Madison Public Library Foundation Fall 2015 Newsletter

FOUNDATION NEWS

Fall 2015

Inquiring Minds Your Questions Answered

Q:

How much money does it take to present the Wisconsin Book Festival, and how can I help support the event?

a quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation

FOUNDATION NEWS Grant Enables Library to Train Aspiring Craft Entrepreneurs for Etsy Sales In 2014 Etsy, a leading online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage goods, partnered with 10 pilot organizations across the U.S. and UK to host a four-week Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship course that helps artists, crafters and designers learn to sell their products online.

Jessica Mac Naughton Foundation President

Media Lab coordinator Nate Clark instructs Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship course participants on photographing their products for sale.

Over four weeks, 20 creative local residents participated in the free class. Students learned the basics of starting and running an online business through Etsy, including pricing, accounting, product photography and marketing. Instructor Victoria Thompson has more than seven years’ experience in running her Etsy shop, Three Fates Design, and is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin. Librarian Farrah McDaniel, a former intern at Central Library, managed the course. The photography session was coordinated by Media Lab instructor Nate Clark, who shared his expertise in photo shooting and editing with the group while overseeing use of the Media Lab.

Library staff said initial results from the class have been very promising. “Thank you so much for this opportunity!” one student wrote in the final evaluation. “Fifty-seven people have already visited my shop, and I’m still in the beginning stages of building up my product pages. How great is that?!”

Another student wrote, “I am thrilled with what I learned in the class—what a gift this was to me!”

Visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/etsy for links to student shops and to learn more about the Etsy program.

Brunch Moves to Dinner Hour for Ex Libris Vol. V Fundraiser We’re breaking all the rules for our fifth Ex Libris fall fundraiser. Want breakfast for dinner? No problem. Love the taste of beer with your omelet or French toast?

That’s perfectly acceptable.

commitment to strengthening our libraries: Presenting Sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Co.; Sustaining Sponsors Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. and Cricket Design Works; and Contributing Sponsors Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, SVA, Wipfli CPAs and Consultants, Mohs, MacDonald, Widder, Paradise & Van Note, LLC, and Smith & Gesteland, LLP. We also thank all of the tasting partners who donate their time, beer and menu items to make the event possible.

Our lineup of more than 25 local tasting partners will present samples of morning meal favorites with a twist at Ex Libris Volume V: Beer for Brunch on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in Central Library. Some of the new tasting partners this year include Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, Short Stack Eatery and Pasqual’s, whose cuisine will be paired and infused with craft beers from Wisconsin’s best breweries.

We thank this year’s sponsors who have demonstrated their

Madison Public Library, in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, took over the Wisconsin Book Festival in 2013 with the understanding that the foundation would provide more than $100,000 in private funding each year to sustain the event. The remaining dollars come from the library’s city budget.

Wisconsin Book Festival attendance was at an all-time high last year. With donors’ support, we offered more than 60 events in late October and 20 new programs throughout the year. This year, the foundation plans to raise $112,000 in funds, which come from individuals, businesses and organizations. We hope that this year, we can reach our fundraising goal to help even more people of all ages This year, the attend festival events that celebrate foundation plans storytelling and the written word. to raise $112,000 in You can help us bring programs funds, which come and author events to Madison this year from individuals, and year-round by making a donation businesses and to the festival at mplfoundation.org/ organizations. donate. For a greater investment and a VIP experience, consider becoming a Book Fest Benefactor, which offers exclusive benefits at festival events.

The Benefactors program information is available on the foundation website as well.

Don’t forget to save the date for this year’s festival, October 22–25, and turn to page 6 for a first peek at the lineup!

A newsletter published quarterly by

Madison Public Library Foundation, Inc. Executive Director

Jennifer J. Collins

Photo by Shanna Wolf

All proceeds from Ex Libris support Madison Public Library programs, services and special projects.

We recently asked youth in Central Library: How do you use the library during the school year?

