Winter 2015–16
a quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation
FOUNDATION NEWS Foundation to Kick Off Pinney Library Capital Campaign December 1 On December 1, Madison Public Library Foundation will continue its vision of building world-class libraries when it launches the $2 million Capital Campaign for a New Pinney Library, with plans to begin building the facility in 2016 and to complete it in 2017. The campaign will begin with a fund drive on G i v i n g Tuesday, the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving that’s dedicated to making charitable contributions in place of holiday shopping. The foundation invites the public to a campaign kickoff party from 4-6 p.m. that day at the Harmony Bar.
A growing number of residents near Pinney are underserved, and at several public schools within the library’s service area, more than 77 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. “We want tomorrow’s Pinney Library to meet the needs of visitors of all ages who have a passion for literacy, lifelong learning, creativity and the sharing of knowledge,” said Pinney campaign chair Allen Arntsen. “By kicking off this project, we’re investing in a better and brighter future for the east side.”
The new Pinney Library will be a community hub housed in Ruedebusch Development & Rendering of the Royster Corners mixed-use development Construction’s Royster Corners, a mixed-use development four blocks east of the library’s current You can also support the library location. The $10 million facility will become the heart of the east by attending our fundraisers, side in the same way that Sequoya Library serves the west side. becoming a member of the Friends of the Pinney Library, Pinney, the third busiest of Madison’s public libraries, will be and volunteering. pedestrian-friendly and on the bus route, with plenty of bike racks and parking. It will be twice its current size, with improved spaces for youth, an outdoor event area, a drive-through book drop and better technology.
Visit mplfoundation.org to learn more about the Pinney project and to sign up for email updates.
Lau & Bea Christensen and Madison Gas & Electric Foundation will provide a $50,000 challenge grant to kick off the campaign. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar. Please make donations to the campaign at mplfoundation.org or mail them to the foundation office.
KICKOFF PARTY Tuesday, December 1 4–6 p.m. Harmony Bar $10 suggested donation
Historical Fiction Writer McLain to Headline Lunch for Libraries March 17 New York Times and international bestselling historical fiction writer Paula McLain will headline Madison Public Library Foundation’s fifth annual Lunch for Libraries fundraiser on Thursday, March 17, at Overture Center for the Arts. McLain has found great success Paula McLain in writing female-focused fictional autobiographies. “Circling the Sun,” released in July, is a fictionalized account of glamorous aviator Beryl Markham’s life in Kenya in the 1920s. Markham was the first female pilot to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to North America. “The Paris Wife,” a 2011 best seller, provides a fictionalized, personal look at the life of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley.
“We’re honored to host Ms. McLain for our largest Wisconsin Book Festival fundraiser of the year,” said foundation Executive Director Jenni Collins. “Her deeply poignant and beautifully written novels are very popular in our libraries, based on the checkouts and hold requests.” Lunch for Libraries will begin at noon. Individual tickets are $125 each and will be available at mplfoundation.org beginning January 20. Tables of eight are available for purchase by calling 608.266.6318. Email events@mplfoundation.org to receive ticket information. Library cardholders can reserve a copy of “Circling the Sun” and “The Paris Wife” at any of the nine Madison Public Library locations or on LINKcat, accessible through the library website at madisonpubliclibrary.org.
FOUNDATION NEWS Inquiring Minds Your Questions Answered
We Want to Know …
Q:
In October, you became the Madison Public Library Foundation Board of Directors’ new president. How did you become interested in working on behalf of libraries, and what goals do you have for your term?
With the holidays fast approaching, what book would you give for a gift this year? “I would give ‘Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’ to my niece who just graduated from John Marshall Law School.” —Janetta Pegues, Supervisor, Goodman South Madison Library
My work with the foundation began in 2009, when my good friend David Wallner — who was on the Madison Public Library board — urged me to get involved with the Goodman South Madison capital campaign. I organized an event at my home that raised funds for the new facility. I joined the board in 2010.
“I am planning on giving several copies of Daniel James Brown’s amazing ‘Boys in the Boat’ to some favorite readers who are reluctant to start a book about a college crew team in the 1930s. I understand their resistance! But once they glance through the first few pages, they’ll be hooked!”
