Summer 2014

FOUNDATION NEWS

Thanks to Annual Fund contributions, foundation grants totaling $45,100 will allow Madison Public Library to facilitate programs and technology that benefit library users of all ages.

iPads for literacy and learning, $6,200iPads with educational apps for kids will replace outdated technology as part of the library’s initiative to make this engaging, digital learning tool available to patrons at all branches.

“Take me to Central!,” $1,300 Up to 1,000 children from classrooms and after-school groups without adequate funding for transportation will now be able to visit Central Library and attend programs.

Teen interns, $7,500Three teens with an interest in library careers will gain valuable skills as part of a city-wide effort to provide real-world learning experiences to high school students.

Bubbler High School Skill Fair, $5,300At the inaugural Bubbler High School Skill Fair, Bubbler partners will showcase their skills, equipment and successes, introducing teens to career options in the arts and sciences.

Library Director’s Fund, $5,000These funds are designated for the library director to use at his discretion for special projects like last year’s “All Staff Day.” This library-wide staff development and training day had been canceled in previous years due to budget constraints.

Laptops for job training, $19,800New laptops will support the library’s partnership with the Literacy Network to bring its Skills in Computers and Literacy for Employment (SCALE) program to Hawthorne and Goodman South Madison. The six-week course teaches adult learners the technological skills necessary to achieve their career goals.

a quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation

$45,000 in Grants to Support Teens, Technology & Job Training

Due in large part to the popularity of its featured author, award-winning mystery novelist Nevada Barr, the third annual Lunch for Libraries fundraiser sold out in record time. The event, made possible by Presenting Sponsor BMO Harris Bank, raised $22,000 in support of the library’s programs, collections and services. In order to give fans another opportunity to see Barr speak, the Wisconsin Book Festival created a second, public event Biggest Book Club Ever, in which book enthusiasts participated in a library-led discussion of Barr’s recent best-seller, The Rope.

At both events, Barr discussed her newest novel, Destroyer Angel; answered questions from the audience; and signed books.

320 Mystery Fans Attend Lunch for Libraries, Biggest Book Club Ever

Nevada Barr autographs Destroyer Angel.

MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Foundation

iPads provide a more flexible and customizable alternative to traditional PC-based children’s computing systems.

Students will use laptops to obtain marketable skills in the 15-week SCALE course.

Lunch for Libraries Committee member Sara Butler (right), with husband Eliot Butler

Q: What is the foundation working on now that the Central Library capital campaign has ended?

Now that the Central Library campaign – our biggest

fundraising challenge to date – is successfully complete, our board has re-evaluated the foundation’s priorities and set some long-term strategic goals. The foundation will focus its efforts in three areas:

1. The Annual Fund. Donations to this fund support foundation grants issued to the library for vital programs and collections. As you saw on the cover of this newsletter, we gave $45,100 to the library in this year’s grant cycle. Our goal, as outlined in our strategic plan, is to increase that amount by 15 percent annually over the next three years. In addition to directly supporting library initiatives, these funds cover fundraising efforts for special projects like the Wisconsin Book Festival Bicycle Bookmobile, and Bubbler programming.

2. Endowment growth. The foundation’s goal is to make sure each of our nine libraries has an endowment fund, and in the last 12 months, endowments for Central and Meadowridge have been established. Branch endowment funds help to sustain that library, along with its collections. Additionally, 10 percent of Annual Fund donations are assigned for general endowment investments, which help keep the foundation operational and free up more funds for grants that support other types of library projects.

3. Capital projects. With nine libraries in the system, there will always be a renovation or construction project on the horizon. We are in the midst of Meadowridge Library’s $1.7 million reconstruction, which will position the facility to deliver even more programs, collections and services to its neighborhood patrons. On the east side, Pinney Library will be next in line for a major expansion and improvement. We will continually work toward creating world-class, community-oriented, artful library spaces equipped with the tools and technology that best serve our community. And when we exceed capital campaign goals, those funds will then be put toward that library’s endowment fund.

As the library continues to evolve, the foundation’s responsibilities for sustaining it will grow. With so many new donors and loyal supporters like you, we know that we have the capacity to make great things happen for years to come. We hope you’ll join us in supporting Madison’s libraries now and in the future.