The festival, which expanded last year to include a year-round events series in addition to the traditional four-day festival weekend each October, is a tribute to both local and nationally renowned authors who inspire thought-provoking discussions with their books and book talks. The festival—which takes place at Central Library, and at various venues throughout downtown Madison and the UW-Madison campus—provides a wonderful forum for these conversations and the exchange of ideas.

In April, Madison Public Library Foundation gave a grant to Madison Public Library so it could join the second group of organizations hosting Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship courses. The program used Etsy’s platform as a real-world learning lab and Madison Public Library’s resources for community education while providing small-business training to creative people in underserved communities. Etsy sales can help supplement their income and bring their product to new markets.

Attendance is capped at 525, so buy your tickets early! They’ve sold out quickly the last several years. Tickets go on sale September 9 at mplfoundation.org.

We Want to Know …

Ex Libris guests make pretzel necklaces in “The Pubbler” at the 2014 event, held in Central Library.

Newsletter Editor

Amy Mertz

Contributing Writers 201 W. Mifflin Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703 608.266.6318 mplfoundation.org info@mplfoundation.org

Tana Elias Katharine Clark Samantha Lasko

Newsletter Designer

Georgia Rucker

“If there’s a book I want and my school doesn’t have it, I come here. My school’s library isn’t very big, so they don’t have many books, and the books I like are usually here.

The library I’m closest to is small, so I like to come here because it’s so big.”

—Jeremiah Williams, age 13 “Research. If I have any research to do, job searching and books that I want to read.

Or research in general, like research as far as my future. I want to research how to get into some art programs. Music-wise I have a passion for writing, so anything that can benefit me, I will look into that.”

—Jalysa Johnson, teen intern at Pinney, age 17 “I use the library system to check out books a lot. At Sequoya Library, which is the one I usually go to, I meet there with my friends— just as a place to go in addition to checking out books—during the summer and yearround. I like to read sci-fi and fantasy books.

I’ve read most of the ones in the young adult section in Sequoya, so now I’m going through the ones in the adult section. I conducted some research for a science project I did at the library. I did it with my friend. We just got some books and read on the subject.”

—Holden Ringle, age 14 “Well, I’m homeschooled, so we do lots of fun library programs. One time we did screenprinting here, and one time we did sock monsters. I made a pig one with a pig sock.

And sometimes I like to play here. I like going into the aisles and looking for books, too. Lots of books! I like listening to audiobooks. At Meadowridge, there’s a knitting club that’s lots of fun.”

—Kirana Bahls, age 7

Madison Public Libraries • Alicia Ashman 733 N. High Point Rd. • Hawthorne 2707 E. Washington Ave. • Lakeview 2845 N. Sherman Ave. • Meadowridge 5726 Raymond Rd. • Monroe Street 1705 Monroe St. • Pinney 204 Cottage Grove Rd. • Sequoya 4340 Tokay Blvd.

• Goodman South Madison 2222 S. Park St. • Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St.

FOUNDATION NEWS We Want to Know …

Inquiring Minds Your Questions Answered

Q:

How much money does it take to present the Wisconsin Book Festival, and how can I help support the event?

Jessica Mac Naughton Foundation President

We recently asked youth in Central Library: How do you use the library during the school year?

Madison Public Library, in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, took over the Wisconsin Book Festival in 2013 with the understanding that the foundation would provide more than $100,000 in private funding each year to sustain the event. The remaining dollars come from the library’s city budget.

The festival, which expanded last year to include a year-round events series in addition to the traditional four-day festival weekend each October, is a tribute to both local and nationally renowned authors who inspire thought-provoking discussions with their books and book talks. The festival—which takes place at Central Library, and at various venues throughout downtown Madison and the UW-Madison campus—provides a wonderful forum for these conversations and the exchange of ideas.

Don’t forget to save the date for this year’s festival, October 22–25, and turn to page 6 for a first peek at the lineup!

