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For Immediate Release
 
Thursday, March 19, 2020
 
NICOLET FEDERATED LIBRARY SYSTEM TO OFFER INCREASED SUPPORT TO SYSTEM LIBRARIES AS MORE MOVE TO ONLINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS
 
GREEN BAY –  With the majority of its system member libraries turning to online services and closing their physical locations in accordance with federal, state and local orders to reduce the spread of the pandemic coronavirus, Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS), Bellevue, WI, will temporarily suspend its delivery services to member libraries.
 
In addition, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, NFLS offices in Bellevue, WI will close Friday, March 20, 2020, until further notice. Employees will work from home, monitoring the situation closely while providing the highest level of service to its member libraries.
 
These decisions were made in consideration of, and in accordance with, Emergency Order #5 issued by Governor Tony Evers that, among other things, prohibits mass gatherings of 10 or more people. The Division for Libraries and Technology (DLT) has determined that libraries fall within this Emergency Order.
 
NFLS is the facilitator of inter-library loan and delivery services for borrowed books and library materials to and between its 42 member libraries in Northeast Wisconsin.  At present, most of these libraries have closed their physical locations.  According to Tracy Vreeke, Director of NFLS, "It is important at this time of uncertainty for NFLS to offer increased support to our member libraries as they make the decision to provide online versions of these materials and resources available through a variety of different mediums.”
 
“In a time when all must do their part to reduce the spread of a global pandemic, NFLS staff is ready and willing to help librarians with continuing education, and provide member libraries with the resources they need to help them meet the increased demand for online materials in a timely and effective manner,” Vreeke said.
 
As more information becomes available, NFLS will work with member libraries to determine the best course of action for implementation of a proper time frame for restoration of inter-library delivery services.
 
NFLS libraries will remain open online: Please contact your local library for current library services. A list of NFLS libraries can be found online at https://www.nfls.lib.wi.us/libraries.html. Future announcements will be posted on the libraries’ web and social media sites.
 
About the Nicolet Federated Library System:
The Nicolet Federated Library System (NFLS) is a state-funded organization assisting 42 member public libraries in providing better services to the people of northeastern Wisconsin since 1976. NFLS' public libraries span eight counties: Brown, Door, Florence, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto and Shawano.
 
NFLS is third largest of the 16 public library systems in the state and is organized under the WI Dept. of Public Instruction. Each system is governed by an independent board of trustees and funded by state aids to carry out the service requirements set forth in Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes.  For more information, go to:  https://www.nfls.lib.wi.us/
 
Media and other inquiries, please contact: Tracy Vreeke, Nicolet Federated Library System Director at tvreeke@nflsoffice.org

The following is a news release from Door County Library.

​NFLS is very proud to announce that one of our own has been awarded the Wisconsin Library Association Trustee of the Year Award! Following is an excerpt from the WLA press release:

WLA Trustee of the Year: Kathy Pletcher 
 
Kathy Pletcher has consistently been a strong advocate for all types of libraries and serves on the Brown County Library Board and Nicolet Federated Library System Board. She also recently completed her term on the Council on Library and Network Development (COLAND). Building upon her years as a professional librarian, she has become a model trustee and now provides training for new trustees around the state. Through her mentoring work, she has contributed to a new generation of advocates dedicated to supporting libraries. Kathy’s visionary work has statewide impact and she is deserving of the 2019 Trustee of the Year Award.
 
There will be a reception for Kathy, and other award winners, at the upcoming WLA annual conference in October.  Please join us in celebrating Kathy at the reception if you are able. 

Following is a press release about an online fundraising platform called 100 Extraordinary Women (100EW). 100EW helps nonprofits meet their needs as it empowers women to join together to support causes they believe in and create a bigger impact than they could do on their own. 

​Learn how two Wisconsin public libraries used 100EW to exceed their fundraising goals.

Pop Art Experience
 
Michael Albert brings his nationally-known Cereal Box Collage Art to Brown County Library on July 30-31
 
American Pop Artist/Author Michael Albert brings his “Modern Pop Art Experience” to Brown County Library this summer as part of his Summer Pop Art Tour. New York-based Albert, author of an artist autobiography titled, “An Artist’s America” (published by Henry Holt in 2008), is known for making detailed and colorful collages out of cereal boxes and other printed cardboard consumer packages including crackers, cookies, soda cartons, frozen pizza boxes, etc. He is taking his art on the road and bringing his unique program for kids, teens and families to over 100 libraries, museums & festivals in 18 states from June-August including a series of programs around the state. This will be his first visit to Wisconsin.
 
Albert will be visiting the Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine Street, downtown Green Bay, on Tuesday, July 30 and the Brown County East Branch Library, 2255 Main Street, on Wednesday July 31 for two art making sessions with kids and teens (ages 6-12) and their parents. Both programs will take place from 1:30 - 3:30 pm. Participants will listen to a short presentation by the artist about his life and work and have a chance to create their own collage using the same materials he uses to create his masterpieces. All those who make a collage will receive a free signed limited edition poster (choosing from a selection of over 14 different prints), compliments of the artist. 
 
For more information about the artist & this special program, please visit www.michaelalbert.com or call the Central Library’s Youth Services Department at 920-448-5846 for more details.
 
These and other library events are available online at www.browncountylibrary.org/calendar.

​The Brown County Library’s Bookmobile is teaming up with fellow county departments this summer and is hitting the road! The Neville Public Museum, Aging Disability and Resource Center (ADRC) and Extension Brown County will be traveling to Bookmobile stops so residents can learn about available programs and services, participate in a program, listen to a presentation, ask questions and get answers!
 
A news conference introducing, “Brown County on the Go,” will take place at the Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine Street, downtown Green Bay, on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 11:15 am.  Weather permitting, the event will take place in front of the library on the Pine Street plaza. The event will move indoors if necessary.

​April 18, 2019

Library’s Food for Fines to Support Local Food Pantry
 
Join the Brown County Library in its 2019 “Food for Fines” program.  This program allows library cardholders who donate food items to clear overdue fines from their library account and also help stock the shelves at Paul’s Pantry in Green Bay.
 
All Brown County Library cardholders can donate food items from April 29 through May 5 at any library location.

The Brown County Library announces Her Story, a four-part series that explores U.S. history from the female perspective on Tuesdays, April 16 and 23, and Thursdays, May 9 and 23, at the Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St., downtown Green Bay. 

​All programs begin at 6:15 pm in the library’s auditorium.