July 1, 2026 - Library Board Agenda & Packet

AGENDA Library Board of Trustees-Verona Public Library 500 Silent Street Verona, WI 53593 608-845-7180 Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Library Conference Room Call to order • Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of 6/3/26 • Review and approval of the April 2026 invoices • Public Comments • City Council Liaison’s report • Library Director's report • Old Business 1. Discussion and possible action regarding donor recognition policy 2. Discussion of 2027 library budget Library Board Meeting Notes Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. Library Conference Room Attendees: Present: Stacey Burkart, Chris Hopp, Kyle Jones, Skyler Franke, Karen Spencer, Rikki Conwell, Spencer Harrison Absent: Lisa Miller Call to Order: Hopp called the meeting to order at 6:30 Approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of 5/6/26 Minutes Approval: Harrison Moved / Conwell Seconded / Motion carries Review and approval of the May 2026 invoices Invoice Approval: Jones Moved / Spencer Seconded / Motion carries Public Comments No visitors from the public City Council Liaison’s report Harrison shared updates on city planning activities and discussion around city draft policy on AI usage by City of Verona staff. Board discussed AI usage implications for library operations and potential for code of ethics policy around AI. Library Director's report Burkart reviewed the contents of directors report. Discussion on space allocation of rooms for staffing. Outlined potential POD room availability. Discussion raised on need of these units and if this would be a cost worth justifying. Final cost data will be brought to a future board meeting for analysis. Discussion on OPN proposal for additional future architectural analysis. Old Business 1. Discussion regarding donor recognition policy Board continued discussion on future options around donor recognition and comparable policies elsewhere. No action at this time. 2. Preliminary discussion of 2027 library budget. Board discussed request for additional hours of operations. Reviewed patron usage of reservable rooms and the potential addition of POD spaces. Additional budget priorities being collected. No Action at this time. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made by Conwell. Seconded by Harrison. Adjournment approved Future Note Takers: July / Spencer August / Jones Director’s Report Verona Public Library, June 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 58,000 57,330 59,454 52,827 56,903 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 225,508 594,262 591,618 594,132 561,749 585,438 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 and May 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 and May 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 May 2026 Computer Lab Use: 691 Test Proctoring: 3 exams Outer Library Loans: 35 requests Personal Archiving Lab Sessions: 3 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 24,154 23,528 22,204 16,624 21,628 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 93,047 239,115 226,810 213,696 174,146 213,442 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 1,678 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 565 519 422 314 460 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 2,911 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 and May is not available yet. 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 A UW student began her youth services practicum hours on June 3. A Circulation Library Assistant put in their resignation effective June 30 and we are in the process of filling that part-time position. Last month library staff: • attended the City’s AI Workgroup meeting on June 2, and June 17. The committee is working on developing an AI policy for employees. • attended a webinar from Ingram regarding their upcoming new service, Covered. • attended a WLA board meeting. Equipment and Physical Facilities The LED light bulb replacement project is underway, when completed 95% of lighting fixtures will be energy efficient LED’s. Administration and Internal Operations Staff are continuing to learn the new ILS system. The tranistion has not been smooth. Reports are not available yet and the system continues to freeze which causes significant issues. Solutions are being worked on by SirsiDynix and staff at the South Central Library System. The library management team continued work on the 2027 budget. Marketing and Public Relations Facebook graphics & web/tv slides: 34 Fliers and bookmarks: 41 FB posts: 60 Instagram posts/reels: 5 FB followers: 5,968 Insta followers: 2,054 May Events Newsletter 1: 8,848 recipients; In the spotlight: A new version of LINKcat will go live on April 17 May Events Newsletter 2: 8,835 recipients; In the spotlight: Artist-in-Residence: Meghan Rosing May Events Newsletter 3: 9,074 recipients; In the spotlight: Summer Library Program: Unearth a story Library System and Interagency Cooperation Leah worked with BRMS librarian Melanie Galdes and SOMS librarian Jo Ann Busalacchi to facilitate programming at the middle schools. Fundraising The Friends of the Verona Public Library have generously agreed to fund the purchase of one of our two new ebikes for Book Bike outreach with the profits from their recent used book sale. 