Inquiring MindsYour Questions

Answered

We Want to Know ... We asked library staff,

“What should we read this summer?”

FOUNDATION NEWS

Jessica Mac NaughtonFoundation President

Madison Public Libraries• Alicia Ashman 733 N. High Point Rd.• Hawthorne 2707 E. Washington Ave.• Lakeview 2845 N. Sherman Ave.• Meadowridge 5740 Raymond Rd.• Monroe Street 1705 Monroe St.• Pinney 204 Cottage Grove Rd.• Sequoya 4340 Tokay Blvd.• Goodman South Madison 2222 S. Park St.• Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St.

A newsletter published quarterly by Madison Public library Foundation, inc.

Executive Director JenniFer J. collins

Newsletter Editorscourtney davis

aMy Mertz

Contributing Writerstana elias

elysse lindell

Newsletter Designerrebecca curran

201 W. Mifflin StreetMadison, Wisconsin 53703 608.266.6318mplfoundation.org info@mplfoundation.org

A Place of Execution by Val McDermid. This book seems like a straight police procedural about a child gone missing in an insular community in 1963. Decades later, both the reader and the investigating officers question “What is, and was, reality?” It’s a great book for discussion groups.

– Katie Scharf, Librarian, Lakeview Library

Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield. It’s a great historical novel which recounts the Battle of Thermopylae, where a vastly outnumbered Greek force held off the invading Persian army. Honor, courage and sacrifice are some of the themes that are mixed in with plenty of action.

– Gregg Drexler, Librarian, Sequoya Library

Catcher in the Wry by Bob Uecker. In my opinion, Bob Uecker is the voice of summer in Wisconsin. This autobiography perfectly captures Ueck’s wit while also describing his “illustrious” playing career in Major League Baseball.

– Kyle Orcholski, Library Assistant, Hawthorne Library

Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson. Deep shipwreck diving is not for the faint of heart, but when rumor of a WWII submarine off the coast of New Jersey makes most people scoff, there IS a pair of committed divers willing to attempt the 230-foot-deep dive to get their answer. It’s thrilling and deeply engrossing – the obsession of the divers becomes ours too.

– Liz Amundson, Librarian, Central Library

Book Club Corner:Meet the Cover Girls

Since The Cover Girls started meeting three years ago, their group has doubled from five to 10. They describe themselves as “a fun group of women who love to read - some of us working moms, some stay-at-home moms - who meet monthly to discuss books, drink wine, laugh and share insight.”

What book are you currently reading? The Round House by Louise Erdrich

What author would you like to have as a book club guest? Neil Gaiman. We love his science fiction, and he also seems like such an interesting person.

If you could host book club anywhere, where would it be? At a spa in Hawaii, because who wouldn’t, and we’ll never get there!

If you could invite any person to join your book club, who would it be? Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus. We all adored her book, and she must be fascinating.

Foundation Announces Book Fest Benefactors Program

To encourage private support for the Wisconsin Book Festival and recognize individual donors who make it possible, the foundation has created a Book Fest Benefactors program. Individuals who are inspired by the festival, author events and learning about books can become a benefactor by contributing $1,000 or more. Book Fest Benefactors receive VIP benefits, including an invitation to an exclusive author reception.

“We’re hoping that community members who value this marquee event for Madison will invest in its future, keeping it free for all those who return, year after year,” said Executive Director Jenni Collins.

Donations help underwrite programs during the festival on October 16-19, 2014, as well as book programs all year long.

Congratulations to the Cover Girls!They’ve won a gift card to Barriques. If you’d like to be entered in

the drawing for next quarter’s newsletter, send an email to newsletter@mplfoundation.org including a brief description of your book club and your answers to the four questions above.

The Cover Girls

Donors who give $1,000 or more to the Wisconsin Book Festival will be called Book Fest Benefactors and receive VIP benefits.

Due to a copy editing mistake, the following gifts were omitted from our previous newsletter. We regret the error and recognize their donations here.

Thank You, Donors!

