spring 2013 newsletter

Spring 2013 Volume 2 | Issue 1

FinePrintAppleton Public LibraryFriends of Appleton Public Library225 N Oneida | www.apl.org

I n the spring of 2012 the Appleton Public Library and the Friends of Appleton Public Library began a series of conversations throughout Appleton. We scheduled the conversations in accessible locations in various Aldermanic districts and at various times, including afternoons, nights and weekends.

While the conversations were meant to ultimately inform APL in planning for the future, the approach we took was to start by asking people open-ended questions about the things that they are experts in, which is the community in general and their personal experiences.

The process was facilitated by Jan Quinlan, the Friends of APL Executive Director, who is also a skilled facilitator. She ensured that we heard everyone and we structured the meetings to give people with different processing and communication styles the chance to think about the questions and participate. Each session was transcribed by UWGB honor students from the Center for Public Affairs.

Continued on page 6

TECH CONNECTWISCONSIN HISTORY

page 2

FRIENDS I LOVE MY LIBRARY:

GRAND SUCCESSpage 4

MEET THE STAFFNEW CHILDREN’S

LIBRARIANpage 5

COVER STORYCOMMUNITY

CONVERSATIONSpage 6

COMMUNITYDUET FOR THECOMMUNITY

page 8

FUNNY PAGESLIBRARY DRESS

CODEpage 10

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Community Conversations

2

By: Tasha Saecker Assistant Library Director

APL Fine Print Spring 2013

ake a bird’s eye view of Appleton in 1867. View a phone directory for Appleton from 1907. Read a letter about construction at Lawrence during 1931.

With a collection of over 120,000 historical resources, Recollection Wisconsin is the top online destination for Wisconsin history. The collaborative statewide digital program, which used to be called Wisconsin Heritage Online, includes items from our own InfoSoup Memory Project as well as content fromlibraries, archives, museums and historical societies across the state. Access to the materials is free of charge, so genealogists and the general public can access the entire database without limitations.

The resources on the site include historical photographs, postcards, maps, letters, diaries, articles, books, artifacts, oral histories and much more. The items come from across the state and include both large and small Wisconsin communities and their histories. The site offers the ability to search for items of interest, browse by category, or even browse using a map of Wisconsin.

With the new site, recollectionwisconsin.org, visitors can now contribute their own items and information as well. Thanks to social media, users will be able to use sites like Flickr, Tumblr and Pinterest to contribute personal memories and connection to history.

This is your chance to make history!

T

WISCONIN HISTORY: REDESIGNED

Fox Riverr

College Avenue

Lawrence

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orking at the public service desk in circulation presents a unique opportu-nity to interact with the community. While thoughts of those interactions may be a reminder of the library's daily challenges, we also have a front row seat to the magic as students gather to learn, parents find quality time with their families, and friends meet to make memories. The measure of how we meet the needs of our patrons is in the recognition from the "regulars" who visit the library weekly or daily, the satisfaction from a patron when an item wandering from its home on the shelf is found, the appreciation

from someone who waited patiently for an interlibrary loan, the excitement from teens arriving for a program, or the interest from those looking for a scheduled meeting downstairs. The pulse of a vibrant commu-nity can be felt here in countless ways. Some favorite community moments involve our littlest patrons. Giving an anxious child a first library card or knowing a visiting class-room will climb back onto the waiting bus

with brand new cards are some of public service's greatest

rewards. So while we may be tempted to believe a

library is the heartbeat of its community, the

community is the heartbeat of a

library.

By: Your Friendly Public Services Clerk

W

COMMUNITY: THE HEARTBEAT OF THE LIBRARY

Check out thenew, user-friendly

website today!


unday, February 10, the Friends of APL held our annual "I Love My Library" dinner. North Shore Golf Club was packed with over 100 guests, corporate sponsors and dozens of tempting silent auction selections. This year's event highlighted the work completed with the 2012 Community Conversations and gave a preview of what’s to come. Thanks to all who supported the Friends of Appleton Public Library by purchasing tickets and donating. Special thanks to the event sponsors Chris and Evie Hartwig, The Boldt Company, RR Donnelly, Secura Insurance Will and Ruth Bloedow, ThedaCare, Leota Ester, Baker-Tilly Virchow Krause, John and

Sue Larson with Robert W. Baird & Co., Wisconsin Energy Foundation and 91.1 The Avenue for their great support. All proceeds help the Friends of APL deliver programming, materials, special services, technologies and projects to APL beyond those which public funds provide.

