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Summer at the Library (left to right) L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library book bike; flying kites at Baldwin Public Library; summer reading kick-off event at Rice Lake Public Library.

Fairchild Public Library Joins MORE

Fairchild, Wisconsin, has had a public library since 1899. The historic building was originally shared space for city hall and even included a jail cell. Over the years, the library evolved and changed with additions and improvements.

The latest change is coming up on July 7, when Fairchild Public Library goes live as the newest member of the MORE consortium. This gives Fairchild library users easy access to the million-plus items available in the shared MORE catalog.

Fairchild Public Library is the “heart of the community” and provides a social place in the community for residents to gather and greet one another, wi-fi and public computers, information and resources, and now even more great items to check out and enjoy.

Trustee Tip: Use Library Standards Resources at Your Library

Last month we talked about strategic planning. This month we’ll look at the voluntary Wisconsin Public Library Standards program, which is a good tool to help you identify strengths, recognize areas for improvement, and assist you in gaining community support.

This is the sixth edition of the Public Library Standards manual, and is the result of intensive work by dozens of Wisconsin library professions. It’s concise and easy to use, and has a supplemental checklist that makes it even easier to track your progress.

Standards are clearly stated and are organized by level of service. The manual contains the following categories:

• Statutory Requirements

• System Membership Requirements

• Governance

• Administration of the Library

• Funding

• Staffing

• Collections and Resources

• Programs and Services

• Public Relations

• Access

• Facility

Becoming familiar with this comprehensive manual and other website resources is great way to become a more effective trustee and advocate for your library.

Trustee Challenge

According to the Wisconsin Public Library Standards, which Tier is your library? We’ll pick one answer to feature in next month’s edition of The News.

June’s Fantastic Trustee

The question for last month’s Trustee Challenge was, “Who should be involved in creating a strategic plan?”

The winning answer is from Cathy Ryba, D.R. Moon Memorial Library in Stanley, WI. She said, “Anyone and everyone should have a say in strategic planning.” Kudo’s to Cathy!

Neighborhood News

A few of the highlights from this month. E-mail Rebecca Kilde with your library news.

• Tessa Michaelson Schmidt was appointed as the Assistant State Superintendent for the Division for Libraries and Technology at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. We know Tessa from her work as Public Library Consultant in Youth Services and Inclusive Services for the last decade. Tessa is a talented and passionate leader, and we’re thrilled to have an award-winning librarian in this position!

• Ellsworth Public Library is in the design stage for their new library building. Last week their Friends group announced the latest major addition to their building project: $100,000 from The Hugh J. Andersen Foundation.

• The Amery Area Public Library’s and Glenwood City’s building projects are also moving forward.

• Frederic Public Library has a beautiful new mural that was designed by the 2021 Frederic High School Community Art class and painted by over 200 K-12 students.

• Somerset Public Library continues their Renew Somerset project with new landscaping.

We work, learn, and live on the ancestral land of the Ojibwe, Dakota,
and Ho Chunk people.