August 5, 2026 - Library Board Agenda & Packet

AGENDA Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 608-845-7180 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Library Conference Room Call to order • Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of 7/1/26 • Review and approval of the July 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, July 1, 2026, 6:30 p.m. Present: Burkart, Franke, Hopp, Jones, Miller, Spencer Absent: Conwell, Harrison Call to order: Hopp called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Jones, seconded by Franke, to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 3, 2026. Motion carried. Miller motioned, seconded by Jones, to approve the June 2026 invoices. Motion carried. Public Comments: None City Council Liaison Report: None Library Director’s Report: LED lighting fixtures being installed, communication ongoing with OPN Old Business: 1. Discussion and possible action regarding the Donor Recognition Policy, Franke moved, Miller seconded to approve the Donor Recognition Policy. Motion carried. 2. Discussion regarding 2027 budget, potential service enhancements New Business: None Adjournment: A motion was made by Spencer, seconded by Miller, to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:24 pm. The next meeting will be held on August 5, at 6:30pm. Jones up next for minutes Director’s Report Verona Public Library, July 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 61,051 60,127 58,102 52,448 57,932 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 278,056 594,262 591,618 594,132 561,749 585,438 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 –June 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 –June 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 June 2026 Computer Lab Use: 905 Test Proctoring: 5 exams Outer Library Loans: 54 requests Personal Archiving Lab Sessions: 6 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 25,821 23,261 20,232 17,057 21,593 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 116,814 239,115 226,810 213,696 174,146 213,442 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 2,247 July 1,734 2,144 2,058 1,691 1,907 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 7,318 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 636 490 423 316 466 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 3,433 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, May, and June are not available yet. On July 1, the library introduced a new collection of individual Yoto cards, credit-card-sized physical cards that play audio content like stories and music when inserted into a Yoto Player or played on an app. The 289 Yotos we have at this point are circulating well so far. They are a walk-in collection that cannot be placed on hold, until they are able to be individually cataloged. The Facebook post announcing them received 366 reactions. 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 The open part-time Library Assistant position has been filled. Reference team staff attended DPI’s Play Make Learn annual conference on July 9 and 10. Equipment and Physical Facilities Nothing to report. Administration and Internal Operations South Central Library staff has been working with our ILS vendor on solving some of the slow response time issues with the new library system. The library management team continued work on the 2027 budget. The library marketing team met on July 23 to discuss the endowment funded exhibit, A new Moon Rises, that opens in mid-September. Marketing and Public Relations Facebook graphics & web/tv slides: 85 Fliers and bookmarks: 56 FB posts: 88 Instagram posts/reels: 9 FB followers: 6,023 Insta followers: 2,117 June Events Newsletter 1: 9,063 recipients; In the spotlight: Summer Library Program and Seeking Teen Volunteers June Events Newsletter 2: 9,073 recipients; In the spotlight: Summer Library Program and Seeking Teen Volunteers Julie was interviewed for Channel 3 about the summer reading program and why kids should read over the summer. It aired at 10 p.m. on June 26 and was also available to view online. Julie wrote a column for the Verona Press about Yotos and Tonies in the library that was published in late July. Library System and Interagency Cooperation This month, library managers met with a representative from the Literacy Network for a mid- semester check-in, attended the SCLS Collection Maintenance Subcommittee, and attended the SCLS Circulation Services Subcommittee meetings. Fundraising Nothing to report Exhibits We don’t book any exhibits during the summer because the central area of the library is frequently used for Summer Reading Program events that are too large to be held in the Community Room. Library Events and Programs 1000 Books before Kindergarten 17 kids were registered this month, bringing the total number of registrants to 2995. Kids’ Events Summer Reading Program: 2388 participants ages 0 – 11 have registered so far, which is already higher than last year’s total registrations. Participants will be able to receive their final, 60-day goal prizes on July 30. Read to a Dog Saturday, June 20, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Cancelled due to no sign-ups. Crafternoon: Celebrate America Monday, June 22, 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: 53 Toddler Art and Play Tuesday, June 23, 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: 54 Family Fun Magic with Glen Gerard Tuesday, June 23, 4:00 – 5:00 pm and 6:30 – 7:30 pm Designed for ages 3-11. Super fun magic for kids of all ages, with tons of audience participation and involvement! Sponsored by the Friends of the Verona Public Library. Gerard presents a calm, professional