Ruth Dahlke in honor of Ann Waidelich, in memory of her sister, Janet RyanPolly Henderson in memory of Rose A. ZerwickPhil Hinderaker in honor of Ginger HinderakerRob, Jessica, Kylan, Alaina & Talia Schnake in honor of Hawthorne LibraryBarbara Wolfe in honor of Diane Vesely

In memory of Orrilla Blackshear John & Virginia Kruse James & Jane Roeber

In memory of Mary M. Burton Anonymous (3) Daniel & Sandra Buss Ashley Bruce Calvin Bruce & Catherine Caro-Bruce Sue Brouillette Molly & Mitchell Warren B. J. Bresette-Mills George & Laura Klesel Sarah Millar Cellular Dynamics International, Inc. Susan Barker Ruth Boyles David Briley Jeannette Carter Jenni & Chris Collins Nancie & John Cotter Marlene Dikkers

M. L. Dombrowski The Dominguez Family Richard & Mary Doyle Dave & Sue Freiburger Friends of Pinney Branch Library Karla Gaul William & Anne Gilleney Rick & Beth Godfrey Kathleen Good Marianne Jensen Lesley Kircher Mary C. Knapp Michael Knott & Cynthia Glaeden-Knott Justina & Neil Knutson Thomas & Juna Krajewski Paul & Atsuko Kusuda Acacia Latka & Nicholas Utphall Susan Lee Ronald & Mary Locast John & Martha Mahoney Michael & Margaret Mahoney Ruth Mahoney Heidi Marzen Pat & Marcia McMullan Gregory Mickells & Beverly Mazur Mu Chapter of Delta Delta Delta Megan Mueller Nathan & Meredith Nerem Justine Newhouse Cecile Owings Pinney Branch Library Staff Deepika & Rajesh Rajaraman Carol Reuter Margaret Navarre Saaf

Carol Sawyer Jim Sharkey J. W. & Sandra Winder John & Judy Winistorfer Kathie Zwettler Lida & Ron Zolno

In memory of Gary Dikkers Anonymous (2) Marlene Dikkers Wanda Dikkers Carol Froistad Great Lakes Spaceport Education Foundation - Rockets Patricia Miller

In honor of Jean E. Espenshade Don Jones Sarah Jamison

In memory of W. Lyle Eberhart Louise Eberhart Daniel Luoma & Joyce Eberhart John Selegue & Edith Eberhart

In memory of Tom Kerr Harold Baumann & Nancy Van Rooy Josette Coyle Thomas & Christine Grannis

In memory of Zolitta L. Kussow Dr. Robert L. Beilman

Lesley Galway Stanley & Shirley Inhorn Mary C. Knapp Laurie Koenecke Viola Kuenzi Jean Rennebohm Natalie Tinkham Gloria & Charles Waity

In honor of Naomi Lipke and Mark Stockett Ted & Dianna Neary Michelle Scott Julia Sedlmair

In memory of Ian R. Long Peggy & Lee Bauman Rebecca Shybut Rozan & Brian Anderson Claudia Blum Sheryl Boser Sally Erck Tom & Phyllis Fass Neil & Marianne Fauerbach Joan Fleming Jenny Gassman-Pines Fritz & Martha Hausmann Hausmann-Johnson Insurance, on behalf of Steve Squires Hausmann-Johnson Insurance Marline & Tom Holmes Ellen Karlson & Joseph Long Robert & Lyzbett Long Ann Geier Glen & Anne McGinnis Bruce & Cheryl Olsen Margaret Planner

Virgene L. Schroeder Orchard Ridge Elementary Book Club Perle Pacht Virginia Koberstein Florence Baryenbruch Elizabeth & Howard Teeter

In memory of Ronald W. Olson Mary Jean Cronon Lydia & Benjamin Curet Paula Graf Sharon Manhart Mary Pautz Jill Ross Lynn Stathas

In memory of Peter M. Priegel Nancy Priegel Mary Reisch

In memory of Catherine Rood Madeline Uraneck Richard Waack Annie Waitzman

In honor of Michael Siebers Holly Schaefer Debra Siebers

In memory of Rose A. Zerwick Kriss Ostrom Kathryn & Erik Bach Linda & Patrick Devitt Deborah & Paul Zdinak

LIBRARY NEWS

For the past eight months, the library has been immersed in an exciting new venture that we’ll be launching this June. We’ve partnered with Madison-based Murfie Inc. to create the Yahara Music Library, a digital collection of music albums made by musicians and performers with a connection to the Madison area.

