September 2, 2026 - Library Board Agenda & Packet

AGENDA Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 608-845-7180 Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Library Conference Room Call to order • Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of 8/5/26 • Review and approval of the August 2026 invoices • Public Comments • City Council Liaison’s report • Library Director's report • Old Business 1. Discussion of 2027 library budget VPL Board Meeting Minutes Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Present: Burkart, Conwell, Franke, Harrison, Miller, Spencer Absent: Hopp, Jones Call to order: Conwell called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Harrison, seconded by Franke, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 1, 2026. Motion carried. Harrison motioned, seconded by Miller, to approve the July 2026 invoices. Motion carried. Public Comments: None City Council Liaison Report: City of Verona AI update Library Director’s Report: New circulation system continues to struggle with some data, speed, etc., library is busy and going well Old Business: 1. Discussion regarding 2027 budget New Business: None Adjournment: A motion was made by Harrison, seconded by Miller, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:16 pm. The next meeting will be held on September 2, at 6:30pm. Jones up next for minutes Director’s Report Verona Public Library, August 2026 Circulation Items circulated: this includes all items checked out and renewed from the library, including items requested by patrons from other libraries. Items Circulated 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 47,842 49,310 48,218 47,722 46,024 47,823 February 43,611 44,262 47,599 46,003 42,218 44,739 March 50,643 52,126 50,433 52,026 49,314 50,908 April 41,796 47,280 45,552 46,674 47,514 45,763 May 41,616 46,806 43,352 44,226 42,775 43,755 June 52,548 58,000 57,330 59,454 52,827 56,032 July 53,875 61,051 60,127 58,102 52,448 57,121 August 55,597 55,179 58,081 55,184 56,010 September 47,037 46,523 45,429 45,066 46,011 October 45,869 47,097 47,785 42,440 45,798 November 42,023 46,203 44,975 43,939 44,285 December 44,901 44,005 43,655 42,000 43,640 Total 331,931 594,262 591,618 594,132 561,749 585,438 New Library Cards: The number of new library accounts created each month for patrons who reside in the City of Verona, does not reflect patrons’ “home library” selection. Due to the ILS migration, data for April –July is not available yet. New Library Cards 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 148 212 171 188 119 168 February 149 106 176 137 149 143 March 119 212 189 176 155 170 April 119 150 152 129 138 May 108 124 142 140 129 June 197 262 290 344 273 July 206 217 218 239 220 August 207 195 212 206 205 September 121 136 141 141 135 October 114 187 170 150 155 November 122 148 119 144 133 December 111 117 128 122 120 Total 416 1,835 2,072 2,073 2,038 2,005 Holds Filled: Number of items checked out from our hold shelves per month, includes items pulled from our collection and items sent from other SCLS libraries. Due to the ILS migration, data for April –July is not available yet. Holds Filled 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 11,477 12,733 11,436 11,882 12,153 11,936 February 10,552 10,100 11,303 10,432 9,722 10,422 March 11,038 11,003 11,091 12,068 10,837 11,227 April 11,034 10,423 10,065 10,780 10,576 May 11,057 10,275 10,358 9,446 10,284 June 11,357 10,845 11,473 10,202 10,969 July 11,910 11,440 10,819 9,537 10,929 August 10,827 10,781 11,192 10,631 10,858 September 10,740 10,620 10,496 10,395 10,563 October 10,363 10,847 10,678 9,434 10,337 November 9,431 10,210 10,129 9,839 9,902 December 9,909 9,743 9,665 9,010 9,952 Total 33,067 130,464 129,014 129,257 121,986 127,680 Reference Reference Statistics July 2026 Computer Lab Use: 752 Test Proctoring: 5 exams Outer Library Loans: 64 requests Personal Archiving Lab Sessions: 5 Library Visits: the number of people who pass through the front entrance of the library, as recorded by the automated people counting sensor. Library Visits 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 18,202 18,476 16,183 16,114 10,780 15,951 February 17,722 17,627 18,492 15,945 11,193 16,196 March 20,100 20,406 19,457 18,160 13,628 18,397 April 18,925 20,127 17,727 18,062 16,488 18,266 May 18,098 18,158 17,169 16,049 12,366 16,368 June 23,767 24,154 23,528 22,204 16,624 22,055 July 24,159 25,821 23,261 20,232 17,057 22,106 August 23,134 22,187 22,619 18,830 21,693 September 17,974 17,053 14,958 13,890 15,969 October 19,427 19,832 17,011 14,009 17,570 November 16,624 16,116 16,152 15,729 16,155 December 17,187 15,805 16,190 13,552 16,434 Total 140,973 239,115 226,810 213,696 174,146 213,442 Reference Questions: Number of questions answered per month that qualify as reference questions as defined by the WI Department of Public Instruction. Changes reference question criteria were implemented in September 2024. Reference Questions 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 1,464 1,338 1,929 1,640 1,061 1,486 February 1,351 1,260 2,161 1,638 1,653 1,613 March 1,540 1,489 1,989 1,830 1,758 1,721 April 1,582 1,747 2,004 1,896 1,226 1,691 May 1,381 1,223 1,995 2,031 1,117 1,549 June 1,609 1,678 2,638 2,487 2,183 2,119 July 1,541 1,734 2,144 2,058 1,691 1,834 August 1,519 2,242 2,331 2,075 2,042 September 1,491 1,490 1,837 1,341 1,540 October 1,492 1,804 1,840 1,566 1,676 November 1,235 1,340 1,836 1,628 1,510 December 1,307 1,431 1,835 1,356 1,482 Total 8,927 17,513 23,394 23,259 18,655 20,649 Meeting/Study Room Use: The total number of meeting room reservations for the Community Room, Conference Room, and Study Rooms each month as recorded by library room reservation software. Note: The Local History Room was repurposed to staff office space May 2026. Room Use 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 Average January 568 647 560 474 164 483 February 604 636 674 487 206 521 March 575 661 575 524 272 521 April 626 675 569 506 305 536 May 538 606 551 509 328 506 June 522 565 519 422 314 472 July 532 636 490 423 316 479 August 565 499 538 411 534 September 588 521 172 327 402 October 664 676 512 398 563 November 554 634 528 453 542 December 529 591 495 396 503 Total 3,965 7,326 6,859 5,590 3,890 5,952 Collection Management Number of items added to and deleted from the library collection through March 2026. Due to the ILS migration, data for April - July is not available yet. Our summer practicum