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 14 kids were registered this month, bringing the total number of registrants to 2978. Kids’ Events Summer Reading Program School Visits Between May 20 and June 10, youth services and outreach staff did 38 summer reading presentations to 1886 school-age kids in the Verona Area Schools District. Robotics and STEM with StemForce Saturday, May 30, 1:30 – 2:30 pm Designed for ages 6-11. The StemForce robotics team of local middle schoolers will bring their team's First Tech challenge robot and allow participants to learn more about STEM and robotics, plus get hands-on experience with their robot. Caregivers are welcome but do not need to register. Attendees: 42 Music & Movement Story Time Tuesday, June 2, 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: 110 Parent/Child Book Club: The Summer of June Tuesday, June 2, 5:30 – 6:30 pm For ages 8-11. In June, Parent/Child Book Club will discuss the novel The Summer of June by Jamie Sumner. Attendees: 12 Chat & Chew Book Club: The Lions' Run Wednesday, June 3, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Calling all 12-14 year-olds! We are starting a new book club just for you!! Each month we will discuss a standalone book or a series, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book(s). In June, we will discuss The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker. Attendees: 4 Minecraft Club Thursday, June 4, 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: 18 Story Time with Author Avani Chhaya Friday, June 5, 9:30 – 10:00 am For ages 2-5. Soak up the sunny season with summertime books, along with a read-aloud of Lakshmi at the Lake, with picture book author Avani Chhaya. Hands-on activity stations will be provided after the story time. Chhaya was a personable and engaging author who read two other summer-themed books before reading her own. Then kids could draw with chalk or decorate toilet paper roll binoculars. Attendees: 31 Dinosaur Story Time Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 – 7:00 pm For ages 2-6. Join us for stories and songs about dinosaurs! Attendees: 24 Read to a Dog Thursday, June 11, 3:00 – 4:30 pm Ages 5-11. Registration required. Grab your favorite book and read to a furry friend. Attendees: 9 Pokémon Club Thursday, June 11, 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: 17 Summer Reading Kick-Off Saturday, June 13, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm For all ages. Celebrate the beginning of summer reading! Enjoy ice cream sundaes, balloon twisting, a visit from a Verona fire truck and more! Adults: come and pick up a fun piece of "swag" from the adult reading challenge table, and learn how to participate in this summer- long program! Sponsored by the Friends of the Verona Public Library. While our promotion and activities were similar to years past, attendance this year was lower than the past two years for unknown reasons. Many of those who attended thanked us for the event, however, and especially appreciated the Chocolate Shoppe ice cream sundae bar and kids’ open play activities. Neal the Real Deal made exceptional balloon sculptures as well. Attendance: 507 Read It & Eat: The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli Monday, June 15, 4:00 – 5:00 pm For ages 8-11. Discuss the book The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli by Karina Yan Glaser, plus enjoy activities and snacks related to the book. Attendees: 9 Bubble Play Time Tuesday, June 16, 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: 91 Tween Craft: Bling It On! Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm For ages 8-11. Join us at the library for a sparkling hour of creativity! Tweens will decorate a free pair of sunglasses with colorful gems and charms to create a one-of-a-kind accessory. Tweens were patient and industrious while decorating their sunglasses with small jewels. Attendees: 24 Upcoming Kids’ Events Summer Reading Program sign-up began on June 1. 1775 participants ages 0 – 11 have registered so far. 111 teen volunteers have signed up to begin volunteering on June 20, which might be a record, with 70 of them attending two teen trainings with pizza in June. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! Minecraft Club Thursday, July 1, 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Dragonfly Walk Friday, July 17, 2:00 – 3:00 pm 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Teen Events Donuts & Gaming Thursday, May 28, 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: One teen who enjoyed playing a creative card game with others thanked me at the end and said she had been very anxious to come but that she now felt comfortable getting out and trying more events with new people. Attendees: 11 Chat & Chew Book Club: The Lions’ Run Wednesday, June 3, 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). In June, we will discuss The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker. Comments: While discussing the book, teens munched on treats mentioned in the storyline, like apple crisp, and oatmeal sandwich cookies. They also diamond painted horse-themed coasters, after the racehorse setting of the book. Attendees: 4 Badger Ridge Middle School Teen Summer Promo Monday, June 8, 11:00 – 12:45 pm Promoting the Teen Summer Challenge at lunches with fliers, program information, volunteer opportunity information, and a sticker giveaway. Attendees: 157 Savannah Oaks Middle School Teen Summer Promo Tuesday, June 9, 1:30 – 