Friends Spotlight

Miss Tori was joined by Jennifer Bryan, a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for an all-ages family friendly Storytime at the Appleton Public Library! 

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Miss Tori read Clarinet and Trumpet and Lost and Found: What's That Sound? Miss Jennifer played many songs on her Oboe and English Horn, led the children in a dance, and answered questions.

Friends Funds were used to pay the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the musician.   

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Miss Tori was joined by Jennifer Bryan, a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for an all-ages family friendly Storytime at the Appleton Public Library! 

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Miss Tori read Lost and Found: What's That Sound? and Music Class Today! Miss Jennifer played many songs on her Oboe and English Horn, led the children in a dance, and answered questions. 

Friends Funds were used to pay the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the musician.   

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To highlight the new ukuleles added to circulation, we worked with Appleton Rock School to connect with a professional musician to lead two ukulele jams.

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Each session allowed new and seasoned ukulele players to enjoy a group playing session, learning new songs and sharing lots of joys as they learned together.

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Friends Funds were used to pay the musician. Due to multiple requests in-person and on surveys, we are scheduling volunteer-led weekly jam sessions starting mid-March.  

Miss Tori was joined by Lori Murphy, a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for an all-ages family friendly Storytime at the Appleton Public Library!

Miss Tori read Mole Music and Because. Miss Lori played many songs on her violin, led the children in a dance, and answered questions.

 Friends Funds were used to pay the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the musician.  This program had 82 patrons attend. 

Due to the popularity of our Tween STEAM table, we decided to purchase a miniature STEAM table geared toward 0–5-year-olds. The table is low enough for little kids to comfortably reach while standing and has a lip around the edge to prevent manipulatives from rolling off.

Along with the table we purchased some activities to rotate each month including Tegu magnetic cars/trains, puzzles, rainbow stacking pebbles, and foam cinder blocks (for the main play area). 

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The mini STEAM table has already become a main attraction of the Children's department in the few weeks since it has been added. The preschool STEAM table and toys were generously purchased using Friends Funds.  

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In 2019, Friends purchased a STEAM Table and accessories for our Tween area. With projects that change on a monthly basis, it has become a well-loved, hangout area that encourages engagement, collaboration, flexibility, and creativity.

This year, Friends graciously funded new and updated accessories for our table. These are great tools to keep kids engaged in learning! 

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The additions included a wooden gameboard, microscopes, Clixo magnetic construction, TOMYOU building balls, jackets for our Bee Bot coding robots, writing tablets, and more. 

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Miss Sonja was joined by Anna Herrera, a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for an all-ages family friendly Storytime at the Appleton Public Library!  

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Miss Sonja read Edward the Emu and Undercover Ostrich. Miss Anna played many songs on her cello, led the children in a dance, and answered questions.

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Friends Funds were used to pay the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the musician.  

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Patron Comment: One 9 yr-old boy told us that he just hasn’t been very interested in reading much this year until he signed up for BEAR Bingo. He loved that the squares gave him ideas of what to read.  
 

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Children's Services utilized Friends' Funds to purchase a desktop prize wheel. Participants in the BEAR Bingo program spun this wheel to get prizes during the program, and the wheel itself offers multiple settings so it can be used for other programs/outreaches in addition to BEAR Bingo.  

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612 children signed up and participated in BEAR Bingo! After completing 5 reading challenges in a row on their bingo sheet, kids were able to spin the wheel for a prize. The Friends of the Library funded the prizes, including pull-back cars, make-a-face stickers, pencils, and other fabulous prizes. Upon completion, kids were entered into a grand prize drawing for one of two giant bears.

In June of 2022, we began the first of a 6 month, bi-weekly series in partnership with the Fox Valley Memory Project, titled Tales and Travels Memories. Each month, we explored a different destination through a new regional culture, including the food, music, and stories of that area.

The second session of each month was hosted by our former Artist-in-Residence, Elyse Krista-Miche, who lead the group in a fun and approachable art project specific to the destination. 

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Friends’ funds were used to provide art supplies and materials, as well as the artist honorarium for this program. We are excited that this series has now been picked up by the Fox Valley Memory Project, with Elyse and I still leading the programs for 2023. 

