.
Spring is coming! So is the Delivery Study!
The spring delivery study will take place the week of April 21-25.
The study instructions, worksheet, and an example of a completed worksheet can also be found on the Delivery Page on the IFLS website (https://iflsweb.org/for-librarians/delivery/). If you have any questions or something is unclear, reach out to Katelyn (dubiel@ifls.liib.wi.us). Please share this information with relevant staff!
Statewide advocacy campaign
The public landing page is now live at https://mywisconsinlibrary.org. This campaign focuses on federal advocacy, and includes a companion toolkit for staff: https://libraries.work/. Feedback, questions, suggestions can go to Reb (kilde@ifls.lib.wi.us), who is part of the statewide Marketing Cohort that put this together.
So many good workshops and check-ins!
Two HR workshops were just added! Human Resources Essentials with Kathy Parker: The Lifecycle of a Library Employee–Part 1 (May 20) and Part 2 (June 17). Also recently added is a Vega Discover and Vega Mobile App demo for MORE.
Don’t forget about the Acquisitions Idea Swap, Adult Services and Directors check-ins, and really practical website training. Pop over to the calendar to see them all.
Tue Apr 15th 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Tue Apr 15th 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Wed Apr 16th 11:00am – 12:00pm
Thu Apr 17th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thu Apr 17th 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Fri Apr 18th 10:00am – 11:00am
Mon Apr 21st – Fri 25th
Wed Apr 23rd 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Mon Apr 28th 10:00am – 1:00pm
Wed May 14th 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Ray Pagenkopf from the Menomonie Public Library was able to attend the 2025 virtual Power Up: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers and Staff Conference in February thanks to a scholarship from IFLS, with funding support from the WI Division for Library Services through an LSTA grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Tell us a couple of things about one stand-out session:
I thought about this a lot, but the session I most enjoyed was actually the keynote. It was very grounding to hear from Kyle Lukoff, the author of When Aiden Became a Brother. He gave a very frank talk about book banning, censorship, and what that means for marginalized kids who need to see their worlds represented. It was also very sad because things are only getting harder. When he was a librarian he had the philosophy that a kid could read whatever they wanted, and if they were ready for it, they would read it and if they weren’t, they wouldn’t understand it. Which made a lot of sense to me and my experience.
What is one idea you got at the conference that you are hoping to implement into your work or the library’s work?
I was very interested in changing play areas to be more reflective of the kids’ actual lives. The presenter talked about bringing in real items, like menus from local restaurants for the play kitchen, and sticks and leaves to play with. The menus are a great way to play with something that they probably already see and engage with, and get to role play the other side of that interaction, plus it’s a great way to get some diversity through the restaurant choices. For my area I would love to get menus from the local Hmong restaurants. I have reached out to the local area to see who has menus that I could take (less common than it once was) and to the theater to get any old playbills. That still hasn’t happened but in the meantime my storytime kids are growing plants and watching them work with the seeds and dirt and even water them made me see how much more real items meant to them. They slowed down, focused really hard and were very curious about the process. Holding the seeds was a lightbulb moment for them.
If you had to use 6 words to sum up this conference, how would you do it?
Post-election temperature check for inclusive kids programs.
Anything else you want to share with others about your Power Up Conference experience?
I had a really great time and I am so glad I got to go. I liked hearing from people who worked at much larger and smaller libraries and seeing the ways they worked and how things were around the country. It was a bit stressful to also hear about how everyone’s jobs are getting hard at the moment, but it is heartening to see the resilience.
Congratulations, grant winners!
Seven IFLS libraries received grants for either $10,000 or $20,000 from the American Library Association’s Libraries Transforming Communities: Accessible Small and Rural Libraries project! Staff from these libraries are undergoing training to help them learn more about understanding disability and accessibility, as well as learning from their communities about what needs and desires they have, and then will implement a project over the next year. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! They are:
- Clear Lake
- Colfax (also received a 2024 grant)
- Fall Creek
- Frederic
- Milltown (also received a 2024 grant)
- Phillips
- Plum City
Bonnie Carl (Milltown) sent this additional information, “The competitive award comes with a $10,000 grant that will help the library increase community engagement and outreach through structured programs. These events will include physical, artistic and community engagement activities. By coordinating with ADRC we will provide weekly transportation from their homes to the library/events at no cost.”