A newsletter published quarterly by

Madison Public Library Foundation, Inc. Executive Director

Jennifer J. Collins Newsletter Editor

Amy Mertz

Tana Elias Katharine Clark Samantha Lasko

Newsletter Designer

Georgia Rucker

—Jeremiah Williams, age 13 “Research. If I have any research to do, job searching and books that I want to read.

Or research in general, like research as far as my future. I want to research how to get into some art programs. Music-wise I have a passion for writing, so anything that can benefit me, I will look into that.”

—Jalysa Johnson, teen intern at Pinney, age 17

What author would you like to have as a book club guest? Jane Austen, Jane Hamilton or Wally Lamb If you could invite any person to join your book club, who would it be? Michelle Obama!

If you could host book club anywhere, where would it be? A villa on a beautiful coast (maybe the Amalfi Coast), or perhaps London, Paris or Bali.

Madison Public Libraries • Alicia Ashman 733 N. High Point Rd. • Hawthorne 2707 E. Washington Ave. • Lakeview 2845 N. Sherman Ave. • Meadowridge 5726 Raymond Rd. • Monroe Street 1705 Monroe St. • Pinney 204 Cottage Grove Rd. • Sequoya 4340 Tokay Blvd.

• Goodman South Madison 2222 S. Park St. • Central Library 201 W. Mifflin St.

Madison Public Library Foundation Executive Director Jenni Collins announces the winners of the Pop! Challenge at Madison Public Library’s annual concert and picnic on August 4.

3 Winning Pop! Challenge Ideas to Receive $20,000 in Funding Madison Public Library Foundation announced on Aug. 4 how it will spend $20,000 to enact three winning ideas in its Pop! Challenge, a foundation-run contest that solicited ideas from the public to fund in the libraries.

Front row, left to right: Margaret Jankowski, Marsha Van Domelen, Laura Rochon, Ann Lacy. Back row: Jeri Conway, Ann Kniskern (a member who passed away since this photo was taken), Alice O’Mahar, Christine White. Not pictured: Cynthia France

Foundation and library leadership shared the news with more than 600 people in attendance at Madison Public Library’s Every Hero Has a Story Summer Concert & Picnic at Olbrich Gardens.

As part of National Library Week in April and its theme of “Unlimited Possibilities @ Your Library,” the foundation kicked off the Pop! Challenge, which asked library users to submit their best ideas to make Madison Public Library even better. The winning suggestions would receive up to $20,000 in total funding. Foundation and library staff narrowed down the ideas to five that had the best chance of success, and those were put to a public vote. Participants submitted ideas and voted for the winners on the foundation’s website.

—Holden Ringle, age 14

—Kirana Bahls, age 7

On Thursday, September 17, all Madison Public Library locations will be closed so that staff may attend our third annual All Staff Day. This year’s All Staff Day theme is “Learn, Share and Create,” taken from the library’s vision, Madison Public Library: your place to learn, share and create.

What book are you currently reading? Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang

“I use the library system to check out books a lot. At Sequoya Library, which is the one I usually go to, I meet there with my friends— just as a place to go in addition to checking out books—during the summer and yearround. I like to read sci-fi and fantasy books.

I’ve read most of the ones in the young adult section in Sequoya, so now I’m going through the ones in the adult section. I conducted some research for a science project I did at the library. I did it with my friend. We just got some books and read on the subject.”

“Well, I’m homeschooled, so we do lots of fun library programs. One time we did screenprinting here, and one time we did sock monsters. I made a pig one with a pig sock.

And sometimes I like to play here. I like going into the aisles and looking for books, too. Lots of books! I like listening to audiobooks. At Meadowridge, there’s a knitting club that’s lots of fun.”

From the Director’s Desk

Description: We have been meeting (more or less) monthly for 21 years, and our group was founded by Alice O’Mahar. Originally, we only read 20th century female authors, but now we are completely eclectic in our reading choices—although we do try to alternate fiction and nonfiction, and we only read books that are readily available through the library system.

The three ideas selected are: • to strengthen materials and programming that serve underrepresented library populations. The library will increase world language materials and promotion of the collection, as well as increase cultural programming. ($7,500)

Congratulations to the Cold Sassy Tree Book Club!