​Our final TAP meeting of 2022 took place on December 12. We celebrated the holiday season with a fun tree trivia game, treats and giftcard prizes. 

The teens had a fun time and was a great way to slow down, share about holiday traditions and show appreciation for their [teens] time and effort this year. 

A big thank you to Friends for their continuous support and for the funds to purchase the candy, pastries and gift cards to Culver's, Toms, Five Below, Target and Barns & Nobel. 

On December 6, teens came to the library to create glass jar fairy lights. 

The teens had a blast, with one commenting "These would be so fun and easy to make for little gifts!" 

Friends funds were used to purchase the jars, fairy lights, glass primer, & paint brushes for this program.  

Two new decorative rugs were added to the Children’s Department. One rug has a picture of a large pond with lily pads and steppingstones on it and the other rug has a campfire with log benches on it.

A fabric campfire set was also added to the Children’s Department complete with sticks to roast fabric marshmallows and make s’mores with fabric graham crackers and chocolate. 

Less than a minute after I put the play campfire out on the new rug, two little girls ran over to play. Thank you to Friends for providing the funding for the new rugs and campfire set.   

For our second session of the 2022 Adult Summer Library Program, we worked with artist Nathaniel Brandner and used charcoal to explore the beauty of Peabody Park through texture, shadows, and grayscale.

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 Registrants for this program enjoyed a morning of exploring the park, trees, and nature from the perspective of an artist. 

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Attendees comments were happy that the library "provides programs like this", they really enjoyed this peaceful time viewing nature and that they would look at the view from their front porch differently now.  Friends’ funds were used for an honorarium for this program. 

National Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated at Appleton Public Library! Craft activities for children and teens included DIY bracelets and Mexican Mirror Art.

We had tasty Puerto Rican pastries from Il Bar Coffeehouse and Bistro and champurrado from Alegria Bakery. Music was provided by students from Lawrence University.

More events will be happening around the community for the remainder of this celebration. Friends funds were used to sponcer the event. 

The School-Age STEAM program continued for three weeks in July for children in grades K-6. It was held every Thursday in two different sessions. 

Each week has a unique theme with demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math.

These programs were possible through very generous Friends funding for supplies. 
 

The School-Age STEAM program continued for three weeks in August for children in grades K-6. It was held every Thursday in two different sessions.

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Each week has a unique theme with demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math. August's themes included Music (to coincide with Mile of Music), Storm the Castle, and Human Body.

We had so much fun learning this month - from the beautiful art of dragon eggs to the smelly, unsightly science of our digestion experiment. These programs were possible through very generous Friends funding for supplies. 40 patrons participated in August.

Our Back-to-School Bash welcomed teachers, students, and families to get library cards and explore what the library has to offer for the upcoming school year.
 

We offered crafts, storytimes with Children's Department staff, free books with a storytime from Assistant Police Chief, Polly Olson, through Kiwanis 'n Cops 'n Kids, coding robots, tattoos, and more.

Robots and tattoos were previously purchased Friends Funds. Thank you so much! 126 patrons were in attendance.  
 

We hosted a Pokemon Party in August. Thanks to Friends, we were able to hire two balloon twisters from Mischief and Magic. They were amazing at creating any Pokemon the children requested, they even stayed well beyond the party time to be sure to get everyone in their lines a balloon.

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While Pokemon has been around for many years, Pokemon continues to delight children and inspire them to come to the library and find Pokemon books to bring home.
Thank you so much for making this amazing event happen through your funding! Your generosity shows in the happy faces of all who attended.

Friends funds also provided us with a plethora of Pokemon supplies. Children and families learned step by step drawing of popular characters, made Pokemon headbands, searched and “caught” Pokemon, made their own Pokeballs, Pokedex’s, and Pokemon, traded Pokemon cards, and sat down to get a Pokemon tattoo.

Miss Tori was joined by Rachel Richard, a member of the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra for an all-ages family friendly Storytime at the Appleton Public Library!

Miss Tori read Owl Babies and Wow! Said the Owl while Miss Rachel played many songs on her bassoon, led the children in a dance, and answered questions.

Friends Funds  were used to pay the Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra and the musician.
 

On August 23 teens participated in our first drop-in craft program, Crafting With Clay. Books were available from our non-fiction collection to use as inspiration and each teen created something unique.

