Library reports fully staffed for first time in years; summer programs and internships expanding

A staff member told the Appleton Public Library board June 17 that there are currently no active hiring processes because the library is fully staffed — a staffing level the presenter said had not occurred in a long time.

Trustees then heard staff updates about summer programming. Librarians expanded early-childhood offerings by adding a biweekly toddler play program (about 50 attendees at the first session), a multilingual play program and an afternoon program intended for caregivers unable to attend morning sessions. Staff said these programs are experimental for the season and that attendance and feedback will shape future offerings. The meeting notice also listed a family performance, Mischief and Magic, scheduled Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

On community partnerships and internships, staff introduced summer intern Maya Lemery, who will assist with teen and adult programming for 12 weeks. The board learned the library recently completed a community-partnerships internship held by Evelyn Best (a Lawrence University graduate and current MLIS student at the University of Michigan). Staff summarized Best’s work: an independent literature review and observations on Gen Z and younger-adult library use, a self-directed activity (a playing-card collage) and recommendations for programming that emphasizes authenticity, privacy and tactile experiences. Staff said programming teams are incorporating the internship findings into summer and fall planning.

Trustees received these updates as information; no personnel actions or program funding decisions were taken at the meeting.