student began a condition-based weeding project of juvenile graphic novels that identified quite a bit of materials in worn but not technically damaged condition. Items Added Books Audio Video games Video Other Magazines Total January 881 2 4 21 0 107 1,015 February 930 6 3 13 12 112 1,076 March 1,046 23 14 31 4 88 1,206 April May June July August Sept. October November December Total 2,857 31 21 65 16 307 3,297 Items Deleted Books Audio Video games Video Other Magazines Total January 1129 2 0 24 7 209 1,371 February 456 3 0 3 1 50 513 March 986 22 13 20 4 48 1,093 April May June July August Sept. October November December Total 2,571 27 13 47 12 307 2,977 Personnel and Staff Development Reference staff presented the session Make Do and Mend: Repairing Board Game and Kit Collections at DPI’s Play Make Learn annual conference on July 9 and 10. The Youth Services Summer LTE and summer practicum student both finished their time with the library in mid-August. Equipment and Physical Facilities Nothing to report. Administration and Internal Operations The library management team continued work on the 2027 budget. Marketing and Public Relations Facebook graphics & web/tv slides: 73 Fliers and bookmarks: 62 FB posts: 100 Instagram posts/reels: 2 FB followers: 6,096 Insta followers: 2,147 July Events Newsletter 1: 9,057 recipients; In the spotlight: Summer Library Program July Events Newsletter 2: 9,069 recipients; In the spotlight: New Children’s Area Mural (with link to donate) Library System and Interagency Cooperation Reference staff attended a WLA board meeting and started a pilot program to test if a webinar series would be a value add for WAPL membership. Participation in the Adult Summer Reading program has nearly tripled with over 1200 bingo cards taken. Madison Public Library reached out for detailed instructions on running a similar program next year. Staff attended Cataloging/Serials, and Reports Town Hall meetings held by South Central Library System to discuss the ongoing ILS migration issues. Fundraising The endowment fund received two memorial donations this month totaling $2500. Exhibits A New Moon Rises: September 14 - October 27 Fifty years after the Apollo Moon landings, get ready to see the Moon as you’ve never seen it before. The Moon is not the same place as when astronauts last stepped foot on it. A New Moon Rises, a Build-It-Yourself exhibition from the Smithsonian, features stunning large-scale photographs of the lunar surface captured by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Cameras (LROC) between 2009 and 2015. The highly detailed photographs reveal a celestial neighbor that is surprisingly dynamic and full of grandeur and wonder. Made possible by the Verona Public Library Endowment Fund. A New Moon Rises Kickoff Celebration Monday, September 14, 4:30 – 6:00 pm Join us as we kick-off our latest traveling exhibit, A New Moon Rises! Celebrate with cake, punch, and favors, and view the spectacular photos taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC). Over the six weeks of the exhibit, there will be programming related to the Moon for all ages, including crafts, storytimes, educational talks, and even a chance to see actual samples from the Moon. Space Trivia Night Monday, September 14, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Designed for ages 6 - adult. Have fun and test your knowledge at a space-themed trivia night! Questions will vary in difficulty and what age they appeal to, so all ages are encouraged to team up together. Snacks will be provided. Badger Talk: Lunar and Meterorite Samples Show and Tell Thursday, September 17, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Join Bennett Wilson of the UW-Madison Department of Geology for a discussion of the Moon and its surface and enjoy a unique opportunity to view samples of the Moon as well as meteorites! Bennett Wilson's research explores how liquid water altered the earliest asteroids in our solar system, and the role these bodies may have played in the origin of life. Using meteorites and mission returned samples from hydrated asteroids, he targets alteration minerals with high-precision mass spectrometry and nanoscale spectroscopic techniques to understand how water-rock interactions produced new minerals and organic compounds. This work constrains the conditions under which biorelevant organics and minerals may have emerged on small planetary bodies. 8 Days: To the Moon and Back Movie Screening Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Join Apollo 11 on its historic journey via this incredible movie. Using a blend of mission audio featuring conversations among Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins with new footage, NASA archive materials, and stunning CGI, this movie recreates the thrill of the first lunar landing. The Moon to Mars: NASA’s Artemis Program Thursday, October 1, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Thomas Beatty, Professor of Astronomy at UW-Madison will be here to talk about NASA's Artemis program. According to its goals, through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build on our foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. Dr. Beatty will cover the history of the program from its inception to the recently completed Artemis II mission and what is next. Parent/Child Book Club: The Girl Who Drank the Moon Tuesday, October 6, 5:30pm – 6:30pm In October, Parent/Child Book Club will discuss the novel The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. Share the love of reading! Parent/Child Book Club is for kids ages 8-11 and their parents/caregivers. Each month, we will discuss a novel and enjoy activities and snacks related to the book. Books will be available for checkout at the Youth Services Desk approximately one month before the event. Adult Craft: Moon Ornaments Wednesday, October 7, 6:00pm – 7:30pm Make beautiful crescent moon-shaped ornaments out of felt and sequins. Use them as holiday decor, in your car, as bag charms, or whatever you like! Favorite Books & Bites: Moon Base Alpha Series Monday, October 12, 4:00pm – 5:00pm Discuss the Moon Base Alpha series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the books.Pick up a copy of the first book of the series, Space Case by Stuart Gibbs at the children's desk to read in advance, or if you're already a fan, just sign up and join us. Moon Story Time Wednesday, October 14, 6:30pm – 7:00pm For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about