Adult Services email list
Do you have a new Adult Services Librarian? Don’t forget to add them to the Adult Services email list! If you or others in your library want to send and receive emails from that list, just submit a HelpDesk ticket and include the email addresses of all those you want added.
The next Adult Services Check-in is on April 15 at 1:30
April’s topic of conversation will be summer reading, so come prepared to share and ask questions as we all get ready for the often-busiest season in libraries.
Here is the link to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctduGgrDIjHNLVSjBe_CAa5OLsdXw_BfKp
Here is the agenda, which is still being worked on: Adult Services Check-In_Running Agenda.docx
WiLS Ideas to Action Fund
The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund application period is open! Through this fund, WiLS provides grants of up to $5,000 so libraries and cultural organizations can bring their project ideas to life.
The program encourages partnerships and collaborations among WiLS members and with community partners, supports innovative and exploratory new work, and seeds the development of processes, methods, or resources that can be used by other WiLS members.
We seek innovative or collaborative proposals from libraries and cultural organizations of all types in order to support the good work of the diversity of WiLS members.
The 2025 Ideas to Action Fund application period is open through June 2nd. The proposal form and reporting are built to be simple and quick so awardees can focus on the success of the work and the benefits to their communities. Submit your proposal.
Advocacy Update
Reb was very optimistic in her estimate for how quickly we could get the statewide advocacy efforts launched. It’s looking like the toolkit will be ready this Monday. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns before then (kilde@iflls.lib.wi.us).
The DPI is also collecting stories. They’d like videos that they can share. Here’s the link:
In the meantime, here are a few informative resources to get you up to speed:
- The WPR article did a good job of laying everything out before Tuesday’s shutdown. The article has more information than the recording.
- On April 1, all IMLS employees were put on administrative leave.
- DPI made an infographic about LSTA funding.
- There’s also an information page on the DPI website about the impact of federal funding on our state.
Coming up on the IFLS calendar
Thu Apr 3rd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Apr 4th 10:00am – 1:00pm
Mon Apr 14th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Tue Apr 15th 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Wed Apr 16th 11:00am – 12:00pm
Thu Apr 17th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thu Apr 17th 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Wed Apr 23rd 1:00pm – 3:00pm
NOTE: This blog post was written by Nicole Witt, Youth Services Coordinator at D.R. Moon Library-Stanley, based what she learned from the UW Madison iSchool’s Continuing Education course Sustainably Grow Your Summer Library Program. Nicole was able to attend this online course thanks to a scholarship from IFLS, made possible with a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. Thanks for sharing Nicole!
From Vision to Action: Integrating Sustainability in Libraries
While enrolled in “Sustainably Grow your Summer Library Program” through UW-Madison iSchool Continuing Education the instructor Dawn Tevis used lecture videos as well as countless articles to share the importance of using sustainability practices to grow the summer library programs and offering new programs that benefit the community and add value for the patrons.
During the first online class it was discussed that “Sustainability is the practice of avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain an ecological balance.” Within the library world, we have a unique opportunity to contribute to sustainability by ensuring our operations are environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and financially feasible. When all three of these elements come together in perfect harmony, they create what is known as the Triple Bottom Line.
The Triple Bottom Line in Library Operations
Libraries serve as cornerstones of their communities, offering valuable resources and programming that enrich the lives of patrons. By integrating sustainability principles into our work, we can maximize our impact while being mindful of environmental and social responsibilities.
- Environmental Responsibility: Libraries can reduce waste, conserve energy, and implement eco-friendly policies, such as paperless communication.
- Social Equity: Libraries serve as inclusive spaces, providing access to resources, technology, and learning opportunities for all community members, regardless of background or socioeconomic status.
- Financial Feasibility: Thoughtful budgeting and resource allocation ensure that sustainable initiatives remain within the budget while offering programs that are meaningful to the community.