3:30 pm Promoting the Teen Summer Challenge at the school summer festival with an archery game, giant Jenga, fliers, program information, volunteer opportunity information, and a sticker giveaway. Comments: Some teens spent most of their festival time either shooting (soft-tipped) arrows through hoops or trying to catch other students’ arrows – a great opportunity to let them know about similar library events for teens! Attendees: 120 Teen Summer Reading Program Volunteer Training While enjoying pizza, teens learned how to facilitate prize redemption for the kids’ summer reading program. Tuesday, June 9, 4:00 – 4:30 pm; Attendees: 24 Monday, June 15, 5:30 – 6:00 pm; Attendees: 41 Ice Cream Making & Sidewalk Painting Monday, June 15, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Shake up your own ice-cream-in-a-bag, and then add tasty toppings (yum)! Then spend a relaxing moment decorating our sidewalks with temporary paint colors. Comments: Teens shook up their own vanilla ice cream to upbeat music, then enjoyed adding toppings and comparing the end result to what they could buy. Then they explored using brushes and DIY sidewalk paint. Attendees: 16 Teen Craft: Bedazzled Sunglasses Wednesday, June 17, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Add some sparkle and shine to your summer by bedazzling a free pair of sunglasses with gems! Comments: Teens loved choosing their own color gems and charms to create one-of-a-kind sunglasses. While they were focused on finishing, they spent the hour socializing as well! Attendees: 12 Donuts & Gaming Thursday, June 18, 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: One teen expressed multiple times how grateful she was to have a supportive space where she could feel safe and accepted. Attendees: 3 Upcoming Teen Events 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. 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! *Please note this event may involve running, crouching, crawling, etc. among library stacks. 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! 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). Crafty Tuesday Tuesday, July 7, 4:00 pm Stop by Teen Central for DIY projects. Create throughout the week, as supplies last. 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. 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. 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! 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! Teen Snack: Cool Beans! 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! 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! 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. May 26, attendees: 1 June 1, attendees: 13 June 2, attendees: 1 June 8, attendees: 13 June 9, attendees: 1 June 15, attendees: 10 June 16, attendees: 1 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. May 19, attendees: 1 May 26, attendees: 0 June 2, attendees: 1 June 9, attendees: 2 June 16, attendees: 2 Memory Café Tuesday, June 6, 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. Attendees: 5 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. May 27, attendees: 14 June 3, attendees: 12 June 10, attendees: 5 June 17, attendees: 11 Verona Aspiring Writers Group June 1, 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: 10 Guided Zen Meditation Tuesday, June 2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Learn basic Zen meditation from a trained practitioner including how to position the body for stable and comfortable meditation, how to breathe correctly, and an overview of meditation benefits. The session will include about 30 minutes of instruction, followed by 15–20 minutes of practice and 5–10 minutes for questions. Attendees: 11 Card Making Workshop: Butterflies & Botanicals Thursday, June 4, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Join Traci Raether of Plum Crazy Stamping for another fun and creative workshop during which you will make four beautiful cards. Attendees: 22 Journaling for Joy Workshop Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 – 7:30 pm Want to create and experience more joy in your life? This 1-hour program offers experiential exercises that elicit joy along with journaling for joy practice. Participants are encouraged to bring their own journal, but there will be journals available for everyone. Attendees: 22 AI Workshop: Building Confidence Through Practice Wednesday, June 10, 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. Each session focuses on practical understanding, thoughtful use, and building confidence through practice. Rather than rushing or getting technical, we'll take time to explore how AI works and how to use it responsibly. Attendees: 10 The Historical Fiction Book Club Friday, June 12, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss As Bright As Heaven, by Susan Meissner. Attendees: 9 A Taste for Mystery Book Club Monday, June 15, 10:00 – 11:00 am In June we will read and discuss The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman. Attendees: 11 VPL Cookbook Club: Light & Healthy Food Tuesday, June 16, 6:30 – 8:00 pm Let's start the summer off on a healthy note by making lightened up versions of dishes this month. Attendees: 13 MG&E EV 101 Show and Tell Thursday, June 17, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Interested in learning more about EVs (electric vehicles)? Join Madison Gas & Electric for a presentation with time to chat