the Moon! Starlab: Exploring the Night Sky Friday, October 23, 2026 10:00 – 11:15am, 12:30 – 1:45pm, 2:15 – 3:30pm, 4:00 – 5:15pm For all ages. Explore the night sky in a Starlab Portable Planetarium! Presented by Paul Kinzer, director of Seeing Stars, an organization that aims to make exploration of the night sky easy and fun for schools and libraries. Please register for only one session and sign up each person who will be entering the portable planetarium. Full Moon Luminary Hike Monday, October 26, 5:30pm – 7:30pm (Rain date will be October 27) For all ages. Celebrate the magic of a full moon and the fun of Halloween with an evening of family-friendly outdoor adventure! Join Dane County Parks, the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and Verona Public Library for a special full moon hike at Badger Prairie County Park. Enjoy a self-guided, at your own pace, one-mile loop hike along the Ice Age Trail, illuminated by festive luminaries. Decorate your own walking stick and warm up with s'mores, hot cocoa, and cider at the Badger Prairie Park shelter. Stop by the Verona Public Library parking lot to create a moon-themed craft. Please note: This is an outdoor event, participants are encouraged to bring a headlamp or flashlight. To help ensure a comfortable experience for all guests, please leave dogs at home for this event. Mammoth Hike Challenge participants will earn 5 bonus miles for attending. Library Events and Programs 1000 Books before Kindergarten 21 kids were registered this month, bringing the total number of registrants to 3016. We have surpassed the 3000 mark! Kids’ Events Events Summer Reading Program: Participants are streaming in to pick up their final books and prizes during these last few weeks of the program. We have been lucky to have the support of 97 teen volunteers this summer, who have covered nearly every shift available, which is a huge help to staff. Total stats will be reported after the program has completely finished next month. Summer Story Time June 15 – July 31 Baby Story Time: Fridays at 10:30 am Toddler Story Time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 am Preschool Story Time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am Sensory Story Time: Thursdays at 9:30 am Outdoor Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30 am through August 20 Baby Story Time: 6 story times, attendees: 143, average: 24 Toddler Story Time: 14 story times, attendees: 591, average: 42 Preschool Story Time: 14 story times, attendees: 480, average: 34 Sensory Story Time: 7 story times, attendees: 255, average: 36 Outdoor Story Time (held indoors 4 times): 10 story times, attendees: 806, average: 81 Total: 51 story times, 2275 attendees Baby Play Time Fridays at 1:00 pm, June 15 – July 31 For ages 0-12 months. Meet new friends at Baby Play Time! We will provide toys and books for babies to play with and space for caregivers to socialize. Total: 6 play times, attendees: 39, average 7 Dinosaur Dimensions Monday, July 27, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Designed for ages 3-10. Meet some dinosaurs, then learn all about them! An amazing collection of realistic puppets present an experience like no other. A meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Curt Strutz and the dinosaurs will follow the program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Verona Public Library. This unusual, humorous program involved the presenter “growing” each tiny dinosaur in a large bin and then bringing it out so kids could learn a little about each one (four total). Then kids named each one and voted on one to do a photo op with at the end. Attendees: 145 Bubble Play Time Tuesday, July 28, 11:00 – 11:45 am For ages 0-5. Stop by the library between 10:30-11:15 AM and enjoy our outdoor space behind the library with your little one and socialize with other caregivers. We will have our bubble machines set up to provide bubble fun. Bring your own blanket in case the grass is wet. Attendees: 41 Graphic Novel Party: Baby-Sitters Club Wednesday, July 29, 3:00 – 4:00 pm For ages 6-11. Join us at the library to celebrate the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel series! This popular series follows best friends Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey. Babysitting isn’t always easy—and neither are strict parents, new families, fashion mistakes, and mysterious problems. But through it all, the girls rely on what matters most: their friendship. We’ll have activity stations with crafts, snacks, and trivia. You don’t have to register, but it helps us plan enough supplies for everyone. Attendees: 67 Crafternoon: Nature Monday, August 3, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 4-10. Drop in for a fun crafternoon and get creative with different art projects each week. Attendees: 63 Dreams Start Young: Hip-Hop with L.E.X Monday, August 3, 6:00 – 6:45 pm Designed for ages 3-10. This interactive family performance of original hip-hop music, created and performed by L.E.X, features positive themes and encourages kids to be kind, dream big, and dream often! Sponsored by the Friends of the Verona Public Library. L.E.X. had a great energy. Even with a small crowd, everyone had a lot of fun. Attendees: 29 Music & Movement Story Time Tuesday, August 4, 10:30 – 11:00 am For ages 1-5. Join us for an active Music and Movement Story Time, which includes singing, dancing, instruments, and stories. Attendees: 80 Parent/Child Book Club: Pocket Bear Tuesday, August 4, 5:30 – 6:30 pm For ages 8-11. In August, Parent/Child Book Club will discuss the novel Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate. Attendees: 11 Tween Craft: Paper Clay Creatures Wednesday, August 5, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Join us at the library for a hands-on craft program just for tweens! We’ll start by demonstrating how to make your own paper clay using recycled materials. Then we'll use the paper clay to make wild creature creations. It will be a little messy, and a lot of fun! Attendees: 28 Minecraft Club Thursday, August 6, 4:00 – 5:30 pm For ages 7-11. Play Minecraft in both creative and survival worlds! Join the library's shared Realm and play with other kids in the club. Attendees: 29 Read to a Dog Saturday, August 8, 1:30 – 3:00 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 8 Read It & Eat: At Home in a Faraway Place Monday, August 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm For ages 