Tapping into Community Resources for Sustainability
Sustainability also includes tapping into community resources to enhance library programming and services. Utilizing asset mapping helps libraries get to know the people, places, and organizations that surround them. By identifying underutilized community assets and understanding how patrons spend their time, libraries can gain valuable insights into what programs would be most beneficial. Collaborating with local businesses, schools, nonprofits, and cultural organizations can create mutually beneficial partnerships, expand access to resources, and strengthen community ties.
The Importance of the “Why” in Library Programming
When planning library programs, it is essential to consider the deeper purpose behind each initiative. Understanding the “why” not only strengthens program effectiveness but also aligns it with broader library goals.
Some key motivations behind library programs include:
- Advancing the mission and vision of the library
- Improving literacy rates within the community
- Combating the summer slide in young readers
- Expanding access to library resources and services
- Fostering curiosity and lifelong learning
- Building relationships among patrons and staff
Recording Goals and Measuring Impact
Documenting the purpose behind a program and setting measurable goals ensures accountability and long-term success. Clear objectives help guide programming decisions, secure funding, and demonstrate the impact of library services to stakeholders.
For instance, if a library’s goal is to reduce the summer slide among young readers, a structured summer reading program with measurable participation rates and progress tracking can provide tangible proof of success.
Conclusion
Sustainability in libraries is about more than just environmental conservation, it’s about creating a balanced approach that includes ecological, social, and financial factors. By integrating sustainability into library programming and clearly defining the “why” behind our initiatives, we can foster resilient, thriving communities while ensuring that our physical buildings, our legacies as a pillar in the community last for many generations. Recording these goals and measuring their outcomes helps libraries stay focused on meaningful, impactful work.
Libraries are uniquely positioned to lead by example, demonstrating that sustainability and purpose-driven programming can go hand in hand to create lasting benefits for individuals and communities alike.
Advocacy updates
Here’s a piece about IMLS funding cuts by WPR. The written article has more information than the radio piece. Small Wisconsin libraries might be hit hard as Trump targets federal funding – WPR
Statewide advocacy campaign organizers are working overtime on guidance on language, social media posts, and other resources. It looks like it’ll be ready early next week. There will be a postcard campaign coming. If you want to do something right now, post fact-based social media posts, library stories from your users, and keep posting the great things your library is doing!
BadgerLink would like stories about how these resources have impacted people. BadgerLink provides access to a wealth of trusted resources for learners of all ages. An important component is hearing from you about the positive impacts these resources have had on your life. There’s an online form. Consider pointing this out to patrons that use these services (teachers/homeschoolers? local historical society?), including Britannica School, EBSCO databases for school aged students, higher education, and even lifelong learners; Wisconsin and nationwide newspapers; genealogy resources; literacy tools from TeachingBooks and NoveList, auto repair help.
Collecting stories: There are going to be a lot of requests for this kind of information! If you want to, you can use the Library Love Stories form to keep track of those. It’s important to collect these for your own library’s advocacy efforts, so whether it’s a paper file or a digital one, make it a point to write down and save what you’re hearing in the library.
Libraries in the News
- Heather Merrick, Frederic’s new director, is featured ttps://leadericcpa.com/frederic-public-librarys-craft-fair-brings-community-together-amid-transition/
- I just heard that Colfax got a matching grant for their building project:: https://www.colfaxpubliclibrary.org/building-remodel-project/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJHw31leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHX5S96-6BabylybmL3vEZAc4yqPQ5dzWaikC3H-MJHMqOZM1tMmsucCvWQ_aem_n6J4lDhscetWPW6NkKxSzQ
- Fall Creek is launching their capital campaign with an event on May 8: https://www.fallcreekpubliclibrary.org/beyondwordscampaign/
Share your library’s news! Send to kilde@ifls.lib.wi.us with “news” in the subject line.
IFLS staff behind the scenes
I’m sure I’m missing some mentions! So many people have been involved in this huge projects.
- MORE server migration a success! Thanks to Lori Roholt and Kris Schwartz for pulling this huge process off so well! It looks like loose ends are all tied up.
- Bulk supply order is getting unloaded and sent out! Thanks to Sarah Szymanski for taking the lead on this enormous logistical project! Kathy Setter came back to the office to help! Adam Fuller has moved a lot of boxes! Unpacking was a team effort, and the order is going out in courier a bit at a time.