Yahara embraces the library’s mission by creating a platform for musicians to share their creative work and for library patrons to learn about the local music scene. The musicians represented in Yahara encompass nationally recognized acts and up-and-coming local talent in genres including rock, jazz, folk, pop, classical and hip-hop. South Central Library System patrons can stream music in the Yahara Music Library from any web browser and download albums in multiple formats.

Spearheaded by public humanities fellow Kelly Hiser and music librarian Guy Hankel, Yahara supports local musicians and music publishing by providing licensing fees and creating a virtual stage to audiences across south central Wisconsin. By bringing diverse content together in a single online place, Yahara makes local music more discoverable.

We’ll be rolling out the Yahara Music Library in June. In the meantime, follow Yahara Music Library online at yaharamusic.org, on Facebook at YaharaMusic or on Twitter at @YaharaMusic. We hope you’ll enjoy listening to local musicians through our new collection, or join us for upcoming summer events featuring Yahara musicians.

Community Services Manager Carol Froistad Retires After 44 Years

From the Director’s Desk

Carol Froistad leads a tour of Central Library on opening day.

The Bubbler Hosts Successful Artist-in-Residence Program

From Tetrapak sculpture designs to paper garlands to hidden frogs, there’s always something new to discover as part of the Bubbler’s Artist-in-Residence program at Central Library. A rotation of artists and makers transform the Bubbler into their studio for multi-month residencies, providing drop-in sessions, special classes and experiences at Central Library and neighborhood libraries.

Papermaker and printmaker Barbara Landes served as the library’s first Artist-in-Residence, working with people of all ages to create sculptures from the handmade paper. Next, Victor Castro asked, “Are you sure it’s trash?” This program invited members of the community to turn discarded items into social sculptures. In March and April, Sachi and Laura Komai of Anthology set up interactive project stations to create paper houses, photo square collages and other paper projects. Next up, Erinn Batykefer and Laura Damon-Moore, co-founders of the Library as Incubator Project and authors of the forthcoming The Artist’s Library, will set up shop through the month of June.

While the library doesn’t measure attendance for drop-in sessions, more than 8,000 people have attended 572 Bubbler programs since they began last fall. To support innovative Bubbler programs, the foundation is raising $25,000 to match an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Carol Froistad, Community Services Manager of Central Library, retired in April after 44 years with Madison Public Library. She began her library career as an assistant at Hawthorne Library in 1970 and soon became an Outreach Librarian, responsible for forming partnerships with community organizations and agencies to provide materials and services to underserved populations.

Under Carol’s leadership, the library implemented a Human Rights Collection and a homebound services program. It also expanded a series of partnerships that deliver social services and government assistance to library visitors.

Carol was a friend and mentor to many throughout her career. She led by example in her dedication to the values of public librarianship, in her cultivation of staff talents and abilities, and in her thoughtful stewardship as Community Services Manager. Her exceptional knowledge, compassion and commitment to her work enhanced the lives of many patrons and employees of Madison Public Library.

Gregory MickellsDirector of Madison Public Library

Artist-in-Residence Victor Castro (left) helps library visitors see items that are typically recycled or thrown away in a new light.

LIBRARY NEWS

Central Library Wins National Public Works Project Award

We know that Madisonians love their new library with its modern design and innovative new programming, but the building is getting some national recognition, too. The Central Library rebuild was recently named one of the American Public Works Association national “Project of the Year Award” winners. This prestigious honor recognizes excellence in the management and administration of public works projects.

“This is a great accomplishment and well-deserved recognition for the great work our city engineering staff did in the design of this building,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “We have an environmentally sound, structurally resilient, incredibly user-friendly structure which was actually recycled from our previous library. Our team did an outstanding job.”

