Appleton Public Library is a much-loved and much-used resource. To answer the growing demand for innovative programming and services, the City of Appleton is transforming the current building into a modern and sustainable 21st century library.
Since 2000, Friends has given Appleton Public Library $1.7 million in grants, which has funded a wide array of programming, technologies, summer reading, literacy development, career assistance, and outreach to underserved populations.
We were excited to welcome celebrated fiber artist Pat Bishop for a workshop. Pat showed attendees how to compose a simple landscape with fabric scraps. This easy and fun technique showcased how accessible it is to create beautiful art from your home with little supplies or experience. Friends’ funds were used for an honorarium for…
Teen Services continues the exciting monthly Teen Ambassador Program (TAP) for teens (ages 13-17) interested in making a positive difference at APL and in the community. Meetings included discussions and guest speakers sharing opportunities for teen engagement, volunteerism, and employment, prompting TAP members to speak at a City Council meeting, join a teen-led housing coalition,…
This year-round reading program encourages students from grades K-6th grade to continue the habit of reading. Replacement prizes, funded by Friends, were purchased in October.
In October, the Find Your Ancestors series hosted Tina Beaird, owner of Tamarack Genealogy and Genealogy/Local History Librarian at Plainfield Area Public Library in Plainfield, Illinois, to discuss identifying and interpreting historic photos. Tina talked the nearly 200 attendees through how to spot the details in historic photos and use these details to learn more…
Friends’ funds paid for outside printing of various building project communications.
Library Assistant Position: This Friends funded position has increased capacity for community engagement and outreach related to individual and community well-being. The staff member has increased capacity related to computer help service relationships with volunteers, community partners, community initiatives, agency overview learning sessions for library staff, community partner outreach at the library, library programs, and…
Computer Help is an in-person, one-to-one, drop-in and appointment service for up to two hours with library staff or volunteer to assist patrons with general computer and technology use. The goal is to reduce the digital divide and improve digital literacy for individuals with limited access and information on how to use technology. Friends funds…
Teens participated in APL’s drop-in craft program series at the Kensington location. In one session they learned the history and art of pointillism art and practiced their skills with acrylic paints, cotton swabs and paper. In other sessions, they created bracelets and festive fairy light jars. Each teen created unique and fun designs and was…
Children’s used Friends’ funds to extend APL’s annual Animoto subscription until July 2023. Animoto is a video-making website. Children use it for video promotion and programming. All library departments have access to the service and are encouraged to use it as needed.
In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, the Find Your Ancestors presentation for November was “Sources and Methods for Researching Native American Ancestors” presented by Paula Stuart-Warren, internationally recognized genealogical educator, researcher and consultant. Paula covered a wide range of resources in her two-hour presentation, ranging from the obvious census records to the hard-to-find private…
The Find Your Ancestors series wrapped up a great 2022 season with two back-to-back presentations on DNA from Diahan Southard, Founder of Your DNA Guide. Diahan presented: “Five Tips to Make Sense of Your DNA Testing” and “Find Missing Ancestors Using DNA Testing: An Introduction for Genealogists.” During the sessions, she walked attendees through how…
With the purpose of connecting patrons to more books and to each other, we created a casual book club – all the inspiration without the assigned homework. This monthly program that started in December pops up at different local establishments that ‘brew’ to discuss books we have read or are excited to read. Our sites…
Friends of Appleton Public Library needs advocates like you. Throughout the year, we ask library supporters to contact their elected officials to voice their support for Appleton Public Library.
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