show that features a rabbit. Magic shows have drawn noticeably smaller, though still significant, crowds for the last few years. Attendees: 143, 82 Tween Snack: Butter Believe It! Wednesday, June 24, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Move over snacks—there’s butter fun happening! Kids will learn how butter is made and help shake up their very own homemade batch. Then it’s time to get creative by mixing in tasty flavors like sweet, savory, or cheesy to make a mini butter board. Participants will sample their creations with bread, crackers, or veggies while exploring different flavor combinations. Attendees: 27 Read to a Dog Thursday, June 25, 4:00 – 5:30 pm and Saturday, June 27, 1:30 – 3:00 pm Ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 8, 11 Prehistoric Paintings Thursday, June 25, 4:00 – 5:00 pm For ages 6-11. Paint a picture of a dinosaur or any prehistoric creature of your choice! Bring your imagination and be ready to make mistakes and get messy. Painting instruction not included. Attendees: 15 Dino Dance Party Tuesday, June 30, 10:00 – 10:45 am Designed for ages 1-5. Shake, stomp, and roar like a dinosaur! Join us for a roarin' good time at our Dino Dance Party. We added an inflatable dinosaur riding costume and dinosaur-themed songs to our usual dance party formula. Attendees: 150 Bubble Play Time Tuesday, June 30, 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: 98 Chat & Chew Book Club: Blood in the Water Wednesday, July 1, 6:00 - 7:00 pm For ages 12-14. In July, we will discuss Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson. Attendees: 5 Storybuild: Post Office Wednesday, July 1, 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 post office! Attendees: 13 Minecraft Club Thursday, July 2, 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: 13 Crafternoon: Dinosaurs Monday, July 6, 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: 67 Angela Puerta Tuesday, July 7, 10:30 – 11:30 am Designed for ages 3-10. Angela Puerta offers a one-of-a-kind musical experience that blends entertainment, education, and cultural exploration for young audiences. Kids are encouraged to sing along, dance, and pick up basic Spanish words, all while having fun in a welcoming and inclusive space. Sponsored by the Friends of the Verona Public Library. Puerta’s show is fun and interactive. She asked kids if they knew where Shakira was from, and several answered, “Zootopia.” Attendees: 120 Parent/Child Book Club: Stef Soto, Taco Queen Tuesday, July 7, 5:30 – 6:30 pm For ages 8-11. In June, Parent/Child Book Club will discuss the novel Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book. Attendees: 10 Tween Craft: Design-Your-Own Doodle Pens Wednesday, July 8, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Learn how to create your own custom, decorated pen! Library staff will walk you through simple steps to transform a boring, plain pen into a personalized masterpiece using colorful embellishments and unique designs. Attendees: 25 Beach Story Time Wednesday, July 8, 6:30 – 7:00 pm For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about going to the beach! Attendees: 20 Read to a Dog Thursday, July 9, 4:00 – 5:30 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 7 Pokémon Club Thursday, July 9, 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: 24 Crochet Workshop Friday, July 10, 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, July 10, 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: 6 Read to a Dog Saturday, July 11, 1:30 – 3:30 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 11 Read It & Eat: Growing Home Monday, July 13, 4:00 – 5:00 pm For ages 8-11. Discuss the book Growing Home by Beth Ferry, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book. Attendees: 12 Music & Movement Story Time Tuesday, July 14, 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: 49 Bubble Play Time Tuesday, July 14, 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: 56 Dino-ROAR Trivia Night Thursday, July 16, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Designed for ages 6 - adult. Have fun and test your knowledge at a dinosaur-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. Adults especially seemed to enjoy this pub-style trivia event and asked the library to do more trivia events. Attendees: 30 Read to a Dog Saturday, July 18, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 6 Crafternoon: Summer Fun Monday, July 20, 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: 80 Toddler Art and Play Tuesday, June 21, 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: 51 Tween Snack: Bean-tastic Bites Wednesday, July 22, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Have you ever wondered why there are so many types of beans at the grocery store? Well we have! And we'll answer that question by exploring different types of beans and some fun recipes that use them. Dips, chili, even desserts! There's more to beans than you think. Attendees: 8 Read to a Dog Thursday, July 23, 10:30 am – 11:30 am For ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 11 Dragonfly Walk Friday, July 24, 2:00 – 3:00 pm (rescheduled from July 17 due to poor air quality) For ages 6-11. Learn about dragonflies at the Verona Public Library. Youth age 6-11 and their grown ups can join us for a short lesson about dragonflies led by a Upper Sugar River Watershed volunteer. Then walk over to the Silent Street pond to use your new knowledge to spot and identify dragonflies. Participants of all ages enjoyed this walk; the presenter Robert Bohanan is very engaging. Attendees: 22 Upcoming Kids’ Events 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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! 