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Library Hours

Labor Day - May 31st
Mondays: 8 am - 8 pm
Tuesday: 9 am - 8 pm
Wed. - Thurs.: 12N - 8 pm
Friday: 12 N - 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am - 12 N
Sunday: Closed

June 1st - Labor Day
Mondays: 8 am - 8 pm
Tues. - Wed.: 9 am - 8 pm
Thursday: 12 N - 8 pm
Friday: 12 N - 6 pm
Sat. - Sun.: Closed


Contact Us

Brillion Public Libary
326 N. Main Street
Brillion, WI 54110

Phone: (920) 756-3215

brref@esls.lib.wi.us


Library News

Keeping you up-to-date on what's happening at your library. We invite you to join in the conversation!
NOVEMBER 11, 2010
Come meet and greet author Delia DeLeest!
You are invited to a reception on Tuesday, November 23rd from 3-5:30 p.m. at the Brillion Public Library.  Area author Delia DeLeest will be on hand to talk to you about her writing.  DeLeest had written and had published 3 novels all set in the 1920s.  "It takes Moxie," "Eye of the beholder" and "Not looking for trouble" are her 3 published works. 

Come join us for refreshments as well!  Author DeLeest will have copies of her books available for purchase and autographing at this event!

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JULY 15, 2010
Brillion's got talent contest crowns winners
The winner of the 2nd annual "Brillion's got Talent" show held at the Brillion Public Library was the singing duet of Nichole Hassemer and Tia Pribbernow.  The duet sang  a cappella and wowed the audience with their selection.  They were the hands down favorite of the judges.

But the other talent entrants bring a lot of great future talent to the Brillion area.  The contest included the talented flute/saxophone duet of Marie Wedepohl and Bethanie Ebben; the guitar playing of Dakota Schmitting; the clever dance routine of Natasha and Bobbie Jo Ruelle, Kaelin  and JesseThibodeau, and Taylor Owen; the unique dancing of Emily Glaeser;  the singing skit of Hailey Frisch and Madeline Cooney; and the comedic singing of Jared Bastian. All did a great job and we truly appreciate that they took the time to share their talents with the audience and the Brillion Library.

These youth made their splash in this talent show.  We encourage them to continue in the future and the Library will be one avenue for their talents.  We hope they will all join us agian next year for "Brillion's got Talent."

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JUNE 1, 2010
Get ready to make a splash!
Are you ready to make a splash?  We are at the Brillion Public Library. We are gearing up for a refreshing summer with reading and family programs.  Sign up has begun for the reading programs. 

We offer a Read-to-me program for preschoolers through Kindergarten age youth who are being read to; a school age program for youth in grades 1-6; a young adult and an adult program.  School age youth can read for a variety of great incentives.  1 hour of reading earns the weekly incentive.  While 5 hours can earn the youth a State park pass or a pass to the Maritime Museum.  Every hour of reading earns a coupon to be included in a drawing for the prize of their choice.  Prizes include movie packages, t-shirts, monthly swm passes as the BCC. and more.  Young adults and adults can read to earn  a cool visor sunglasses clip. Sign up and start reading today! 

The summer program officially kicks off on Saturday, June 12th as a part of Brillion Fest.  The Brillion Optimists are sponsoring entertainer Ms Taku in a program of songs and music for the whole family.  After that the library will be offering weekly family programs on Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m.  Come join us for a variety of programs.  In addition to the programs, the library will be showing some new movies.

The Brilion Library offers programs for teens during the summer including some movies.  Make plans to join us and be a summer reader.  Teens can also read as a part of the Battle of the Books program.

Come into the library and play "creature of the week."  Each week during summer, a creature will be posted in the library with 3 clues to the identity of the creature spread out around the library.  Identify the creature and earn a weekly prize.

This June the Library is featuring a Duck hunt around Brillion.  Signs with ducks are posted at 20 different places in Brillion.  One sign is slightly different.  Figure out the 20 places and turn your form in by July 1st to be entered.  The entries with the most right places will be placed in a drawing for a variety of prizes.

