Good news for anyone who wasn't able to attend the 2009 Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Annual Conference:

Slides and handouts from conference presenters' sessions are starting to appear at the WAPL 2009 conference web page.

Here are the presentations posted so far:

You can help the Association for Rural & Small Libraries help you by taking 15 minutes to fill out their Rural/Small Town Libraries & Community Connections survey.

Your survey responses will be used to design and promote training resources that aid small and rural library directors and in cultivating relationships with key players in their communities.

Sandy Zuehlke (director of Coloma Public Library) shared this fundraising success story:

In January 2009 the Coloma Area Historical Society (CAHS) held its "hugely successful" 2nd annual Chili Cook-Off.  It drew ten competing teams from local businesses, business owners, and the general public.  Over 150 people attended the event, held in the Coloma community center, and it was standing room only!

Enter ProQuest's drawing to attend the 2009 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago, July 10-13, 2009.

Tip from Mark Arend:

Interested in getting an automatic external defibrillator (AED) in your library?  Contact the Secretary of your local Masonic Lodge.  The Wisconsin Masonic Grand Lodge is providing matching grants to fund the placement of AEDs in schools and other public buildings.

Get details at the Project ADAM page.

Tired of the book sales and bake sales?

The Libri Foundation's list of fundraising ideas offers 68 fundraising, ideas including ethnic potlucks, historic home tours, plant sales, and more.

All of the ideas have been successful fundraisers for Friends groups or other library supporters in rural communities.

Linda Steffen (director of Patterson Memorial Library in Wild Rose) shared this young adult / teen collection development tip:

To help find out what kids are reading ask the high school library staff what's getting a lot of use.  You can also check the book aisle at Wal-Mart.