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Director's Column

Letting It Go at the Library

by | Feb 13, 2026 | Winter Programs

2-13-2026

The weather has taken a delightful turn; however, at the library we are hoping at least a trace of snow will remain for our Frozen Party on Thursday, February 19th at 1:00-2:30.

Miss Maria’s plans for the February ETCSD’s inservice day is much more in line with our Boo! At the Library or the school district’s own Halloween Bash. The programming space will have various stations set up beginning with a Sing-a-Long set up on the television. Let’s face it, the singing won’t be confined to that area, only directed by it.

Activities and games will include a snowbell toss, painting with Epson salts, Frozen bingo, cutting out snowflakes, building a snowman, and Frozen Trouble. Participants will all receive a paper tiara and snacks. In the main floor there will be a scavenger hunt with blue suckers and Hershey’s Kisses are rewards for finishing. 

No reservations are necessary and participants may stop in at any time during the program.

Thursday will be a busy day for Miss Maria as Thursday mornings 10:00-11:30 is our weekly Preschool Playgroup and Teen Thursdays begins at 3:15.

This week’s Library Board meeting was pushed to Wednesday as Tuesday, February 11th was Library Legislative Day. Organized by the Wisconsin Library Association, this annual event takes place every second Tuesday in February. (Locally translated into rescheduling our board meeting every February, but they didn’t ask if the date was good for us.) Participants meet at the Best Western Premier Park Hotel at 8:00 am for breakfast and speeches. This year’s speakers were Rep. Tony Kurtz, Legislative Aid Danielle Zimmerman, Rep. Karen Hurd, Rep. Tip McGuire, Sen. Mary Felzkowski, Dr. Jill Underly, and Gov. Tony Evers. They always have kind words to say about the importance of public libraries.

That is followed by meetings with Senators and Representatives or their legislative aides as the legislature is in session. WLA schedules all the meetings in order to make the best use of everyone’s time. Last year was a budget year, so advocating for continued fiscal support was the primary focus. This year is not. Instead of libraries tell patron stories and show the impact they make. It’s a year to give thanks for what that funding helps support.

Last year was my first year in attendance. It was a bit strange just hanging out in the Capitol building waiting for my next appointment. It truly is a working facility. Except for the heating units. They only work in certain areas of the building.

Reading Now: I’m in the middle of moving. Give me another week and I may be able to read again.

Listening to Now: Out of Oz by Gregory Maguire (Hoping I’m finished unpacking before the 29 hours are over.)

Tami Bartoli

Tami Bartoli

Library Director

Interests – Reading, community, and being a dance mom (not like on tv).
Favorite books – Currently recommending Joy Ellis series Jackman & Evans: police procedural set in the English fens.

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