you to join us in building something extraordinary for Beloit’s youngest minds,” said Frank McKearn. “Discovery PLAYce isn’t just a place to play—it’s a launchpad for early learning, family connection, and lifelong success.”
McKearn, a lifelong Beloiter and veteran engineering executive, has served on numerous civic boards, including Visit Beloit, GBEDC, and the Roy Chapman Andrews Society. His leadership in community planning and infrastructure will help drive momentum and partnerships for the campaign.
Knueppel, a licensed therapist and mental health advocate, brings deep professional and personal passion to the project. As a parent and mental health provider, she sees Discovery PLAYce as a vital space for families to experience positive mental and emotional growth alongside educational development.
“Discovery PLAYce is not only about the need for early education in our community, but also a positive place for children and families to explore a positive mental health experience,” said Knueppel. “Creating safe environments for children and families is a priority for me and something I am incredibly passionate about.”
Knueppel also has given back to the community with her service on a number of boards including Project 16:49, Beloit Health System Foundation, Downtown Beloit Association, Stateline Community Foundation, Junior Achievement, and Family Promise.
Library Director Nick Dimassis applauded the appointments, noting: “It’s amazing how the right people step forward at the right times! If Discovery PLAYce is the Olympics of community efforts, these two are the Dream Team.”
McKearn and Knueppel head a dynamic Capital Campaign Leadership Team that includes Kathy Hendricks, Jeff Adams, Curt Lansbery, Ron Whitley, Mary Kaminski, and Dr. Roger Kapoor. The team is supported by campaign consultant Jodi Sweeney of The Sweeney Group.
About Discovery PLAYce
Set to open in summer 2026, Discovery PLAYce will be a 5,364-square-foot space designed in partnership with Luci Creative and Angus Young. It will include educational exhibits that mirror the Beloit community—from local culture and careers to health care and food—each with integrated literacy prompts and developmental goals. Special programming and themed picture books will help extend learning beyond the library walls.
With a guiding focus on accessibility and measurable outcomes, the center will offer volunteer and community partnership opportunities, helping ensure broad-based impact for Beloit’s families.
Join the Movement
The initial phase of the Capital Campaign is already underway with a goal of opening Discovery PLAYce in Summer of 2026. Naming opportunities, design input, and donor engagement are all part of the process as the community comes together to build something special for Beloit’s future generations. The public phase of the campaign will officially launch this summer with 100 Extraordinary Women, a grassroots initiative to celebrate and empower community giving.
For more information on Discovery PLAYce, contact Library Director Nick Dimassis at ndimassis@beloitlibrary.org or (608)314-5091.
