Library & Community News
January 26, 2022
The Library is Open!
Come into the library to pick up your holds and browse for more materials to check out. Or use a computer.
 
Fall / Winter Hours
8:30 to 8:30 Monday - Thursday
8:30 to 6:00 Friday
8:30 to 4:30 Saturday
1:00 to 5:00 Sunday

Hours for Curbside Pickup
8:30 to 4:30 Monday - Friday
8:30 to 4:30 Saturday
1:00 to 4:30 Sunday

If you prefer to continue curbside pickup of your holds, please park in a designated parking spot in front of the staff door and let us know you are here by using the Winnefox Mobile app (My Account * Holds * Click & Collect) or by calling us at 920.967.3680.

With the increased occurrences of COVID-19 cases in our area, patrons age 2 and above are required to wear a mask covering their mouth and nose while in the library regardless of vaccination status.
 
Winter Reading Bingo
Challenge
Readers of all ages are invited to join our Winter Reading Bingo Challenge.

From January 17 - February 27, record each book you read on your Menasha Library Reading Bingo Card. Turn in your completed card to the library for a chance to win a prize bag stuffed with books and board games! There will be one prize winner drawn for each age group:
  • Baby (birth-2)
  • Family (ages 3 - 5th grade)
  • Tween/Teen (6th-12th grade)
  • Adult

To register, simply pick up a Bingo Card at the Reference Desk or Children's Info Desk on or after January 17.

Happy reading!
New Adult Graphic Novel Collection
The library has added a new adult graphic novel book collection. They are currently located on the circulation desk.
The Library Has Board Games
The library added a collection of circulating board games for preschoolers through adults. This is just a starter collection and the library is planning on adding more over time. We have games such as Azul, Battleship, Boggle, Candyland, Clue, Forbidden Sky, Monopoly, Munchkin, Outfoxed, Takenoko, Ticket to Ride, Trouble, Wingspan and more.
 
Board games can be checked out for seven days. Stop by the library to see what’s available. 
In The Children's Room
Bilingual Story Time
Wednesday, January 26, at 10:00am
Spanish story time focuses on engaging Latina/o preschoolers to discover the library and engage through modern songs, play, and literature.

Masks are required for adults and children over 2.
Family Night:
Board Games & Legos
Thursday, January 27 &
Thursday, February 3, 10, 17 & 24
from 6:00-7:30pm
Join the fun playing games with kids from around Menasha. Play games such as Chess, Checkers, Jenga, Scrabble, Tenzies, Monopoly, Building Blocks, Uno and more. 

Masks are required for adults and children over 2.
Family Story Time
Tuesdays, February 1, 8, 15 & 22,
at 10:00am
Join Miss Pippi for stories, songs, and rhymes. A story time series perfect for children from birth through age six with their caring adult.
 
Baby Story Time
Thursday, February 3 & 17, at 10:00am
A story time series perfect for children from birth through age two with their caring adult. Older siblings are welcome to join us.

Masks are required for adults and children over 2.
Preschool Playdate: Playdough!
Thursday, February 10, at 10:00am
Preschoolers and their caring adult are invited to stop in and play with Playdough! We'll have all the materials you need to build creativity and your little one's fine motor skills.
In The Teen Zone




Teen Zone
The Teen Zone has a interactive website. Keep up with the latest teen zone news, book talks, book trailers, projects or just search for a book to escape.
New Arrivals
Click here to see the newest library books and games available for young adults. Place them on hold or have them set aside-- 920.967.3690.
Teen’s Time Machine Tuesdays
Tuesday, February 1 & 8,
from 4:00 - 7:00pm
February is Play-dough Palooza and a snack to go. Bring a friend or come alone! Here’s your chance to experiment with lots of tools and colors you probably wished you had when you were a kid! 
Upcoming Programs
Wetlands Story Walk
Check out our the new Wetlands Story Walk while reading a beautiful book on the way to Wild Space Learning-Scape at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve.