Tom DeChant
Why do libraries interest me? That’s easy: my mother. She loved libraries. In my grade school years, she treated me and each of my four brothers to an individual field trip to the beautiful Beaux Arts Central Library in downtown Cleveland. She acted as a “docent,” taking us to the periodical room and having the librarian pull up the local newspaper headlines for the day we were born. We visited the area that had special materials for the visually impaired, and she’d have us touch a Braille passage with our eyes closed. She took us to the card catalog and explained how it was organized. And she made sure we got a library card and knew how to check out a book. To this day, that visit has left a lasting impression and has given me deep respect for all that public libraries represent. In a final telling nod to my dear mom, you can go to the copy center on the second floor of the new Central Library and see that it’s dedicated to her. In terms of goals, there is an aggressive, recently updated strategic plan in place. The board’s first broad goal — to grow unrestricted funds to meet annual operating needs and expand the endowment — was designated as the highest priority, because it paves the way for all other activities: operations, grants and capital campaigns. A successful Pinney Library capital campaign is a key goal, since Madison’s east side is a bit overdue for public investment. Lastly, it’s important for the library to adapt to the digital age without losing the soul of its mission. I’m honored to help Madison’s library system stay at the cutting edge of innovation and public responsiveness by encouraging foundation support through contributions, business sponsorships, fundraisers and volunteerism.
– Liz Dannenbaum, President, Friends of the Pinney Library “I plan on giving my mom ‘We’re Gonna Win, Twins!’ because she’s a big fan of the Minnesota Twins. It’s a history of the team.” – Katie Hanson, Library Assistant, Central Library “In the past, I’ve given ‘Debt: The First 5,000 Years’ by David Graeber. It is a very interesting book where people look at debt and what it means to owe and not owe. I’ve also gifted the book ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ by Dr. Seuss to my nieces and nephews.” – Sandy Taylor, Circulation Clerk, Central Library “My favorite book to give depends on the age of the person I’m giving it to. One of the first books I gave was ‘Go Dog Go,’ and I gave it to my nephew. He memorized it within three readings and even slept with it! I’ve also kept my mom in stock with the Harry Potter series and have given her the full set.” – Tina Marie Maes, Library Assistant, Central Library children’s level
A newsletter published quarterly by
Madison Public Library Foundation, Inc. Executive Director
Jennifer J. Collins 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 Francesca Rodriquez Newsletter Designer
Tsela Barr
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.
Book Club Corner: Meet the Starfire Book Club Description: Our club has been meeting monthly for 20 years. We are a group that enjoys reading, a stimulating conversation, laughter and dessert. We read a mixture of fiction and nonfiction, old and new. Once each summer we meet at a cottage on Lake Wisconsin, and for our December meeting we enjoy brunch at a favorite restaurant. Our club was founded by a group of women who lived on the same street. Fortunately for the group, one of the original members is still part of the club. What book are you currently reading? “Deep Down Dark: The Untold Stories of 33 Men Buried in a Chilean Mine and the Miracle that Set Them Free” by Hector Tobar What author would you like to have as a book club guest? Alexander McCall Smith If you could invite any person to join your book club, who would it be? Aaron Rodgers If you could host book club anywhere, where would it be? Highclere Castle in Newbury, England
Long Joins Foundation Staff
Dayna Long
Madison Public Library Foundation welcomes Dayna Long, its new Donor Relations Manager, to the office. Long attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and moved to Wisconsin after graduation. She handled donor relations at the Freedom From Religion Foundation before starting her work at the Library Foundation in July.
Why did she choose a job that allows her to support libraries? “I’ve loved libraries since I was a kid,” Long said. “My mom used to take us to the library in a wagon, and we’d leave with heaping bags full of children’s books. As an adult, I’ve recognized that free, unfettered access to information is one of the most powerful tools a person can have, so I appreciate libraries even more.” Long said her favorite books are Ken Follett’s “Century Trilogy” because they’re entertaining and informative, and “they make terrific audiobooks — each one is over 30 hours long! You can access the audiobook format for free through Wisconsin’s Digital Library, which is another fantastic service available to Madison Public Library patrons.”
Book Festival Crowds Break Attendance Records Congratulations to the Starfire 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.
