An Evening at the Appleton Public Library
An evening at the APL kicked off the start of the ten-session 2024 Citizens Academy. The program’s mission: “to equip you with a deeper understanding of city services and operations, empowering you to be more informed and engaged citizens.”
The APL staff has worked some of Houdini’s magic twice in moving first from the old 86,000 square foot library into the 25,000 sq. ft. now closed Best Buy building and then, again, into the 3000 E. College Avenue 20,000 sq. ft. building. Both temporary buildings feature the always desirable free parking. The transformation reflects the hard work and planning of the APL staff.
What did we learn? Statistically, the APL has over 68,000 registered users who check out about 50,000 items per month. The staff monitors 160 holds on items each day while handling 2,500+ reference interactions a month. This staff of 45 full time and 40 part time workers, supplemented by 200+ volunteers throughout the year, manages a collection of approximately 300 print magazine and newspaper subscriptions, 4,500 adult, teen and children’s audiobooks and 1.2+ million e-book and e-audiobook titles.
Appleton’s Public Library does all the above with a budget of $4.77 million (2024 Budget). A Library Board that includes APL Director Colleen Rortvedt, a city council member and 11 appointed members helps oversee operations.
The Friends of the Library actively fund raise. Their “Building Beyond Words” capital campaign has reached $11 million of their $12 million goal to date in support of the $40.4 million library renovation project. City and ARPA money will cover the remainder of the renovation expenses. According to Director Rortvedt, the new “on budget” facility should be done by the end of this year with move in and set up anticipating an opening near the end of the 1st quarter 2025. We can expect to find an expanded and vibrant youth focus, serving young children, preteens, teens and tweens.
I would like to thank Director Colleen Rortvedt, Deputy Director Tasha Saecker, Public Services Supervisor Owen Anderson and Materials Management Supervisor Nicole Casner for hosting the 1st Session of this year’s Citizens Academy, providing us with an in depth look at the Appleton Public Library as it excitedly moves toward its new home.
