Memorandum:

To:                  Winnefox Library System Trustees 

From:              Mark Arend, Interim Assistant Director

Subject:           Report of System activities

Date:               22 May, 2005

 

The following is an update of activities since our last meeting.  I would be happy to provide further details at our meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an email in advance.

 

 

Library Summer Reading Programs:  Winnefox staff have been very busy lately helping libraries get ready for their summer programs.  In addition to supplying the printed materials our staff also helps coordinate the summer performers.  Last year we saved member libraries about $2,000 by negotiating agreements with performers and combining mileage costs. 

 

This year’s children’s program, developed by the 36-state Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP), is Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales and is being used by all Winnefox libraries.  While summer programs for children are a traditional library staple, teen and adult programs are increasingly popular.  This year’s teen program, also developed by the CSLP, is Creature Feature.  Twelve libraries are planning teen programs this year. 

 

Nine libraries will be using Reading is A-lure-ing, a fishing related adult theme developed by Oshkosh Public Library staff.   Sharing these programs is a great example of how libraries cooperate and we are grateful to OPL for sharing.

 

Libraries put a lot of effort into their summer programs both because it increases library use and because it’s good for the children.  Research shows that children who participate in a public library reading program over the summer start the school year ahead of those who don’t. 

 

 

Library Director Changes:  Janet Brooks, director of the Endeavor Public Library, resigned in mid-April.  Marty Kaszar, director of the Packwaukee Public Library has resigned, effective 1 June.  Some of you will remember that her husband, Steven, was a Winnefox trustee from1999 through 2001.   Jack Fry, director of the Menasha Public Library will be retiring the end of June.  Tasha Saecker, director of the Caestecker Library in Green Lake, has been named to replace him.

 

WCTS Grants:  Libraries in Green Lake, Marquette, & Waushara Counties are each receiving $500 in the third and final year of the Collection Enhancement Grant program.   Libraries are using these funds to improve their collections of Books on CD, Music CDs, and DVDs. 

 

These libraries are also benefiting from the special WCTS grant program approved at the July meeting.  Libraries are using this grant for purposes such as:

  • Space needs assessment
  • New PCs
  • Entrance doors
  • Furniture
  • Collection development

 

 

Legislative update:   The legislative season is about over.  Although the current session technically runs through the end of the year there are no more floor sessions scheduled for general business, so the following bills affecting libraries are probably dead for this session (although nothing is ever sure in politics). It is almost certain, however, that similar bills will be introduced next year.

o       AB-483:           elimination of the Maintenance of Effort requirement.

o       AB-1022:         alternate method of exemption from the county library levy

o       SB-258:           ‘R’ rated videos.

 

On 19 May the Governor signed SB-272, the ‘Reform Bill’, now known as Act 420

I have drafted a separate report that lists its provisions. 

 

At the last board meeting there was a question on bills affecting the common school fund.  I have attached a separate report discussing those bills. 

 

 

Staff Changes:  Erica Berkshire has been hired as an Interlibrary loan page. She replaces Chris Reinke who has resigned.  Gerald Gunther has been hired as a van driver.