Bicycle Bookmobile Debuts Madison Public Library has a new mini-library on wheels that will be available to bring library materials to residents citywide. Named “Spoke-n-words,” the bookmobile was unveiled Sept. 10 at a State Street business event. Visitors to Spoke-n-words will have the ability to sign up for a library card, check out books, attend story times and work on participatory art projects.
“The Spoke-n-words initiative gives Madison Public Library an intimate way to connect with communities around the city,” said Michael Spelman, the program’s organizer, who also manages Central Library. “Our library wants to meet residents of all ages in their own neighborhoods and provide them with rich, surprising library experiences. We are eager to hear about community needs and aspirations so we can better serve the public, especially people who are currently underserved.” Visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/spoke-n-words to find out when Spoke-n-words will make its next appearance.
Festival-goers enjoyed a variety of more than 65 author events at Central Library and other venues throughout downtown Madison. Highlights included appearances by children’s author and illustrator Kevin Henkes; nonfiction writers Azar Nafisi, Timothy Egan, Mary Norris, Evan Thomas, Robert Reich, David Maraniss; novelists Nickolas Butler and Adam Johnson; and Wisconsin Poet Laureate Kim Blaeser. Sarah Vowell and Jesse Eisenberg closed out the festival week with evening talks at Central Library. To continue the tradition of providing enriching festival programs to the community, please make a donation to the festival at mplfoundation.org/donate. Also, check the festival website at wisconsinbookfestival.org for upcoming events, as the festival offers year-round programming. The festival thanks its sponsors for their support: American Girl’s Fund for Children; The Evjue Foundation Inc., charitable arm of The Capital Times; the Pleasant T. Rowland Foundation; Wisconsin Public Radio; the Nimick Forbesway Foundation; Isthmus; Zendesk; Cheryl Rosen Weston; Beyond the Page; UW-Madison Libraries; Friends of UWMadison Libraries; The Great Dane Pub & Brewing Co.; Cricket Design Works; Alliant Energy Foundation; and the Wisconsin Humanities Council. Save the date for next year’s festival, October 20–23!
Shanna Wolf/S. Photography & Styling
Madison Public Library Foundation secured grants from BMO Harris Bank, Madison Rotary Foundation and Dane County Bicycle Association for the bicycle, trailer and associated programming.
The highly successful 2015 Wisconsin Book Festival, presented by Madison Public Library in partnership with Madison Public Library Foundation, drew more book lovers to Central Library and other sites October 22–25 than in any previous year.
Azar Nafisi (right) is interviewed by Wisconsin Public Radio’s Anne Strainchamps.
LIBRARY NEWS From the Director’s Desk
Collaboration is the key to pulling off such a successful festival, and while we work with many local organizations and institutions to present a variety of events, I wanted to highlight one of our key partners: the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Several university departments team up with our staff to provide venues, support and marketing for festival events. Greg Mickells, Director of Madison Public Library
Shanna Wolf/S. Photography & Styling
The festival’s longstanding partnership with the Office of Multicultural Arts Institute’s (OMAI) First Wave program brought a diverse set of literary and artistic performers to this year’s lineup in conjunction with OMAI’s Passing the Mic event. First Wave’s Passing the Mic The Division of Diversity, featured a Spoken Word Showcase and Hip-Hop Arts Showcase, Equity, and Educational among other events. Achievement, along with the Department of Afro-American Studies, the Arts Institute and the Pathways to Excellence, also presented the event to celebrate the potential of hip-hop arts in Madison and on campus. A second year of partnering with the Wisconsin Science Festival and a new partnership with the Midwest Environmental Education Conference incorporated 15 science-related events into the festival, resulting in greater visibility for both festivals. A third collaboration related to the festival occurred in early November, as an extension of the library’s partnership with Go Big Read, UW-Madison’s program to have all incoming freshmen — and others on campus — read and discuss the same book. The library has worked with this group for years to extend the conversation into public libraries and the non-academic community, and that partnership naturally extended to the Wisconsin Book Festival when the library assumed leadership. This year’s book choice, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, and its focus on criminal justice reform with an emphasis on racial inequalities in the criminal justice system struck a chord in our community. Beyond the books and computers, and beyond the welcoming spaces, libraries — and events like the Wisconsin Book Festival — help our community members come together while being engaged and inspired. The festival-university partnership we have forged is the Wisconsin Idea in action: improving people’s lives beyond the classroom. Together, we’ve created a platform for all to learn about and discuss important issues in Madison, and to share their experiences with others.