8-11. Discuss the book At Home in a Faraway Place by Lynne Rae Perkins, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book. Attendees: 9 Bubble Play Time Tuesday, August 11, 11:00 – 11:45 am For ages 0-5. Stop by the library between 10:30-11:15 AM and enjoy our outdoor space behind the library with your little one and socialize with other caregivers. We will have our bubble machines set up to provide bubble fun. Bring your own blanket in case the grass is wet. Cancelled due to weather. Storybuild: Vet Clinic Wednesday, August 12, 6:00 – 7:00 pm For ages 5-7. Build with giant magnetic Superspace tiles! Listen to a story, and then build, pretend, and craft. Join in creative play centered around constructing and running a vet clinic! Kids practiced their surgery skills, built kennels and waiting rooms, practiced color matching and counting with pretend medications, and made casts and other creatures out of paper clay. Attendees: 15 Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt June 13 – August 12 Kids looked for dinosaur images throughout the children’s area and wrote down the letter next to each dinosaur, which ultimately spelled the answer to a dinosaur trivia question. We didn’t give out a prize for finishing this scavenger hunt. Participants: 1012 Otters and Whales Story Time Wednesday, August 12, 6:30 – 7:00 pm For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about the unlikely friendship between otters and whales! Attendees: 14 Pokémon Club Thursday, August 13, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Ages 6-11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon related activity each month. Bring your Gameboy, Switch, or learn to play the trading card game and compete against other kids! Bring your own deck or borrow one of ours. Attendees: 25 T-Rex Tea Party Friday, August 14, 10:30 – 11:15 am, 4:00 – 4:45 pm For ages 5-8. Join us for treats, stories, and crafts. Fancy, whimsical, or prehistoric attire is encouraged. There will be two seatings - please choose between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Kids drank lemonade tea, heard a story, and made dinosaur masks. Attendees: 52, 31 Read to a Dog Friday, August 14, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm and Saturday, August 15, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 19 and cancelled due to family emergency Crochet Workshop Friday, August 14, 3:00 – 4:30 pm For ages 8 - adult. Crochet help for if you’re stuck, need guidance on a new skill or stitch, or just picking out a new project! Please register for one 30-minute session per person. No knitting please. Assistance provided by Mara from The Sow's Ear. Attendees: 4 Beginning Crochet Friday, August 14, 4:30 – 5:30 pm For ages 8-15. Learn the basics of crochet like holding the yarn and hook, chaining, and the single crochet stitch with Mara from the Sow's Ear. Yarn and tools will be provided. New and repeat class members are welcome! Attendees: 8 Crafternoon: Be a Dinosaur Monday, August 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 4-10. Drop in for a fun crafternoon and get creative with different art projects each week. Attendees: 72 Toddler Art and Play Tuesday, August 18, 10:00 – 11:00 am For ages 1-3. Toddler Art and Play is a drop-in program that includes messy process art and sensory play for toddlers ages 1-3. We recommend wearing clothes that can get messy. Attendees: 60 Jimothy Story Time Wednesday, August 19, 10:00 – 10:30 am For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about raccoons, celebrating viral sensation Jimothy! People were excited to attend this story time, where Marissa wore raccoon onesie. Attendees: 84 Tween Snack: Waffle Party Wednesday, August 19, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Come make (and eat!) special cake batter waffles with us at the library! Kids will mix up their own waffle batter in different colors and try out different designs and add-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or other fun flavors. There will be vanilla ice cream too! Come ready to get a little messy and have fun in the kitchen! Attendees: 37 Upcoming Kids’ Events Read to a Dog Tuesday, August 25, 3:00 – 4:30 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Kindermusik Thursday, August 27, 9:30 – 10:00 am For ages 0-5. The Wonder Studio presents a demo Kindermusik class for ages 0-5 and accompanying adult. Come sing, play, and move with us! Bingo & Banana Splits! Thursday, August 27, 12:30 – 1:30 pm, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 5-11. Come play bingo, enjoy some ice cream, and win a fun prize! Minecraft Club Thursday, September 3, 4:30 – 5:30 pm For ages 7-11. Play Minecraft in both creative and survival worlds! Join the library's shared Realm and play with other kids in the club. Music & Movement Story Time Tuesday, September 8, 10:30 – 11:00 am For ages 1-5. Join us for an active Music and Movement Story Time, which includes singing, dancing, instruments, and stories. Parent/Child Book Club: Wonder Tuesday, September 8, 5:30 – 6:30 pm For ages 8-11. In September, Parent/Child Book Club will discuss the novel Wonder by R.J. Palacio. Fall Story Time September 9 – October 23 Baby Story Time: Fridays at 10:30 am Toddler Story Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 9:30 am Preschool Story Time: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 am Sensory Story Time: Thursdays at 9:30 am Everybody Story Time: Thursdays at 10:30 am Different from last fall: We’re trying a Friday morning toddler story time in the hopes that caregivers will stop bringing toddlers to baby story time at 10:30 on Fridays and go to this story time instead. We’re also doing everybody story time inside this fall instead of outside – it got pretty cold last fall toward the end. Pokémon Club Thursday, September 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Ages 6-11. Join fellow Pokémon fanatics for a Pokémon related activity each month. Bring your Gameboy, Switch, or learn to play the trading card game and compete against other kids! Bring your own deck or borrow one of ours. Crochet Workshop Friday, September 11, 3:30 – 4:30 pm For ages 8 - adult. Crochet help for if you’re stuck, need guidance on a new skill or stitch, or just picking out a new project! Sessions are either 15 minutes or 30 minutes. No knitting please. Assistance provided by Mara from The Sow's Ear. Beginning Crochet Friday, September 11, 4:30 – 5:30 pm For ages 8-15. Learn the