By: Jan Quinlan Friends Executive Director

S

Appleton Downtown. IncArla FoodsAvenue ArtBob Siegl Jr.

Charlotte Darling-Diehl, ArtistChristina Roberts, Artist

Colleen RortvedtCoventry Glass

Dimensions SalonExclusive Company

Fox Cities P.A.C.Fox Valley Symphony

Friends of APL Green Bay Packers

Greg Bracken, ArtistHeritage Hill State Park

History Museum at the CastleHoney Baked Ham Company

Jan & Dennis QuinlanJean Detjen

Kathleen Fenner, ArtisanKathryn Beck, Artisan

Lauren AhrensLawrence University

Len Nagler, ArtistMarie Liddell

Mary Campbell Maureen Ward

Milly Kuszynski, ArtisanMuncheez Pizza

Murray PhotoPhil Sealy, Artist

The Post CrescentRadisson Paper Valley

Sharon FenlonStone Cellar Brewpub

Tom SutterThe Troudt Museum of Art

Van VreedesWhite Heron Chorale Wild Bird & Backyard

YMCA of the Fox Cities

I Love My Library 2013: A Grand Success

2013 Silent Auction Donors• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •


2013 Silent Auction Donors

MEET THE STAFF

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Tell us a little bit about your background.I spent almost five years at the Kenosha Public Library. There I did weekly preschool storytimes as well as school aged programs and collection development.

Why did you decide to become a librarian?I decided to become a children’s librarian because I enjoy working with children and parents/caregivers. I believe that helping children develop a love of reading and learning can make a huge difference in their lives.

What is your favorite program?My favorite past program was Hobbitfest. It was a library wide program serving families and all ages. We gave away free books, had sword fighters, gaming, a scavenger hunt etc. I enjoyed this program, not just because I was able to wear a medieval dress to work, but also because it reached a wide variety of people and hopefully helped transform their idea of a library.

What is your favorite children’s book?As a child I loved Anne of Green Gables. I enjoyed the whole series, but the first few books were my favorites.

I f you’ve stopped by the children’s department recently, you may have noticed a new face.Check out our interview below with the newestChildren’s Librarian, Ann Cooksey.

New Children’s Librarian, Ann Cooksey


Continued from page 1

As each conversation progressed to providing specific recommendations about the library, I provided a brief presentation about 21st century libraries and how they are evolving to meet new needs, while still fulfilling the same mission we always have. After the presentation, participants were asked to think about everything thing they had heard and seen and provide specific recommendations for how the library might help realize these hopes for the future. We repeated this process in the fall with six more conversations including special ses-sions for parents, the business community, teens, diverse populations and “library insiders” – the core group of volunteers and regular patrons who pay close attention to the library and the services we provide.

The conversations were divided into three parts:

What are your thoughts of Appleton now?

What are your hopes for the future of Appleton?

How can Appleton Public Library help realize your hopes?

Our goal was to find common threads and

shared priorities that will help us in our long- range planning.

What we took away from the conversations was invaluable. What do people think of Appleton now? One participant summa-rized a theme we heard repeatedly –

We’re not too small, not to big – we are just right. We are big enough to offer urban amenities, but small enough that people know each other and care.

Another common thread we heard was that Appleton’s progressive, but conserva-tive, with a rich history of innovation that serves as the foundation to many of the anchors in the community.

Finally, the last commonality that stood out was the fact that community leaders are accessible and there is an overall spirit of giving and volunteering. Particularly those who have lived elsewhere noted that this is something they haven’t experienced in the other places they’ve resided.

Participants hopes for Appleton’s future came shining through - don’t lose the good things we have! This was clearly a shared priority, even in the teen focus group. There was genuine concern, particularly because of the economy, that the wonderful things we have - our caring neighborhoods, safety, education system, high quality healthcare and relative economic stability could all be in jeopardy if we take them for granted, and don’t continue to invest in them.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

about the library

When it comes to our community, YOU are the expert.