The teens engaged with each other throughout the program and expressed interest in attending future teen programs. Teens  expressed gratitude for programs geared specifically toward them and their interests. 

Teens were happy to have an activity just for them! The air dry clay and tempera paint used in this program were purchased with Friends funds for a previous teen program.
 

On Friday, August 19, Appleton Public Library celebrated the beginning of another school year with the Back to School Bash!
 

Childrens and Teens offered a variety of activities and guest appearances including Empowered Tutoring and Opportunity Youth Fox Valley. 

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We offered information for teen fall programming, new teens signed up for the Teen Ambassador Program (TAP).
Teens facilitated the ever popular button making and 3D pen art. Friends funded filament for the 3D pen art.

The End of Summer Teen Bash was celebrated on 'Teen Tuesday,' August 9 at Pierce Park. We welcomed new and returning teens, families and parents--they enjoyed snacks, games and free books.

We discussed titles, upcoming programs and signed teens up for the fall session of the Teen Ambassador Program.

 

We had a great time connecting with the community! Friends funds were used to purchase the snacks. 

 

Our second to last Teen Tuesday featured a special "Mindfulness Mysteries" program with school psychologist, Christy Sprotte.

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It was the most attended Teen Tuesday of the summer! The program featured deep breathing exercises, round table discussions, meditation and interactive stations that the teens loved!

The final "challenge" consisted of working in teams to crack open a safe, hidden in the Rose Garden, to reveal a prize! Friends funds were used towards Christy's honorarium, supplies, and props. 

Teens gathered at the Scheig Center to revisit their Kindergarten days. Free play stations were set up including games, puzzles, LEGOs, blocks, Play Doh, and coloring.

We listened to music while teens played in their preferred areas. Next we gathered for snack & story time and ended with songs from Ms. Shanna and her ukulele!

A fun time was had by all. Friends funds purchased the Play Doh and snacks!
 

Teens met at the Scheig Center to make NASA 2022 Moon Charts & create with the library's 3D pens.

This program was a huge hit with one teen commenting, "This is the BEST program so far this summer!"

Friends funds purchased the filament for the 3D pens.

Roaming Ruckus, our True Play Program occurs the  2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.
 

Adults step back and allow children to play. We give the children the ability to become deeply involved in their play. At the end of play, we ask children to tell us their play story.

Friends funds were used to purchase  pool noodles, pool noodle connectors, interlocking foam mats, a fort building set, clips and clothespins.

This week's Teen Tuesday featured DIY t-shirt crafting! Thanks to the kind donations of APL staff, we had a lot of cool, well-loved t-shirts waiting to be upcycled!
 

Our teens (and even a parent) turned old shirts into bags, scarfs and other fun creations with the use of glue, sequins, fabric scissors and fabric markers--and a library crafting book for reference. 

Friends funds were used for the fabric scissors and fabric markers. The remaining shirts were donated. A win-win for everyone!   
 

The Children’s Department had a Mystery Seed Planting station at the library’s grand opening on Monday, June 6th 

268 children (and adults) chose one of four mystery seeds to plant in a cup, take home and care for.

Friends' funds were used to purchase the dirt, cups, seeds and Ziploc bags for this activity. 

We read books from different countries around the world and made crafts specific to that country.
 

Patrons got the opportunity to learn how to use chopsticks, make Hmong hats, make batik-inspired watercolor art, make mooncakes and make rakhi bracelets. 

Friends funds were used to purchase craft supplies for a Multicultural Book Club in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Appleton.

The Children's Team kicked off the fun of the Summer Library Program with an all-ages Summer Celebration! This party had it all!

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There was outdoor games (cornhole, hopscotch, Skittles, hula hoops, life-sized Connect Four, life-sized Checkers, and ring toss), a tattoo station, a craft station, a ball pit, an obstacle course, a juggler, and a balloon twister!

Many of the items used for this party were previously purchased with funding from Friends. New purchases from Friends included some of the games, craft supplies, tattoos, and the juggler and balloon twister from Mischief & Magic. 

School-Age STEAM is a new program this summer designed for children in grades K-6.  Each week has a unique theme with demonstrations and hands-on activities that highlight science, technology, engineering, art, and/or math.

