Advocacy updates
Here’s a piece about IMLS funding cuts by WPR. The written article has more information than the radio piece. Small Wisconsin libraries might be hit hard as Trump targets federal funding – WPR
Statewide advocacy campaign organizers are working overtime on guidance on language, social media posts, and other resources. It looks like it’ll be ready early next week. There will be a postcard campaign coming. If you want to do something right now, post fact-based social media posts, library stories from your users, and keep posting the great things your library is doing!
BadgerLink would like stories about how these resources have impacted people. BadgerLink provides access to a wealth of trusted resources for learners of all ages. An important component is hearing from you about the positive impacts these resources have had on your life. There’s an online form. Consider pointing this out to patrons that use these services (teachers/homeschoolers? local historical society?), including Britannica School, EBSCO databases for school aged students, higher education, and even lifelong learners; Wisconsin and nationwide newspapers; genealogy resources; literacy tools from TeachingBooks and NoveList, auto repair help.
Collecting stories: There are going to be a lot of requests for this kind of information! If you want to, you can use the Library Love Stories form to keep track of those. It’s important to collect these for your own library’s advocacy efforts, so whether it’s a paper file or a digital one, make it a point to write down and save what you’re hearing in the library.
Libraries in the News
- Heather Merrick, Frederic’s new director, is featured ttps://leadericcpa.com/frederic-public-librarys-craft-fair-brings-community-together-amid-transition/
- I just heard that Colfax got a matching grant for their building project:: https://www.colfaxpubliclibrary.org/building-remodel-project/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJHw31leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHX5S96-6BabylybmL3vEZAc4yqPQ5dzWaikC3H-MJHMqOZM1tMmsucCvWQ_aem_n6J4lDhscetWPW6NkKxSzQ
- Fall Creek is launching their capital campaign with an event on May 8: https://www.fallcreekpubliclibrary.org/beyondwordscampaign/
Share your library’s news! Send to kilde@ifls.lib.wi.us with “news” in the subject line.
IFLS staff behind the scenes
I’m sure I’m missing some mentions! So many people have been involved in this huge projects.
- MORE server migration a success! Thanks to Lori Roholt and Kris Schwartz for pulling this huge process off so well! It looks like loose ends are all tied up.
- Bulk supply order is getting unloaded and sent out! Thanks to Sarah Szymanski for taking the lead on this enormous logistical project! Kathy Setter came back to the office to help! Adam Fuller has moved a lot of boxes! Unpacking was a team effort, and the order is going out in courier a bit at a time.
Act 150 useful tip
(from Leann in Dresser) To confirm contact information, I have found this website by Wisconsin Municipal Data System to be a very helpful resource: Municipal Boundary Review List of County and Municipal Clerks https://mds.wi.gov/View/Clerks. If you’re a director, make sure to look for John’s very important email about Act 150 funding requests, sent last Monday.