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. 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 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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! 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, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 5-11. Come play bingo, enjoy some ice cream, and win a fun prize! Since this event’s registration is already full, we’re looking into adding a second time on the same day. Teen Events Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, June 9, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. Comments: Teens molded small trinket dishes out of model magic and added color, patterns, and a dinosaur figurine at the center to guard all of their treasures. Attendees: 23 Teen Snack: Butter Days Ahead Wednesday, June 24, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Move over charcuterie. Butter has arrived! Learn how easy it is to make homemade butter, and then create your own butter board recipes. Make it sweet, spicy, herby, or cheesy! Add ingredients and enjoy trying the different styles with dipping choices of bread, crackers, or vegetables. Comments: Teens shook up their own butter from whipping cream. As groups, they decided on different butter spread recipe options and then tasted each other’s concoctions. They layered their samples in small take-home containers so they could share at home! Attendees: 8 Friday Night: Capture the Flag Friday, June 26, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Come to the library after-hours for capture the flag and other classic games! Form teams and work together to defend and advance your side's goals. Wear comfortable clothing! Comments: After some team bonding, teens split into defense and offense, working to defend their own flags while stealing others from the opposing team. Kids had a blast running around, trash- talking, and taking breaks for snacks. Multiple teens asked if we could do this every Friday. Attendees: 20 Escape Room Wednesday, June 30, 3:00 – 4:00 pm and 4:15 – 5:15 pm Solve puzzles, find clues, and crack locks to escape an adventure! Comments: In a post-humans vs. AI world war themed adventure, teens worked together to complete a mission. They examined x-rays, deciphered hidden messages, found elusive keys, solved mazes, and made many connections between clues and props in order to escape! Attendees: 10, 7 Chat & Chew Book Club: Blood in the Water Wednesday, July 1, 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: Refreshments included blue kool-aid with grenadine syrup to represent “blood in the water” along with ice cream which we had left over from the summer reading program kick-off. Our craft was a paint-your-own wooden popsicles activity. There was lots of laughter and levity! Attendees: 5 Teen Craft: Pen-demonium Wednesday, July 8, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Spruce up a plain pen and make it unrecognizable! Make it so fabulous or horrid that you never lose it again. Use a variety of fun materials to create a personalized writing instrument which no one would dare call boring. Comments: With a ridiculous number of craft-closet treasures at their disposal, teens created one-of-a-kind pens; Pens covered in colorful cord, bedazzled with gems, topped with charms, and capped with pom-poms. Some became puppets with googly eyes, naturally. So much fun and originality! Attendees: 7 Alcohol Inks Wednesday, July 15, 4:00 – 5:30 pm Come experiment with alcohol inks! Decorate your own canvas drawstring backpack. Play with abstract clouds of color! Messy crafter? Tip: wear clothing that can be stained. Comments: Different art styles and aesthetics revealed themselves in this open-ended workshop. From beachy scenes to forest mushrooms, sports teams to sky-view landscapes, teens decorated their bags using inks, acrylic paints, stencils, stamps, and more. A very relaxing time. Attendees: 23 Friday Night: Mini Golf & Archery Friday, July 17, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Try your hand at a hole-in-one between library stacks! Test out a round of mini-golf after- hours. Show off your aim in another way with indoor archery. Get out for a night of fun, games, and new people! Comments: Teens socialized in small groups while hitting some golf balls through the stacks in a 9-hole game. Children’s toys, library décor, and shelving bookends all became obstacles. Kids also tested out archery by aiming for hoops of different sizes and distances, all trying to out-do each other. Attendees: 16 Quirky Corkboard & Clay Pins Monday, July 20, 6:30 – 8:30 pm Customize a cork board with paint! Use stencils, or free-hand fun designs. Get organized in style. Add character by making your own polymer clay pins! Comments: Simple square corkboards turned into canvases with stenciled designs, hand-drawn art, and a little acrylic paint. Teens also created tiny, detailed pins out of polymer clay, like mushrooms, dragons, chickens, yarn balls, and other fun creatures. Attendees: 9 Teen & Tween Snack: Cool Beans! (*combined age groups) Wednesday, July 22, 4:00 – 5:00 pm What's the deal with beans? From savory bean dip, to sweet red bean paste filling, to every- flavor jelly beans that enthrall, disgust, or amuse! Come mix interesting recipe combinations and share them with others! Comments: Kids practiced using a can opener, reading and following recipes, and preparing ingredients, like nachos and hummus! They loved the cowboy caviar and the red bean paste mochi! Many took a sampling of food home and asked for the recipes. Attendees: 1 teen, 9 tweens Donuts & Gaming Thursday, July 23, 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! Attendees: 13 Upcoming Teen Events Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, August 4, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. 