The Elisha D. Smith Public Library is excited about our new partnership with Heckrodt Wetland Reserve.








Virtual Studio Visit
Thursday, January 27,
at 6:30pm
A virtual visit with the artist Annie Guldberg. She will share with us her studio, projects and her passion for art. Enjoy the uplifting exhibit that features her art with warm and brilliant colors during the month of January by the Miron fireside room.







Learn to Knit Workshop
Monday, January 31,
at 7:00pm
Make 2022 the year you learn to knit! Register for this workshop we're you'll learn the basics of casting on and working the knit stitch. We'll provide supplies and instruction in our brand new SmithWorks studio space in the library's lower level.

For tweens, teens and adults. Registration is required for this workshop. To register, contact the Reference Desk at 920.967.3690.
Free Legal Assistance Clinic
Tuesday, February 1,
from 4:30 - 6:30pm
Winnebago Free Legal Assistance Clinic is a non-profit organization consisting of volunteer attorneys and paralegals who provide free legal assistance to the community on most civil legal issues. Each of the clinic locations operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The services provided are limited. When attending a clinic, please bring any paperwork that is relevant to your case so the volunteers can better assist you.
Please note, the Free Legal Assistance Clinic cannot help you if you already have an attorney representing you for that legal problem.






AARP Tax Preparation
Wednesday,
February 2, 9, 16, & 23,
from 8:00 - 4:30pm
AARP volunteers are offering free help at the library in filing electronic federal and state income tax returns for those who are 60 and older of low or moderate incomes. In order to limit personal contact, they ask that you make an appointment by calling 920.215.1040 between 8:30am and 5:30pm, Monday through Friday.

After you secure an appointment, you will be instructed to pick up a packet from the library to get ready for your first appointment.
 


 
Menasha Health Department
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic
Thursday, February 3, from 2:30 - 5:30pm
The Menasha Health Department will be administering a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in the lower level of the Menasha Public Library. This vaccination clinic will be offering Pfizer second dose series (5 years old+) and boosters (12+).

For more information, call (920) 659-5102 Monday-Friday, 10 am-3 pm.
Novel Thoughts Book Club
Thursday, February 3, at 10:00am
We will be discussing The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

If you would like a copy of this book, call us at 920.967.3690 or email at [email protected].
 






Tabletop Gaming with Boardlandia Games
Saturday, February 5,
from 10:30 - 1:00pm
Boardlandia Games staff will demo the new tabletop games and share their expertise.

All are welcome!
Monday Movie
Monday, February 7,
at 2:00 and 6:00pm
Today we will be viewing Let Him Go (©Focus Features, rated R, 114 minutes, drama).  

Retired sheriff George Blackledge and wife Margaret are bent on finding their grandson after the death of their son. Their daughter-in-law, Lorna, has taken the boy to go live with another man. When the Blackledges discover that their grandson's new family is involved in dodgy situations, they try to rescue him, but not without becoming entangled in this new family's problems.

Shown with subtitles.
The Power of Budgeting
Wednesday, February 9, at 6:00pm
During this Edward Jones Financial Fitness Program interactive seminar, we will explore the power of budgeting, examine wants and needs, and talk personal expending and saving goals. Many think budgeting equal constrains. But a budget can put you in control. It is the foundation on which a financial strategy is built. Are you willing to give budgeting a try? Please call to register at 920-967-3690 or email: [email protected] by February 7

 


Your online library now includes over 3,000 magazines, and they are always available. Use the website or the Libby or the OverDrive app. 

[Find the apps in your app store.]
Click on 'Collections'.
Looking to Take A Free Online Class?

Gale Udemy
Offers over 4,000 short courses and videos designed to teach specific skills. They offer topics ranging from development, IT, leadership, business, marketing, music, photography, design, stress management and much more. (A Google or Microsoft account.)
 
Gale Courses
Interactive, instructor led online courses available on a wide variety of topics. Courses run for six weeks and new sessions begin every month.
 
