Job Opening: Technical Services Assistant

Technical Services Assistant

The Ripon Public Library is seeking qualified applicants for a part-time Technical Services Assistant - two positions available.

Duties include assisting patrons, processing new materials, and repairing damaged items.

Schedule consists of daytime hours with occasional nights and weekends, including Sundays, approximately 22 hours per week. Must be available for a combination of either an 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. shift OR a 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. shift at least four days a week.

B.S., B.A. or a combination of formal education and appropriate work experience required.  Exceptional attention to detail is required.  Proficiency with computers and strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.

$15.83 per hour.  Benefits include pro-rated vacation and floating holidays. 

Send cover letter and resume by December 9, 2019 to Ripon Public Library, 120 Jefferson St., Ripon, WI 54971 or to director@riponlibrary.org  EOE

DECEMBER 8 Dungeons and Dragons Campaign

Join our Role Playing Gaming Group for a Dungeons and Dragons Campaign on the second Sunday of each month at 1:00 P.M. at the library.

Role Playing games (RPGs) encourage storytelling and creativity as players assume character roles in a fictional setting. Most RPGs allow players to personalize their character by selecting their race, class, physical attributes, skills and abilities from descriptions in the gaming manuals for that particular gaming system.

Ages 13-adult or younger if accompanied by a parent.

Dec 11 Pajama Time - Cookie Celebration!

PAJAMA TIME!   WED DEC 11 @ 6:30 P.M.

It's the annual cookie celebration! This delightful event features crunchy, munchy, cookie-themed stories, songs, and activities including cookie decorating. (Gluten and lactose free options available.)

Pajama Time is a periodic, family friendly event with something for all ages - from preschoolers to elementary school kids, and even their accompanying adults! Pajamas are welcome for an easy bedtime transition.

DECEMBER 13 Adult NERF Battle

Gear up and have a blast at the Adult NERF Battle on Friday, December 13 at 6:00 P.M. at Ripon Public Library. This popular after-hours event is team-oriented and a great way to meet new people while being active! NERF dart-style ammo, flashing glow necklaces, and snacks provided. B.Y.O.B. (bring your own unmodified blaster) if you have one! "Elite" dart-style NERF guns only please. A small number of NERF blasters will be available to borrow during the event. The doors will be locked at 6:00 P.M. when the program starts. Please arrive beforehand to sign waivers. 

Dec 14 & 21 Solstice Celebration

SAT DEC 14 @ 10 A.M.—NOON  -  WINTER SOLSTICE LANTERN CRAFT

Drop-in craft—All supplies provided.

Craft your lantern today in preparation for a Winter Solstice Celebration,

including a community lantern walk on Saturday, December 21st.

 

SAT DEC 21 @ 4:30 P.M. -  WINTER SOLSTICE CELEBRATION & LANTERN WALK

with Carissa Sorensen & Linda DeCramer

This TINKERGARTEN-INSPIRED event is an opportunity to gather together with friends and family, bring light into the darkest night of the year, embrace nature's cycles, find wonder in winter, and see the beauty in darkness. Enjoy a winter story, a warm cozy drink, and a short walk on the Northwestern trail with lanterns lighting  the way. (Extra lanterns will be available.)

DRESS FOR COLD WEATHER as all these activities will happen outdoors around a cozy fire! If the weather is simply too beastly to be outdoors, but the roads are good, the event will take place inside the library. If the roads are questionable, check here or follow our Facebook page for cancellation info.

The 2020 Library Wonders Calendar!

LIBRARY WONDERS CALENDARS ARE IN, AND THEY ARE GORGEOUS! Get your limited edition copies while supplies last! This delightful 12-month wall calendar features area children in settings inspired by favorite children's books! It's the perfect gift for book lovers, educators, and the young at heart! There are multiple ways to get your calendars - 1 calendar = $15; 2 or more are $12.50 each.

Thanks to these generous business sponsors, every penny of your purchase goes directly toward funding a renovation of the library's children's department: Back Porch Gatherings, Knuth Brewing Co., Homan Auto Group, Surface & Surroundings, Visioncare Associates, Mr. & Mrs. P's, Vines & Rushes Winery, Del Monte Foods Inc., and Blue Bucket Photography.

1) Drop by any of these locations to purchase with cash or check: Ripon Public Library, Back Porch Gatherings, Knuth Brewing Co. and Webster's Marketplac . 2) Make your purchase online, for pick up at the library, or shipped with fees. LIBRARY WONDERS CREDIT CARD PURCHASE.

Local entrepreneur Mary Shudy, of Blue Bucket Photography, developed the artistic vision and lovingly masterminded the creation of this a one-of-a-kind wall calendar. ADDED BONUS - All proceeds from this fundraiser are dedicated toward a redesign and renovation of the Ripon Public Library children's department. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Sincerely,

Mary Shudy, www.bluebucketphotography.com

Linda DeCramer, Youth Services Librarian

Please direct questions to Linda DeCramer, 920-748-6160 or decramer@riponlibrary.org.

*The last update to the children’s department was 20 years ago. Since then, MUCH has changed in the world of public libraries! Additions to services and collections since 1999 include assorted technology, a circulating toy library, a makerspace collection, and an early literacy activity/resources center, with more to come. While these additions have been accommodated within the existing space, a renovation will greatly enhance access and usability for library patrons.

DECEMBER 17 Adult Game Night - Citadels (Variable Player Powers)

Get your game face on and enjoy modern board games at the library! This month, we are featuring "Citadels," a card drafting game that uses the variable player powers mechanism. This means that "each player has special actions that only they can perform, or that modify standard actions." In "Citadels", players have the opportunity to play a different character (with their special abilities) each round to try and build the best civilization. Vast the Crystal Caverns and Colt Express will also be available to play.

