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Library hires children's services staff and moves summer reading to paper after Beanstack fees rise
Summary
The Port Washington Public Library announced the hire of children's services staff member Kate Kirschner, will post a revised storyteller position, and will shift the summer reading program from Beanstack to paper after cost and state-payment changes; staff also warned of potential federal cuts to BadgerLink.
The Port Washington Public Library reported it has hired Kate Kirschner as a children's services staff member and will replace its digital summer reading tracking with paper records after the state stopped covering the Beanstack subscription fees, staff said at the board meeting.
Library staff described Kirschner as joining the library from the Horicon Public Library with more than eight years of experience; staff said Kirschner started her position the day of the meeting and plans to begin a master's program in the fall. The library also announced it will post a revised storyteller position after the prior storyteller, Amy, gave short notice and left.
Library staff explained the summer reading program's tracking will move from Beanstack to paper because the state and system will no longer pay for the software subscription. Staff said Alyssa migrated existing Beanstack data into paper forms and that the library has simplified procedures so children will not need to use a tablet to document reading. Staff described a planned pool party for summer reading participants that is already booked with the parks department; the meeting included two possible dates mentioned for the event.
Staff also raised concern about federal funding for BadgerLink after learning the federal office that supports museum and library programs experienced funding cuts that may affect state payments. The library director said the state museum/library office had not yet communicated a final decision and that the library system has started an advocacy campaign, including distributing postcards to encourage residents to contact legislators.
The board discussed usage trends and said foot traffic has increased after an earlier drop. Staff noted the library's donation funds are typically used for food, prizes and program supplies; staff said donation funds total roughly $22,000 and generate about $10,000 annually from two private endowments used for program innovation.
A screening of the documentary Free for All, followed by a discussion led by Cedarburg Library Director Linda Eastwood (a Port Washington resident), was announced for June 1 at the Rivoli Theatre from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., staff said. The board encouraged attendance.
