New library will open this year. ![]() The Zeise Construction fence is installed and work has begun on the future Brown County East Branch Library at 2253 Main Street. Located next door to the current branch, this conveniently located and familiar site features 16,500 square feet - nearly triple the current library's footprint! “This significant occasion is long overdue because the public’s needs outgrew the library’s former space, thus becoming no longer relevant for today’s uses,” says Brown County Executive, Troy Streckenbach. “This modern, reimagined space will serve residents on Green Bay’s east side and surrounding communities equipped with the latest in technology and gathering spaces,” Streckenbach continued.
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Two library systems merge on January 1, 2023.Arrowhead Library System serving Rock County and Lakeshores Library System serving Racine and Walworth Counties are merging to form Prairie Lakes Library System. Each of the area’s 22 public libraries support the merger and are excited for the new three-county federated system to take effect January 1, 2023. ![]()
Storywalk® comes to Ledgeview Park in MayThe Brown County Library and Ledgeview Parks and Recreation have teamed up to offer a Storywalk® throughout Ledgeview Park along the East River Trail from May through October.
Storywalk will feature a new book each month displayed on yard signs along the trail. This is a great way for adults and their children or grandchildren to enjoy a story together, practice literacy skills, and enjoy healthy exercise as they walk from sign to sign. The Brown County Library Bookmobile will be on site June – August and staff will lead storytime and crafts for all ages in the Ledgeview Park shelter, 2064 Dickinson Road. In 2021, Wisconsin’s Digital Library, a collaboration of all 16 of the state’s public library systems, broke records by lending over 7.2 million digital books and audiobooks. Since its inception in 2016, Wisconsin’s Digital Library has seen steady and occasionally explosive usage growth, demonstrating the ongoing value of public libraries lending ebooks and digital audiobooks. Even as physical library buildings reopened and collections were once again accessible, usage of the library continued to climb. To meet last year’s growing demand from patrons, Wisconsin’s Digital Library added more copies of popular titles and collections of always-available ebooks and digital magazines for readers who want to avoid the line and start reading right away. Of the more than 115,000 titles in the collection, the following were the most popular in 2021. The top 5 ebook titles borrowed through Wisconsin’s Digital Library in 2021:
The top 5 digital audiobook titles borrowed through Wisconsin’s Digital Library in 2021:
Readers in Wisconsin just need a valid library card to access digital books from Wisconsin’s Digital Library, powered by OverDrive, using any major device, mobile or desktop. Visit https://wplc.overdrive.com/, download the Libby app, or call your local library to get started borrowing ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines anytime, anywhere, for free. The Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS) is excited to announce that it has been granted two American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants.
Learn about the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Wisconsin Libraries here. ![]() The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) announces new board members and officers for 2022. These leaders represent a variety of roles and types of libraries from across the state:
“I am thrilled to welcome such talented individuals into these leadership roles!” said WLA Executive Director Laura Sauser. “Their unique backgrounds and diverse experience will help elevate our already strong board of directors and our organization overall.” The Wisconsin Library Heritage Center has announced the names of the 2021 Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame inductees.
