Index
- July CEs now accepting registration
- Pardeeville Seeks Library Director & Aide
- Member/Staff News
- McMillan to install solar power array
- Rome Library dedication held June 10
- WiLSWorld is July 27 in Madison
- Continuing Education Calendar
July CEs now accepting registration
Two July Continuing Education (CE) workshops should be of interest to library staff within the South Central Library System, and more information about each is provided below. You can register for either or both through the South Central Library System CE Calendar.
- Positive Interactions: Making the Library a Welcoming and Empowering Place for People with Disabilities -- This first module of ASCLA’s AccessAbility Academy is a tutorial and overview of information to help library employees feel fully prepared and confident when communicating and interacting with people with disabilities. The taped webcast presentation will include tips and practical advice for all library employees. (information & registration)
- Real Life Library -- Join us for an introduction on how local organization WHOA! (We Help One Another) and Madison Public Library partner to offer a Real Life Library program that builds empathy, relationships, and community through a unique storytelling and listening event. (information & registration)
For more information, contact Jean Anderson, Continuing Education Consultant.
Pardeeville Seeks Library Director & Aide
The Angie W. Cox Public Library in Pardeeville, WI, is seeking applicants for the position of Library Director. This is a full-time position which requires that a person holds a minimum of Grade 3 library certification, or is working toward certification. The position is 40 hours per week with a salary of $33,000-$38,000, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits are based on the Village of Pardeeville Personnel and Benefits Manual. Apply by June 30, 2017. For more information visit http://www.pardeevillelibrary.com/.
The library is also seeking applicants for the position of Library Aide-Children's. This position is for 15 hours a week, $9-$10 an hour, with a possibility of more hours during the summer. This position requires some evening and weekend hours. Previous experience working with children and computers is required.
Ann Mueller, Adult Services Coordinator, is retiring after 41 years at the Monroe Public Library. Friends and admirers are invited to attend an open house reception in celebration of Ann and her contributions to Monroe's community. Join us on Saturday, June 24, from 2-4 p.m. at the Monroe Public Library, 925 16th Avenue (directions).
McMillan to install solar power array
On Monday, June 5, the McMillan Memorial Library Board voted unanimously to install a 235 kW solar array on the Library’s roof. The project is a public/private partnership with Viking Electric. This will be the largest solar power production unit in Central Wisconsin. Installation will begin later this month and will be completed this summer.
Viking Electric is owned by Scott Prahl, a Wisconsin Rapids native and a 1989 Graduate of Lincoln High School. In addition to installing the array, Viking is funding a portion of the project and will own it for the first six years. After that, it will be available for purchase by the Library. This enables the partnership to take advantage of Federal tax credits and depreciation, which offsets some of the costs.
The Library’s Endowment is funding 30 percent of the project costs, paving the way to ownership after the tax credits have expired. The Library plans to fund raise an additional 30 percent of the project costs before the eventual purchase. No operational funds from the Library budget or operational or capital funds from the City’s budget will be used in the project.
During the time the array is owned by Viking Electric, the power it produces will be purchased by the Library at a reduced rate. Any power not used by the Library will be sold to Water Works & Lighting for use in the community.
The 235 kW (DC) array (see example in photo at right) has a total of 480 panels and is expected to produce as much as 250,000 kWh annually, enough to power 25 average homes. It is the first commercial sized project in the city and is 20 times larger than the largest existing array in the Water Works & Lighting service area. Project cost will be $419,235.
The Library prioritized energy conservation in its 2015-2020 Plan of Service, but also asked the staff to explore power production, and library staff have been looking at options for the last eight months. After evaluating eight proposals from three sources and receiving presentations from the two finalists, the Library Board pursued a contract with Viking Electric.
“We are very excited about this project,” said Library Director Andy Barnett. “Wisconsin Rapids was built around renewable water power, so this builds on our past and points to our future. Finding a solid private partner to bear part of the costs and utilize the tax credits was the key to making this work for the Library. Scott and Viking Electric bring a great deal of expertise to the project and we look forward to working with them.”
Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink said, “As the first and only solar installation on a city building, we’re thrilled to advance our desires to be more sustainable -- operationally to save taxpayers money and environmentally by introducing more renewable energy -- all the while offering an educational opportunity to our community.”
As the project progresses, more information will be available on the Library’s website and Facebook page.
Rome Library dedication held June 10
Community members (see picture at right) gathered Saturday, June 10, to celebrate the opening of the new Lester Public Library of Rome. The additional 4,025 square feet of library space was added to the existing 2,500 square foot facility originally built in 2001.
The original benefactors were the L.W. Sigler family and Charles & JoAnn Lester of Port Edwards. The new addition and renovation project was supported with the help of the entire community through fundraising efforts dating back to 2004. The Friends of the Library raised $250,000, which was matched by the Town of Rome. “Pledges from the Library Foundation and area residents, along with local grants, truly made this project a community effort,” said Lore Ingram, library director.
The Ryan Larson American Legion Post 65 began the program with a flag dedication, which was followed by Jeanne Osgood dedicating the library with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Over 100 people then proceeded into the new 1,500 square foot Community Room. William Lindroth, vice chair of the Rome Library Board, emceed the program. Speakers included Wayne “Doc” Johnson, Rome Town Chair; Marty Van Pelt, South Central Library System Director; and Lore Ingram, Library Director.
The library addition offers new and expanded spaces, including
- a larger children’s library,
- a section for young adults and teens,
- a quiet reading area with comfortable seating around a fireplace,
- two small study rooms, and
- a community room for programming and community use.
- Photos below:
Herb Garden
Rain Garden
New library entrance
WiLSWorld is July 27 in Madison
WiLSWorld is WiLS’ annual library technology and innovation conference, and will be held on July 27 followed by hands-on workshops on July 28, both at the Pyle Center in Madison. Early bird registration is open at https://wilsworld17.eventbrite.com/ or you can read more about the conference at http://www.wils.org/wilsworld-2017/.
WiLSWorld 2017’s keynote speaker is Dr. Safiya U. Noble, Assistant Professor in the Annenberg School of Communication at the University of Southern California (USC) whose research on the design and use of applications on the Internet is at the intersection of race, gender, culture, and technology.
WiLSWorld also has a fantastic line-up of programs and workshops this year, tackling topics such as diversity, user experience, collaboration, digital preservation, virtual reality, using and communicating data, marketing, fundraising, information literacy, privacy, and more!
Thanks to the planning team and generous sponsors who are helping to make this conference useful and engaging for members and partners.
Early bird registration ends June 30, and you can contact [email protected] with any questions.