Fourteen parents and community members took part in a three-day Black Story Hour workshop at Goodman South Madison Library August 19–21. Nothando Zulu of the Black Storytellers Alliance led the group and instructed participants on how to tell stories using African storytelling techniques. Laduma Nguyuza of SugarFree Photography snapped pictures during the workshop, which was paid for with a $4,200 Madison Public Library Foundation grant.
SugarFree Photography
In October, Madison Public Library — with support from Madison Public Library Foundation —hosted the 2015 Wisconsin Book Festival. Of the three years since the library and foundation took over this event, this year was the best-attended four-day festival so far, with nearly 8,000 people counted at 67 author events in and near the Central Library.
Black Story Hour Builds Connections Among Participants
Local members of the black community learned African storytelling techniques at Black Story Hour, which was funded with a Madison Public Library Foundation grant.
“African Storytelling is much like jazz,” said Goodman South Madison Library Manager Janetta Pegues. “The point is to learn the basics and then to improvise. Our hope is to tap into the rich traditions of the black community and nurture a new generation of storytellers.” Patrons noticed the spirited group meeting in the large conference room and some even asked to join the group. By the second day, the group “exploded,” Pegues said, and began sharing stories, tears, songs and powerful tales of the struggles that those in the black community wrestle with daily. “The momentum was traveling all over the library and shot through the roof,” Pegues remarked. Pegues said she is hoping the library can secure another grant so the workshop can be held at Meadowridge Library, which serves a similar audience to Goodman South Madison.
Meadowridge Friends Pie Sale Nov. 24 If baking’s not your thing, let the Friends of the Meadowridge Library help by providing you with a pie for your Thanksgiving table. The library will be hosting the Friends’ annual Pie Sale on Tuesday, November 24, beginning at 10 a.m. Friends members bake approximately 100 homemade pies for this popular event, which always takes place on the Tuesday prior to Thanksgiving each year. The event ends when all the pies are sold. Each pie sells for $10. Sale proceeds support various Meadowridge Library improvements or go into the library’s endowment fund, said Friends Treasurer and Pie Sale chairwoman Jacky Byrnes. If you haven’t visited Meadowridge since it opened last fall in the Meadowood Shopping Center, the sale provides a great reason to visit.
There are always a variety of fall pie flavors available at the Meadowridge Pie Sale, including cherry, pecan, caramel apple, pumpkin and apple.
LIBRARY NEWS Library Spotlight: Alicia Ashman Library
Visitors met a representative of Madison Police Department’s Mounted Horse Patrol as part of the Alicia Ashman Library month-long celebration.
In October, the Alicia Ashman Library on Madison’s far west side celebrated 15 years of library service. Alicia Ashman is a former Madison alderwoman and former president of the Madison Public Library Board of Directors. The library is the fourth busiest in the Madison Public Library system.
Neighbors celebrated the milestone throughout the month at events that included wooden shoe carving, the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, Madison Police Department’s Mounted Horse Patrol, Snakes Alive with Tom Kessenich, and Halloween face painting by Funny Faces Entertainment. On the first week of November, the month-long celebration was capped by the Friends of the Alicia Ashman Library book sale and a meet & greet reception for the neighborhood, featuring refreshments and a card-making station where visitors were invited to create a card for the library or to take home. Interesting facts about the Alicia Ashman Library: • When it was built in 2000, the library was the first new library built in Madison since 1974. • The Ashman Anime Club highlights the library’s very popular anime and manga collection, with twice-monthly film showings shown in Japanese with English subtitles. Ashman has the largest anime and manga collection in the library system as a result of a Dane County Collection grant to expand and promote the collection. The collection and film series is curated by Librarian Barbara Segal. • The library hosts a MadiSUN solar power system, installed in 2008 with support from Madison Gas & Electric Foundation. The 7.1 kW PV system uses a small 800 W awning mounted array by the visitor entrance and a larger 6.3 kW array mounted on the roof of the library. • Youth Services Librarian Carissa Christner developed an app recommendation system for children and families designed to help parents and caregivers learn about age-appropriate and learningbased apps for children. She’s incorporated apps into story times through the Supper Club series, and is now recommending apps on a regular news segment on NBC15.
