HomeMy WebLinkAboutattachment3Oshkosh Public Library Highlights
June 2021
1. Local History and Genealogy Librarian Michael McArthur was recognized by Learning in
Retirement with their Community Partner Award for his “significant contribution to the
University of Wisconsin Learning in Retirement program during the 2020-2021 program year.”
OPL has been doing presentations for LIR for several years, covering local history, technology
and a variety of other topics for this group of active life-long learners. Congratulations Michael!
2. Two new efforts that offer personalized services for adults launched at OPL recently:
Book-a-Librarian is a 30-minute in-person or online session, by appointment, with a staff
member for assistance using library resources and digital services; personalized book
recommendations; building technology skills and more. A previous version of the serviced
focused primarily on technology, so this expansion will likely be welcomed by patrons who look
to the library for assistance with a broader range of topics.
Book Bundles, which became a staple for children and families during the pandemic, are now
available to adults. Patrons fill out an online form to indicate the types of books that interest
them and a staff member selects up to ten titles that match those preferences. OPL has always
offered reading recommendations, but Book Bundles packages the service and broadens access
– especially for those patrons who can’t visit or contact the library during our regular hours.
3. Despite the limits imposed by the pandemic, library staff was able to flex their approach to
summer reading outreach, getting the word out to numerous schools, community groups and
local organizations.
Children & families:
• Staff visited (in person or via Zoom) 42 elementary school classes, reaching a total of 1,030
students.
• OPL participated in Family Night at the Boys & Girls Club, interacting with dozens of families
and handing out STEAM kits.
• About 50 kids and teens signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge at the OPL booth
during the June 4 Farmers Market.
• OPL was a special guest at Wild Wednesday at the Menominee Park Zoo on June 6, offering
a storytime and SRC signups to 17 participants.
Teens
• Our Teen Services Librarian conducted virtual visits with four different Oshkosh schools
speaking with more than 200 students.
4. All full-time staff in Information Services are now notaries. This means that OPL can now offer
the service every day that the library is open, including evenings and weekends. Notary service
is free and available by appointment. Schedule online at calendly.com/oshkoshpubliclibrary or
by calling 920-236-5205.