basics of crochet like holding the yarn and hook, chaining, and the single crochet stitch with Mara from the Sow's Ear. Yarn and tools will be provided. New and repeat class members are welcome! Read to a Dog Saturday, September 12, 1:30 – 3:00 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Child Development Story Time Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 – 11:00 am Designed for ages 2-5. Join a member of CI Pediatric Therapy Centers' staff for an interactive story time of books, songs, movement, crafts and fun! Pigs and Parties Story Time Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 – 7:00 pm For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about pigs who party! Favorite Books & Bites: The Front Desk Series Monday, September 21, 4:00 – 5:00 pm For ages 8-11. Discuss the Front Desk series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the books. Spanish Story Time/Hora de Cuentos Tuesday, September 22, 10:30 – 11:00 am Designed for ages 3-5. Para edades 3-5. Join Mr. Ricardo for Spanish story time, an event where kiddos and caregivers can participate in interactive activities such as music and songs, finger plays, bounces, rhythms, rhymes, puppets and more. Acompaña al señor Ricardo para cuentos infantiles en un evento donde los nenes y los “adultos” pueden participar en actividades interactivas como música y canciones, juego de dedos, movimientos, rimas, ritmos, títeres y mas. Teen Events Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, July 7, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. Comments: Teens used model magic, patterned texture sheets, ink pads, wooden dowels, string, and beads to create clay wall hangings! Attendees: 15 Teen Craft: Paper Clay & Ink Coasters Wednesday, August 5, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Experiment with the flexible art form of paper clay! See how it's made and then enjoy the sensory process of sculpting. Continue the artistic flow by blending alcohol inks on ceramic tile to create mini paintings or functional coasters! Comments: After getting to know the paper clay-making process, teens squished, patted, and molded the clay into anything from dragons, to seals, to Japanese Dango treats on a stick. Then kids played with inks on tiles, using brushes, gravity, and their own breath to manipulate the flowing colors. Attendees: 7 Chat & Chew Book Club: Oasis Wednesday, August 5, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Each month we will discuss a standalone book or a series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book(s). Comments: Kids enjoyed snacks, discussed the book, and created dioramas! Attendees: 2 Needle Felt-Teen Thursday, August 6, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Learn basic needle felting! Create a small, felted creature friend. If you wish, give it a functional twist. Turn your creature into a pencil topper, bag charm, or key chain. Comments: The entire time, the teens chatted amicably about likes and dislikes, favorite common media, shared struggles, school experiences, etc., which created a lovely, supportive atmosphere – the ideal craft session goal! Some new wooly friends stabbed into existence were: a detailed lemon slice, a turtle, fluffy dragons, Pikachu, and a sloth complete with watermelon hat. Attendees: 7 T-REX Cross Stitch Tuesday, August 11, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Learn the basics of cross stitch! Follow a provided T-Rex pattern or make one of your own. Embroidery hoops, thread, and needles will all be provided! Comments: After selecting the colors for their piece, the teen learned how to place cloth in a hoop, use a needle threader, separate individual strands of embroidery floss, and follow a pattern in counted cross stitch. We discussed strategies for where to start, which holes to go through in which order, and worked on troubleshooting together – a thorough start to learning a new hobby. The teen was excited to continue on their own! Attendees: 1 Teen Snack: Cake Waffles & Ice Cream Wednesday, August 19, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Mix up colorful cake batter for one-of-a-kind mini waffles! Test out different flavor and mix-in combinations. Add vanilla ice cream to make a delightfully chilly sandwich dessert! Comments: A wonderfully messy session of controlled chaos (tweens) vs. still messy but calmer event with teens! In groups, kids mixed up different cake batter flavors (with applesauce as egg substitute) and then learned how to safely handle a mini waffle maker. Strawberry was the surprise favorite flavor, even over confetti. After taking turns waffling, kids added any number of topping combinations. At the end, adults and siblings coming to pick participants up enjoyed extra waffles and ice cream! Kids loved the independence and trust involved in this mini baking experience. Attendees: 22 Donuts & Gaming Thursday, August 20, 4:00 – 5:30 pm Snack on donuts and more! Face off on the Nintendo Switch or SNES, try a board game or puzzle, or bring your own device. Stay and enjoy the good vibes or drop in for a sweet treat! Comments: Teens played video games but also tried to outdo each other in a game of Snake Oil – a type of creative play card game where you make up fake products and attempt to convince another player they are the best and worth buying. Attendees: 5 Upcoming Teen Events Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, September 8, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. Chat & Chew Book Club: The Charlie Thorne Series Wednesday, September 9, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Each month we will discuss a standalone book or a series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book(s). BRMS Make’n’munch Thursday, September 10, 11:00 – 1:30 pm Students at Badger Ridge Middle School who have signed up for library during lunch can enjoy some crafting time. Donuts & Gaming Thursday, September 17, 4:00 – 5:30 pm Snack on donuts and more! Face off on the Nintendo Switch or SNES, try a board game or puzzle, or bring your own device. Stay and enjoy the good vibes or drop in for a sweet treat! ACT/SAT and College Planning Strategies (Webinar) Monday, September 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Join Heidi King from College Inside Track in this free webinar. Conquer college planning! Learn about revamped ACT/SAT, how to stand out, and smart strategies to boost acceptance and scholarship success. Essential