DECEMBER 27 Retro Gaming: Dance Dance Revolution & Mario Kart (For grades 6-12)

Get out of the house and get moving to some classic beats during a fast-moving game of Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) on the big screen! Mario Kart and Mario Party will also be available to play simultaneously on a second big screen. Join in on some old-school fun at the library on Friday, December 27 at 2:00 P.M.!  

JANUARY 10 Tean Trivia (Ages 14 - adult)

Exercise your brain! Test your knowledge during an evening of fun at Team Trivia at the library. No entry fee. Cash prizes will be awarded for teams that come in 1st ($100) and 2nd ($50). Team captains must register their team (limit of 8 participants per team) by calling 748-6160 or stopping by the library's circulation desk. Space is limited, so register your team to reserve your table. Check in is at 6:45 P.M. with trivia starting at 7 P.M. Please contact Adult/Teen Services Librarian, Mandy Sprague at msprague@riponlibrary.org or 748-6160  with any questions. For ages 14- adult. 

WEDNESDAYS NOV 6 - DEC 4 STORYTIMES

LITERACY (AND FUN) BASED STORYTIMES!

Adult & child participants enjoy an exciting mash-up of language, music, movement, and play with a focus on STEAM and early literacy learning activities!

SEPT 11 - OCT 9  AND NOV 6 - DEC 4

Bouncing Babies @ 9:15 a.m. (FOR 6 MONTHS TO 2 1/2 YRS)

Peppy Preschoolers @ 10:15 a.m. (FOR 2 1/2 YRS & up)

Pajama Time for Families @ 6:30 P.M. Wednesday Dec 11. It's the annual cookie celebration!
This delightful event features crunchy, munchy, cookie-themed stories, songs, and activities including cookie decorating. (Gluten and lactose free options available.)

Pajama Time is a periodic, family friendly event with something for all ages - from preschoolers to elementary school kids, and even their accompanying adults! Pajamas are welcome for an easy bedtime transition.

 Questions? Contact Children's Librarian Linda DeCramer | 920.748.6160 or decramer@riponlibrary.org

R.E.A.D. Reading Education Assistance Dog

Paws to R.E.A.D. with a READING EDUCATION ASSISTANCE DOG Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 P.M.

WHY READ TO A DOG?

Animals are ideal reading companions! They foster relaxation and listen attentively. When a dog is "listening" fear of failure is removed, allowing a reader  to progress at their own pace. The dog's handler is a skilled facilitator who provides subtle support without creating performance pressure in the child.

FREE DROP IN EVENT with READING REWARDS

For all dates, please call ahead to confirm scheduling - 920.748.6160. Please note these holiday season cancellations: No R.E.A.D. Wednesday, November 27 - Happy Thanksgiving! N0 R.E.A.D. December 18 through January 8. R.E.A.D. resumes January 15, 2020.

Click here for more info on the benefits of READING WITH AN ANIMAL.

 

FINE FORGIVENESS

Love Your Library!

Are overdue fines keeping youth you know away from the Ripon Public Library? They’re welcome back to clear up those fines with a fine forgiveness initiative, beginning Thursday February 14! Library users, 0-16 years old, are invited to read away their fines, with every hour spent reading at the library equal to $5.00 in fine forgiveness. A young child who is not yet reading can participate with an adult reader’s assistance. This initiative is made possible by an anonymous donor. Call 748-6160, or, visit the library for details.

Cyber Safety for kids

A new interactive cyber safety resource is available for parents & guardians! Created by the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to help keep kids safe online.

Cyber Safety Course

(Note, the course make take a few moments to load).

FREE Books for your child with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Ripon Reads Logo

The Ripon Area United Way is pleased to present the Imagination Library to Ripon children under the age of 5.

Call 920-345-READ (7323) or visit www.imaginationlibrary.com to register

What Is It?
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books beginning with the children's classic The Little Engine that Could. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. Best of all it is FREE! There is no cost or obligation to your family.

Introducing Our Digital Piano

Known for "More Than Books", the library expands its resources and repertoire with the joy of music! The library is pleased to announce the addition of a Yamaha Clavinova CLP-675 to its selection of unique resources for library patrons. The piano is available, by reservation, for library sponsored events and for free public use in the library's meeting rooms - including practice, programs and recitals, offered at no cost.

Funding from the fall 2017 Giving Tuesday campaign, plus individual donors Elizabeth Olson and Mandy and John Hughes, made the purchase possible.

Planning for a holiday concert and sing-along featuring area musicians of all ages is currently underway. For more information, or to participate in the concert, please contact Linda DeCramer, decramer@riponlibrary.org, or call 920-748-6160.

Book Discussion Group

Join us for the Friends of the Library book discussion group!  September's selection is the classic "Clock Dance" by Anne Tyler. Copies of book discussion selections are available to check out at the library while supplies last.

From Amazon.com:

A charming new novel of self-discovery and second chances from the best-selling, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Spool of Blue Thread.

Willa Drake can count on one hand the defining moments of her life. In 1967, she is a schoolgirl coping with her mother's sudden disappearance. In 1977, she is a college coed considering a marriage proposal. In 1997, she is a young widow trying to piece her life back together. And in 2017, she yearns to be a grandmother but isn't sure she ever will be. Then, one day, Willa receives a startling phone call from a stranger. Without fully understanding why, she flies across the country to Baltimore to look after a young woman she's never met, her nine-year-old daughter, and their dog, Airplane. This impulsive decision will lead Willa into uncharted territory--surrounded by eccentric neighbors who treat each other like family, she finds solace and fulfillment in unexpected places. A bewitching novel of hope and transformation, Clock Dance gives us Anne Tyler at the height of her powers.