Here are some updates to keep you in the know:
- Teen librarians and managers continue to work with InSite architects to design new spaces at SW. Included is a teen area that can be shared with a children's program space, including a demonstration kitchen. A new meeting room increases our capacity for larger events and will likely land where the current teen space sits. To compensate for the increased activity within the library, we're creating a quiet reading room at the back of the library under the skylight with a cozy fireplace. When we can do the work and create the spaces relies completely on finding the funding. I'll keep you posted every step of the way.
- Opening Uptown yesterday was a great decision. There was no line out the door, but we saw plenty of people glad for the shelter from the miserable heat. I hope you stayed cool!
- Thanks to our maintenance team who fixed the Northside air conditioning in time for the heat wave and replaced the hot water heater, as well, while still getting all the other maintenance duties done and cleaning three branches in the absence of cleaning staff. We are so lucky to have such great skills on our team! Jeff, Jason, Scott and Dan, we appreciate you so much!
- Luckily, we have found two great new staff members for our custodian team. Frankie D. and Frankie N. (seriously) start on Monday at Northside and Uptown.
- We had three great interviews for the Outreach Coordinator position left empty by Jill's retirement. Announcement Monday as to who will serve as our new OS leader.
- Plans for the new city hall are taking shape. The library's administration and collection services groups will have space on the second floor and the clinic will move from Transit to the new building downtown. The municipal court and the city council chambers will occupy one wing and there will be meeting rooms for the public, taking the pressure off our busy rooms. The building will be built on the land where the Civic Center stands now, so we plan to move to the Shalom Center food pantry on Sheridan Road during the two years of construction. As soon as the food pantry moves to their new facility on 39th Ave, we will focus on getting the building ready for us.
- Volunteers are still needed for the city's Tall Ships event August 2-4. If you can help, please contact Kris Kochman kkochman@kenosha.org
This week's Bright Spot Award goes to Brandi for suggesting we open at Uptown on Friday and serve the neighborhood as a cooling center. Special thanks to Bright Stars Jake, Sandy, Linda, and Shannon for helping keep that branch open, and for Sheri Zaionc for returning as a volunteer just in case we were overwhelmed. Your community thanks you!
Stay cool, everyone!
Barb
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