The Library is offering a summer camp for youth in grades 3-7.  The camp will take place Aug 2-5 from 1-4 each afternoon.  The camp will include scrapbooking, water games, water science, fishing, crafts and other fun activiites. The Library Friends will be supplying snacks each day.  Make plans to join us for this fun event.

The Library offers fun activities for the whole family at no cost. Plus we offer some great incentives for reading.  Why not take the splash and become a summer reader?  Sign up today at the Brillion Public Library.

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MAY 10, 2010
Conferences help vitalize!

I had the opportunity to attend a WAPL (Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries) Conference the end of April.  It was at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan.  It was a wonderful place for a conference. Not only did I learn new things, but I also had the opportunity to network with other librarians from around the State of Wisconsin.  The opening and closing speeches were the most inspiring and they gave me some ideas on how to deal with strapped budgets. The sessions in between offered me a canopy of topics from children's programs to budgets to health and digitalization grants, to new gadgets that are out there.  Joel McNally offered an enjoyable speech over lunch.

The thing i came back from this conference with was a realization that libraries are a vital service in a community.  Mayors and city councils keep talking about how they can't cut vital services.  Libraries are talked about as it they are not vital. I would argue that Libraries build communities.  If we cut or shut the library, the community will suffer.  Business rely on libraries and most new businesses will not come to a community that closes its library. Libraries educate the citizenry and make the voters knowledgeable.  Schools benefit from having libraries introduce children to learning and by supplementing their students.  It is a proven fact that children who use the library do better in school.  Cutting libraries is a one solution that will lead to disaster.  Speaker John Gurda said it best when he talked about the mentality of cutting at all costs and how it will take you to the bottom.  He feels that the current "ramage of selfishness" is behind a lot of the tax cutting mentality.  Individuals can afford all the conveniences at home, but are not willing to support the greater community through their taxes.  The library is one resource that a community can provide that will benefit everyone in that community. 

 

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MARCH 19, 2010
Friends sponsor author in a "Taste of Brillion"
Author, Terese Allen will be making a presentation at the Brillion Public Library on Thursday, March 25th at 4 p.m.  Allen is the author of the book, "The Flavor of Wisconsin." The Brillion Library Friends will be sponsoring Allen.  As a part of the program, "A taste of Brillion" will be held.  Many of the local food businesses will have samples of their food available for tasting after the presentation.  Make time in your busy schedule to attend this event at the Brillion Public Library. 

As to what food businesses will have available to taste-  As of this writing the Friends have line up Daiiry Queen with frozen cake, Dilly bars and buster bars; Deer Run with cole slaw and cookies; Randys with his pulled smoke pork; Moms with soup; Bullseye with Teriacki Wings and chili; Lion's Den with pizza; Rudy's with pie and bread; Kwik Trip with milk; and Econofoods with a Panini demonstration.  My mouth is just watering as I write this. Other businesses will also be a part of this event with their samples to be determined. Friends are requesting a donation for this event.

A little bit about the author, Terese Allen and her book.  Her book, "Flavor of Wisconsin," looks at the food history with recipes.  She explores the ethnically and agriculturally diverse region and some of the food traditions.  She will talk about food gathered, grown, produced, cooked and eaten her in Wisconsin.

Make plans in between the basketball games to come and learn about Wisconsin's food traditions and even taste a little of the food that makes Brillion unique!  Program starts at 4 p.m.  Hope to see you there.  There will be a drawing for her book as a part of the program.




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MARCH 17, 2010
Computer classes

The Brillion Public Library has been offering and holding computer classes for the public monthly.  They have proved to be popular with the public.  The computer instruction needs of our users, however seem to have a large gap.  The classes I have held included basic users who had never used a computer to seasoned users looking for tips on better searching the Internet or in the use of special programs or databases.  These classes have challenged me and made me think about how we can better offer our classes to the public.

Hilbert Technologies offered a "Catch up with you 7-year old class that included everything from how to turn the computer on, how to use a mouse, how to get on the Internet and how to set up email.  Some of the participants were spurred to take another class to help them.  When I teach classes, I like to tell the class to come to the library and use the computer.  Try  becoming comfortable with a mouse.  Try out some searches and sights on the Internet.  Open and use the icons on the computers.  Do whatever it takes to become comfortable with a computer. 

