November 2022

Dear Friends of the Fitchburg Library,

With a grateful heart, I post this end-of-year message.  Grateful for the return to regular library operating hours and various library summer in-house and outreach activities.  Grateful to interact face-to-face with many Friends who give their time volunteering in the library.  But most of all, grateful for the unending support of all of you – the members of the Friends of the Fitchburg Library.

The Friends of the Fitchburg Library provided financial and volunteer support for several summer programs.  The Summer Reading Program, “Oceans of Possibilities,” offered pre-readers, elementary school students, and teens opportunities to engage in reading, writing, listening, and talking experiences.  FoFL hosted five family-friendly events: a petting zoo, magic show, music and comedy show, Dane County Trash Lab, and the Kids Drum Circle.  During these events, volunteers assisted with activities and games, talked with families and children about library programs, encouraged FoFL membership, and distributed take-home craft projects.

Two outreach programs were held to increase awareness of Fitchburg Library resources and programs.  Pop Up Library in the Park was offered for eight weeks in various Fitchburg parks, especially those located in areas of Fitchburg where residents have difficulty getting to the library.  Fun in the Park was held on three Thursday evenings at Southdale Park.  Fun in the Park was sponsored by the Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce, Fitchburg Police and Fire Departments, and other local non-profit organizations.  Its purpose was to reach out to Town of Madison residents who joined the city of Fitchburg on November 1, 2022.  FoFL volunteers talked about the benefits of a library card, distributed free books to children and teens, and assisted with games and coloring activities.  A FoFL Board Member commented, “Fitchburg families enthusiastically participated in these outreach activities that connected them to library resources.”  Two summer interns were funded by FoFL to assist with these programs.

In early 2022, FoFL purchased new AWE Learning Computers for the library. 

Recently, we received a “Wish List” from the library staff for iPads for the Children’s Library, gaming systems for the Teen Room, and an iPad for outreach programs.  In addition, we hope to support the library’s plan for a “Book Barn,” a larger scale Little Library, that will be placed in a former Town of Madison area recently annexed to the City of Fitchburg.

I close with two requests.  First, if you can financially support the Friends in reaching its goal of $5000 for the above technology enhancement purchases, donations can be mailed to Friends of the Fitchburg Library, Inc, 5530 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI  53711.   Or, to make an online donation, please click on this link:  https://friendsoffitchburglibrary.com/donate.

My second request is that you consider volunteering for any of the opportunities offered by FoFL – the summer programs, used book sales, and outreach programs.  In addition, we are looking for new board members who will bring fresh ideas to the Friends.  Please email me at fofl@friendsoffitchburglibrary.com. I am happy to visit with you about any of the above.

Sincerely,

Ken Martin

President, Friends of Fitchburg Library