with the owners of popular EVs on display in the parking lot. Attendees: 36 Coffee with the Classics Friday, June 19, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm This month we will watch Mary Poppins. Enjoy coffee and a sweet treat as you watch classic cinema in the comfort of the library's Community Room. Attendees: 2 The Firehose of Falsehood and the Spread of Extremism Saturday, June 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am As part of a year-long celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Beyond the Page is sponsoring a visit from author Teri Kanefield, who will discuss the spread of disinformation in politics and give the audience insight into how to identify and defend against it. In her graphic novel, A Firehood of Falsehood: The Story of Disinformation, Ms.Kanefield uses examples from ancient rulers, modern political figures and internet trolls to show how disinformation can operate and emphasizes that a healthy democracy depends on being able to reach a shared understanding of the truth. Attendees: 15 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 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! 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. 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! Watch The Thursday Night 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. The Historical Fiction Book Club Friday, July 10, 10:00 – 11:00 am his month we will read and discuss Before We Were Yours, by Lisa Wingate. 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! 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. This in-person simulation, created by P.K. Beville, shows a glimpse of what it’s like to live with dementia by providing an immersive, interactive experience that recreates the sensory and cognitive challenges faced by these individuals. It will provide you with a better understanding of the challenges those with dementia face, along with the tools you need to offer the best possible care. Staying Confident and Safe Online: A 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 everyday 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. We'll learn how to identify these scams, strategies to protect our personal information, and what to do when something feels off. Even better, we will learn how to do it without needing any previous technical knowledge or special skills. Scrabble Club Thursday, July 16 and 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! A Taste of Mystery Book Club Monday, July 20, 10:00 – 11:00 am This month we will read and discuss Iron Lake, by William Kent Krueger. 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! 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! 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! Crafting and a Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun 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! 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: Reshape Your Beliefs with Nir Eyal Tuesday, May 19, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 14 Author Talk: Your Ticket to the Best State Fair Crafts Wednesday, June 3, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 10 Author Talk: Matt Dinniman Thursday, June 11, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Total Views: 100 Author Talk: Nurturing Future Generations with Ted Page Thursday, June 18, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Total Views: 0 Upcoming Events: Author Talk: Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals Tuesday, June 23, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Join the chat with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms. Author Talk: Karin Slaughter Tuesday, July 14, 6:00 – 7:00 pm Join us for a thrilling evening with Slaughter as we chat about her North Falls series, consisting of We Are All Guilty Here, in which two teenage girls vanish in rural Georgia, and her upcoming sequel, The Secrets We Hide. Author Talk: The Hidden Cost of the American Dream with Reyna Grande Thursday, July 16, 1:00 – 2:00 pm In her ambitious new memoir, Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget, beloved bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival. 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. Outreach Outreach Events Outreach story times: Total daycare story time presentations: 12 Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, May 26, 10:00–11:00 am The residents met to discuss The Cherry Harvest by Lucy Sanna. Comments: The group members loved the Wisconsin setting in this book. Attendees: 6 Noel Manor Book Group Wednesday, May 27, 10:30–11:30 am The group discussed The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. Attendees: 5 Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, May 28, 6:00–7:00 pm The group discussed The Unmaking of June Farrow by Adrienne Young. Attendees: 18 Country View Reading Celebration Tuesday, June 2, 8:30–9:30 am The library provided summer reading information and registration as part of Country View’s annual reading celebration. Attendees: 40 Core Knowledge Charter School Field Trip Thursday, June 4, 9:30–10:30 am First graders from Core Knowledge visited the library for a read aloud, craft project, and buddy read. Comments: The students enjoyed making sprout houses and exploring the library. Attendees: 53 Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, June 4, 1:30–2:30 pm The