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). 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! Tip: Don't wear your favorite clothes, in case of staining. 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. T-REX Cross Stitch Tuesday, August 11, 4:00 – 5:00 pm (*STORY TIME ROOM) 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! 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! 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! Friday Night: Popcorn Toppings, Charades, & Karaoke Friday, August 21, 7:00 – 8:30 pm Make sweet or savory popcorn with special mix-ins! Try your hand at classic charades, and brave the karaoke mic or cheer on others. Get out for a night of fun, games, and new people! Adult Events Distance Learning English Classes for Adults Mondays 6:00 – 7:30 pm, Level: Beginner, January 26 – April 28, 2026 Tuesdays 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Level: Intermediate, January 20 – April 28, 2026 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. The last class of session meets in-person at the library. June 22, attendees: 14 June 23, attendees: 2 June 29, attendees: 13 June 30, attendees: 3 July 6, attendees: 9 July 7, attendees: 2 July 13, attendees: 15 July 14, attendees: 2 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. June 23, attendees: 3 June 30, attendees: 0 July 7, attendees: 3 July 14, attendees: 2 July 21, attendees: 1 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. June 24, attendees: 17 July 1, attendees: 9 July 8, attendees: 12 July 15, attendees: 14 July 22, attendees: 13 Verona Aspiring Writers Group Monday, June 22 and July 20, 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! June 22, attendees: 11 July 20, attendees: 12 Spanish for Beginners: Ordering at Restaurants Tuesday, June 23, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Join Spanish instructor Shannon Lucy for another fun and educational opportunity to learn some Spanish. This class will focus on ordering at restaurants. Attendees: 14 Forensic Science & the Wisconsin Crime Lab Wednesday, June 24, 6:30 – 8:00 pm TV shows like the CSI series glamorize (and expedite) the process of using forensic science to help solve crimes. This presentation will illustrate the real-life work of forensic scientists at the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory. Robert Block, who spent 34 years as an expert crime lab forensic analyst, will recount tales of unusual drug evidence analysis as well as chilling and haunting crime scene investigation details. If you love true crime and crime solving, this talk is for you! Attendees: 69 Watch Party: The Thursday Murder Club Thursday, June 25, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm For those who have read the book and want to compare, as well as those who have no intention of reading the book but are curious about the story! We will enjoy popcorn and iced tea and feel free to stay for a brief chat afterwards. Attendees: 4 Historical Fiction Book Club Friday, July 10, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. Attendees: 7 Card Making Workshop: Black & White with Pops of Color Friday, July 10, 3:00 – 4:30 pm Join Traci Raether of Plum Crazy Stamping for another fun and creative program during which you will make four beautiful cards! Attendees: 19 Virtual Dementia Program: Experience Life in Their Shoes Tuesday, July 14, 5:00 – 7:30 pm You may have spent time with someone experiencing dementia, but have you ever considered how it feels to see the world from their perspective? Join Baily Schmidt of Verona's Azura Memory Care and Assisted Living for a simulated experience that will offer unique insight into living with the condition. Attendees: 11 Staying Confident and Safe Online: Seminar for Older Adults Wednesday, July 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Whether we're connecting with loved ones, managing appointments and finances, shopping, or enjoying our favorite hobbies, the internet has become an essential part of everyone's every day life. Just like in real life, it's important to know how to keep ourselves safe online. We'll focus on phishing, the most common type of online scam. The goal of a phishing scam is to get access to you personal information: passwords, social security information, answers to security questions. Sophisticated attacks camouflage themselves as trusted websites and urge victims to act quickly with a variety of socially-engineered ploys. Attendees: 12 Scrabble Club Thursday, July 16, 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: 4 A Taste of Mystery Book Club Monday, July 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am In July, we will read and discuss Iron Lake, by William Kent Krueger Attendees: 10 VPL Cookbook Club: No Oven Required Recipes Tuesday, July 21, 6:30 – 8:00 pm It's too hot to turn on the oven ... let's find recipes that don't require you to do it this month! Attendees: 16 Aztalan: Mysteries of a Native American Town Wednesday, July 22, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Robert Birmingham is an archaeologist, writer and lecturer in the University of Wisconsin system. He is also the former Wisconsin State Archaeologist. Join us as Robert discusses Aztalan, the site of a Native American town located on the Crawfish River and inhabited by people called Mississippians beginning about 1050 A.D. A sophisticated and densely populated society, Aztalan was mysteriously abandoned in about 1250 