Another group of people that we have been instructing have been the job seekers.  Many have never used a computer before and need to use it to apply for jobs or to search for job openings.  None of us became adept in using a computer overnight.  It took years of trying many different things and a lot of classes that showed us how to use the computer.  Every time a new version of software comes out, we have to reorient ourselves to how the program works in comparison to the older version of the program. Becoming a skilled computer user requires continuous training and use of the program. 

If you are not able to type or have never used a computer before, how are you going to be able to apply for jobs, create a resume or even search for a job?  You need to develop your computer skills- even the basic ones.  One of the wonderful things about the Internet is that if actually contains sites that help you build some of these skills for those who have never learned how to type, there are free internet sites that teach you. For those who have never used a mouse,  I just found a wonderful Internet site that helps users learn how to use a mouse.  www.3street.org/mouse is a free website that has mouse training.  Try it sometime and you might learn a trick or two. 

After one of my recent classes where i  taught advanced search skills, I received questions on programs that were beyond my expertise.  I also am rethinking how I offer classes.  I have let the students determine what I teach each time and fortunately I have had a class of students with similar needs and it worked out.  But what will I do when the class has both beginners and advanced students?  Any simple instruction will bore the advanced learner, while anything complicated will lose the beginner. 

The library has taken a role in helping the public navigate computers and the resources of the Internet.  Computer classes is one way we do this. A computer literate community benefits everyone.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2010
Are you as good as the 7 year old when it comes to computers?
You are invited to "Catch up with the 7 year olds at the Brillion Public Library!  Are you afraid to try a computer?  Are you thinking about getting your first computer?  Do you just want to know more about computers? The Brillion Library offers you the opportunities to learn more about computers and improve your existing skills.  Let's face the reality, computers are not going to go away. More and more things will be done on computers each year.  Job hunters are finding this out every day.  Many companies only accept applications over the Internet.

On March 10, Larry Hill from Hilbert Communications will be offering a session from 2-3:30 p.m.  He will introduce you to a computer.  Show you how it works and even let you try your hand on it.  This session is for the true beginners who want to compete with their 7 year old grandchildren.  Sign up and join us.  There will be refreshments as well.

Are you a computer user who wants to learn more about computers or the Internet? The Brillion Library offers monthly classes geared to the participants needs. The March sessions will be on March 15 from 9-11 and March 16 from 2-4.  Sign up and let us know what you want the session to focus on.

Are your computer skills as good as the 7 year olds in our area?  If they are not, the Brillion Library is giving you some opportunities to improve them.  Sign up today and work on improving your computer skills. 

Recent sessions held at the library included how to search the Internet and how to set up and use email.  The library has offered general computer skills such as using a  mouse, cut, copying and pasting materials and  printing.   Job hunting and job resources has  been offered.  A session on government and library resources was held. 

The Library is also a part of a Manitowoc-Calumet Library System jobs grant that will bring a portable computer lab into the library for a month and work with people on computer training for job hunters.  Watch for more details as this evolves.  This grant has given the library a subscription to Learning Express- which has basic computer courses as a part of its offerings.  Library users can log in and improve their computer skills for free during the grant year.  if you want to know more about Learning Express, let us know.

To find out more about the Brillion Library's computer classes, contact the library at 920-756-3215.  Sign up and get on the road to pass up that 7 year old in your knowledge of computers today.

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JANUARY 27, 2010
Make a Splash! Read!

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!

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JANUARY 19, 2010
Library Display case needs you!

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.

 

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JANUARY 15, 2010
Computers and technology

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.

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DECEMBER 22, 2009
Happy Holidays and thanks for a good year 2009!

Happy Holidays from the Staff and Board of the Brillion Public Library.  Thank you for your patronage of the Library in 2009. Computer carrels, upgraded computers, resources for job hunters, flower gardens and a new bench are some of new things at the Library this past year.

A new computer carrel with 6 work stations was installed.  The public computers had the memory upgraded and new improved security put in.  2 new computers were added to the public computers.  The library upgraded its catalog system which made it more flexible and allowed patrons to write reviews of materials.

