Blogs

The Ripon Public Library has released its report on the accomplishments of its 2008-2011 long-range plan. The three-year plan stressed that the Ripon Public Library maintain and improve its ability to carry out its mission: providing materials to service the informational, recreational and educational needs of the community. In doing so, “it should develop itself in a way that takes into account the changing nature of the times and, also, it should be more active and more visible as a community citizen and contributor to the building of our community.”

Highlights from the long-range objectives are as follows:

• The library has increased its partnerships with other community organizations, working on projects and events over the past three years with the Ripon Historical Society, Ripon Medical Center, Ripon College, Ripon Area School District and Ripon Area Chamber of Commerce.

• The library board examined space needs within the library and determined that there was a need for a dedicated story time room. Construction on the room was completed in late 2010 and story time attendance has increased in the new location.

• The library developed a floor plan for a teen space and applied for several grants to help cover the cost. While no grants have been received to date, the library was a runner-up in a library makeover contest sponsored by Demco, a library supplier. Ripon’s entry was chosen as one of fifteen finalists based on the quality of the project, and one winner was randomly selected. The teen space project will be reevaluated as part of the next long-range plan.

• Meeting room policies were revised to allow for more use of the rooms by area organizations and businesses.

• The library commissioned and adopted a new logo in 2009, designed by Winnefox Library System staff, and completely redesigned the website to make it more effective and easier to use.

• Computer instruction has been offered to patrons, both in class settings and individually. The latter will resume this fall with topics including Internet, email and social networking skills.

• The library has had slight increases in its materials budget, maintained its hours of operation and added a part-time position. As a result, it has continued to fare well according to the Wisconsin Public Library Standards issued in August 2010 by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. Circulation increased from 146,708 items loaned in 2007 to 167,677 items loaned in 2010.

For a complete report of the library’s recent accomplishments, or to offer suggestions for the next long-range plan, please contact the library at 920-748-6160 or view the complete report online.

Have you ever wanted to say something really great about your library? Well, now is the perfect time! We're looking for patrons (individuals, couples, families) who have had a positive experience at our library and would be willing to share that with the community. This would include providing a short testimonial about your experience, and having a picture taken of you (preferably at the library) for use in the Ripon Chamber of Commerce's "Think Local First" campaign. Support businesses that support your community!

Are you willing to give us a hand? If so, please contact the library ASAP (in person, by phone: 920-748-6160, or email: director@riponlibrary.org)

The library has two DVD copies of the July 28th, 2011 14th Senate District Candidate Forum available for checkout.  The DVDs will check out for 14 days and may be picked up at the desk.  The DVDs are available on a first come, first served basis.

City of Ripon Common Council meetings are also available on DVD.  The library currently has one DVD with meetings from 3/8/11 to 6/14/11 available.  The call number is 320.854 Common and it is shelved in the nonfiction videos.  It checks out for a week and may be placed on hold; to find it in the catalog (http://webcat.winnefox.org) search "City of Ripon Common Council" as the title or keywords.  DVDS of meetings will be added every three months or so and the library will keep them for approximately one year.