“We are a goldilocks community.”


An interesting contrast came up when theparticipants spoke about their future hopes for Appleton - the importance of a vibrant downtown that embraces big city ameni-ties, while also remaining connected to nature, and more specifically the Fox river. Accessibility to natural resources and man made structures will be an interesting mix of priorities that will have implications on the accessibility of the library and the quality of space. One participant put it like this --

What is the community vision for the future of Appleton Public Library? The Library should be a a communityanchor as well as acommunity leader.

By far the greatest number of comments referred to the vision of the library as an organization that facilitates community participation. It’s a place where people of all generations and all walks of life can come together. It’s a place that networks with other entities including government, education, other community centers and small businesses. The theme of the library as a third place and a place to gather was repeated over and over.

Finally, the library was asked to continue its role as a place to learn – whether enhancing opportunities available through formal education, or through offering opportunities for lifelong learning, the library was encouraged to continue the work it has provided for over a century and find ways to enhance this role. Technology plays a huge role here and the value of technology to bring us together and inspire creativity opens up the door for libraries to offer

opportunities for exploration and innovation in ways that still align with the long-term mission of libraries, but in new ways. One participant instructed us to -

Throughout our meetings we received wonderful coverage by the media and had a wide range of participants, including ten alderpersons, two school board members and one state representative. In all, over 130 people participated in the Community Conversations about the Library. We are going to return next month with one more round of conversations to fill in any remaining gaps.

This spring we are going to continue talking about the future by bringing in guests who will speak to us about how global trends, societal changes and technology could affect the future of libraries. We will visit a couple of libraries that are providing 21st century service and we will ultimately create a long range plan to guide us into the future with the help of a Community Advisory Committee that represents the diverse constituencies that we serve.

We invite you to attend the presentations about the future of the library that we are hosting this spring and we hope that you continue to follow along with what we are doing and provide your own thoughts about priorities and the potential future for Appleton Public Library.

“The library needs to serve as the anchor for community, strong

central downtown library that’s easy to access by bike, walk, and

public transportation.”

“Look toward the future witha foot in the past.”

Colleen RortvedtLibrary Director

Established in 1976, the Fox Valley Music Teachers Association was formed so area independent music teachers could meet monthly and share ideas and concerns about running a studio, teaching students of all ages, methods of teaching and business practices. In the late 1980’s, the membership discussed the possibility of someday having a piano in the community

for recitals and programs. The group then sponsored two concerts by Weekley &Arganbright, a piano duet team, then living in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. The first in a series of 11 Monster Concerts began in 1990 where monies raised were set aside for student scholarships and the possible acquisition of a piano for the community.

The purchase of a piano for the community became an active question again in 2009 and 2010. Following conversations with Colleen Rortvedt of the Appleton Public Library and discussions amongst FVMTA

membership, the time seemed right to pursue the project. Once the project began, as you can see from the timeline on the following page, we made steady progress and received strong support from the community.

As the unveiling date approaches, thanks are in order for so many members of the community. Gifts of all sizes were received from individuals, families, music studios, businesses and funds from the Community Foundation. Our smallest gifts came in the form of pennies and nickels while our larg-est gifts ranged from $1000-5000. We can be proud that our Yamaha grand piano is truly a gift from the community.

In that spirit, the piano will be accessible

to the community in ways we are yet to discover. Teachers or individuals may check out the space for recitals and per-formances. Concerts by area musicians will be performed as part of the library music series. Guest artists in the area will have a space in which to share their wealth of knowledge. The possibilities are exciting as we look ahead to the unknown.

Enjoy this wonderful instrument and the enhancement to the already thriving arts community in the Fox Cities!

