Index
- New Madison Public Library logo reflects range of services beyond books
- Member/Staff News
- USPS turns to libraries to soften blow of Post Office closures
- Win $3,000 for your library with the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week grant
- Continuing Education Calendar
New Madison Public Library logo reflects range of services beyond books
Madison Public Library revealed its new logo to nearly 700 library customers at a recent summer reading celebration to emphasize the breadth of services it offers to Madison residents and neighborhoods.
“The library is more accessible than ever before as it evolves to meet residents' needs and desires,” said Tana Elias, library media coordinator. “With more Internet access, eBooks, and mobile services, as well as a focus on early literacy and digital literacy programming, Madison Public Library is serving a larger, growing role in the community.”
The new, colorful logo symbolizes a collection of diverse and engaging materials, and to some represents a path that invokes a sense of adventure.
“Madisonians love to read -- they check out over 4 million items every year, an average of 20 items for every city resident. But most people are surprised to discover what else is available to them through their libraries, so we are encouraging library users and non-users alike to learn more about what we offer,” added Elias. “This fall we have a new Library Director, a new visual identity, and a new Central Library under construction. What better time than now to demonstrate the many ways the library can enrich our lives?”
Madison Public Library will host weeklong celebrations rotating through each of its nine libraries starting the first week of September to showcase the many collections and services available to the public.
Activities include giveaways, “seek-and-find” adventures to win prizes, as well as opportunities to meet new library director Greg Mickells as he shares his vision for the Madison Public Library.
More information on upcoming Madison Public Library branch celebrations can be found at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/director.
Library cards featuring the new logo will be available after September 4 to kickoff “September Is Library Card Signup Month.” Cards are free for new card applicants or $1 for current cardholders who opt to replace existing Madison Public Library cards.
Fitchburg Public Library is seeking a Teen Librarian, the applications for which will be accepted online through Aug. 26, 2012, at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/fitchburg/default.cfm.
E.D. Locke Public Library in McFarland has announced that Heidi Cox (at right) will be the new director, replacing Shelley Selle who will retire Sept. 14. Heidi received her MLS from UW-Milwaukee in 2002 and is currently working on a certificate in Public Administration from UW-Milwaukee. For the past six years she has been the director at Town Hall Library in North Lake, WI. Prior to that she was a reference librarian at Pewaukee Public Library. The library also recently produced a video that was shown at a joint meeting of the Library and Village Boards on Aug. 6, 2012.
Mount Horeb Public Library recently announced that Jessica Williams will be the new director, effective Aug. 27. She replaces Brendan Faherty, who has served as director for the past two years. Jessica earned her undergraduate degree in English with a Journalism minor from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She then attended the School of Library and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh where she earned her MLIS. She worked for the University of Wisconsin's Digital Collection Center (UWDCC) for about five years as a Digital Services/Metadata Librarian. In 2007 she became the Adult Reference and Programming librarian in Mount Horeb, and was later promoted to Circulation Supervisor. Jessica said, “I love Mount Horeb, the people, and the feeling of community. I'm looking forward to having a larger role in helping make the Mount Horeb Public Library a vital piece of the community.”
Portage Public Library Youth Services Department presented its 2nd annual "Back-to-School" parent night with the topic of "Bullying." Presenters were Eric Guzman of the Pauquette Center (in Portage) and Tim Belleau, Portage High School counselor. About 30 people attended: parents, teachers, and interested community members. A lot of information was presented on what to look for in children who may be bullied at school or other in other situations, what to look for in children who may be doing the bullying, and steps to take to address the issue. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions, socialize, and went home with handouts that included reading lists on bullying, a bullying prevention guide, and more. WKOW Channel 27 in Madison reported on the session.
USPS turns to libraries to soften blow of Post Office closures
Fifteen libraries or library branches within the South Central Library System (113 statewide) recently received letters from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regarding a proposal for libraries to begin providing many of the basic services the Post Office now provides. These libraries are in communities Post Office branches are to be closed or face reduced hours.
Libraries that participate in this new program are expected to:
- Sell forever stamps.
- House and stock a 3’ x 3’ kiosk with mailing boxes and envelopes.
- Accept properly labeled packages for delivery.
- Provide space outside the library for a mail drop.
There is no requirement that the library be open every day of the week or any particular hours, so they are not required to change or expand their hours in order to participate. Libraries are not liable for damage to items taken for delivery as long as they do not accept obviously damaged items. There is no expectation that libraries accept any form of payment that they don’t currently accept, so libraries that don’t take credit or debit cards are not expected to begin doing so.
Libraries are to purchase the stamps they sell in advance, so at least some up-front cost is required. Payment for the stamps is then made by customers to the library, not USPS. If a customer pays by check, the check is made out to the library.
If the library doesn’t have space for the kiosk, USPS may consider an alternative option. In either case, the library is responsible for stocking the display and ordering new stock as necessary. The cost of the boxes and envelopes is the responsibility of USPS.
The Division for Libraries and Technology (DLT) notes that Wisconsin Statute s.43.58 provides authority to library boards to enter into contracts for library services. Because this is not a library service, DLT advises libraries to seek approval from the governing body that established the library before signing a contract.
SCLS member library communities that are affected by this proposal are Albany, Almond, Black Earth, Cambria, Deerfield, La Valle, Marshall, Monticello, North Freedom, Plain, Rio, Rock Springs, Rosholt, Vesper, Wyocena.
Win $3,000 for your library with the Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week grant
Libraries seeking to share their stories and raise public awareness are encouraged to apply for the 2013 Scholastic Library Publishing National Library Week Grant. The library that develops the best public awareness campaign using the National Library Week theme will be awarded $3,000 to promote its library and library services.
All proposals must use the 2013 National Library Week theme, Communities matter @ your library, which incorporates The Campaign for America’s Libraries’ @ your library brand, on any and all promotional and publicity material supporting National Library Week activities. Guidelines for using the brand are available on the campaign website.
The grant is sponsored by Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and is administered by the Public Awareness Committee of the American Library Association (ALA). This year’s application deadline is Sept. 30, 2012. National Library Week is April 14-20, 2013.
A grant application form and guidelines are available on the ALA website. For more information from the Campaign for America's Libraries, contact Campaign Coordinator Megan McFarlane at (800) 545-2433, ext. 2148.
The winner will be notified and announced following the 2013 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Seattle. Last year’s winning application from Sacramento (Calif.) Public Library is available on the grant website.