Its members have won a gift card to Chocolaterian. Your club can win a gift card and be featured in Book Club Corner, too. Visit mplfoundation.org/book-club-corner.

• to create a computer coding class for youth who are underrepresented in computer science and technology fields. ($5,000) • to organize community suppers at the new Meadowridge Library kitchen and host meals for area groups. Goals are to bring neighborhood residents together while engaging local youth to help prepare, serve and clean up after the meals so they can earn a small stipend. ($7,500)

Rock & Read Raises $8,000 for Summer Reading Clubs More than 400 people attended Madison Public Library Foundation’s second annual Rock & Read fundraiser on a glorious, sunny Father’s Day afternoon June 21 in the Capital Brewery Bier Garten. Bo Ryan returned as the foundation’s special guest. At right, he signs an autograph for one of the young guests. Attendees enjoyed burgers and hot dogs, live music, crafts and more. This year’s proceeds benefited Madison Public Library’s Summer Reading Clubs.

Foundation and library leadership also provided a summary of its 2015 grant awards totaling more than $56,000 at the picnic, which is held annually to celebrate a successful Summer Reading Clubs season.

Photo by Shanna Wolf

Contributing Writers

“If there’s a book I want and my school doesn’t have it, I come here. My school’s library isn’t very big, so they don’t have many books, and the books I like are usually here.

The library I’m closest to is small, so I like to come here because it’s so big.”

LIBRARY NEWS

“While our annual grants are made possible through the generosity of our many donors, the Pop! Challenge project allowed Madisonians to be generous with their ideas, ” said foundation Executive Director Jenni Collins. “We’re excited to share the many ways that these gifts of money and ingenuity will make the library experience better for everyone.”

Visit the foundation’s website at mplfoundation.org in the coming months to find out when these new programs and expanded collections will begin to take shape.

When I started as Library Director in 2012, the library had not hosted a day of Greg Mickells, learning for all staff Director of Madison in some years. At Public Library this same time, Madison Public Library was going through some major changes: Central Library was under construction; we were beginning to investigate how to transform our spaces from static to dynamic; there were some major budget issues to address; people were still stinging from the passage of Act 10; and the staff justifiably wondered, “Who is this new director and what are his plans for the library?” On my first All Staff Day in 2013, I had a wonderful opportunity and platform to share some of my ideas, and in turn begin to learn from staff what their expectations may be for our organization.

We anticipate that about 190 out of our 250 employees will be able to attend this year’s All Staff Day. As always, our goals are to inspire and to share with each other our accomplishments and ideas. After all, this is our “Staff” Day—it’s truly all about them for

Photo by Shanna Wolf

Wisconsin Book Festival attendance was at an all-time high last year. With donors’ support, we offered more than 60 events in late October and 20 new programs throughout the year. This year, the foundation plans to raise $112,000 in funds, which come from individuals, businesses and organizations. We hope that this year, we can reach our fundraising goal to help even more people of all ages This year, the attend festival events that celebrate foundation plans storytelling and the written word. to raise $112,000 in You can help us bring programs funds, which come and author events to Madison this year from individuals, and year-round by making a donation businesses and to the festival at mplfoundation.org/ organizations. donate. For a greater investment and a VIP experience, consider becoming a Book Fest Benefactor, which offers exclusive benefits at festival events.

The Benefactors program information is available on the foundation website as well.

201 W. Mifflin Street Madison, Wisconsin 53703 608.266.6318 mplfoundation.org info@mplfoundation.org

Book Club Corner: Meet the Cold Sassy Tree Book Club

this one day and how their achievements show what the library does to make a difference in people’s lives.

Out of the many highlights from last year’s All Staff Day were some of the many success stories that we don’t always get to share with each other. Their stories included the life-changing, like helping a patron complete his resume literally as he was on his way to their interview and later learning that “He got the job!” to youth service staff having fun sharing their highlights using a puppet show to stories about the challenges and joys of hosting weddings at the Central Library. The stories will sometimes remind us of the challenges we may face in our daily duties, but they also focus importantly on the rewards of our efforts.

