Libraries and cultural organizations are powerful institutions in their communities and make a powerful partner for solving big problems. Our access to information, our ability to distinguish good information from bad, our ability to educate, our community networks, and the trust we’ve built with patrons and partners are critical assets we bring to any table. We are delighted to share three stories of libraries in Wisconsin working with local organizations in coalitions to foster strong and resilient communities.
Sarah Sugden, Director of the Brown County Public Library in Green Bay, is bringing the library’s expertise and resources to Reading for the Future. Featuring three collaborative action teams with members from across community sectors, Reading for the Future is a community initiative to improve third-grade reading in Brown County. Brown County Library is a founding partner of Reading for the Future, and BCL staff and Board members serve on all action teams.
Nick Demske, Executive Director, and Joana Jackson, Adult Services Librarian, at the Racine Public Library are involved in two important coalitions. The first is the Participatory Defense Hub that seeks to empower individuals navigating the court process towards their case’s best outcome. The Hub is built of community stakeholders including those who have had to go through the legal system themselves, their loved ones, faith-based community leaders, social support advocates, and more. These individuals come together weekly to help people connect with resources and provide understanding of the process of their case. The second is the Mary Finley & Marcie Eanes Memorial Black History Month Read-In, which celebrates the contributions of historical and contemporary Black writers. The effort is led by a diverse committee of local organization leaders, community members, and library staff that collaborate to give the Read-In a fresh roster of readers and activities. After ten years, this project has exposed the community to a vast spread of Black literary heroes both old and new and provided opportunities for literary engagement and community connection.
Angela Meyers, Coordinator of Youth and Inclusive Services at the Bridges Library System and Kelly Nelson, Adult Services Manager at the Pewaukee Public Library will share information about the Library Memory Project, a collaboration among 21 public libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties, part of the Bridges Library System. It offers memory cafés and educational programs on brain health to support individuals living with memory loss and their care partners. Memory cafés provide a welcoming space for social engagement and connection. Angela and Kelly work together to create a supportive and engaging experience for participants.
Stay to ask questions of our presenters and then to hear a little bit about the year that was and the year ahead for WiLS.
Our membership meeting is open to anyone interested in attending, not just current WiLS members, so bring a friend. The meeting will also be recorded and shared to our YouTube channel. If you have any questions, connect with us at information@wils.org.
WiLS is dedicated to providing collaborative and community experiences that are free from all forms of harassment and inclusive of all people. Please, be kind.
See our Code of Conduct for details.