The Library had an LSTA grant to help job seekers that made the database,  Learning Express available to the public both at home and on the Library's computers.  Learning Express contains practice tests as well as some computer courses.  The library offered computer classes for job seekers as well.

A flower garden was created in honor of Mel Marx around the information sign at the library.  This flower garden is the work of Jane Kopidlansky and a group of volunteers. She designed and planted a variety of plants, which will have flowers blooming most of the year.

The Library Friends continued their fundraising and help.  The Friends adopted the corner garden and added bulbs and flowering plants.  They purchased a bench that sits near this area.  The Friends sponsored author Chris Havel.

The Library continued to add to its DVD and audiobook collections.  Both of these areas have proved to be extremely popular.  Childrens books, magazines and best sellers continued to be hot materials at the Library.

The Library continued to offered Storytimes for preschoolers and a summer reading program for the whole family.  The monthly book discussion group continues to be popular.  In February and March, the Library offered travel movies at noon.

Genealogy continues to be an area of popular interest.  The Library held 4 different sessions pon a variety of genealogy topics during the year.  An email information list is being used to send genealogy information to anyone interested in genealogy.

The Library introduced patron initiated interlibrary loan in 2009.  Patrons can now request their own items from Wiscat.  Interlibrary loan brings the collections and catalogs of most of the libraries in Wisconsin to the public

The economy kept the library budget staple, but the library wasn't able to purchase as many materials as in past years because of the loss of money from grants and from shrinking interest from the Library Trust. The Library continues to work with the other 6 libraries in the Manitowoc-Calumet Library System to give the public access to a large variety of materials.

The Library provides a trained staff to assist you.  Our current staff consists of Library director Chris Moede, Dahle Enneper, Janet Ponschock, Therese Peters, and Lorelei Vaness.  We are assisted by student library aides Jessica McWilliams, Allison Sickinger and Casey Reidy.  The Library Board features President Marilyn Schuh, Vice-president Mark Murphy, Secretary, Nick Madison and members Mary Maciejewski, Linda Deiter, Wendy Diel and Tammy Fischer.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all of you.  Thank you for your patronage of the Library in 2009 and we hope to see all of you in 2010.

 

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DECEMBER 14, 2009
It's that snowy time of the year and volunteers!

As I write this, I am looking outside the Library window and it is snowing again!  White has blanketed almost everything outside.  Snow has a way of cleaning everything up and making it look brand new.   

Winter weather causes all of us to change our patterns of life.  It revitalizes us but keeps us on the edge as we cope with winter drives, changes in schedules and lost time from closings.  Last Wednesday, winter caused the Library to be closed.  Normal activities were stopped and special events cancelled.  The Library Board meeting was cancelled as was the Volunteer reception.  Neither one has been rescheduled at this time.  I would, however like to say something about volunteers at the Brillion Library.

Volunteers are an important part of our library operations.  The Library Board is a group of 8 individuals who volunteer their time to set policy and make sure the library is running smooth.  These volunteers plan for the library's future.  Whether it is in the setting of a budget, the approving of a long range or technology plan, or in making sure that the library has a director to run the day to day operations of the library.  The Library's current board consists of : Marilyn Schuh, Mark Murphy, Tammy Fischer, Nick Madison,Mary Maciejewski, Wendy Diel, Linda Deiter, and Betty Nies.

Another body of volunteers who serve the Brillion Library are its Friends.  This group not only provides help with programs, they also fundraise and sponor library programs and events.  The Friends have adopted and are caring for the corner flower bed.  They have added the Library sign, and bench to the front of the library.  They sponsored an author visit this year.  Our Friends are led by Lorraine Emmer, Monica Schmidt and Trudy Stanley.

The Library also has volunteers who help with a variety of tasks around the library.  Carolyn Bladow has been watering and tending the library's indoor plants for a number of years.  Faith and Dahle Enneper have been delivering materials to the Library's housing units.  Jane Kopidlansky and Julaine Hutl have been caring for Mel's Garden, which was created by Jane and a group of volunteers.  Mona Cox helps the library with translation services.

