Sunday, November 9, 2014
The Library of the Month is a celebration of Wisconsin libraries compiled by the BadgerLink team.
The Fairchild Public Library is the heart of the community. With the multitude of valuable programs and resources available, it’s easy to see why traffic to the library has greatly increased in the past year and a half.
Thanks to a generous gift donation from a former library patron, FPL now has an area dedicated for children's programming. In partnership with Fairchild Public Elementary School, the library provides study assistance and a reading program twice a week. Middle school students, community members, and retirees volunteer assistance. Many alternative education students also participate in a twice-monthly theme-based story program and art time. These programs have seen great results, and the community is grateful for the opportunity to grow kids’ love of reading!
Without a high school diploma, it is nearly impossible to make a living wage. FPL and the Chippewa Valley Technical College collaborated on a pilot program to assist adults working to complete their GED or HSED. Donations to the library helped pay for economically disadvantaged adults’ final tests and transportation costs. Taught by two certified volunteer teachers, pre-testing, study lessons, and computer classes were offered. BadgerLink resources, especially LearningExpress Library, were often used by these students. “We are very thankful for BadgerLink and other sources for patrons and staff to use,” said director Rozanne Traczek. Last year, 25 people enrolled, with three graduating and completing their GED!
Along with providing educational programs, the library also celebrates local history. Recently, FPL agreed to display a Carole Landis memorabilia collection. Born in Fairchild, Wisconsin, Carole Landis was a famous actress and entertainer for the troops overseas during WWII. A special museum display case for the collection will be placed near the library’s entrance, for all to see. To further celebrate the community’s local history, the library has created a new history room. This small room, used as a jail cell many years ago, will provide a space for the community to contribute items, preserving the past for those in the future.
Fairchild Public Library is essential to its community. The library may be small, but it is powerful!