Library staff reported multiple upcoming and ongoing programs and partnerships serving youth and adult patrons.

Children’s and family offerings include a Wisconsin Science Festival “rock party” with hands‑on activities and coding demonstrations, a November “bear bingo” reading program, and a life‑size whale exhibit on Nov. 15. Registration for some programs opens in late October, staff said.

In the Ramona Littler Van Aston Commons, the library is hosting “Through Their Eyes, A Cultural Journey in Photos,” a community photography exhibit organized by the Northeast Wisconsin Chinese Association and the Northeast Wisconsin chapter of Chinese American Scientists and Engineers. Staff said 73 people attended a paired celebration program that included cultural performances and presentations.

The library also installed a one‑panel Drug Enforcement Administration traveling exhibit, “Drugs and You, Use Your Head,” for National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. Staff described one side of the panel as addressing youth directly about the risks of drug use and the other side as encouraging teens toward healthy choices.

Staff presented a Driving Laws Success program offered in partnership with Hope and Help Together, Fox Valley Literacy, Appleton Police Department and Lawrence University. The series provides 14 sessions, translation support in Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Dari, Spanish, French and Haitian Creole, and volunteer transportation assistance for participants, staff said. An adult services librarian shared positive participant feedback about the classes.

Staff also announced an artist in residence, Emily Shonowski, an illustrator and screen printer, who will present zine‑making workshops; the first session on Oct. 28 is full and has a wait list.

Trustees received these program updates as informational items.