News for the Week

Looks like we dodged another major snow storm this week, but the week ahead promises to be very cold, so if you're assigned to curbside service, please make sure you're extra bundled up. For those of you on the last shift of the day, please also watch out for each other to make sure everyone's car is started and in motion before heading out yourself. 

Remember, if you're wondering whether we're open or closed and your supervisor hasn't called yet, call 564-6163 to hear any updates. We'll post a message to that number as soon as we make a decision.

Our next library board meeting is on Tuesday at 5:30pm. Among the items discussed will be Alejandria's proposal to begin a Read it Off program for teens. Over 200 teens currently have library overdue fines that prevent them from checking out library materials. Alejandria wants to give them the opportunity to read off their fines so they can use the library's collections again. It's  terrific idea and I know the board will be happy to give their approval. Alejandria will follow up with detailed procedures on how to implement this program as soon as we have the green light.

Also in this packet is a temporary paid leave proposal that would act as a cushion for anyone forced to quarantine because they test positive for COVID-19 or have been instructed to quarantine by the health department. The federal wage protection  expired at the end of last year. The library is proposing to offer up to 10 days pay for those affected between January 1 and March 1. See this month's board packet for details.

Shawn Wolf and Erin Mendoza will be speakers at this year's Early Childhood Conference through UW-Whitewater: https://www.uww.edu/ce/ecc.  They are going to be doing the same workshop about early literacy and public libraries that they are offering through KPL. Congratulations and thank you for making us proud!

Zander is also a star! Check out his Badgerlink Story  to learn more about Zander and his love of libraries.

Bright Spot Nominations this week:

From Martha: I nominate Alex Schutz for creating a Google Doc version of the 21 Week United Way Challenge Tracking Sheet!

From Barb: Standing ovation to Dan, Scott, Jeff and Jason for tackling our big snow storm and keeping us all safe. You guys are so appreciated!