Oshkosh Public Library: Connecting through community conversations

“A great community library reflects a great community.”

Sandy Toland, community engagement librarian at Oshkosh Public Library, is a key part of the library’s commitment to literacy, learning and the importance of reliable information.

Through activities such as providing tech assistance at the Oshkosh Seniors Center, facilitating library card sign-ups, participating in Neighborhood Night Out events, delivering presentations, offering book recommendations, and attending community events, Sandy is always looking (and listening) for ways to enhance library services.

If you would like to connect your Oshkosh area business or organization to some of the cool things the library has to offer, contact Sandy at toland@oshkoshpubliclibrary.org.

Coloma Public Library: A New Look for the Next Generation of Library Visitors

Through community efforts the Coloma library has new carpet after 30 years. “Our carpet was at the point where there was holes and large areas that would no longer come clean,” commented director Deb Sadowski. “We knew it was a project that needed to be done but the cost was intimidating.”

“With a structure grant from Winnefox, we went to the village and township looking for matching municipality grants,” said Deb.  “Once we got those, we knew we had the ball rolling.” 

The library held several fundraisers, silent auctions, raffle baskets as well as sending letters to local businesses and farms. 

“I was amazed at the generosity of the community,” said Deb. “One of the most precious gifts we received was the $1 donations put in the jar each week by one of our 90-year-old patrons.”

“Perhaps the best reward of the remodel was on the Saturday of the grand re-opening, a grandma sat down on the floor and read to her grandchildren.” Deb continued, “A floor that used to be so bad that no one would sit on it.”  

North Fond du Lac Library: Feeding minds and bodies

The North Fond du Lac community recently celebrated the addition of a Village Hope Pantry to the Spillman Public Library. It will be stocked for those in need of hygiene, baby, or nonperishable food items. This resource was made possible thanks to many organizations, individuals, and area businesses.

The opening of the Village Hope Pantry was marked with an original poem, written for the occasion by Jeffrey McAndrew, named Spillman Public Library's inaugural Poet Laureate March 2023.

Contact the library at 920-929-3771 with any question about the Pantry or Poet Laureate program.