October book sale, Budget increase, Nights at Northside!

Next FOL book sale planned for October
It's ok to start accepting book donations for FOL sales, but we aren't going to advertise it so we aren't inundated. We'll advertise right before the next official sale. We are planning a lobby sale at SW in October.

Great Kenosha County Library System budget news from WLA:

We are so happy to come to you with the news that Governor Tony Evers signed the 2021-2023 State Budget today!

The 2021-2023 State Budget passed by the Wisconsin Legislature and signed by Governor Evers on July 8 reflects bipartisan support for an important investment in public library services. It includes an additional $2.5 million in 2021-2022 and $4 million in 2022-2023 state aid for regional public library systems which will enhance the foundational infrastructure delivering additional resources to local libraries and their communities. During Joint Finance Committee (JFC) deliberations on May 27, its members recommended legislative support for Governor Evers’ request to augment the critical ongoing investment in public library services in the areas of technology, workforce development and lifelong learning supported by legislators on both sides of the aisle.

Funding was also maintained at levels included in the Governor’s executive budget for the state library resource contracts with the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center, and statewide inter-library loan access to Milwaukee Public Library and UW-Madison collections. BadgerLink and Newsline for the Blind are also among the core services maintained at current levels in the next biennium.

Nights at Northside Overview from Jennifer
Now that it is July, I wanted to write and tell you a bit more about the Nights at Northside Series happening at NS this month. This is a series that is appropriate for all ages - and all ages are encouraged, whether it is kids and families, or a group of adult friends. It takes place out in the NS parking lot, after hours on Friday nights for the rest of the month (starting next week). 

Friday, July 9th - Chalk it Up is back! You may remember this event, sponsored by the FOL, in previous years, where teams or individuals create a work of art out of our sidewalks. I'm really looking forward to seeing what is created this year!

Friday, July 16th - Think Outside the Box. This cardboard challenge is a fun brainchild of myself and Susannah G. Registered teams will be provided with cardboard and other fun supplies (see another email about this shortly!) and will be tasked to turn them into a Robot. While the robots will not need to work (as we only have an hour), teams will need to share a backstory about what this robot does. Each team will also blind draw an item that will need to be used in their design - Iron Chef style! This one could be a fun date night or team-building event if anyone is looking! PLUS, Blu Popper will be on-site, to help with those mid-build hunger cravings! 

Friday, July 23rd - Birds of a Feather Opera - The Kenosha Opera Festival will be presenting a special performance of "Birds of a Feather" and 15-20 minute adaptation of Mozart's "The Magic Flute," from Greg Berg (WGTD).  Bring along your lawn chairs to enjoy this exciting children's opera, visit a popup FOL booksale (featuring children's materials), grab some dinner and an icy treat from Blu Popper and Kona Ice, and don't forget a children's activity from YFS!

Friday, July 30 - Parking Lot Social. We will wrap things up with a chance to boogie with the Book Truck and OS team, activities from ADS and YFS, games from our own library of things, and one last visit from Blu Popper and Kona Ice!

NOTE: Anyone is encouraged to visit and buy a treat from Blu Popper and Kona Ice during their visits. They do not need to be participating in the rest of the program. 

Thanks!
Jennifer

This week's Bright Spot award goes to Jason Holmes for helping our unhoused long-term visitor Will and his ornery pup head off toward the services they need. Jason inflated Will's tires and jump started his battery so Will could once again find freedom on the road. Thanks to everyone who showed Will and his furry friend compassion and respect during this tough time in his life. 

Enjoy the beautiful summer day!

Barb