Here are great ideas and good news from around the Winnefox Library System:

⇒ The 2nd annual creative auction at Campbellsport Public Library raised $2100, which will be used to purchase materials for the library's collection.  Not only did Stephanie build and maintain interest in the campaign by frequently posting to Facebook photos of donations, but she also created a Pinterest board full of creative ideas to encourage donations of handmade artwork and refurbished furniture.

⇒ Neenah Public Library is circulating Roku players to let patrons stream a select number of movies and TV shows. (A Roku player connects directly to a TV and a high-speed Internet connection to deliver content from sources like Netflix.)  They also hosted a Doctor Who party during Halloween week.

⇒ Oshkosh Public Library has launched a Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) campaign featuring people in the community who value the services and resources of the library. "The theme is Are You Library People?  The stories highlight reasons why community members value the library, and are meant to encourage users to tell others about their library experiences. The goal is to generate positive word-of-mouth in the community about OPL, because many experts agree that word-of-mouth is one of the most powerful types of marketing! They plan to post customer stories on the library's website and on the big screen on the 1st floor, share them via social media, and by posters around the library. The stories will also be featured on a billboard (corner of Murdock & Harrison) and on two Go Transit bus boards.

⇒ Fond du Lac County Executive Allen Buechel will receive the Wisconsin Library Association Citation of Merit for his contribution to libraries, an award bestowed upon Wisconsin citizens who have made outstanding contributions to quality library services, but who are neither librarians nor library trustees. Nominated by directors of the 7 Fond du Lac County libraries, the nomination "cited Buechel’s 'unique level of support' for county libraries during a time of financial hardship that included a four-year plan increasing county support for library services to rural residents and a pledge that no library would receive a reduction in funding." Buechel and other award winners will be feted at a celebratory reception at the WLA Conference on Thursday November 6th.

⇒ Spillman Public Library started a Creative Writer's Group which will be a monthly gathering place for aspiring novelists, songwriters, poets, short story writers, and storytellers.

⇒ The Mill Pond Library in Kingston raised $3342 at their fundraising auction at the Dalton Town Hall, which will go towards buying a new photocopier, replacing a pressure tank, and purchasing library materials.  Auctioneer Wayne Yoder of Wautoma donated his skills, and people bid on items ranging from a vintage monkey wrench quilt made and donated by the St. Mary's Quilters, a riding lawn mower, prom dresses, and even 2 Green Bay Packer tickets for the game against the Carolina Panthers.

⇒ Patrons can now check out rubber stamps to use with Patterson Memorial Library's Card Creators Kit to create unique greeting cards.

⇒ As part of the Green Lake Association’s "Urban Education Initiative," the new Ripon Public Library Rain Garden "serves both an educational and functional purpose, increasing awareness about the impact of water runoff in urban areas, while also effectively mitigating the impact through sustainable landscaping."  The library will soon be installing a kiosk that explains the function of a rain garden, as well as identifying the specific plants and materials used for this project.

⇒ The Leon-Saxeville Library in Pine River held a Chocolate Frenzy Event at the Saxeville Town Hall that "received heavy attendance" gathered to taste-test and vote on entries that included chocolate-covered bacon.  (Insert Homer Simpson drool sound-effect here.)

⇒ Brandon Public Library has purchased a 3D printer and is hosting workshops to educate patrons on "how 3D printing works, what it is, how to use it, what the potential is, and what to expect in the future", and has had articles featured in area newspapers.

image credit: Photo Art by Sharon Olk's Facebook Page