The Library's summer program had a great volunteer effort. Dorene Schuster, Pat Filzen, Jennifer Kolberg from the Brillion Nature Center, Chris Havel, Heather Ponschock, and Billy Hussey all provided programming at the Library this past summer. 

The Battle of the Books program had 3 volunteer coaches and a team of student volunteers who spent many hours reading and preparing for the Battle.  Volunteer coaches were:  Kathy Potthast, Carol Hauser, and Cheryl Glaeser.  Team members were Rebecca Phipps, Jessica Jones, Katelyn Fuhrmann, and Katherine Hopman.

Currently a group of students from Mr. Hanson's class have been coming into the library and volunteering their time and talents at the library.  Volunteers make a difference in the life of the library.  We truly appreciate everything that our volunteers do for the library expecially in the cold, snowy winter month..  Thank you so much!

 

 

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NOVEMBER 13, 2009
Baskets are coming! Baskets are coming!

Prepare yourself for some competitive bidding!  The 2009 Friends' Basket Silent Auction is coming soon!  The Auction features a variety of themed baskets that are decorated around the books in the basket.  There will be baskets for all ages and for a variety of tastes.  Bidding will take place up until 5:30 p.m. on Friday , December 4th.  Baskets will be put out as they arrive at the library starting on Wednesday, Nov. 18th, with all baskets to be in place by noon on November 30th.

Baskets make nice holiday gifts.  So if you are looking for an idea of where to start shopping, try the Silent Auction.  Bid on one or several baskets and stop in and check how your bid is going.  so far we have a Door County theme, and 2 cookbook baskets with a lot of neat accessories.  They are so nice that I'm thinking of bidding on them myself.

The Basket Silent Auction is an annual fund raiser of the Brillion Library Friends.  Friends raise money from a variety of fund raisers and use the funds to benefit the library and its programs.  Friends have purchased the wooden library sign, stone bench, and paid for an author visit at the Library. Friends also help the Library with special programs by assisting and providing refreshments.

The Library Friends are an example of volunteers helping the Library.  You too can volunteer to be a library friend! Sign up today and become a Friend, or you can support our Friends by bidding on their Silent Auction.

 

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OCTOBER 12, 2009
Library offers opportunity to finetune your computer skills!

Library to offers computer classes

Do you want to learn more about using a computer? Do you want to find access to government information? Do you want to learn how to better use the library catalog and resources? Do you want access to job seeking and career-related information? If you answer yes to any of these questions, they you should sign up for a computer class at the Brillion Public Library.
 
The Library is offering the public 3 different computer sessions during the month of November. Each session is 2 hours long and has some hands on time included in the session. During the 1st session, the focus will be on general computer skills, general Internet use and online and web searching. 
 
Week 2 features accessing government information, searching the Library catalog and databases. There will be information on placing your own Interlibrary loans.
 
Week3 features accessing online job-seeking and career-related information. This will include a session on the Library database, “Learning Express.”
 
There is no cost to take one or all of these computer classes. Class size is limited, so sign up early. Select and sign up for as many of the sessions as you like. There are also 3 different weekly times for you to choose to attend the session from: Mondays from 9-11 a.m.; Mondays from 1-3 p.m. and Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. If you have questions on any of the classes, contact the Library at 920-756-3215 during library hours.

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SEPTEMBER 24, 2009
Learning Express available

Improve the job search process, prepare for career certification, raise college entrance test scores, improve basic skills, and improve your computer skills can happen with just one click of the mouse.  The Brillion Public Library is offering the Learning Express Library to Library users with a Brillion Library card.

Learning Express contains over 800 of the most up-to-date test-preparation and skill-buildikng reesources that can be used by both adults and students. There is a job skills assessment that allows your to create a resume and cover letter that can be used on job applications.  The computer skills section offers tutorials on a variety of computer programs including Excel, Access, and Word.  There are over 150 e-books that can be read.

Through a Manitowoc-Calumet Library System (MCLS) job grant, the Brillion Public Library has access to this database.  Library users with a Brillion Library card can access this database from their home computer or from any of the Brillion Library's 11 public access computers.  To use this database, log into www.learningexpresslibrary.com and register as a user.  Your registration name is your library card number and the password is your pin number (last 4 digits of your telephone number.)  Once you are logged in you can select from a variety of tests and skill building and save to your own center to work on when you have time.