CreativeBug
Over 1,000 art and craft classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
 
Miss Humblebee’s Academy
Introduces key concepts in math, science and social studies, language and literacy, art, and music to children ages 3-6.
 
All of these classes are available free using your library card.
The Elisha D. Smith Public Library now offers Cypress Resume, the online resume builder that lets you create professional-quality resumes in three quick and simple steps. You can create resumes, cover letters and reference pages in minutes. This service is FREE with your Menasha library card.
Media Corner

Visit the library's Media Corner! You can reserve it to:
  • Edit a video or graphic file,
  • Convert/compress video files,
  • Convert cassette tapes to digital audio files,
  • Design & cut out shapes with a Cricut Machine,
  • Convert 35mm negatives, slides, & photographs to JPEG files, and
  • Convert a VHS tape, Hi-8 tape, Video 8 tape, & 8mm (reel to reel film) to a digital video file.
In Our Community
2022 Lakefly Writing Contests
Theme: "into the Unknown"
Theme interpretation may be literal, like a journey to a strange place, or figurative, such as a personal risk or an attempt at something new. Categories include: poetry, short story, and personal essay. There is no entry fee. Cash prizes. Deadline is March 5, 2022.

Striking a Balance as a Caregiver:
Caregiver Chat
Wednesday, January 26, at 4:00pm
 
Is is possible to strike a balance as a caregiver? There are many demands on your time, talent and treasures as you move along in life. Finding a balance may not be easy, but there are resources that can help you find a little balance in your life as you move forward. 

Join us for a Caregiver Chat on Wednesday January 26th at 4:00 for "Striking a Balance" with the Outagamie Caregiver Coalition via Zoom. To register for the the one hour discussion with other caregivers you can sign up at: https://bit.ly/CaregiverChats 
Menasha Parks and Recreation Department Family First Activities
2022 Funds Available for Strong Neighborhood Menasha Housing Program
Funds are now available for the Strong Neighborhoods Menasha Initiative. See the brochure here or go to our Strong Neighborhoods Menasha webpage for more information.
Extension Winnebago County
The Extension Institute of Health &
Well-Being works to catalyze positive change in Wisconsin families through evidence-based programs focused on nutrition, food security and safety, chronic disease prevention, mental health promotion, prevention of substance abuse and health insurance literacy. Our Health & Well-Being programming is divided into three areas of focus: Behavioral Health; Healthy Eating and Active Living; and FoodWIse.





211
211 is the most comprehensive source of information about local resources and services in the country. It’s powered by people: thousands of caring, local experts are available to help, 24/7. Calls to 211 are confidential and can be anonymous.   
The 211 network in the United States responds to more than 20 million requests for help every year. Most calls, web chats, and text messages are from people looking for help meeting basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and health care. 211 can be accessed by phone or computer, at 211.org. A toll-free call to 211 connects you to a community resource specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations that provide critical services.

LEAVEN
LEAVEN is here to help in times like these. Get help with rent, utilities, auto repairs, eviction, affordable housing, health insurance, and more. Call for an appointment.
Frauds & Scams
The Federal Trade Commission has created a new way to report scams and fraud. When you file a report with the FTC, you are helping to build cases, stop scammers and alert others. Report to help fight fraud!
Memory Project
This engaging experience is intended to be enjoyed by those with memory loss as well as their care partner, family and friends and creates a rich and diverse environment where friendships are built and enjoyed among all those experiencing the journey.

Join a Memory Café on Zoom or in person! Fox Valley Memory Project hosts cafés throughout the Fox Valley.

Menasha Seniors

As the Menasha Senior Center continues to gain momentum and add new classes, we invite you to come on in and enjoy the many benefits of the Center. Some of the classes have capacity limits, so please register early.


LIBRARY HOURS
Monday - Thursday 8:30 to 8:30
Friday 8:30 - 6:00
Saturday 8:30 to 4:30
Sunday 1:00 - 5:00

Elisha D. Smith Public Library
440 1st Street
Menasha, WI 54952
920.967.3690
menashalibrary.org