Act 150 useful tip
(from Leann in Dresser) To confirm contact information, I have found this website by Wisconsin Municipal Data System to be a very helpful resource: Municipal Boundary Review List of County and Municipal Clerks https://mds.wi.gov/View/Clerks. If you’re a director, make sure to look for John’s very important email about Act 150 funding requests, sent last Monday.
Coming right up
Fri Mar 28th 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wed Apr 2nd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Thu Apr 3rd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Apr 4th 10:00am – 1:00pm
Wed Apr 23rd 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Shake up at IMLS
There’s a lot going on right now, and it can be a little overwhelming. I’ll start with what we know.
- The Executive Order states that IMLS must be reduced to its “statutory functions.” It also requires that “non-statutory components and functions …shall be eliminated to the maximum extent…”.
- Keith Sonderling has been sworn in as acting director of IMLS, a Trump appointee. Acting Director Sonderling said, “I am committed to steering this organization in lockstep with this Administration to enhance efficiency and foster innovation. We will revitalize IMLS and restore focus on patriotism, ensuring we preserve our country’s core values, promote American exceptionalism, and cultivate love of country in future generations,”
- System Directors are working with the statewide Marketing Cohort and our state legislative team to develop language and advocacy tools to respond.
- In Wisconsin, library operational funds don’t come from IMLS. Some very popular services, like Interlibrary Loan, are made possible with IMLS funding.
Here are some ways that libraries are responding.
- The California Library Association has created an Infographic for federal advocacy, including support for LSTA and E-Rate. CLA has also created a template in PowerPoint so that others may use it to develop their own Infographic for their advocacy.
- EveryLibrary created an advocacy campaign.
What to do now.
- Understand what political activities you and your friends group can engage in. As a nonprofit, you and your Friends Group can’t engage in partisan political activity of any kind. Libraries can educate and inform the public, but they cannot tell people how to vote.
- Also keep in mind that we’re in a budget cycle at the state level, and we want to preserve those political relationships.
- When you provide ILL items, add a big tag that says, “Are you enjoying this book? Thank IMLS, who makes this service possible.”
- Talk to your friends and social circles, call your elected officials.
- We’ll have more action steps coming soon.
- Keep being the awesome public spaces that you are!
CCBC choices available now
Every year the Cooperative Children’s Book Center librarians sift through most of the books published in the United States for children and teens and select their top picks to go into CCBC Choices. The 2025 list of 251 books, along with an annotation, is now available. You can find the CCBC Choices 2025 publication, and you can also ue CCBC Recommended Book Search to look up titles. There are three opportunities coming up soon to hear more about the titles in CCBC Choices 2025:
- Webinar, Wednesday March 19, 9-10 am sponsored by the South Central Library System Register
- In-person session (with book browsing), Thursday March 27, 9:30-2:30 at the Brewer Public Library in Richland Center, hosted by Southwest Library System and Winding Rivers Library System Register
- In-person session (with book browsing), Tuesday April 8, 10:00-2:30 at the Minocqua Public Library, hosted by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) Register
Apply for a Scholarship to Attend the WAPL Conference!
The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries Conference is coming up in Oshkosh April 30-May 2. IFLS is offering full and partial scholarships to public library workers in IFLS-land to attend! The scholarship covers registration (which includes some meals), two nights in the conference hotel, and mileage. Apply for the WAPL Scholarship by March 23! Questions? Contact Leah.
Correction to The News
Krister’s last name is spelled Paakkonen. Sorry for the misspelling.
Calendar Spotlight: Acquisitions Idea Swap
Join MORE colleagues for an Acquisitions Idea Swap, April 23, 1:00pm-3:00pm. The hybrid event will be held in person at the Hazel Mackin Community Library in Roberts and virtually via Zoom. Whether you’re a current user of Sierra’s Acquisitions functions or are interested in learning more, this event is designed to help you streamline your ordering process. We’ll share ideas, tips, and tricks to make acquisitions easier and more efficient.