I would like to sincerely thank Madison Public Library Foundation for its support. By investing in All Staff Day, you have created an opportunity for staff to reconnect with their colleagues, to share and celebrate their successes, to re-examine their daily activities from the perspective of the higher vision of the library system, and to learn from each other, as well as from inspirational speakers and community leaders. It also demonstrates to our staff that you recognize the value of their contributions through their dedication and hard work in making the library an essential asset for our community. When we’re closed on September 17, know that we’re closed for a purpose—to better serve all of Madison.

The Rev. Alex Gee, author of Justified Anger, addresses library staff at All Staff Day in 2014.

Go Big Read Selection for 2015: Just Mercy This year’s pick for Go Big Read, UW-Madison’s campus and community read, is The New York Times nonfiction bestseller Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson. The author is a public interest lawyer who founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit that provides legal representation to minorities who have been denied fair treatment in the justice system.

Library librarian Liz Amundson, culled from nearly 200 nominated titles.

Just Mercy is available for free download via Overdrive in ebook format with a public library card, and in print and on CD at your favorite Madison Public Library location. Using proceeds from the Friends of the Library’s Book Club Café fundraiser, the library purchased more than 120 additional copies of Just Mercy for Book Club Kits that are available for checkout to private book groups, along with suggested discussion questions.

One of Stevenson’s first clients was Walter McMillian, a man sent to death row for a murder he didn’t commit.

Stevenson details the legal journey to McMillian’s release and tells the stories of others he helped in his now 30-year career. The book is a call to action, a true crime pageturner and a critique of the American justice system.

Stevenson will give the keynote presentation at this year’s Go Big Read event on Monday, October 26, from 7–8:30 p.m. at UW-Madison’s Union South. This free, public event is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin Book Festival.

Each year, Madison Public Library partners with UW-Madison on the Go Big Read selection to encourage the community to read a common book and attend either book discussion groups or programs at the libraries to better understand it. This year’s organizers encouraged the selection committee to choose a book that fit into a theme of inequality in America. UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank chose Just Mercy from a short list that the selection committee, which includes Madison Public

Book discussions are scheduled at all Madison Public Library locations beginning in September and running through January. Plans are under way for related events as well. Visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/ go-big-read-2015 in late August for details and updates.

Stevenson

LIBRARY NEWS Branch Spotlight: Monroe Street Libary

Fall Book Sales Benefit Libraries Each Madison Public Library has a Friends group that provides much-needed volunteer support to its respective library, as well as funds for programs, services & collections. Book sales are one way Friends groups help their local library. Sale materials are donations or gently used items culled from the library’s collection when they’re no longer needed.

Fall 2015

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Madison, WI Permit No. 1110

201 W. Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 mplfoundation.org

a quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation

Book sales are also a great way to populate your home library at a fraction of the cost of buying new while supporting your favorite library. Many sales have special “bag sales” during the last few hours of the sale, and some have themed sales, selling baked goods, toys and games, or other special items.

FOUNDATION NEWS Grant Enables Library to Train Aspiring Craft Entrepreneurs for Etsy Sales

Upcoming book sales in 2015 include:

In 2014 Etsy, a leading online marketplace for handcrafted and vintage goods, partnered with 10 pilot organizations across the U.S. and UK to host a four-week Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship course that helps artists, crafters and designers learn to sell their products online.

• Sequoya Library (sales are held at Westgate Mall): Saturdays, August 15, September 5, October 3 and October 17 Children create their own buttons at the Monroe Street Library.

• Lakeview Library: September 18–19, and December 11–12

The Monroe Street Library is Madison’s smallest public library, measuring just over 3,000 square feet. Despite its size, the library has an important impact on the neighborhoods nearby, as revealed by the fond place it holds in the hearts of campus area and near west side residents.

