On this cold winter day, thoughts are on summer and the Brillion Library’s summer reading program. Planning for our summer library program takes place this time of year. Each year we look at what we did the past year and try to offer a summer of both reading and library programs. Some programs have been extremely popular, while others have not drawn the crowd. We try to figure out why as a part of our planning.
This year we have a water theme, “Make a Splash! Read!” This theme is being used in 47 states and the District of Columbia, so if you travel and visit libraries you may find the same theme. Each library and state decides how they want to present the theme. This year we will have State Park passes available as reading incentives for our younger readers. This has been a popular incentive and the DNR has graciously donated passes to our wonderful state parks.
Our summer will again be kicking off as a part of Brillion Fest on June 12th. We will have an entertainer performing in the entertainment tent in the morning. Each week after the 12th, the library will have a family program with a variety of performers. Many of the performers are paid for either with donations, grants or from our budget. We have learned that musicians, magicians, and animals are the most popular programs. Storytellers, no matter how good they are do not draw in Brillion.
In addition to the weekly family program, we hope to offer some programs aimed at specific age groups. We will continue our weekly Storytimes for preschooler- Kindergarten age youth. This summer we will be changing the time of the second storytime possibly to an evening time. Let us know if you are interested in an evening storytime.
A camp for tweens was extremely popular in 2009. The camp included scrapbooking, music, writing, art, games and other activities. We plan on offering one again this year with a water theme. Brillion’s got talent show was also popular and will return with a few changes.
Contests and activities have also been popular. Bug of the week drew in kids trying to figure out what the bug was. A person of the week was less popular. The Hoppy Hunt or similar program had youth looking for pictures around town. Our businesses graciously posted the picture in their window. This program had a few snags when employees cleaning the windows took down the sign before the contest ended. Creating bugs with recycled materials contest showed how creative our youth are. We plan on continuing similar programs.
Reading is so important that we offer a variety of incentive programs for youth. This year we will have a weekly incentives for our readers with monthly drawings for larger prizes. We are also looking for incentives for our teen and adult program.
The Library always looks for new ideas to improve our summer reading program. We have conducted surveys and used the results to change. Continue to let us know what you like and what you don’t and also let us know if you have any great ideas that we might use during the summer. Help us make a splash at the Brillion Library this summer!
The Brillion Library is looking for people to display their collections at the Library throughout the year. The library has a glass display case in the front entry of the library. Collections are displayed for a month at a time. The public is invited to sign up and display their collection for a month during the year.
Some of the many collections featured in the display case in the past included "tractors", Bears, Snowmen, Rosemaling, Family genealogy, and unique vegetables. We have had insects, invasive species and flowers as well. The uniquer the collection, the better.
Colletions are put into the display case as close to the 1st of the month and removed at the end of the month. A staff member is responsible for contacting the person who has the display and helping them put the display in. The staff member also makes sure the collection is taken out at the end of the month.
Won't you consider creating a display at the Library. Pick the month that fits you and your collection. Let us know if you are interested. We have a sign up sheet at the library and first come, first serve, when it comes to the selection of month.
To show off your display, contact the library at 920-756-3215 or email at brref@esls.lib.wi.us or stop in person and sign up at the desk. Thanks in advance to all of you volunteering to share your collections with the public.
The Brillion Library offers services and programs to help you use computers more efficiently. The Library offers the public wireless internet access as well as 11 computers that are hooked up to the Internet. The computers have a variety of Office programs such as Excel and Word that can be used to prepare your documents. All public computers are hooked up to both the copy machine and printer. 3 of the computers are hooked up to a scanner- which allows you to scan documents.
To help you use computers more efficiently, the library is offering a number of programs for the public. First the library is continuing to offer computer classes. Computer classes are set up as a 2 hour session with some hands on time. Classes are tailored to the needs of the participants from a list of offerings. Even seasoned users can Improve their Internet searching by taking a class. Check the website for the next classes or stop in at the library.
For those of you who want to optimize your computers, the library is offering a "PC Optimization: how to get the most out of your pc" class on Tuesday, Feb. 9th starting at 1:30 p.m. MCLS ITS/IT specialist Ginger Brochtrup will be presenting information that can help you maximize your PC. This is a free class, but registration is requested. Sign up by Feb. 5th.
In addition to the above mentioned classes, the Library is working with Fox Valley Tech to bring some classes to the Brillion Library. While this is still in the works, you will probably be hearing more in the future.
The Library Board approved a technology plan for the library at its January meeting. Updating computers and equipment and staff traiining are some of the priorities in this plan. Another component is setting up a reserve to help pay for these upgrades.
While technology keeps moving forwrd, we at the Brillion Public Library try to keep abreast and move in the direction we can. Our vision for technology is to provide an information backbone that wil lsupport the needs of an educated citzenry while continuing to support the traditional happenings of the public library.