NOTE: If you need accommodations to participate in this workshop (for instance: a chair with or without arms; CART captioning; visual aids) please email Jackee Johnson (johnson@ifls.lib.wi.us) by April 9 to ensure we can make necessary arrangements.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and improve your acquisitions process! Register here.
Coming up on the IFLS calendar
Tue Mar 25th
Wed Mar 26th 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Thu Mar 27th 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Mar 28th 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wed Apr 2nd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Thu Apr 3rd 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Apr 4th 10:00am – 1:00pm
Wed Apr 23rd 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Supreme Step Flow Module example
First step
Damaged items
test items
Your Title Goes Here
Your description goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the description settings
Supreme Content Timeline Module example
How did the item arrive at your library?
Send note to owning library
Send note to owning library
In Courier
The damaged item came to the library in a courier delivery
$
Patron return
A patron claims responisibility for damage and wants to pay
Directly to the Library
Item was returned directly to the library, not through courier
Scholarships still available for WAPL
The Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries Conference is coming up in Oshkosh April 30-May 2. IFLS is offering full and partial scholarships to public library workers in IFLS-land to attend! The scholarship covers registration (which includes some meals), two nights in the conference hotel, and mileage. Apply for the WAPL Scholarship by March 23! Questions? Contact Leah.
WiLS Ideas to Action Fund application period opens April 1
The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 so member organizations can bring their project ideas to life. The Fund encourages partnerships and collaborations among WiLS members and with community partners, supports innovative and exploratory new work, and seeds the development of processes, methods, or resources that can be used by other WiLS members.
The total amount awarded in 2024 was $37,740. To date, the WiLS Board has awarded over $220,000 to 55 Wisconsin libraries and cultural organizations.
For examples of successfully funded projects, see the proposal for Appleton Public Library’s Piano Project or Tomahawk School District’s 2020 proposal to create an eSports club.
Have questions about WiLS Ideas to Action Funds? Watch the recording of WiLS’ webinar on preparing your proposal or contact them at information@wils.org.
CCBC Choices Available Now!
Every year the Cooperative Children’s Book Center librarians sift through most of the books published in the United States for children and teens and select their top picks to go into CCBC Choices. The 2025 list of 251 books, along with an annotation, is now available. You can find the CCBC Choices 2025 publication, and you can also ue CCBC Recommended Book Search to look up titles. There are three opportunities coming up soon to hear more about the titles in CCBC Choices 2025:
- Webinar, Wednesday March 19, 9-10 am sponsored by the South Central Library System Register
- In-person session (with book browsing), Thursday March 27, 9:30-2:30 at the Brewer Public Library in Richland Center, hosted by Southwest Library System and Winding Rivers Library System Register
- In-person session (with book browsing), Tuesday April 8, 10:00-2:30 at the Minocqua Public Library, hosted by the Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS) Register
The News from IFLS just landed in your inbox
If you’re not a subscriber, you can subscribe with this link, or on the home page of the IFLS website. Feel free to share the link widely: this is a newsletter for the more general public.
You can view the latest News and a list of past issues in the archive.
Coming up
Wed Mar 19th 11:00am – 12:00pm
Thu Mar 20th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thu Mar 20th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Thu Mar 20th 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Fri Mar 21st 10:00am – 12:00pm
Tue Mar 25th
Wed Mar 26th 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Thu Mar 27th 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Mar 28th 1:00pm – 4:00pm
This is a weekly digest of the best that’s come across our desks this week. If you have news about your library, upcoming events, or information you’d like to share, submit an email with “Digest” in the subject line to kilde@ifls.lib.wi.us.
New and Updated Articles list now on the For IFLS Libraries page
Look at the bottom of the For IFLS Libraries page for a list of new and updated articles in the Article Index.
Coming up on the IFLS Calendar
Fri Mar 7th
Sun Mar 9th 3:00am
Wed Mar 12th 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Thu Mar 20th 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Fri Mar 21st 10:00am – 12:00pm
Tue Mar 25th
Wed Mar 26th 12:30pm – 2:00pm
Thu Mar 27th 1:00pm – 3:30pm
Fri Mar 28th 1:00pm – 4:00pm