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Newsletter

From The Ground Up - Winter 2024

SCLS Foundation New Mailing Address

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South Central Library System Offices

With the move of the South Central Library System to their new offices, The SCLS Foundation address has changed. The new address is,

SCLS Foundation

1650 Pankratz St.

Madison, WI 53704

 

Award Season

By Theresa Walske, President

SCLS Foundation Board

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Award

It is award season; Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and Oscars. If you love movies, music and pop culture like me, I bet you are following the nominations and awards. You may have even made a plan to check out an Oscar selection or a book that has been turned into a movie from your library.

If you were to give your local library an award, what would it be? Would give your library an award for Outstanding Service, Most Helpful, Best Resource Selection, Most Welcoming, Most Talented, Best Programming, Terrific Technology, or Exceptional Community Resource? My local library deserves all of those and more. I invite you to make a goal this February thank your local librarian and library staff for their award-winning talent and service.

On behalf of the SCLS Foundation, thank you to all the librarians, library board members, volunteers, and SLSC professionals who make a difference every day as you serve our patrons and communities. You make a difference, and you sure do shine!

 

Library Adventures with a Driving Permit

By Abby Schneck, Library Page

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Spring Green Library Sign

I started working as a page at the library when I was 14. I pulled books destined for other libraries and I wondered where the books from our library go. So, when I turned 15 and got my driving learner’s permit, I made a goal to visit all the libraries in the South Central Library System. To date, I have visited half of the sixty five.

All the libraries I went to had a few things in common. First, all had access to the same catalog of books, no matter the size of the library. So, everyone in the system has the same access to books and can explore whatever they want through their home library collection or interlibrary loan. Second, they all strive to meet the needs of their communities. For some, this means having free Wi-Fi and computers; for others, scientific models; and still others, a large multi-lingual section. Most have a space for community gatherings. Lastly, they all have a spot for children to play.

Every library had something unique about them–from the giant rubber ball in North Freedom, to the seed library in Baraboo. Each library is housed in a unique building; some libraries were in a strip mall, one was an old train depot, and others shared space with their town hall. A lot of libraries have more than just books that you can check out. For example, I checked out a record player at Monroe Street Library in Madison.

All the libraries I've visited from the South Central Library System are unique and needed in their communities. They all also have an amazing staff who are willing to do anything to help. Wave if you see me at your library as I finish my goal. 

 

Foundation Fund Performance

As of January 18, 2024, the fund balance was $5,691,251.24, of which $278,883.71 was held on behalf of the Foundation. 

The gross return since inception on Dec. 1, 2012, is 6.22% and the one-year return was 13.37%.

For more information about investing with the Foundation, please contact Martha Van Pelt, SCLS Director, at (608) 246-7975 or mvanpelt [at] scls.info.

 

Foundation Contributors

These people have donated to the SCLS Foundation since October 2, 2023 through December 31, 2023. The category in which each is listed represents their total Foundation contribution to date.

•    Legacy -- $10,000 +

•    Benefactor – $9,999 - $5,000

      Janet Pugh

•    Steward – $4,999 - $1,000


      Jane Grogan
      Anne Iwata
      Mark Miller
      Theresa Walske

•    Advocate – $999 - $500

      Nancy Long
      John & Sally Mather
      Susan Feith Mead
      Gary Poulson
      Kristi Williams

•    Patron – $499 - $250

•    Friend – $249 - $100

      Susan Barthel
      Michael Heald  

•    Supporter – $99 - $50

      Bob Bocher & Mary O’Conner
      Beverly Lemberger

•    Sponsor – $49 - $1

      Carol & Gary Polipnick