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 awarded $2 million in grants to the Appleton Public Library, supporting a wide range of initiatives including programming, technology upgrades, summer reading, literacy development, career assistance, and outreach to underserved communities. In 2024, Friends’ funds helped support over 27 special projects and more than 90 programs, classes, and events.”
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…
In honor of Hmong American Day, APL staff created a Hmong art contest opportunity for Hmong students from the Fox Valley to participate. We asked middle and high school artists of all skill levels to submit Hmong artwork to celebrate Hmong American Day. The artwork was showcased in the library along with materials from the…
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, Heather Bruegl, a decolonial art and education expert, presented “No More Stolen Children: A history of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the fight to save it,” an overview of how the ICWA came into existence and the potential impact of the current Supreme Court case on…
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…
APL’s FlipSide is an online library of local original music which highlights Fox Cities artists to help our community discover & celebrate local music. APL staff worked with its team of community curators to select seven new albums to add to the collection. Friends’ funds support the honoraria for artists and thank you gifts for…
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.
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.
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,…
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…
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…
Friends’ funds were used to purchase craft supplies for a new summer program called “Craft Around the World.” This program met during June & July. Each week staff shared stories and facts from different countries. Following Storytime, patrons made crafts from/inspired by the country of the week. June countries included Mongolia, India, and Japan.
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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