group read The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose. Attendees: 1 Story Time at The Sow’s Ear Tuesday, June 9, 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: 34 Nakoma End of School Celebration Tuesday, June 9, 3:00–4:00 pm The library provided books and crafts in collaboration with Glacier Edge teachers and staff for the students who live at the Nakoma Heights Apartments. Attendees: 40 Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, June 10, 10:00–11:00 am The group discussed Horse by Geraldine Brooks. Attendees: 17 Upcoming Outreach Events Two new ebikes have been purchased to upgrade the book bike. Once they are delivered and fitted to the book trailer, the book bike will start making appearances around the community. Four Winds Book Group Tuesday, June 23, 10:00–11:00 am The residents will meet to discuss The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly. Noel Manor Book Group Wednesday, June 24, 10:30–11:30 am The group will be discussing Hang the Moon by Jeannette Walls. Prairie Oaks Book Group Thursday, June 25, 1:30–2:30 pm The group will be reading The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose. Books and Booze at Stone Porch Alehouse Thursday, June 25, 6:00–7:00 pm The group will be discussing The Only One Left by Riley Sager. Senior Center Book Group Wednesday, July 8, 10:00–11:00 am The group will be reading Dead Wake by Erik Larson. Big Apple Field Trip Thursday, July 9, 9:30–10:30 am A group from Big Apple will be walking over to the library for a tour and stories. 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. Academy for Little Learners Field Trip Tuesday, July 21, 9:30–10:30 am A local childcare center will be visiting the library for a tour and stories. DRAFT Verona Public Library Gifts to the Library Policy The Verona Public Library Board of Trustees welcomes and encourages gifts in support of the library. These gifts help enrich and improve public library resources. The Board is empowered by Wisconsin Statute 43.58 to administer gifts that are accepted. The Library Board designates the Library Director to manage contributions. No solicitation of funds may be undertaken by any outside or independent party on behalf of the Verona Public Library without the prior approval of the Library Trustees. Types of Gifts • Monetary gifts Undesignated monetary contributions will be used for purchasing materials and other items for the library, supporting programs and services, or other ways the Library Director deems appropriate. Contributions may be directed to the Verona Public Library Endowment fund (held at the Madison Community Foundation) or to the library’s general fund. Monetary gifts of $500 or more designated for the children’s area for play furniture, toys, and books are eligible for recognition on the donor mural wall in the children’s area. General donations of $1000 or more are eligible for recognition on the distinguished donor wall in the lobby, while space is available. Monetary donations that are designated to purchase books for the library collection may have book plates included in the front cover. Book plates are typically in honor or memory of the donor or a loved one. • Collections Select donated items may be used in the library’s collection using the criteria in the library’s Collection Management Policy. Most donated books are given to the Friends of the Verona Public Library for resale. The library will make whatever disposition of the materials is deemed advisable, including discarding them, donating them to the Friends of the Verona Public Library for resale, or transferring them to other libraries. Gift materials will be withdrawn using the same criteria as purchased material. Note: The Friends of the Verona Public Library is a volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit organization that accepts and manages monetary donations at their discretion. The mission of the organization is to support the Verona Public Library but it is a separate entity from the library itself. • Real property, art, and other objects Gifts of real property, art, and other objects are accepted or rejected on the basis of suitability to the library’s mission, décor, and availability of space. The library has the authority to make whatever disposition is deemed advisable, which may include sale or transfer to another agency. Terms of Acceptance Gifts on which the donor places restrictions or special conditions are not accepted unless they are approved by the Library Board. Requirements of special housing or special handling of an item proposed as a gift may render it unacceptable. Accepted gifts may not be held permanently by the library; they can be disposed of at the library’s discretion. The library does not notify donors of withdrawal or discard of gift items. Contributions of gifts, donations, or grants which may involve significant costs for installation and/or maintenance or ongoing commitment of library funds will be presented to the Board for approval prior to acceptance. Appraisal The library will not provide an estimate of the value of a gift for tax purposes. Value appraisal for tax purposes is the responsibility of the donor. The library will provide an acknowledgement of the gift. Every effort will be made to ensure that recognition is timely, meaningful to the donor, appropriate and equitable. More information is available at, www.veronapubliclibrary.org/donate