• Meadowridge Library: October 10 (and Thanksgiving Pie Sale on November 24)

• Fountain of Uke! (ukulele demonstration): Saturday, August 22, 3 p.m.

• Music in the Stacks with Black Marigold: Monday, August 24, 7 p.m.

• Book discussion of How Not to Be Wrong with special guest, author and Monroe Street neighbor Jordan Ellenberg: Wednesday, September 2, 6 p.m.

• Go Big Read Book Discussion of Just Mercy: Wednesday, September 23, 6 p.m.

• Monroe Street Library League Book Sale as part of the Monroe Street Festival: Saturday, October 10, 9:30–4 p.m.

This little gem is one of the best-loved libraries in Madison thanks to its small but dedicated staff (including library pages Beck, Trillian and Elsa) and established neighborhood presence. Visit it online at madisonpubliclibrary.org/monroe-street or in person at 1705 Monroe St.

• Central Library: October 23–24 (as part of the Wisconsin Book Festival) • Pinney Library: October 29–November 2

A quarterly newsletter from Madison Public Library Foundation

• Alicia Ashman Library: November 6–7 Visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/book-sales for specific times and special themes.

Wisconsin Book Festival Scheduled Short Story: Meet Meadowridge Library Assistant Ora Daniels Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in Rockford, Ill., and I’m married with four children. I live in Machesney Park, Ill., so I have a one-hour commute each way to and from work. I went to college at Oklahoma Baptist University and taught elementary school there before moving back to Illinois. Before I Ora Daniels worked at the library, I worked at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. I’m a member of Rockford First Church.

What is your role at the library, and how long have you worked here? I started working at Meadowridge Library as a Library Assistant in March.

Madison Public Library’s Wisconsin Book Festival, in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, is delighted to announce a few of the highlighted events for the 2015 fall festival celebration. From October 22–25, the festival will host four days packed with books & authors at Central Library and surrounding venues.

This year’s lineup includes: • 2013 Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction Adam Johnson for Fortune Smiles • New York Times best-selling author Azar Nafisi for The Republic of Imagination

What is your favorite part of the job? I enjoy my colleagues and am amazed at the amount of materials that flow through the library. I love feeling useful and helping people all day.

• Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer David Maraniss for Once In a Great City

What are your hobbies or interests? I enjoy crafting, especially crocheting. I’ve been doing that since I was 12. I also like canning, cooking with my crockpot, and couponing. Thanks to my couponing expertise, I haven’t paid for toothpaste in two years!

• Wisconsin’s own master storyteller Nickolas Butler for Beneath the Bonfire

What’s the most recent book you’ve read? I just read Sue Monk Kidd’s The Invention of Wings, which I really enjoyed. I also have a horrible addiction to cookbooks, especially ones with slow-cooker and freeze-ahead recipes.

What’s the one thing you can’t live without? My Kindle —Compiled by Katharine Clark

• The New Yorker copy editor Mary Norris for Between You and Me

• Caldecott medalist and beloved children’s book author Kevin Henkes for Waiting • Acclaimed journalist Evan Thomas for Being Nixon • Former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich for Saving Capitalism • National Book Award winner Timothy Egan for The Big Burn • 2015–16 Wisconsin Poet Laureate Kim Blaeser

Wisconsin author Michael Perry signs copies of his book, The Scavengers, during last October’s Wisconsin Book Festival weekend.

In addition to the festival weekend each fall, the Wisconsin Book Festival Events Series brings authors to Madison throughout the year. If you can’t make the festival, check out our October 30 event with Sarah Vowell for Lafayette in the Somewhat United States.

Visit wisconsinbookfestival.org to view our growing calendar of events and to see the full lineup, which will be available August 17.

Festival sponsors include The Evjue Foundation Inc., Wisconsin Humanities Council, American Girl’s Fund for Children, Nimick Forbesway Foundation, Alliant Energy Foundation Inc., Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co., UW-Madison Memorial Library, Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation, Cheryl Rosen Weston, Friends of the UW-Madison Libraries, Madison Arts Commission, A Room of One’s Own, Webcrafters-Frautschi Foundation, Carol & John Toussaint, UW Center for Humanities, Wisconsin Public Radio, Isthmus, Cricket Design Works and The Edgewater Hotel.