information for parents of high school students in grades 9-11. German Student Escape Rooms Wednesday, September 30, 1 – 3 pm VAHS exchange students from Germany will get an introduction to Verona Public Library via an Escape Room game where they will solve clues and open locks. Adult Events Distance Learning English Classes for Adults Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Level: Beginner Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Level: Intermediate This free group English class will be offered mostly online using Zoom. You will practice speaking, listening, reading, writing and new vocabulary in English. This class is presented in partnership with Literacy Network. July 20, attendees: 14 July 21, attendees: 2 July 27, attendees: 9 July 28, attendees: 2 August 3, attendees: 12 August 4, attendees: 2 August 10, attendees: 13 Drop-In Tech Help Tuesdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am Struggling with your phone, tablet or laptop? Simply drop by the library on a Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:00 -11:00 am for help from a knowledgeable librarian. Bring your questions about topics like getting started with the Libby app, setting up an email account, word processing, storing pictures, navigating social media platforms, and troubleshooting software issues. July 28, attendees: 1 August 11, attendees: 3 August 18, attendees: 3 Library Yarns Craft Group Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:00 pm If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or another needlecraft, please join us at this weekly drop-in stitching circle hosted by the library. Meet up with other fiber art enthusiasts, learn new techniques, exchange ideas, or find inspiration for your next project. July 29, attendees: 14 August 5, attendees: 15 August 12, attendees: 12 August 19, attendees: 15 Madison Flute Club Performance Tuesday, July 28, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Madison Flute Club returns to entertain us with an evening of beautiful music! Attendees: 65 Scrabble Club Thursday, July 30, 10:00 – 11:30 am Do you enjoy playing Scrabble, or would you like to learn to play? Join this friendly group, which will meet every other Thursday! Game boards will be provided! Attendees: 3 Crafting and a Movie Thursday, July 30, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Do you like to be entertained as you craft? This may be the event for you! Bring whatever crafting project you're working on and watch a screening of Under the Tuscan Sun while you create. Not a crafter? Come anyway and enjoy the popcorn and iced tea that will be provided! Attendees: 28 Classical Guitarist Peter Fletcher Tuesday, August 4, 6:30 – 7:45 pm Enjoy the dulcet sounds of classical guitarist Peter Fletcher in concert! Please register to allow for adequate seating. Attendees: 58 Joy of Connections Workshop Series: Vulnerability and Connection Wednesday, August 5, 6:30 – 8:00 pm This is an opportunity for people to come together for education, conversation, and activities meant to foster meaningful and authentic connections with other people. In this workshop, we will discuss and explore vulnerability and its role in authentically connecting with other people. There will be interactive activities to help you conceptualize the relationships in your life and the relationships you want to have in your life. Please note that, though I am a licensed professional counselor, this workshop is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Attendees: 11 Historical Fiction Book Club Friday, August 14, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss The Marriage Portrait, by Maggie O'Farrell. Attendees: 9 Verona Aspiring Writers Group Monday, August 17, 7:00 – 8:00 pm The Aspiring Writers Group offers constructive feedback and inspiration to writers and aspiring writers of all genres. Want to get a blog started or grow one? Hoping to be published in a magazine? Trying to finish or fine-tune the next great American novel? We welcome all! Attendees: 12 AI Workshop: Everyday AI: Reducing Mental Load and Supporting Real Life Wednesday, August 19, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing up everywhere, and it can feel confusing or intimidating to know where to begin. This workshop series offers a supportive, beginner-friendly introduction to AI in a guided and low-pressure setting. Attendees: 6 African Americans in the Wisconsin Territory Thursday, August 20, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Black people have lived, labored, and raised families in the region that became the Midwest since the 16th century. They called the towns of Prairie du Chien, Racine, Green Bay, Lancaster, Milwaukee, and Menominee home. Yet their stories remain largely untold. This program will explore the histories of Black people in what became the state of Wisconsin, from the French colonial period of the 1720s through the American Civil War. During the American Revolution, Black Americans were pursuing freedom and citizenship in the Wisconsin Frontier. Their assertions and experiences shaped local and national understanding of race, belonging, and citizenship. Attendees will receive a free copy of Dr. Clark-Pujara's book on the topic! This event is sponsored by Beyond the Page, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Madison Community Foundation. Attendees: 43 Upcoming Adult Events Distance Learning English Classes for Adults September 14 – December 8 Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Beginner Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Intermediate This class is offered mostly online using Zoom. Practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. Students will receive free English textbooks by mail. In partnership with Literacy Network. Drop-In Tech Help Tuesdays, 9:00 – 11:00 am Struggling with your phone, tablet or laptop? Simply drop by the library on a Tuesday or Thursday between the hours of 9:00 -11:00 am for help from a knowledgeable librarian. Bring your questions about topics like getting started with the Libby app, setting up an email account, word processing, storing pictures, navigating social media platforms, and troubleshooting software issues. Memory Café First Tuesday of each month, 3:30 – 5:00 pm A "memory café" is a social gathering designed for individuals experiencing early dementia and memory loss, along with their caregivers or loved ones. Come to connect, socialize, and build support networks