A.D. This presentation will describe the site and its history, highlighting recent archaeological discoveries. Robert is the author of eight books on archaeological and historical topics as well as numerous scholarly articles. His most recent book is the 2025 Ancient Effigy Mound Landscapes of the Upper Midwestern North America, co-authored by Dr. Amy Rosebrough. Now retired, he continues to write and research from his home in Madison, Wisconsin and serves as the executive director of the Friends of Aztalan State Park. Attendees: 54 Musical Bingo: Summertime Hits Thursday, July 23, 6:30 – 7:30 pm We are adding to the Bingo fun this summer with games played on cards marked with the names of songs instead of numbers. The winner of each of five rounds will get a prize. Either way, enjoy the summertime-themed music! Attendees: 27 Upcoming Adult Events Distance Learning English Classes for Adults May 26 – August 11 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. Library Yarns Craft Group Meets each Wednesday. Drop-in between 4:30 – 6:00 pm If you enjoy knitting, crochet, embroidery, or another needlecraft, please join us at a drop-in stitching circle. Meet up with other fiber art enthusiasts, learn new techniques, exchange ideas, or find inspiration for your next project. All skill levels welcome. Verona Aspiring Writers Group Monday, August 3 and 31, 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! 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! Scrabble Club Thursday, July 30 and August 27, 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! 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! 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. 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. 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. African Americans in the Wisconsin Territory Wednesday, August 26, 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. Much of the historiography concerning the experiences of Black Americans has focused on the South and large northern and Midwestern cities, but the full dimensions of the African American and American experience cannot be appreciated without reference to how Black people managed their lives in places where they were few. This session 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. 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. The Continuum of Care in Senior Living 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. 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: Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 13 Author Talk: Karin Slaughter Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Total Views: 12 Author Talk: The Hidden Cost of the American Dream with Reyna Grande Thursday, July 16, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 7 Upcoming Events: Author Talk: The Power of Connection Tuesday, July 28, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Join us in virtual conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Author Talk: The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson Tuesday, August 4, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space 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. Outreach Outreach Events Outreach story times: Total daycare story time presentations: 39 Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, June 23, 10:00–11:00 am The residents met to discuss The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly. Attendees: 5 Noel Manor Book Group Wednesday, June 24, and Wednesday, July 22, 10:30–11:30 am The group discussed Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls in June and Anxious People by Fredrik Backman in July. Attendees: 6, 8 Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, June 25, 6:00–7:00 pm The group discussed The Only Ones Left by Riley Sager. Comments: One member commented that she always leaves the discussion in a better mood than when she arrived. Attendees: 20 Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, July 8, 10:00–11:00 am The group discussed Dead Wake by Erik Larson. Attendees: 21 Big Apple Field Trip Thursday, July 9, 9:30–10:30 am A group from Big Apple Learning Academy biked over to the library for a tour and stories. Comments: The kids loved seeing the sorter machine and other behind-the-scenes library activities. Attendees: 14 Story Time at The Sow’s Ear Tuesday, July 14, 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: 24 Academy for Little Learners Field Trip Tuesday, July 21, 9:30–10:30 am Academy for Little Learners took a bus to the library for a tour and stories. Attendees: 41 Book Bike at the Farmers Market Wednesday, July 22, 3:00–5:00 pm The new ebikes debuted at the Verona Farmers Market. Attendees: 14 Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, July 23, 1:30–2:30 pm The group read The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis. Attendees: 4 Upcoming Outreach Events Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, July 23, 6:00–7:00 pm The group will be discussing The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff. Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, July 28, 10:00–11:00 am The residents will meet to discuss The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly. 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. Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, August 12, 10:00–11:00 am The group will be reading Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn. Noel Manor Book Group Wednesday, August 26, 10:30–11:30 am The group will be discussing The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb. Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, August 27, 1:30–2:30 pm