Not only did Central Library reopen on schedule, but by using the bones of the old library on the pre-existing site and with an effective city project manager, the project came in under budget. The City of Madison, general contractor J.H. Findorff & Son, and Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. will each receive a plaque recognizing this achievement at the 2014 International Public Works Congress and Exposition in Toronto this summer.

City of Madison Project Manager Bryan Cooper leads a hard-hat tour of the Central Library construction site.

Friends of Pinney Host Author Erika Janik at Annual Meeting

Attendees of the Friends of Pinney annual meeting on April 27 were treated to a presentation by local author and historian Erika Janik, featuring her new book, Marketplace of the Marvelous: The Strange Origins of Modern Medicine. Willy Street Co-op provided refreshments. Open to members and non-members, the meeting was designed to increase the Friends group’s visibility, and involve existing members with the group’s activities, as well as library patrons and staff.

“As funds diminish from other sources, it’s absolutely critical for us to recruit members to support Pinney Library,” said Friends of Pinney President Martha Nicholson. “We wanted to present something more than a book sale, and having an author is a gift which honors our members.”

Nicholson said that in addition to raising money for Pinney Library, the group plays an information sharing role, keeping the community informed about what’s going on in the library while deepening relationships with library staff, services and programming.

“And it’s fun, too,” she adds. “Friends membership is like a ticket to come into the library, see familiar faces and support the library we all love. It adds great enrichment to my life.”

Summer Reading Club Registration Begins June 2

Did you know that students can lose more than two months of reading achievement over summer vacation? Don’t forget about the easiest activity your children can do to help combat summer learning loss: reading!

The library’s Summer Reading Clubs are free, city-wide programs that encourage children and teens to “fill in the blanks” by pursuing their individual reading choices and interests, and earning prizes for books read. By continuing to read over the summer, children maintain their reading skills and return to school ready to learn in September. Special clubs for teens and adults get the whole family learning, too.

This year’s children’s Summer Reading Club theme is Fizz, Boom, Read! and focuses on science-themed learning. Funding and programming for the children’s 2014 Summer Reading Program is provided by the NASA Astrobiology Institute and the UW Geology Museum.

All Clubs begin June 2 and end in August. Throughout the summer, participants can register by filling out a registration card at their local library or signing up online at reading.madisonpubliclibrary.org.

The library offers Summer Reading Clubs for all ages.

Friends of Pinney board members include Ann Lacy (left), Gloria Welniak and Martha Nicholson.

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PAIDMadison, WI

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mplfoundation.org

A quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation

MADISON PUBLIC LIBRARY

Foundation

A matching grant from the Madison Community Foundation intended to spur donations to the Meadowridge Library campaign will establish an endowment fund for the branch. Meadowridge is one of only two Madison libraries that do not have an endowment fund. For every $2 donated to Meadowridge Library during the community phase of this campaign, Madison Community Foundation will give $1, matching up to $30,000.

“The Madison Community Foundation’s Grantmaking Committee was really excited about this project,” said Madison Community Foundation President Bob Sorge. “First, it’s led by the Madison Public Library Foundation – a strong nonprofit that we regard highly. Second, the grant uses resources efficiently by reinforcing collaboration between key neighborhood assets – the Meadowridge Library and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Third, these entities speak to MCF’s vision to create a community where people help each other thrive. And finally, the project is about endowment development – MCF’s core focus – which will ensure a legacy of vitality for these institutions. Perfect!”

Construction has already begun at the old Ace Hardware store that will soon become the new Meadowridge Library. The new space will have an additional 2,000 square feet, including a 110-seat meeting room; designated spaces for teens, children and computers; and a community kitchen for shared programming with the adjoining Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Once established, proceeds from the endowment fund support innovative programs, technology upgrades, collections and building upkeep for years to come.

$30K Grant Spurs Community Phase of Meadowridge Campaign

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin takes a swing in the groundbreaking for the new Meadowridge Library.

Save the Date!

Rock & Read: A Father’s Day Family FundraiserJune 15, 2-5 p.m., Capital Brewery

Ex Libris Volume IV: Better With BeerNovember 7, 7-10 p.m., Central Library