If you are in the job market, this is a good starting point.  You can assess your skills, practice tests to get into schools or prepare a resume based on your experiences.  If you have any questions, or have difficulty getting into this data base, contact the Brillion Library at 920-756-3215 during library hours.

 

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2009
Patron Interlibrary loan available

Brillion Library offers patron initiated ILL option

Brillion library users can not create their own ILL requests. Using the Wiscat data base, users can go into the following web address: www.wiscat.net/agent/login.asp?cid=stwi&lid=wj44 
Click my agent. This will bring you to a log in screen. If you have already registered for ILL at the library, enter your user name and password. If not, just select go. This will take you to a search screen. 
 
From the search screen, select the description that meets what you are looking for and click on the title of the item. This will open to more description on the item. Make sure the description fits what you are looking for. For instance, if what you want is a compact disk of a book in the unabridged format. Don’t select the book version or the audio cassette version of the book. On the other hand if the version, doesn’t matter, put a note in the field, that you will take either version.
 
On this page there will be a box in the upper right hand corner that says “Request this item.” A form will come up. At a minimum, fill in the red highlighted fields. You may provide as much information as you wish. Hit the submit button and close the form. Your request has now been sent to the Brillion Library.
 
If you are not able to find your item through a search, contact the Brillion library by email using brref@esls.lib.wi.us, by sending a message through the online catalog, by calling the library at 920-756-3215 or by coming in during library hours.
 
If you would like the library to run through this process with you, contact or come into the library during library hours and a staff member will assist you. The ILL network offers the resources of Wisconsin public libraries, academic and special libraries in Wisconsin,  Minitex, as well as libraries throughout the country. There is no charge except for copies to use ILL.
 
An Interlibrary Loan icon will be placed on the Library website in the future. To access it through the website, a link through the Library’s blog on ILL will be established to give you quick access. The library also has some handouts available to take you through the process and to watch the status of your Interlibrary loans.

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SEPTEMBER 14, 2009
Battle of Books good experience for team

A Brillion Library team of 4 teens participated in the  recent Manitowoc-Calumet Library System Battle of the Books competition held at the Conference Center at Silver Lake College.  Teen were questioned on their knowledge of 8 young adult books that were selected by the librarians for this competion.  3 Teams that correctly answered the most questions in the 2 preliminary rounds of competion met in a final round to determine the champion for the system.  This year's winner was the Chilton Public Library, who won for the second year in a row.

Brillion was represented by a team consisting of Katelynn Fuhrman, Katherine Hopman, Rebecca Phipps, and Jessica Jones.  They were coached by Kathy Potthast, Cheryl Glaeser, and Carol Hauser.  While the team didn't make the finals this year, they did have a respectible showing for a team of 4.  The winning team (Chilton) and the runner up team (Kiel) both had 10 youth on the team.  This gave them a bigger pool of readers to draw answers from.

The Battle of the Books has been a yearly event of the MCLS Library System.  Brillion teams have won twice in the past as have Chilton and Kiel teams.  It is a great opportunity for youth who are readers to excel in a competion based on their reading.  We thank our team member and coaches who spent the time to prepare for this competion.

We encourage all of our youth in grades 7-12  and especially those who enjoy reading to be a part of the Battle of the Book program.  Watch for the list of the selected books next June and make plans to be a part of the battle.  Let's show Chilton, Kiel, New Holstein, Manitowoc, and Two Rivers that we have the top readers around!  See you next Battle!

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AUGUST 28, 2009
Harry Potter Trivia a hit

With the release of the recent Harry Potter movie, the Brilliion Library ran a trivia contest for youth 18 and under.  Thanks to library user, Devon Eccles who started us off by suggesting a trivia contest.  He came up with some great questions, corrected the entries that were returned and even came up with some tie breaking questions when we had a tie.  He also met with our winners and answered some of their questions and shared his knowledge of Harry Potter with them.  A big thank you to Devon for all of his hard work on the  Harry Potter contest.  We had a lot of interest in the contest and we found olut that there are a lot of knowledgeable youth out there. Our top winner in the contest was Libby Hanson.  She nosed out Erin Purst in a tie breaker.  Other top winners were Emily Glaeser, Rebecca Phipps and Jessica McWilliams.  Thanks to all of our partiicipants and the winners.  There are a lot of Harry Potter experts out there.  Thanks for being a part of the contest.

