Spring 2012
a quarterly newsletter from the Madison Public Library Foundation
FOUNDATION NEWS Barb Dimick Retires after over 30 years with Madison Public Library
Barb Dimick Photo: Kim Keyes
Over the past 30 years, Barb Dimick has changed the face of the Madison Public Library. Since taking her first position as a library page, her high energy, sound judgment, personal integrity, and unwavering dedication to improving the library have earned her the respect of her co-workers, city officials, and the entire Madison community.
As library director, Barb expanded community partnerships, increased technology access, and created a safe, democratic environment for people of all races, ages, and economic situations. When Barb began her directorship, the library owned only one computer. Today, its network has expanded to over 120 public machines that provide entertainment to teens, job searching tools to adults, and technological assistance to seniors. Under Barb’s leadership, initiatives with community-wide import were born. Summer reading participation increased more than 120% through outreach to schools and preschools. An avid
proponent of early literacy, Barb established early childhood story activities and various programs that bring the library directly in to Madison neighborhoods. As Barb puts it, “Getting the community access to library resources is the first and most important step.” She also physically expanded, improved, and relocated existing library locations and added an entirely new branch, Alicia Ashman. “The branches are immensely important community gathering places,” Barb says. “They create a sense of ownership and pride in the local communities as well as provide access to those who live nearby.” When Barb retires in February, she will be greatly missed by all. “When I was a student, I could not have been more proud to be an employee of Madison Public Library and claim Barb as my boss,” says Barb’s former student and current library employee Molly Warren, “and I’m just as proud today.” Barb Dimick Photo: Kim Keyes
“Bookless” Raises over $29,000 for New Central Library
Kids and adults turned library walls and windows into a work of art. Photo: Kelsey Fenton
The books may be gone, but the Central Library was full on Saturday, January 28th. 100 Madison artists ranging from painters to sculptors to audiovisual artists covered the empty walls, floors, and even ceilings with their artwork.
More than 2,500 attended the Family Free-for-All during the day and just as many partied in the library until the wee hours of Sunday morning to the tune of live music and DJs. Missed the event? Check out #Bookless on Twitter and photos on our website.
Bookless party-goers take in a video piece by Marina Kelly and Megan Katz.