Library Board

AGENDA Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 608-845-7180 Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Library Conference Room Call to order  Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of 2/1/23  Review and approval of the February 2023 invoices  Public Comments  City Council Liaison’s report  Library Director's report  Old Business 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Social Media Policy  New Business 1. Discussion of diversity and collection management 2. Discussion of library internship opportunities 3. Preliminary discussion of the 2024 library budget  VPL Board Meeting Minutes Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 Wednesday, February 1, 2023, 6:30 p.m. Present: Burkart, Conwell, Cronin, Jones, Safarik, Spencer Absent: Hopp, Voss Call to order: Conwell called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm. Approval of Minutes: Amendment of error from “Closed Session Announcement read by Voss” to “Closed Session Announcement read by Hopp” A motion was made by Spencer, seconded by Safarik to approve the amended Regular Meeting Minutes of 1/4/23. Motion carried. Review and Approval of Invoices: Jones clarified reason for vendors on multiple lines and Amazon purchases (mostly dvds/blue ray purchases due to lower cost). General discussion around annual costs that primarily come due in January. A motion was made by Spencer seconded by Cronin to approve the January 2023 invoices. Motion carried. Public Comments: None City Council Liaison Report: Alder Cronin reports that she is participating in meetings with the Dane County Regional Housing Authority (includes municipalities in Dane County, housing and equity advocates and developers). This group is designed to determine concrete steps for municipalities to increase access to affordable housing. Recognition that with increased building, there also comes an increasing divide among those who can and cannot afford housing. Discussion is focused on both rent and home ownership. The City of Verona is one of the few municipalities that has ordinance for accessory dwelling units, meaning people can have mother-in-law apartments and put tiny homes on property (with proper permitting and utilities). Both of the new apartment builds in Verona will have a small number of below-market-rate affordable housing apartments. Verona can neither give preference to those who work or live in Verona. Also looking at how to support existing rental properties in Verona, to increase quality and maintain affordability. About 1300 renters and 3000 homeowners are housing insecure in Dane County. This creates complexity in employment, transportation and many other factors. One goal is to provide real data to municipalities – what is their real data broken down by different demographics such as senior population, single-parent families, etc. Survey is currently out, for approximately another week. Cronin encourages us to complete and share. www.SurveyMonkey.com/r/DaneHousingSurvey Library Director’s Report:  Director presented estimate for replacing upholstery for 4 chairs in the Quiet Room. Discussion around options for upholstery, replacement of chairs, possible table replacement or refinishing. Jones asked about the possibility of reselling. Stacey will explore options for also replacing/refinishing table, possible new furniture and present at March meeting.  Discussion of circulation increases/decreases and observations around re-coding and other changes  Jones asked about Circulation statistics and technology. Jones proposed a month-by-month “at a glance” look with a rolling one-year report for key metrics. Circulation, meeting room use, visits.  Safarik suggested a deeper approach to the January diversity audit and pie chart. Methodology is important. Valuable discussion ensued around comprehensive metrics, mindful inclusion and how information is collected. Jones suggested inviting Teresa to the next meeting to discuss this more in depth, to offer support. Director will invite Teresa.  Revisit support of Director’s Goals. Director will present a relevant/timely goal in her Director’s Report, for discussion at the March meeting, (most likely related to the diversity audit) meant to support the Director as related work comes up. Old Business: None New Business: 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Social Media Policy The board discussed a draft version of the Social Media Policy and offered suggestions for changes. Further discussion and action was tabled until the March meeting. Director will present an amended draft at March meeting. 2. Discussion and possible action regarding the 2022 DPI State of Wisconsin Library Annual Report Circulation and circulation of non-residents are factors in funding considerations. Overall approval of the annual report with some logistical questions. A motion was made by Safarik, seconded by Spencer to approve the 2022 DPI State of Wisconsin Library Annual Report. Motion carried. Adjournment: A motion was made by Cronin, seconded by Jones to adjourn. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 7:47pm. Next meeting will be held on March 1st at 6:30pm. Library board approved:  VERONA PUBLIC LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT February 2023 I. Collection Development Number of items added and deleted in January 2023. Item Type Added Deleted Books 968 697 Audio 4 4 Software 10 2 Video/DVD 43 13 Other (kits, etc.) 13 2 Magazines 124 845 TOTAL 1162 1563 YTD 1162 1563 II. Circulation Circulation 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 47,722 46,024 29,669 49,255 44,153 February 42,218 28,925 46,500 44,487 March 49,314 36,647 29,964 49,074 April 47,514 31,448 2,021 46,215 May 42,775 32,633 8,861 43,274 June 52,827 52,142 18,507 55,425 July 52,448 52,220 29,609 59,493 August 55,184 51,007 31,025 53,415 September 45,066 42,894 31,115 44,582 October 42,440 43,527 34,075 46,108 November 43,939 43,507 28,171 44,084 December 42,000 39,089 28,194 42,479 Total 47,722 561,749 483,708 337,297 572,789 New Library Cards 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 188 119 27 184 121 February 149 36 161 109 March 155 24 74 133 April 129 36 9 118 May 140 71 18 96 June 344 179 33 225 July 239 160 58 164 August 206 129 57 167 September 141 105 51 150 October 150 99 50 110 November 144 64 18 108 December 122 87 31 83 Total 188 2038 1017 744 1584 Holds 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 14,929 15,139 18,260 14,651 13,725 February 11,617 17,130 12,246 12,081 March 12,878 18,193 7,277 12,569 April 12,098 15,698 5,645 11,811 May 11,820 14,236 10,869 11,636 June 11,984 13,328 13,616 12,378 July 11,735 11,621 15,910 12,447 August 13,389 13,510 15,672 12,577 September 12,506 13,252 16,166 12,001 October 11,924 13,304 16,502 11,919 November 12,888 12,679 16,108 12,016 December 10,313 11,069 14,567 9,859 Total 14,929 148,291 172,280 159,229 135,160 III. Reference Statistics, January 20 – February 15: Test Proctoring: 2 exams Outer Library Loans: 33 requests Personal Archiving Lab Sessions: 2 Social Media & Email Engagement: Facebook: 4,608 followers, 50 posts/events Twitter: 1,749 followers, 0 tweets Instagram: 1,437 followers, 3 posts/reels/stories Events Newsletter: 10,140 recipients Library Visits 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 16,114 10,780 0 18,887 17,062 February 11,193 0 18,969 16,673 March 13,628 0 0 19,993 April 16,488 2,889 0 20,038 May 12,366 5,015 0 19,355 June 16,624 11,757 2,850 23,672 July 17,057 13,407 6,765 23,853 August 18,830 13,267 * 22,506 September 13,890 10,746 * 18,496 October 14,009 10,346 * 19,540 November 15,729 9,371 0 18,531 December 13,552 10,562 0 16,780 Total 18,137 174,146 87,360 47,471 236,499 Reference Questions 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 1,640 1,061 821 3,152 2,218 February 1,653 924 1,632 2,117 March 1,758 1,347 1,974 1,937 April 1,226 948 24 2,454 May 1,117 1,085 116 2,660 June 2,183 2,200 846 3,642 July 1,691 2,365 2,431 2,662 August 2,075 1,847 2,039 3,721 September 1,341 1,543 2,521 2,359 October 1,566 581 2,045 3,213 November 1,628 458 1,060 2,321 December 1,356 721 1,092 1,978 TOTAL 1,640 18,655 14,840 18,932 31,282  Meeting Room Use 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 January 474 164 - 616 568 February 206 - 565 531 March 272 - 286 596 April 305 - - 671 May 328 - - 631 June 314 - - 547 July 316 - - 542 August 411 - - 524 September 327 - - 542 October 398 - - 706 November 453 - - 601 December 396 - - 529 TOTAL 474 5,912 2,021 3,487 9,007 IV. Personnel and Staff Development Jette Thorson, Yuriy Kolosovskiy, and Ashley Hanson-White have joined the library staff this month as Library Pages. During our half-day staff inservice on Feb. 3, library staff toured the Badger Prairie Needs Network and learned what resources they offer to community members. Stacey and Julie attended the Wisconsin Library Association Library Legislative Day on February 7, heard Governor Evers speak, learned more about the legislative and budget processes, and met with state Senators and Representatives or their staff to share the positive work the libraries do. iSchool student, Samantha Barsanti, started her 120-hour practicum on January 30. Ripple intern, Olivia Zhu, started her spring internship on February 7. Tonja met with Olivia and Tanya Buckingham, the communications manager for Dane County Human Services, about possible program partnerships focusing on health literacy. Tonja took a webinar, Homeless De-Escalation 301: Preventing Conflict. Mark completed Mental Health First Aid training sessions. Jess attended webinars on the topics of Child and Teen Development and Programs with Intention. Jenny met with Girl Scout Troop 7868 on January 22 to help them achieve their Book Artistry badge by talking to