Cottage Grove Library lays out expanded summer schedule, partnerships and plans for a fall adult event

The Cottage Grove Library presented a detailed programming update May 20, reporting strong community turnout at recent events and outlining expanded summer and fall offerings.

Monica, the library’s programming lead, said the April book swap drew 123 people and involved 463 books; leftover volumes will be used to stock two proposed free little libraries that a resident has offered to install and maintain at no cost to the village. "We ended up having 123 individuals attend the event. We ended up exchanging and having over 463 books that were swapped," Monica said.

Summer plans include weekly story times (Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. at Community Park), a Stories in STEAM series beginning June 23 at Bacan Park, and eight themed weeks of summer reading with activities such as ice-cream making, camping, and a music week. The library plans registration with prize tickets, with small donated items and books as incentives. Monica asked board members to help publicize programs and noted she will distribute materials to schools and post the calendar online.

Monica said the library averages 19 programs per month with about 400 total monthly attendees, and she proposed adding a standing monthly noon "lunch and learn" plus an evening adult program to expand adult participation. The board discussed targeting topics and partners such as the Cottage Grove Historical Society, Madison Area Technical College, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and local extension services to supply presenters and reduce staff preparation time.

Board members suggested a large fall event focused on artificial intelligence (pros, cons and practical protections around image/AI misuse) and a community discussion about the potential local impact of data centers. "AI makes sense to continue with that. I think it might be cool to have a presentation on pros, cons, dangers, benefits," one board member said. Monica said she has contacts at Madison Area Technical College and other institutions who could speak to workforce and technical aspects.

Other programming notes: a youth book swap is scheduled for July 12 as part of summer reading; collaborations with nearby school staff and community partners (including storytime visits to 4K classes) continue; the library is exploring a modest budget purchase (portable projector, estimated $250–$300) to support off‑site, multi‑modal programming; and the board acknowledged a continued gap in teen engagement.

Monica asked board members to research presenters and community partners for the fall speaker and to help promote summer events. The board also confirmed music sponsorships for Tom Pe (June 18), David Landau (July 9) and a tentative bilingual music event with Angela Puerta in August, subject to scheduling adjustments around the village’s community night.

Monica closed by noting the library will continue to refine outreach and thanked volunteers and partner organizations for their involvement.