By: Muriel Merbach & Catherine Walby Community Members

DUET FOR THECOMMUNITY

Purchasing The PianoYamaha Grand Piano


April 2010: Meeting held with Colleen Rortvedt, then APL Assistant DirectorMay 2010: FVMTA piano research committee formedSummer/Fall 2010: Meetings laying the groundwork for the projectFebruary 17, 2011: FVMTA voted to continue researching the project and serve as the spear-heading organization for the projectJanuary 2012: Official fundraising beganOctober 2012: Second phase of fundraising began with assistance from Pat Boldt and Community First Credit UnionJanuary 2013: Fundraising finishedJanuary 22, 2013: The piano was delivered to its new home, Appleton Public Library

Purchasing The Piano

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Grand Piano Project Timeline


Save the Date!

FVMTA Community Piano Dedication

March 24 | 2:00-4:00pm

Special guests include FVMTA Teachers, Bruce Koestner, Steven Spears, Linda Sparks

and John Harmon!

APL Lower Level Meeting Room


Beards. May be worn by either sex. (Ew!)

Pajamas. Just the footie kind.

Platform Shoes. Only if your name is Elton John.

Leisure Suits. Leisure suits are encouraged, particularly in mint green or day-glo orange with white belts and white shoes. None of us laugh enough.

Bustles. May only be worn as part of a historical costume. Or by men.

Anklets. Only if required by court order.

Hats. Yes, if the wearer is in direct line of succession to the British throne.

Scuba Gear. Only on the second floor during particularly heavy rainstorms.

Sports Team Insignia. Football, basketball, and baseball, no. Croquette, yachting, and polo, yes.

Hawaiian Shirts. Only if the wearer is just back from Hawaii. And only if we went along.

Feather Boas. If you got it, flaunt it!

Golf knickers. Only if you follow through. Ha!

Tiaras. My, but aren’t we special?

Snoods. May be worn by anyone anywhere any time, mostly because we love saying snood.

Parkas. Parkas are actually required in certain portions of the library in June, July, and August when the air conditioning is running.

Kilts. Only if playing the bagpipes - in another state.

Leather Jackets. Aaaaay! Why not?

Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails. Yes, if you don’t mind being Astaired at and move Gingerly.

Checks with plaids. What are you, some kind of barbarian?

CLARIFICATION OF THE LIBRARY DRESS CODE


I Have a DreamMartin Luther

King Jr.

StayMichaela Muntean

Remarkable Treesof the World

Thomas Pakenham

PlutocratsChrystia Freeland

Check out a few of the books recommended by our staff below! To see full reviews or more recommendations visit our Staff Picks blogs at:

www.apl.org/staffpicks and www.apl.org/kids/staffpicks

Wicked BusinessJanet Evanovich

Tomorrow is a RiverPeggy Dopp

MissionUnstoppableDan Gutman

Inside Out & Back AgainThanhha Lai

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What’s Appleton

Watching?

HotelTransylvania

Argo

12

34

5

Flight

Skyfall

Ted

Movies

Interested in one of these items? Call 832.6177 to place your hold today!

One-on-one FAFSA help sessions areavailable. Visit apl.org to schedule your1:1 today!

Who Knew IIJeanne Lubin

Interested in one of these items? Call 832.6177 to place your hold today!

SpringEdition

What’s AppletonReading?

12

34

5

Far From The TreeAndrew Soloman

50 Shadesof Grey

E.L. James

12

34

5

Alex Cross, RunJames Patterson

Private BerlinJames Patterson & Mark Sullivan

The StorytellerJodi Picoult

Fiction

Non-fiction


Gone GirlGillian Flynn

Killing KennedyBill O’Reilly

Proof of Heaven

Eben Alexander

Beyond BeliefJeanna Hill

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School Year | Labor - Memorial Day

Monday | 9:00am - 9:00pm

Tuesday | 9:00am - 9:00pm

Wednesday | 9:00am - 9:00pm

Thursday | 9:00am - 9:00pm

Friday | 9:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday | 9:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday | 1:00-5:00pm

Sunday | March 31

Sunday | May 26

Monday | May 27

Upcoming Closures

Library Hours

Appleton Public LibraryFriends of Appleton Public Library225 N Oneida | www.apl.org

spring book saleFriends of Appleton Public Library

may 10 & 11 | 9am-5pm

Special pre-sale for FRIENDS may 9 | 10am-5pm

spring 2013 newsletter

Documents