them about book binding and proper ways to care for books. V. Equipment and Physical Facilities The library requested quotes to reupholster or replace four matching chairs in the Quiet Reading Room after one of the chair cushions was damaged. The city has raised some concerns about the library continuing to have Narcan on hand due to staff safety and liability issues. The library currently gets both the Narcan and periodic training on its use from the Fitchrona EMS department. The website migration through SCLS was completed on Friday, February 10. Abby is the point person for this process and has been working with SCLS. The colors have been improved and are now ADA complaint with web color standards and the ability to add alt-text for images has been added. VI. Administration and Internal Operations Stacey and the management team worked on a revised draft of a Social Media Policy for library board review. Stacey, Ronda, and Sara are working in a procedure to send delinquent library accounts to collections. This is allowed under the Circulation Policy which states, “Unpaid fees in excess of $100 may be turned over to a collection agency. Library users with unpaid fees that have gone to collections will not be allowed to borrow materials from the library until the balance is paid in full.” VII. Marketing and Public Relations This month Abby created online and print promotional materials for 34 library events. Abby, Stacey, and Tonja are working on creating a 2023 marketing plan for the library. Jenny made a book display for African American Genre Fiction. The Verona Press published an article by Maureen about reading goals in the new year. The library was featured in the latest issue of Verona Neighbors magazine. VIII. System and Interagency Cooperation Trudy attended the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador meeting. Theresa attended an SCLS webinar on data collection for the Local Holds pilot program. IX. Fundraising The staff 5K Run/Walk planning team have been working hard to organize and promote our big fundraising event of the year, taking place on Saturday, May 13. Volunteers are needed for the refreshments table and to be stationed on the route as course marshals. X. Events, Programs and Exhibits Kid’s Events and Programs: 1000 Books before Kindergarten 15 kids were registered this month, bringing the total number of registrants to 2426. Favorite Books and Bites: Keeper of the Lost Cities Monday, January 23, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Discuss the School of Good and Evil series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the books. Ages 8 - 11. Pick up a copy of the first book of the series at the children's desk to read in advance, or if you're already a fan, just sign up and join us. Attendees: 11 Toddler Art and Play Tuesday, January 24, 10:00 – 11:00 am Join us at the library for messy process art and sensory play! Wear clothes that can get messy and drop in for some fun toddler activities. Ages 1 - 3. Attendees: 94 Early Reader Book Club Tuesday, January 24, 4:00 – 4:30 pm Library staff will read aloud longer books, lead a discussion about them, and we'll do a fun activity together. No pre-reading required. For children ages 5-7. Attendees: 16 Young and the Restless Tuesday, January 31, 10:00 – 11:30 am Get your wiggles out! Young and the Restless open indoor play time is an opportunity for kids to be active, develop motor skills, and make new friends. Ages 0-5 and their caregivers. No registration. Attendees: 63 Minecraft Club Thursday, February 2, 4:00 pm Build in Minecraft based on a new theme each session! Ages 6 - 11. Attendees: 31 Music and Movement Story Time Tuesday, February 7, 10:00 am Join us for singing, dancing, instruments, and stories in this active story time for children and their caregivers. Ages 1-5. Attendees: 43 Family Art: Oil Pastel Circle Art Tuesday, February 7, 4:00 – 4:45 pm Kids and their caregivers can get creative together with a different art project each month. Art can be messy so dress appropriately. Geared towards ages 6-9 with their adult. Attendees: 18 Pokemon Club Thursday, February 9, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon related activity each month. Bring your Gameboy, Switch, or learn to play the trading card game and compete against other kids! Ages 6 - 11. Attendees: 29 Young and the Restless Tuesday, February 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am Get your wiggles out! Young and the Restless open indoor play time is an opportunity for kids to be active, develop motor skills, and make new friends. Ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers. No registration. Attendees: 56 Cool Plants Friday, February 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm How do plants survive the winter? Join members of Allen Centennial Garden and the UW Horticulture department to handle plant materials, use kid-proof microscopes, and have conversations about plant buds, backyard tree selection, and how plants experience climate change. For kids and adults. Attendees: Upcoming Kids’ Events Winter Library Challenge January 9 – February 20 Our third annual winter library challenge is similar to the past two years, with participants doing reading and other activities to earn tickets to try to win local gift cards. As of Feb. 17, 299 people have registered. Winter Story Times January 9 – March 3, registration required Baby Story Time: Fridays at 10:30 am (Story Room) Toddler Story Time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 am (Community Room) Preschool Story Time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am (Community Room) Sensory Story Time Thursdays at 9:30 am, no registration required Build communication & friendship skills in a supportive environment. Story time features a visual schedule, yoga, and more. For ages 3-5. (Community Room) Early Reader Book Club Tuesday, February 21, 4:00 – 4:30 pm Library staff will read aloud longer books, lead a discussion about them, and we'll do a fun activity together. No pre-reading required. For children ages 5-7. Child Development Story Time: Friendship Friday, February 24, 9:30 – 10:00 am Join a member of CI Pediatric Therapy Centers' staff for an interactive story time of books, songs, movement, crafts and fun! Activities will be geared towards 2-5 year olds, but all ages are welcome! Favorite Friends Saturday, February 24, 10:00 – 11:30 am Meet some of your favorite book characters - Pigeon, Mother Bruce, and Green Crayon (aka Esteban)! Kids can visit characters throughout the library, plus do character-themed crafts and enjoy snacks. All ages. Young and the Restless Tuesdays, February 28 & March 14, 10:00 – 11:30 am Get your wiggles out! Young and the Restless open indoor play time is an opportunity for kids to be active, develop motor skills, and make new friends. Ages 0 - 5 and their caregivers. No registration. Tween Craft: Snow Globes Tuesday, February 28, 6:00 – 6:45 pm Create your own snow globe! Ages 8-11. Registration required. Minecraft Club Thursday, March 2, 4:00 pm Build in Minecraft based on a new theme each session! Ages 6 - 11. Pokemon Club Thursday, March 9, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon related activity each month. Bring your Gameboy, Switch, or learn to play the trading card game and compete against other kids! Bring your own deck or borrow one of ours. Ages 6 - 11. Family Art Tuesday, March 14, 4:00 – 4:45 pm Kids and their caregivers can get creative together with a different art project each month. Art can be messy so dress appropriately. Geared towards ages 6-9 with their adult. Music and Movement Story Time Friday, March 17, 10:00 am Join us for singing, dancing, instruments, and stories in this active story time for children and their caregivers. Ages 1-5. *Please note the one-time change of day.* D&D Basics: Tweens Tuesday, March 21, 2:00 – 3:00 pm D&D Basics is a crash course in playing Dungeons and Dragons. You'll leave with a character sheet and a basic understanding of the rules. All experience levels are welcome, but this will be catered toward new adventurers! Ages 8 -11. Tween Craft: Frankentoys Wednesday, March 22, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Create a frankentoy! We will provide old toys and you will break them apart and make them into your own new creations. Ages 8-11. Registration required. Magical Tea Party Friday, March 24, 10:30 am and 1:30 pm Enjoy stories, songs, a craft, and some tea party treats with a special guest! Fancy, whimsical, or magical attire is encouraged. Geared to ages 2-8. There will be two seatings - please choose between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Teen Events: Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, January 17, 4:00 pm Teens created miniature gardens by filling glass terrariums with dried moss, rocks, and figurines. Attendees: 40 Teen Chocolate Tasting Monday, February 13, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Teens enjoyed a wide selection of chocolate bars and dipped a variety of snacks in our chocolate fountain! Attendees: 30 Tiny Art Wednesday, February 15, 7:00 – 8:00 pm Participants relaxed for an hour by painting tiny canvases! Attendees: 3 Upcoming Teen Events: Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, March 7, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. ACT Practice for Sophomores Tuesday, March 7, 1:00 – 4:30 pm Sophomores, sign up now for a free ACT diagnostic test! While the juniors are taking their ACT, get a head start for your own test. The library is partnering with Galin Education to offer a realistic ACT experience. Young Library Yarns Craft Group Wednesday, March 15, 4:30 – 5:30 pm Join other young people in a needlecraft social circle! All skill levels welcome. Adult mentors will