Memorandum:
From: Mark Arend
Subject: Report of the Interim Assistant
Director
There is a lot of activity around the system now that spring
is here. I would be happy to provide
further details at our next meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an
email.
Annual reports:
As of my writing this not all annual reports are done yet;
three of our libraries have experienced delays. I hope that they will all be done by the time we meet. Many libraries reported substantial increases
in use over 2001. I will be preparing a
summary of these reports for our May meeting.
The system annual report is in your packet. I will also be preparing a report of system activity for the May meeting that gives a better picture of activities than the state report.
Library news:
Berlin Public Library is holding a Centennial celebration and rededication on 5 April. In your Board packet is a Resolution of Congratulations, which I am requesting you approve.
Six of our libraries are engaging in building or remodeling projects in 2003. Wautoma and Campbellsport libraries are expanding into previously unfinished parts of their buildings. Wautoma has a new meeting room and a newly remodeled children’s room while Campbellsport has a new meeting room. Hancock is remodeling their unused second floor into a local history center, library program area, and office. Fond du Lac & Menasha libraries have both broken ground for large additions to their buildings. Fond du Lac has moved into temporary quarters while Menasha will continue operations with construction going on around them. Poy Sippi is planning a spring groundbreaking for an addition. In these times of ever-tightening budgets and predictions of the decline of libraries it is good to see this evidence that Wisconsin communities continue to place a high value on library service.
Staff changes:
Carla Basiliere, our Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator resigned in January to accept a position with Aurora Health Care. We are exploring options for contracting for interim service until we can fill this position.
Staff news:
Administrative Specialist Liz Schallhorn had a baby boy, Matthew, in late February. Liz took two weeks off and is back to work.
Web Librarian & Interlibrary Loan Librarian Joy Schwarz has been chosen as the new Vice-President/President-Elect of the Fox Valley Library Council. She will be taking office this summer. Joy will also be making a presentation at the Wisconsin Library Association conference in October.
Van driver Jerry Sitter is having surgery on his shoulder. He hopes to be back to work in about a month.
Library programs:
Once again Culvers Restaurants are generously sponsoring a coloring contest program for National Library Week: 6-12 April. Participating libraries have each received a hat and a lunch box to give as prizes and coupons for all kids participating.
Winnefox & Oshkosh Public Library are jointly planning a program at EAA on Saturday 16 August as a spectacular finish to Take Flight…Read, the 2003 Summer Reading Program. Many of the libraries have expressed interest.