Carol L. Diehl (posthumous award) - Carol Diehl was a school librarian, library administrator, and local, state, and national library advocate. Diehl was a “big picture” person who understood the significance of state and national policies and their impact on local libraries. As a tireless worker for school and public libraries, she made significant contributions to improving library service at all levels. Thomas J Hennen, Jr. - Hennen is known for his significant contributions to the Wisconsin library community, as well as to the planning, evaluation, and development of public libraries throughout the United States during his 40-year career as a librarian. Paul E. Nelson - Nelson’s contributions to Wisconsin librarianship include many years as a highly successful library administrator, dedicated Wisconsin Library Association leader, skilled legislative advocate, library educator and author. Alice A. Sturzl - Alice has lived many kinds of lives within the Wisconsin library community, devoting her time and talents to library service and leadership as a school librarian, a library trustee, an active member of numerous professional organizations, and a dedicated public servant. The official induction will take place Thursday, November 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the Awards & Honors Ceremony held during the Wisconsin Library Association’s Annual Conference at the KI Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. For more information about these and past Hall of Fame honorees, please visit heritage.wisconsinlibraries.org. The following is from a press release from the Wisconsin Library Association. ![]() Governor Evers Issues National Library Card Sign-Up Month Proclamation (Madison, Wisconsin) The Wisconsin Library Association thanks Governor Tony Evers for his proclamation in recognition of Library Card Sign-up Month this September. The Governor’s recognition of libraries as an essential community resource and library cards as a critical tool for empowering students and fueling academic success is much appreciated. A copy of the proclamation can be found here. Throughout the month of September, Wisconsin libraries will join Governor Evers, the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers and students to get the school year off to the best possible start by signing up for a library card - the first step on the path to academic achievement and lifelong learning. In a separate proclamation, Governor Evers also established September 6 as National Read a Book Day throughout the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin libraries offer a wide range of resources - from early literacy programs to virtual homework help and GED classes, helping transform lives and communities through education. Want to learn more? Visit your local library, sign up for a library card, and support your local library today! Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries work together in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. To learn more, visit www.ala.org. UntitledTown, northeast Wisconsin’s premier source for dynamic and daring literary arts experiences, turned the page to a new chapter in partnership with the Friends of the Brown County Library.
After canceling the 2020 Book & Author Festival because of the pandemic, UntitledTown organizers took the opportunity to explore partnership with the Friends of the Brown County Library. “UntitledTown’s partnership with the Friends of the Brown County Library opens up new opportunities to connect our community with the types of literary experiences we know they want,” said Amy Mazzariello, owner of Lion’s Mouth Bookstore and an original founder of UntitledTown. “Working with Brown County Library, Lion’s Mouth Bookstore, and others as additional partners, UntitledTown’s new chapter promises to be the best and most thrilling yet.” “The Friends of the Brown County Library is proud to partner with UntitledTown to offer these exciting and engaging literary experiences,” said Sherrill Revolinski, Friends of the Brown County Library Board President. “Supporting literary arts is vital to our education and learning; the Friends are enthusiastic for this opportunity.” Revolinski added. This new community partnership debuted at “UntitledTown: The Comeback Event,” a day celebration of reading, writing, and stories. UntitledTown: the Comeback Event will feature almost twenty authors, including Miranda and Baptiste Paul, Nickolas Butler, Patricia Skalka, Amanda Skenandore, Pao Lor, and Rebecca Makkai, author of The Great Believers, nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award. UntitledTown: the Comeback Event took place on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Brown County Library’s Central Library in downtown Green Bay. The revived UntitledTown is planning a variety of literary events throughout 2022, with the Book & Author Festival returning in 2023. Brown County Library’s Offer to Purchase Building for Future East Branch Library Is Accepted7/8/2021 After careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation, and upon approval by the Brown County Education and Recreation Committee, the Brown County Library Board of Trustees announces an accepted offer of $975,000 for property that will become the future home of the East Branch Library.
