It’s been a long time since our staff at Madison Public Library Foundation have seen you — and since you’ve seen them! In the coming months, we’ll be sharing some updates from staff members about what they’ve been up to since they began working from home last spring. First up is Foundation Manager Tracy Phillippi.

Two years ago, my family made it our mission to visit every state park in Wisconsin within five years — to camp, swim or hike! So far this summer, we’ve been to 19 (of 48) state parks, with plans to hike at a few more this fall. My 5-year-old daughter has learned to swim without a life jacket, and my 3-year-old has discovered his love for collecting sticks for the campfire. The silver lining of social distancing! 

We also moved into a newly built home in June, and started planting wildflowers and strawberries in our container gardens. Planting flowers and fruit to enjoy in 2021 gives us something to look forward to and teaches the littles some much-needed patience. We’ve tried to make the most of this strange time by building a fire pit and setting up an outdoor projector for Packers games with the neighbors.

In January, we’ll welcome our third child — and the first Madison Public Library Foundation office baby!