Library reports expanded summer programs and internships, including teen-focused initiatives

Trustees heard updates June 17 on summer programming and recent internships supporting community partnerships.

Staff reported that expanded early-childhood offerings this summer included a biweekly toddler play program (about 50 attendees at the first session), a multilingual play program, and a 3 p.m. afternoon play program aimed at caregivers who cannot attend morning sessions. "We had about 50 people come, and the comments were that they really appreciated having, like, just for that age group," staff said, describing the toddler program.

Performances and events were scheduled as part of summer activities; staff noted that family performer Mister Good Magic will appear Thursday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

On internships, staff introduced Maya Lemery as the summer community partnerships intern; Maya is an Appleton Public Library page-sub in materials management and will assist programs and partnerships for teens and adults during a 12-week full internship. Staff also summarized a recently completed community partnerships internship by Evelyn Best (Lawrence University graduate and University of Michigan Information School student). Evelyn conducted research on Gen Z use of public libraries and presented recommendations intended to inform programming and self-directed activities for younger adults.

Staff said the internship work emphasized that many younger adults value free, private, authentic experiences and tactile programming; programming staff intend to use the findings for planning summer and fall activities.

Ending: Staff said they will continue to experiment with program formats and bring updates to trustees.