On Wednesday, July 7, the Ed & Rec Committee approved a resolution to authorize the purchase of the property at 2253 Main Street in east Green Bay for an East Branch Library location. A top priority for the Library Board, the search for a new East Branch Library location is complete after a series of facility studies, assessment, and public comment. “We are excited to have taken this critical step toward a new, modern, and innovative library for residents of Brown County,” said Brian Anderson, Library Board President. ![]() Brown County Library’s annual summer reading program for all ages returns digitally this year. The Summer Reading Challenge is powered by Beanstack a convenient online platform that makes it simple and convenient to track reading progress. Signup for the Summer Reading Challenge for kids, teens, and adults begins Tuesday, May 25 on www.browncountylibrary.org. The challenge launches and logging begins on Monday, June 14, 2021 and ends on August 16. For those who prefer paper, hard copies of the reading records are available at the library and a printable version can be downloaded from the library’s website. ![]() The Door County Libraries will not require masks starting May 24, 2021, per the County lifting its masking advisory due to CDC guidance. The Library Board met Monday, May 17, and agreed with the change in masking practice. Library Director Tina Kakuske said the safety of library users continues to be a priority so the cleaning protocol will remain, social distancing is encouraged, masks are available for those who wish one, and hand sanitizer is still available. The masking change comes before the expansion of the library’s hours. As of June 1, libraries will be open with regular summer hours, with the exception of Sturgeon Bay, which will continue to close at 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, at 5 p.m. on Friday, and will be open until 5 p.m. on Saturday. The library will hold most summer events virtually with library book clubs having the option to meet in person or as a hybrid event utilizing Zoom. Popular craft bags will continue to be available at all branches as a take home activity. Also, pickup service will continue to be offered, even beyond the end of the pandemic. Keep updated with the latest developments at DoorCountyLibrary.org or on the library’s social media. ![]() The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS) awarded Brown County Library a grant of $1,000 as part of the new East Asia in Wisconsin Library Program. CEAS, a federally funded National Resource Center for the study of East Asia, created the program to encourage Wisconsin libraries to augment their collections with East Asia- related materials. This program is part of the center’s focus on promoting understanding of East Asian histories and cultures, and aligns with the Wisconsin Idea mission of service to Wisconsin citizens beyond the boundaries of the classroom. CEAS partnered with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin Library Association, and the Cooperative Children’s Book Center to plan and promote the new program, which launched in August, 2020. $3,000 Grant Will Help the Library Work with Residents to Expand Spanish Language CollectionKewaunee Public Library has been selected as one of 300 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities.
The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the library to meet with the Hispanic community, gain their input, highlight library services available, and then purchase materials to meet their needs. “We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Carol Petrina. “This grant will allow our library to get to know our Hispanic residents better and help us build a more complete collection to serve their needs and the needs of our community overall.” As part of the grant, Kewaunee Public Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a community conversation with residents about library services offered and the desired materials needed by the Hispanic community, and use the grant funds to acquire desired materials to meet the needs expressed. “More literature in Spanish would attract more Spanish speakers to the library, bringing with them their children," said bilingual educator and Kewaunee resident, Aaron Sisneros. “Spending time in a library surrounded by books fosters a love for reading. EL (English Learner) students often struggle in reading, and anything we can do to encourage them to read more is imperative. If we give parents a reason to come to the library, a culture and an appreciation of literature naturally develops. Appreciation of multiculturalism makes for a more inclusive society. Adding more Spanish resources to the Kewaunee Public Library would benefit not only Spanish speakers, but the entire Kewaunee community.” If you are interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation, please contact the library at (920) 388-5015 or visit www.kewauneepubliclibrary.org for more information. Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff. Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries is an initiative of the American Library Association in collaboration with the Association for Rural and Small Libraries. ![]() The Brown County Library Board of Trustees recently voted to allocate $275,000 of its savings towards the purchase of a new Bookmobile. This new vehicle will replace the library’s current Blue Bird bus bookmobile that has been in service since 1993 and is well beyond its life expectancy of 20 years. Known and endeared by many, this "library on wheels" brings library services, information, materials, and programs to members of the community. Traveling to different parts of the county, the Bookmobile achieves its goals of raising awareness about the library and reaching those not served or underserved by the library by reducing barriers related to physical, economic, social or geographic reasons. The Library Board recognizes and supports the value and mission of the Bookmobile and its importance as a county service. Brown County Library has provided bookmobile service since 1948. To ensure the continued excellence in meeting the needs of library users, the Board will contract with a consultant, specializing in bookmobile development and design. “It may take 18-24 months before the new Bookmobile hits the road, but it will be worth the wait,” said Library Board President, Brian Anderson. “With improved technology, additional route options, and increased availability for special events, the Bookmobile will be more impactful than ever!” An opportunity for naming rights of this long-standing tradition of library service will be available. April 7 is “National Outreach Day” (formally National Bookmobile Day) – a time to celebrate library outreach, the library professionals that make it happen, and to advocate for continued support. Library staff is grateful for the Board’s commitment to a new Bookmobile and is excited to continue offering current popular materials and reference information, promoting early learning and literacy, issuing library cards, introducing library services, presenting engaging programs and providing personalized library service to residents of Brown County – young and old - for many more years to come. |
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