June's themes included All Hands on Tech, Minute to Win It games, Planet Hoppers, and a very special Birds session with special guest, Craig Clifford, who led the students on a bird watching walk, then coached them in painting ceramic birds that he designed. 

These programs were possible through very generous Friends funding for supplies and the visit from our special guest. School-Age STEAM had 93 patrons participated in June. 

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The theme for this week's Teen Tuesday blended STEM concepts with art! Teens enjoyed learning about the science of sun art paper while creating unique designs!

 Our teens brought their own personal trinkets for imprint and also used the supplies provided--natural and artificial flowers and seashells.

The teens also created chalk art near the Scheig Center. 

Friends funds were used to purchase the solar art paper and chalk.  

Sunday June 26th, Rainbow Alliance Advocacy held their first annual PRIDEducation event at River Tyme Bistro.

The Appleton Public Library hosted a booth with library information and a bookmark coloring craft.

Friends’ funds were used to purchase the bookmarks.
 

Teen Services kicked off the beginning of summer by hosting our first Teen Tuesdays at the Scheig Center, Memorial Park.
 

The theme/program of the day was "clay botanical impressions." Teens were welcome to bring fresh or artificial flowers or plants of their choice and express their creative side!

Friends graciously supplied our clay, tempera paints, artificial flowers, brushes, clay rollers and twine. Everyone had a great time! 

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Winter STREAM Team ran for 6 weeks in February and March. This program was for 3-5 year old's and focused on science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math.

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Patrons picked up a pack of supplies from the library that included everything that they would need for the 6 weeks of activities. Twenty-eight preschoolers, divided up into three groups, met on Zoom each Thursday for a short story time and an explanation of the 6 activities for the day.

Friends Funds were used to purchase items needed for the activities. Each week had a theme; Valentine’s day, dental & body health, gardening, opposites, space, and St. Patrick’s day. The kids and parents had a blast and we received lots of positive feedback.

Each person will be invited to place a sticker on their favorite place on a map of Appleton, tell us more about why they love that place in the notebooks provided, and to use art materials to recreate their favorite place through art.

This passive program will be on display in the current building before the closure, in the temporary location, and with our community partner JJ's Laundromat. 

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Courtesy of Friends Funds the Children's Department  purchased three large maps of Appleton on foamboard and two journals for this program.

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This year marked the first annual John R Lewis Teen Art Contest for Teen Services! The purpose of the contest was to honor the life and legacy of Congressman and Civil Rights Activist John Lewis, highlight Black American History and inspire creativity in our teens!

Teens submitted sketch and paint art and a short description based on the following themes: bravery, courage, service and patriotism culminating in a live Zoom program presentation on March 3.

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Our winners,  both won canvas bags with new YA/Teen books and gift cards to local, black-owned businesses  courtesy of Friends Funds. Congratulations!

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Teen Services participated in this year's Chamber of Commerce Career Expo at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center March 8-9. 

Over 2,600 8th grade and high school students from near and far attended this robust career expo featuring employers across different public and private sectors.

Friends Funds were used to purchase candy, water bottles and a $25 gift card.  

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From December 2021 to January 10th 2022, the Children's department hosted a live action Candy Land! Families were able to play Candy Land all month long. 

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Friends funds was used to purchase tissue paper, glitter, stickers, and packing tape to create our life size Candy Land board in the Children's department during the month of December.

Children had the opportunity to create their own paper candy and place their creations on the gingerbread house when they were done!

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Our Solar Viewing took place on September 29, 2021 at Houdini Plaza!

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There were poster boards with visuals of the sun, a large professional telescope, and we even hosted an impromptu story time!

Friends' funds were used to reserve private parking. The weather was perfect, and our families had a great time! 

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Children made tile mosaics, popsicle flashlights, squishies and a whole lot more!

The  Child who attended these programs had a of fun, there was huge turnout!

Friends funds were used to purchase the supplies for our July MakerQuest programs!

In August 2021, the seasonal display featured a passive program to help children grow their knowledge of Africa.

Each week featured a different set of three questions for kids to answer!

There was over 200 entries during this project! Friends Funds were used to purchase the supplies needed for this activity.