Thanks to our donors’ annual fund contributions, Madison Public Library Foundation will give $86,000 in grants to Madison Public Library for the following purposes in 2018.
High-Use and New Media Collection, $30,000: Patrons will notice enhancements and updates to collections in high-use media areas. Dollars also will support testing new media formats and replacing popular materials at all nine libraries.
Professional Development for New and Hourly Staff, $25,000: Approximately 27 staff members will be able to represent the library at national and local conferences. The funds will also pay for the newest member of the Maintenance Department to attend an HVAC class at Madison College to help keep facilities running smoothly, and support hourly staff to attend two hours of training throughout the year.
Taking the Wonders of Learning Home, $11,000: This exhibit, to be located in the Rotunda Gallery in Overture Center for the Arts, is a way to draw attention to The Wonders of Learning collaborative exhibit at Central Library. It’s also an opportunity to engage community in conversation about best practices with young children.
Technology Updates, $10,000: The library will increase wireless access points, and improve laptop availability and function at all nine locations; and update AV systems at Alicia Ashman, Goodman South and Sequoya libraries.
Director’s Discretionary Funds, $5,000: These dollars are reserved for use by the library director when smaller, worthy projects and opportunities arise.
Staff Day, $5,000: This annual inservice day allows library staff to share ideas and best practices, celebrate successes, and learn from each other and from community speakers.
Staff Day is a rare opportunity for all library employees to gather together and discuss their work experiences.