With the last Harry Potter book being written, we can only wait for the release of the next Harry Potter  movie to stir up the interest in the books again.  J.K. Rowling did a lot to inspire reaading with her Harry Potter series of books.  Everyone from preschoolers through senior citizens enjoyed the books and read them.  Youth began looking for Harry Potter read alikes and other authors who were as good to read.  My son read the Harry Potter books to his daughter from the time she was 3.  It cultivated a love of books in her that continues today. Thank you Harry Potter.

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AUGUST 10, 2009
Assisted Living?

The Brillion Library will be holding a program on assisted living.  As our population ages, families are faced with taking care of their aging family members.  Our communities offer several options, but there are a lot of unknowns about some of these options.  One option is assisted living.  The Library is holding a program that will answer some of your questions about assisted living and enlighten you about this option.

Questions such as "What is involved with assisted living?", "When should one consider entering assisted living?", "What is provided at an assisted living facility?", "How do you evaluate different assisted living facilities to find the one that best fits your needs?""What if they are suffering from memory loss?" "What is the cost of assisted living?" will be examined in this session held at the library on August 26th.

This program is free and open to the public. The program will feature Amy Doolittle from the Brillion West Haven Assisted Living Facility.  She will share her knowledge on the subject.  She will also share information from the aging deparments of Calumet and Manitowoc Counties.  The program starts at 3:15 p.m. and will be held in the lower level of the library, which has elevator access.  There is no registration required for this program.  We hope to see all of you there. Come learn about this one option for care.

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AUGUST 5, 2009
Courtney Schwalbach wins "Brillion's got talent contest"

Courtney Schwalbach was declared the winner of the recent "Brillion's got talent" contest held at the Brillion Public Library.  Courtney sang and danced to a rock n' roll song for her talent presentation and was chosen by the judges as the winner. 

The show featured 10  talented entries including Courtney.  4 year old David Timm shared a story with the group as did his 6 year old brother Jonathan.  Millie Haushalter, Emily Glaeser and Cailin Schwalbach each sang a song for the audience.  Katie Shickman and Sylvia Daun sang a duet.  Marie Wedepohl dazzled the audience with her piano playing.  Jason and Branden Timm played a guitar duet.  High School Musical was the theme of a song and dance routine performed by Mikayla Fansler, Brooke Quinzer, Jadie Konrad and Kennah Konrad.  What a talented group of youth we have at the Brillion Library. 

Thanks to each and everyone for taking the time to be a part of the first "Brillion's Got Talent" Contest.  Judging by the reaction of the audience, this could be the first of many contests.  Make plans for a bigger and better "Brillion's Got Talent" Contest in 2010.

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JULY 27, 2009
Day Camp a success!

The Brillion Library hosted its first annual day camp the week of July 20-23rd.  19 youth in grades 3-6 participated in this event that took place during the afternoons.  Youth participated in a variety of activities including a writing seminar led by Chris Havel of the Brillion News, a scrapbooking session taught by Heather Ponschock, Wii gaming, poetry reading, creating art and other group activities. 

Scrapbooking seemed to be the most popular activity with the writer's workshop second.  Youth enjoyed water balloon games and did a wonderful job reading poetry.  Wii gaming was going well until the speakers on the system decided not to work and it is pretty hard to do guitar hero without sound. Oh well that is just one of the pitfalls of technology. 

Campers in attendance decided that they would like to attend camp again and so the Brillion Library is already planning next summer's camp.  Water is the focus of the 2010 summer reading program with "Make a Splash" as the theme.  We are already thinking of some great activities and sessions to put into our camp.  if you have any great ideas, let us know.

In 2010, the library is trying to focus on activities for the 'tween" group that will bring them into the library and help these youth continue to develop their reading skills.  The success of the Day Camp, has given us at least one idea to follow in 2010.  Let me know if you have any other great ideas to try.

 

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