Farnsworth Public Library partners with community organizations to provide successful spring programs

Farnsworth Public Library started new partnerships with two local organizations this spring, leading to some wonderful events for the community of Oconto.​

(Photo by Bond Community Center)

First, the library reached out to the Bond Community Center about participating in their monthly Family Night events. While normally membership is required to attend events at the Bond Center or use their facilities, Family Nights are free and open to the public.

​The Bond Center typically picks a theme and then organizes activities for children, and makes the pool and gym facilities available. The library's first Family Night was in April, where library staff facilitated a craft, bookmark-designing competition, and coloring and activity sheets. The Easter-themed Family Night brought in 175 people! "These families had a great time, and it was a mutually beneficial experience for the library and the Bond Center - we were able to provide a quiet room with options for those families that weren't interested in swimming or hitting the gym, be an extra set of eyes and hands for Bond Center staff, and reach many new families who aren't regular library users," said the library's director, Kristin Laufenberg. "It was a wonderful partnership that we are eager to continue in the coming months."

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(Photo by Oconto Elks Lodge #887)

The library then partnered with the Oconto Elks Lodge #887 to provide an Easter egg hunt at the library. In years past, the Elks have hosted an egg hunt at a local park. But unpredictable weather, water and ground conditions at the park, and then COVID has meant that an egg hunt hasn't happened for several years. Laufenberg said "the library asked the Elks if they would be interested in co-sponsoring an egg hunt held in the library, and they graciously accepted." The Oconto Elks and the Friends of Farnsworth Public Library were jointly able to sponsor an egg hunt, craft activity, book and prize giveaways, snacks, bike and scooter raffles, and an appearance by the Easter bunny to over 250 people on Good Friday! "This turnout far exceeded what we expected, and we never would have been able to host an event of this size without the monetary donations and hours of work from our local Elks."  And while it did snow that day, the library was toasty warm inside for a wonderful Easter celebration.

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