be on hand for those who want to learn knitting. We will also have some needles and yarn available. If you do other fiber arts, feel free to work on those projects independently! D&D Basics for Teens Tuesday, March 21, 3:30 – 4:30 pm Join other teens for a crash course in playing Dungeons & Dragons. You'll leave with a character sheet and a basic understanding of the rules. All experience levels are welcome, but this will be catered toward new adventurers! Teen Escape Room Wednesday, March 22 Group 1, 3:00 – 3:45 pm Group 2, 4:00 – 4:45 pm Solve puzzles, find clues, and crack locks to escape the adventure! Teen Painting: Japanese Marbling Wednesday, March 29, 7:00 – 8:00 pm Try Suminagashi: the art of Japanese water marbling! We'll create paper ink prints. Adult Classes & Events: Pakistani Cooking Class Monday, January 23, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Cookbook author Huma Siddiqui demonstrated how to make harissa - North African chili paste, harissa shrimp and Mediterranean couscous. Everyone enjoyed a tasting of all the food prepared. Attendees: 19 Distance Learning English Classes for Adults Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 pm & Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm, January 23 – May 3, 2023 Beginner Class Intermediate Class January 23, attendees: 6 January 24, attendees: 7 January 30, attendees: 9 January 31, attendees: 6 February 6, attendees: 10 February 7, attendees: 6 Library Yarns Craft Group Fiber art enthusiasts gathered to learn new techniques, exchange ideas, or find inspiration for their next project. January 25, attendees: 9 February 8, attendees: 13 Native Plant Selection Wednesday, January 25, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Rick Eilertson and Mercedez Kennedy from AECOM (Verona’s City Engineering Consultant) described the benefits of incorporating native plants into your yard and options for grading and landscaping. Attendees: 44 Mitten Knit Along Attendees gathered to knit Tin Can Knits: The World's Simplest Mittens pattern. February 1, attendees: 9 February 15, attendees: 12 Basic Household Plumbing Wednesday, February 1, 6:30-7:30 pm Project Home staff discussed the basics of household plumbing, the importance of the right tools and things to look out for. Attendees: 39 Senior Case Management Outreach Monday, February 13, Drop in between 2:00-3:00 pm A case manager from the Verona Senior Center was available to answer questions and provide resources for older adults and their caregivers. Attendees: 1 Retirement Planning: Strategies for Today and Tomorrow Wednesday, February 15, 6:30-7:30 pm Darrin Wasniewski, Associate State Director of Community Outreach, gave tips for determining if you are on track and learn practical strategies to help you achieve retirement peace of mind. Attendees: 13 Upcoming Adult Classes & Events Distance Learning English Classes for Adults Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Beginner, Beginner, January 23 – May 2, 2023 Tuesdays 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Intermediate, Intermediate, January 24 – May 3, 2023 This free group English class is offered mostly online using Zoom. You will practice speaking, listening, reading, writing and new vocabulary in English. Students will receive free English textbooks, at their level, in the mail. Presented in partnership with Literacy Network. UW Russian Folk Orchestra Performance Monday, February 20, 7:00 – 8:00 pm Join the UW Russian Folk Orchestra for an unforgettable evening of music! The UW Russian Folk Orchestra, in its 26th season, is an official University of Wisconsin-sponsored ensemble specializing in live performances of Slavic and East-European music using authentic folk instruments such as balalaikas and domras. Music CDs will be available for sale. Library Yarns Craft Group Second and Fourth Wednesdays, drop-in between 4:30-6:00 pm If you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, or another needlecraft, please join us at a twice-monthly, drop-in stitching circle. Meet up with other fiber art enthusiasts, learn new techniques, exchange ideas, or find inspiration for your next project. All skill levels welcome. Social Security: Understanding Your Benefits Monday, February 27, 6:30-7:30 pm Do you understand how Social Security works? Have you wondered what the difference between full, early, and delayed benefits are? This AARP workshop focuses on building an understanding of the implications of Social Security claiming decisions. You will discover what Social Security is and how to secure your benefits, as well as the future of Social Security. Build confidence in making a decision that is right for you! Mitten Knit Along Wednesday, March 1, 4:30 - 6:00 pm Over a series of four meetings, we will knit Tin Can Knits The World's Simplest Mittens pattern, "a perfect fast knit or a blank canvas for experimentation." With