in a comfortable and welcoming environment centered around conversation over coffee. Verona Aspiring Writers Group Monday, August 31 and September 28, 7:00 – 8:00 pm The Aspiring Writers Group offers constructive feedback and inspiration to writers and aspiring writers of all genres. Want to get a blog started or grow one? Hoping to be published in a magazine? Trying to finish or fine-tune the next great American novel? We welcome all! Making Mini Memory Albums: Summer Memories Tuesday, September 1, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Join Traci Rather of Plum Crazy Stamping for this fun workshop to capture your summer memories in a beautiful format. The Milton House & The Underground Railroad Wednesday, September 2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Learn about the many purposes of the historic Milton House structure, the history of America in the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War, the importance of the Underground Railroad in the United States, and how the Underground Railroad operated in Milton. Making Sense of Senior Care Living Options Thursday, September 3, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Join Wendy Kempf of Heritage Senior Living for an easy-to-understand look at the different levels of senior care to help residents and families make sense of available options and plan for the future with confidence. Bathroom Renovations with Project Home Tuesday, September 8, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Are you dreaming of a new bathroom? This talk provides the essential knowledge you need to tackle a renovation with confidence. We’ll start with the fundamentals of how plumbing works, including an overview of different types of pipes, water lines, shut-off valves, and traps. We’ll then cover crucial safety protocols and important considerations for your project, such as electrical wiring, selecting the right flooring, and installing the correct toilet, tub, and shower. For those considering professional help, we’ll discuss key factors in hiring a contractor. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or planning to work with a professional, this talk will equip you with the knowledge to ensure your bathroom renovation is a success. Card Making Workshop: Winnie the Pooh Wednesday, September 9, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Join Jamie Statz-Paynter in a workshop to make beautiful cards for any occasion that feature Winnie the Pooh and friends. All equipment and supplies will be provided for participants to make four cards each. Scrabble Club Thursday, September 10 and 24, 10:00 – 11:30 am Do you enjoy playing Scrabble, or would you like to learn to play? Join this friendly group, which will meet every other Thursday! Game boards will be provided! The Joy of Connections Workshop: Communication and Connection Thursday, September 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm This is an opportunity for people to come together for education, conversation, and activities meant to foster meaningful and authentic connections with other people. In this workshop, we will discuss and explore communication and its role in authentically connecting with other people. The facilitator will provide information about specific communication skills that can be used in daily life. Then, she'll offer you the chance to practice with them. Please note that, though this is being led by a licensed professional counselor, this workshop is for educational purposes only. It is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Historical Fiction Book Club Friday, September 11, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss How Much of These Hills is Gold by Pam Zhang. Travel Talk with Joe Fahey: Japan Tuesday, September 15, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Life in Japan can be very foreign to those of us living in the west. Joe Fahey spent a year in Japan and is well versed in its culture. In this presentation he will share the customs that guide everyday life, ranging from social rules to food and sports. VPL Cookbook Club: Food that is Stuffed or Filled Wednesday, September 16, 6:30 – 8:00 pm From ravioli to french toast and everything in between, this month, we will celebrate food that is stuffed or filled. A Taste for Mystery Book Club Monday, September 21, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss No One Will Miss Her, by Kat Rosenfeld Wisconsin Prisoner War Camps Monday, September 21, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Most people are unaware that Wisconsin had POW (Prisoner of War) camps during WWII and are surprised to learn that there were 38 of them having a total of approximately 20,000 POWs. This presentation provides an overview of US POWs and POW camps and specific information regarding WI POW camps, including interesting stories of those who may have lived in a community that once had a POW camp, those who worked side by side with POWs and those who were once prisoners in a POW camp. Presented by Bob Block, who recently gave the Wisconsin Crime Lab Talk! Wills & Trusts Planning Workshop Tuesday, September 22, 10:00 – 11:30 am Mark Farnan of Retirement Income Planning, LLC will lead this informative workshop detailing ways that wills and trusts can work together to protect your assets from excessive taxation, lengthy probate and family disputes upon your passing, and even during your retirement. Come and get the estate planning strategies you need to ensure your intentions are clear and your investments are maximized. Occupaws: Guide Puppies in the Community Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 – 7:30 pm OccuPaws Guide Dog Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Madison, WI, is an International Guide Dog Federation-accredited school. Through an in-home training program, the Association provides fully trained guide dogs at no cost to visually impaired residents of Wisconsin. Don't miss this special opportunity to learn more about this organization, meet some guide puppies in training, and to learn how you can help to raise future guide dogs. White Jasmine Cooking Class Thursday, September 24, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Huma Siddiqui-Seitz of White Jasmine joins us once again for a fun and delicious evening of traditional Pakistani cooking. This evening's menu will feature: Tandoori Meatballs with Fragrant Lentil Rice Local Author Visit: Kathie Giorgio Tuesday, September 29, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Kathie Giorgio is the author of eight novels, two story collections, an essay collection, and five collections of poetry. Awards include Pushcart Prize nominations in fiction and poetry, the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Library Association (The Home for Wayward Clocks), and the Pencraft Award for Literary Excellence (In Grace's Time and If You Tame Me). In The Birth of a Widow, Kathie examines the sudden and cruel loss of her husband in meticulous detail including the loneliness, loss of identity, and the frustrating search for meaning it brought about. This volume will resonate with those grappling with a loss, and all who appreciate a beautiful, authentic voice. Kathie will share a selection of readings from her newest book, as well as take audience questions. Don't miss this opportunity to share a look at grief and redemption through the eyes of a gifted local author. LGBTQ+ Rights Advocate & Author Kathy La Plante Saturday, October 3, 10:00 – 11:00 am Celebrate Pride Month and a beautiful storyteller by coming to hear from local author Kathy La Plante. Kathy is a Navy veteran, retired archaeologist, and advocate for/historian of LGBTQ+ rights in the US military. Her book, The Summons: A Call to Love, is powerful novel of found family, redemption, and the enduring strength of women in war in the face of discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA community. Learn the fascinating story of how Kathy brought this book to publication at the age of 72 and hear about how her life experiences shaped its narrative. THE BETTY J. KARWEICK VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS SERIES Welcome to The Betty J. Karweick Virtual Author Talks Series, presented in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Here you will have access to live virtual visits including interactive questions and answers with bestselling authors and talks on a broad assortment of topics given by experts in their fields. Recordings of talks will be available for viewing after live event. Author Talk: The Power of Connection Tuesday, July 28, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 20 Author Talk: The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson Tuesday, August 4, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 8 Upcoming Events: Author Talk: When Trees Testify: Reclaiming America’s Black Botanical Legacy Tuesday, August 25, 1:00 – 2:00 pm In When Trees Testify, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees, as well as the cotton shrub, are intertwined with Black history and culture. Author Talk: High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery with Lucy Foley Thursday, August 27, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. Author Talk: The Democracy We Must Keep with David O. Stewart Tuesday, September 1, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Join us as we chat with David about the question he explores throughout the book: What did America's founders say about democracy, and can we remain true to their vision for America? Author Talk: Daniel Kraus Tuesday, September 8, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Join us online as we sit down with master storyteller Daniel Kraus, winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, to celebrate the release of his breathtaking new novel, The Sixth Nik. Author Talk: The Art of Fighting with Priya Parker Tuesday, September 15, 3:00 – 4:00 pm Join us for a paradigm-shifting, essential event as we sit down with world-renowned master facilitator Priya Parker to discuss her groundbreaking new book, The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict. Outreach Outreach Events Outreach story times: Total daycare story time presentations: 15 Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, July 23, 6:00–7:00 pm The group discussed The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. Attendees: 13 Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, July 28, 10:00–11:00 am The residents met to discuss The Reading List by Sarah Nisha Adams. Attendees: 4 National Night Out Tuesday, August 4, 5:00–8:00 pm Forecasted inclement weather kept the book bike from going to this event, but Marissa and Amanda staffed a table with library information and swag instead. Comments: Many community members commented on how much they love the library and library events! Attendees: 145 Story Time at The Sow’s Ear Tuesday, August 11, 10:00–10:30 am Join us for story time at The Sow's Ear! Enjoy a story time, craft project, and other activities for children and their caregivers. Geared toward ages 2-5, siblings welcome. Attendees: 25 Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, August 12, 10:00–11:00 am The group discussed Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn. Attendees: 25 Book Bike at the Farmers Market Wednesday, August 19, 3:00–5:00 pm The book bike returned to the Verona Farmers Market. Attendees: 24 Upcoming Outreach Events VASD Staff Wellness Fair Monday, August 24, 7:20–8:00 am Marissa will staff a table at the high school promoting teacher library cards and other library services. Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, August 25, 10:00–11:00 am The residents will meet to discuss The Long Flight Home by Alan Hlad. Noel Manor Book Group Wednesday, August 26, 10:30–11:30 am The group will be discussing The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Stoner Prairie Back to School Night Wednesday, August 26, 4:00–6:00 pm Marissa will bring library card applications, event calendars, and library swag for families attending the back to school night. Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, August 27, 1:30–2:30 pm The group will be reading Dead Wake by Erik Larson. Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, August 27, 6:00–7:00 pm The group will be discussing Buckeye by Patrick Ryan. Story Time at The Sow’s Ear Tuesday, September 8, 10:00–10:30 am Join us for story time at The Sow's Ear! Enjoy a story time, craft project, and other activities for children and their caregivers. Geared toward ages 2-5, siblings welcome. Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, September 9, 10:00–11:00 am The group will be reading The Stolen Life of Collette Marceau by Kristin Harmel. Upcoming Book Bike Events Big Apple Learning Academy, August 20 Ian’s Pizza, August 26 The Goddard School, August 27 Badger Prairie Needs Network, September 3