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.”
Tales and Travels participants “traveled the world” in the bi-weekly series in partnership with Fox Valley Memory Project, wrapping up the 2022 sessions in November. This quarter, we explored history, food, art, and cultures of Italy and Poland, as well as explored stories of “home”. The second session of each month is hosted by APL’s…
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 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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
Friends’ funds paid for outside printing of various building project communications.
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.
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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