Media Lab coordinator Nate Clark instructs Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship course participants on photographing their products for sale.

Over four weeks, 20 creative local residents participated in the free class. Students learned the basics of starting and running an online business through Etsy, including pricing, accounting, product photography and marketing. Instructor Victoria Thompson has more than seven years’ experience in running her Etsy shop, Three Fates Design, and is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin. Librarian Farrah McDaniel, a former intern at Central Library, managed the course. The photography session was coordinated by Media Lab instructor Nate Clark, who shared his expertise in photo shooting and editing with the group while overseeing use of the Media Lab.

Library staff said initial results from the class have been very promising. “Thank you so much for this opportunity!” one student wrote in the final evaluation. “Fifty-seven people have already visited my shop, and I’m still in the beginning stages of building up my product pages. How great is that?!”

Another student wrote, “I am thrilled with what I learned in the class—what a gift this was to me!”

Visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/etsy for links to student shops and to learn more about the Etsy program.

Brunch Moves to Dinner Hour for Ex Libris Vol. V Fundraiser We’re breaking all the rules for our fifth Ex Libris fall fundraiser. Want breakfast for dinner? No problem. Love the taste of beer with your omelet or French toast?

That’s perfectly acceptable.

commitment to strengthening our libraries: Presenting Sponsor National Guardian Life Insurance Co.; Sustaining Sponsors Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C. and Cricket Design Works; and Contributing Sponsors Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, SVA, Wipfli CPAs and Consultants, Mohs, MacDonald, Widder, Paradise & Van Note, LLC, and Smith & Gesteland, LLP. We also thank all of the tasting partners who donate their time, beer and menu items to make the event possible.

Our lineup of more than 25 local tasting partners will present samples of morning meal favorites with a twist at Ex Libris Volume V: Beer for Brunch on Friday, November 13, at 7 p.m. in Central Library. Some of the new tasting partners this year include Salvatore’s Tomato Pies, Short Stack Eatery and Pasqual’s, whose cuisine will be paired and infused with craft beers from Wisconsin’s best breweries.

Attendance is capped at 525, so buy your tickets early! They’ve sold out quickly the last several years. Tickets go on sale September 9 at mplfoundation.org.

All proceeds from Ex Libris support Madison Public Library programs, services and special projects.

We thank this year’s sponsors who have demonstrated their

Photo by Shanna Wolf

Because computer space is scarce, Monroe Street Library piloted a successful laptop loaning program that has since been expanded to other libraries.

• Monroe Street Library: October 10 (as part of Monroe Street Festival)

Photo by Shanna Wolf

Monroe Street users are voracious readers. How do we know? The library has the second-highest circulation-per-visit ratio in the system, just behind Sequoya. The Monroe Street Library also had the highest number of participants in the adult Summer Reading Club last year. Active readers logged more than 500 books read, and the trend continued this summer. In the last few years, Monroe Street Library has also experienced a programming renaissance. Over two years, the library’s number of events increased 44 percent (with a 65 percent increase in attendance). Thanks to the efforts of library manager Sarah Lawton and library assistants Kylee Stoor, Jill Maidenberg and Lila Walsh, the library has created new partnerships with area businesses and organizations to provide popular and well-attended programs such as LEGO club, chess club and musical concerts, plus hands-on music clinics, arts workshops and makerbased programs through partnership with The Bubbler. Select upcoming events include:

In April, Madison Public Library Foundation gave a grant to Madison Public Library so it could join the second group of organizations hosting Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship courses. The program used Etsy’s platform as a real-world learning lab and Madison Public Library’s resources for community education while providing small-business training to creative people in underserved communities. Etsy sales can help supplement their income and bring their product to new markets.

Ex Libris guests make pretzel necklaces in “The Pubbler” at the 2014 event, held in Central Library.