Index
- 5 SCLS Libraries Awarded ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities Grant
- Invitation to BIPOC Library Staff
- Jump On the Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Craze
- Check it out! New Kit and Equipment Reservation Page
- The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund Application Period Open
- Continuing Education Calendar
5 SCLS Libraries Awarded ALA's Libraries Transforming Communities Grant.
Congratulations to Kraemer Library & Community Center (Plain), Pittsville Community Library, LaValle Public Library, Charles & JoAnn Lester Library (Nekoosa), and Jane Morgan Memorial Library (Cambria) on being awarded $10,000. This grant is an initiative to help small and rural libraries increase the accessibility of facilities, services, and programs to better serve people with disabilities.
Invitation to BIPOC Library Staff
The IDEA Project planning team invites you to an unconference specifically for BIPOC Staff at all levels working in Wisconsin Public Libraries on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Olbrich Gardens in Madison, WI, from 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
Please also share this information with your networks!
This event is designed to uplift and center the experiences of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) library workers in Wisconsin. Expect an interactive day filled with networking, discussion, and learning. This isn’t a traditional conference—it’s an “unconference”, meaning there won’t be long lectures or one-way presentations. Instead, it’s a collaborative, engaging space where everyone contributes, learns, and connects.
There is no charge for this event. It is entirely free. A breakfast snack and lunch* will be provided. Mileage reimbursement funding is available for people traveling over 25 miles to attend. Registration is required and will close on May 14.
More information and registration at: https://www.wislibidea.com/unconference/
* Lunch will be a Taco Bar from Cranberry Creek: Seasoned chicken and taco meat, hard (GF)/soft shells, lettuce, onions, cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos, black olives, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, refried beans (vegan), Mexican rice, cookies, and assorted soda.
* You may also bring your own lunch. No refrigerator available.
Questions? Contact: Mark Jochem ([email protected]) or Cole Zrostlik ([email protected])
Jump On the Jigsaw Puzzle Competition Craze
Jigsaw puzzle competitions have been rocking the world like a giant puzzle piece-shaped wave! What used to be a quiet activity is now a full-on sport. Is your library thinking of jumping in on this contest craze but just don’t know where to start?
For some essential tips on hosting a fun-filled jigsaw puzzle competition, check out The Missing Piece Company. They offer tips on the particulars of hosting a great jigsaw puzzle competition.
Is it possible to get free puzzles? Try Ravensburger, one of the top puzzle manufacturers and the sponsor of jigsaw puzzle competitions around the world. Fill out Ravensburger’s sponsorship request form. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, and each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Mount Horeb Library has been successful at receiving Ravensburger puzzles for free.
Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains has hosted several puzzle contest programs and has puzzles available to share with other libraries interested in hosting their own jigsaw puzzle program. If you have specific questions about these puzzles, contact Kelly McKewin ([email protected])
Check it out! New Kit and Equipment Reservation Page
Looking to host a local cook, baker, or papermaker? Or maybe a historic preservation demo using the scanning kit or underwater adventures with virtual reality? South Central Library System (SCLS) kits offer fresh, exciting ways to engage patrons and offer creative programming. Whether you're planning a one-time event or looking to expand your offerings with new technology, there’s no need to invest in expensive equipment. We’ve got you covered with a growing collection of over two dozen (32 and counting) specialized kits and equipment that you can borrow for your library’s programs and services.
A Collaborative Effort to Enhance Kit and Equipment Access for Members
Over the past year, SCLS staff formed a Kit Team made up of representatives from all departments—Consultants, Delivery, Technology, and ILS—to completely revamp the equipment and kit process from selection to loaning to libraries. This team took into account feedback from the Library Innovation Subcommittee (and we’re always looking for new members to join!), usage data, delivery logistics, and the condition of existing equipment. The goal was clear: make borrowing kits easier and more accessible for member libraries, all while keeping our collection current and in great shape.
Discover and Reserve the Programming Kits You Need
You can now find our full collection of kits and equipment online, easily accessible through the SCLS website under the "Member Resources & Services" tab.
Once there, you can:
- Sort kits and equipment by type
- Check availability
- Log in to view kit details and the reservation form
- Access a "report a problem" form if you encounter any issues with your equipment.
(Please Note: Kits and equipment are available for library use only to support programs and services that enhance the offerings of our member libraries. These resources are intended to help you bring fresh, engaging content to your community, so be sure to plan your programming accordingly.)
Get Creative with Your Programming
The updated page and procedures offer a wide range of innovative and fun kits that can bring new life to your library’s programs. Whether you're hosting a cooking class, a tech demo, or even a slow-motion animation & video editing workshop, there’s something for every interest and age group. We encourage you to explore the new site and discover all the creative possibilities awaiting your library.
If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your programming needs and help you make the most of these fantastic resources.
The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund Application Period Open
The 2025 WiLS Ideas to Action Fund application period is, April 1st through June 2nd, and it's your chance to be awarded up to $5,000 to start a new project or expand the promise of an existing one.
Built to be lightweight at every phase, WiLS members have proposed and been awarded funds to launch new services and collections, outfit new spaces, create new programs, and scale up successful work that has already started.
Read about past awards for inspiration, check the on the WiLS website for the proposal form, and reach out to WiLS at [email protected] with any questions.