Visitors created cards with birthday wishes for the Alicia Ashman Library on November 7.
May the Force Be With You! To celebrate “Star Wars” Reads Day (October 10) and to prepare for the upcoming release of “Star Wars: Episode VII—The Force Awakens” (December 18), Central and Pinney libraries hosted “Star Wars” parties in October. Visitors dressed in costume, had their photos taken with “Star Wars” props and backgrounds, tasted Ewok edibles, created “Star Wars”-themed crafts and played games. New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller, creator of “Star Wars” movies and graphic novels, guest-starred at the Central Library celebration, along with members of the 501st Legion’s local chapter of “Star Wars” costume enthusiasts. Look for more “Star Wars” excitement at the Alicia Ashman Library on Saturday, December 12, when the 501st Legion makes another appearance from noon–2 p.m., just days before the release of the new film! Central Library received a visit from the 501st Legion in October.
Short Story: Meet Pinney Library Assistant Jenny Maue Tell us a little about yourself. I grew up in Waupun, Wis., and went to school at UW-Oshkosh. I earned my master’s degree in library science from UWMilwaukee. I have been married for 16 years and have two children, Adam (12) and Kate (11). What is your role at Madison Public Library, Jenny Maue and how long you have you worked there? I am a Library Assistant at the Pinney Library, and do both circulation and reference. I also help plan special events like the Pinney “Star Wars” Day and am working on a new staff scheduling project. I have worked at the library since 2000. What is one of your favorite parts of the job? I love the people I work with at Pinney. It’s a great crew. Before working at the library, what was one of the most interesting jobs you’ve had? I had a short career at Farm and Fleet in the hardware department, and one summer I worked in Wisconsin Dells at a gift shop where I met people from all over the world, including a nice French woman with whom I shared American Christmas traditions like Frosty and Rudolph. What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work? I love reading, obviously, and my family likes to do cosplay together. I also try and get in 3 miles of walking every day, and I love to visit the family cottage in Tuttle Lake. What is your favorite book or genre of book? Paranormal mysteries are some of my favorites, and an author I really enjoy is mystery writer David Rosenfelt. My favorite YA author is Rainbow Rowell. What is the one thing you couldn’t live without? Chocolate and my cats. I have three: Mater, Molly and Sam. —Compiled by Katharine Clark
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Madison, WI Permit No. 1110
201 W. Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703 mplfoundation.org
A quarterly newsletter from Madison Public Library Foundation
3 New Foundation Board Members Begin Terms
View Our Annual Report Online The joint Madison Public Library and Madison Public Library Foundation 2014 annual report is available online at mplfoundation.org. This snapshot of the year includes:
Madison Public Library Foundation welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors in October. Gail Ambrosius owns Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier on Madison’s east side. She has been a loyal supporter of the foundation and several other local nonprofits. She is a UW-Madison graduate. With entrepreneurship, marketing and event planning experience, she brings many skills to the team. Ambrosius will co-chair the 2016 Lunch for Libraries Committee with Nancy Carpenter. Susie Younkle serves on the board of trustees for Wisconsin Union, co-chairs the Rock & Read Committee, and handles accounting for Murfie, a music-streaming and CD resale site. Her business degree from UW-Madison and contributions toward the foundation, Junior League of Madison and Hoofers make her a well-rounded and valuable addition to the board. Barb Karlen is president of the Friends of Lakeview Library and served two terms on the Madison Public Library board. She is serving as the Friends representative, appointed by the library director. She visits the libraries often with her grandchildren, has built connections between the Friends groups and is one of the original founders of Book Club Café. She’s also a pancreatic cancer research proponent.
Gail Ambrosius
• the library and foundation’s strategic goals • a message from our leadership team • the year’s accomplishments, including the grand opening of the new Meadowridge Library and the first Rock & Read fundraiser • a summary of the foundation’s grants, fundraisers and spending
Susie Younkle
• testimonials from library users and staff • stats on library usage and finances We thank you for the support you’ve provided and hope you’ll continue to think of the library when making your year-end charitable contributions. Make your tax-deductible, year-end donation to the foundation at
Barb Karlen
mplfoundation.org/donate