instructions for five sizes, from toddler to adult, and four yarn gauges (fingering, DK, worsted, and chunky), these mittens are highly customizable and suitable for knitters of all abilities. Knit them in a single yarn for a quick and easy knit or add colorwork for a more challenging project. All levels of knitters are welcome. Painting My Way Through Verona Thursday, March 2, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Verona artist, Jan Norsetter, joined a good-natured challenge in 2020, from Wisconsin painter friends to do a painting a day and post it on social media. Norsetter started learning a medium that was new to her and decided a painting a day would keep her engaged in continuing to understand gouache. Norsetter will present a slide show highlighting paintings from that year and her book, Gouaches. Books will be available for sale and signing. Make Peace With Your Inner Critic – In 3 Steps Monday, March 6, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Are you tired of doubting yourself and negative self-talk? Do you ever feel stuck or like an imposter? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, your Inner Critic is hard at work. Annie Notestein, Inner Peace and Purpose Coaching, will share her 3 steps to making peace with your Inner Critic to empower your life with self-esteem, confidence and happiness. Creating a Floral Arrangement Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Learn to create a lush garden style floral arrangement with Lisa of Sunborn Gardens. Using eco conscious and readily available mechanics you can transform any bunch of flowers to something amazing. The completed floral arrangement will be given away as a door prize. Senior Case Management Outreach Monday, March 13, Drop in between 2:00 – 3:00 pm A case manager from the Verona Senior Center will answer questions and provide resources for older adults and their caregivers. Contact Julie Larson at the Verona Senior Center at 608-845-7471 with questions. Ireland - A Colorful Tour of the Emerald Isle Wednesday, March 15, 6:30 - 7:30 pm In this fun and informative pictorial presentation, Joe Fahey, will discuss some of the key points of Irish culture, both past and present. Of course, no Irish discourse would be complete without visiting a few pubs to tilt a Guinness along the way! Slow Vinyasa Flow Yoga Thursday, March 23, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Join Karen O’Donnell, yoga teacher, for a joyful blend of meditation, mindfulness and flow. This class will work on shoulder opening, grounding in our practice and being present. Bring a yoga strap, towel or block for shoulder opening sequence. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or towel. The Value of Contributions by Citizen Scientists Thursday, March 30, 6:30 - 7:30 pm Interested in ecology? Want to make a difference though conservation? The Upper Sugar River Watershed Association will explain how the data that citizen scientists collect helps the WI Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to form a picture of habitat health that then informs and influences State DNR policies and laws. Exhibits Bits and Pieces - Art Exhibit March 1 – 29 Fiber Collective presents, Bits and Pieces, featuring art quilts, collages of fabric and paper, and whimsical watercolor paintings. Verona Area School District Art Exhibit May 2 – 25 Students from the Verona Area School District, grades K-12 will showcase their artistic talent. Outreach Events Outreach story times: Total daycare story time presentations: 9 Books ‘n Booze at Boulder Brewpub Thursday, January 26, 6:00–7:00 pm The group discussed A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy. Attendees: 17 YMCA After School Program at Stoner Prairie Tuesday, February 7, 4:15–4:45 pm A craft and book for the students at the afterschool program at Stoner Prairie. Attendees: 14 Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, February 8, 10:00–11:00 am The group discussed Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Attendees: 11 Sugar Creek Literacy Night Wednesday, February 15, 5:30–7:00 pm The library had card applications and books for checkout at Sugar Creek’s Love to Read event. Attendees: 53 Upcoming Outreach Events Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, February 21, 10:00–11:00 am The residents will meet to discuss The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria C. Murray. Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, February 23, 1:00–2:00 pm The group will be reading The Night Shift by Michael Connelly. Glacier Edge Literacy Night Thursday, February 23, 4:30–6:30 pm The library will bring a literacy activity and make library cards at Glacier Edge’s Family Literacy Night. Books ‘n Booze at Boulder Brewpub Thursday, February 23, 6:00–7:00 pm The group will be discussing The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova. YMCA After School Program at Stoner Prairie Tuesday, March 7, 4:15–4:45 pm Crafts and stories at the afterschool program at Stoner Prairie. Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, March 8, 10:00–11:00 am The group will be reading The Rose Code by Kate Quinn.  Verona Public Library Social Media Policy (DRAFT) I. Purpose of Policy The Verona Public Library uses various online social media services to provide a limited or designated public forum for sharing ideas, opinions, and information about Library-related subjects and issues. The audience of Verona Public Library’s social media is intended to be residents of the South Central Library System. II. Usage Rules Social media is not the mechanism used by the Library to document or address Library user problems and concerns, or influence library policy, procedures, or programs. All complaints or concerns should be emailed to vpl@veronapubliclibrary.org. The Verona Public Library reserves the right to remove messages or postings that it deems to be in violation of these usage rules. Content containing any of the following will be removed from any social media forum: 1. Obscene content, child pornography, or hate speech 2. Imminent or true threats against the library, library staff, or other users 3. Potentially libelous statements 4. Plagiarized or copyrighted material 5. Comments, links, or information unrelated to the library or the purpose of the forum 6. Commercial promotions or spam The Library reserves the right to ban or block users who have posted in violation of this policy. Any threatening comments or messages may be forwarded to local authorities. Users are expected to abide by the terms and conditions set by third party social media platforms as well as follow appropriate Federal and State laws. User’s posts that are removed will be securely retained for 1 year, with the exception of .posts that may contain illegal content, which will be released to the appropriate authorities. No posts will be removed without following the approved procedure and no content should be removed upon the authority of a single staff member or administrator. Content posted to library social media sites are the sole opinions of their owners and do not reflect the official views or policies of the Verona Public Library. The library is not responsible for, or liable for, any content posted by any participant in a library social media forum who is not a member of the library staff. III. Appeal Process Users of social media who have had their content deleted removed may submit an a written appeal to the Library Director at sburkart@veronapubliclibrary.org. Upon receipt, the Library Director or their designee will review the appeal and provide a response via email or traditional mail within 10 business days. Internship opportunities at the Verona Public Library Summer Youth Services LTE’s The library began offering summer LTE positions in 2010, we originally created these positions to cope with the increasing demand for programming for children and families with limited funding. From 2010-2018 we hired 2 summer LTE’s annually. We were able to increase permanent Youth Services staffing when we added Sunday hours, and have hired one part-time LTE per summer since 2019. This position functions like an internship, LTE’s get a variety of hands on experiences including planning and running events and programs, collection development, and reader’s advisory. Current wages are $18.25/hr (approximately 24 hours a week for 12 weeks). Out of the 19 LTE’s we have hired over the past twelve years, 18 have been LIS graduate students and all have gone on to work in the field of librarianship (and one has also become a successful children’s book author). Ripple Project Interns (grant funded by Beyond the Page, paid through Dane County Library Service) Our library will be participating in a paid internship placement this spring with the Ripple Project. The goal of this internship is to place BIPOC interns in Dane County libraries (grant funded but paid thru Dane County) and https://www.beyondthepage.info/ripple-internship- program. Pay rate is $15/hour. Social Work Interns (unpaid) This is an SCLS project currently under development to place UW-Madison and UW-Stevens Point social work students in public libraries. Students would do a variety of work including public programming, staff training, drop-in consultations, computer help, job & housing search help, etc. We expect the first placements in fall 2023. UW Madison iSchool practicum students (unpaid) The library has hosted many, many graduate students completing their required practicum placement through UW-Madison’s iSchool. Students gain experience in the area of librarianship they are most interested in – youth services, teen, reference, cataloging, administration, etc. This is an unpaid placement and the students receive course credit and fulfill a graduation requirement.