We have big news!!
On March 9, the Library Board of Trustees voted to discontinue charging late fines for most overdue materials and to remove past fines from patrons’ library cards. The change is effective April 1, 2021. We are excited to take this step, which will remove a significant barrier to library use, especially for some of the most vulnerable members of our community. By eliminating most fines on a permanent basis, the library is welcoming back the hundreds of cardholders who are unable to take full advantage of everything the library has to offer.
This decision came after 6 months of research and discussion regarding the impact of fines in our community and for our patrons. For economically challenged individuals and families, fines create a barrier of access to library collections and services. Usually, if a patron has more than $5.00 of fines on their card, they are blocked from checking out materials, using the digital library (Hoopla and Overdrive), and using our public computers.
Fees will continue to be charged for the replacement of lost or damaged materials; fines will be charged for overdue materials borrowed from other libraries that assess them.
Here is what you need to know:
- No fines will be charged on items checked out from the Wautoma Public Library collection.
- Fines will be charged on items from some Winnefox libraries, at a rate determined by those libraries.
- Fines will be charged on E-readers and Rokus.
- Fines will be charged for items checked out via Interlibrary Loan at the daily rate of $1 per day, per item.
- Patrons will continue to receive at least one notice for overdue items. Sign up for text messages via Shoutbomb or call (920) 787-2988 to set up your account for email notices.
- Charges will be assessed when library materials are lost or damaged.
Although no fines will be assessed, we encourage patrons to return library materials by their designated due dates, or to renew items when allowed. Returning items in a timely fashion ensures that they are available for others who want to check them out.
If you have any long overdue library materials, now is the time to return them and once again enjoy everything the library has to offer!
If you have any questions about your account, please call 787-2988.
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Friends of the Wautoma Library |
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Give back to the community by joining the Friends of the Wautoma Library!
With your annual membership, you can volunteer for fundraisers, support early literacy incentives, help with library improvement projects and more!.
Recently, the Friends have purchased Launchpads for the children, made the Grow a Reader program possible, helped revamp our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, and purchased the display shelf for our Lucky Day Collection.
The Friends also manage the Book Shop and sell canvas tote bags, so stop at the Library to show your support and get your new book tote today!
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Try one of our fun online challenges -- earn prizes, enter raffles, and discover great resources along the way!
Current programs include Grow a Reader (for expectant moms), 1000 Books Before Kindergarten (ages 0-5), Spring into Reading (all ages), Environment & You (K-adult), and 10 to Try (all ages).
How to participate:
The challenges will take place online and readers can access them at wautomalibrary.beanstack.org. Participants can also download the Beanstack app and search for Wautoma Library to join. We do have paper logs available at the library for those who are unable to use Beanstack and would like to participate.
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1,000 Books Before Kindergarten |
Help your child develop the skills needed to read and learn before they reach Kindergarten. The program will strengthen relationships between children and their caregivers as they read and play together. Children will develop an appreciation for the library and the role it plays as a venue for lifelong learning in the community as they come to get books and claim their rewards for reading.
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Now is the perfect time to challenge yourself during our Spring into Reading program. Read or listen to books and explore some fun at-home activities between now and May 24 to complete the program. Complete the challenge to be entered into a Grand Prize drawing for a Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate!!
Challenges are available for ALL ages!
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April 22nd is Earth Day, but we are challenging you to be an Earth Activist by participating in our Environment & You virtual program during the month of April. Complete 8-9 different activities to earn a sustainable gift from the library and be entered into a grand Prize drawing! |
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Every Wednesday at 10:30 am, Miss Becky will be reading a few books and interacting with kids via Zoom.
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Miss Becky is excited to share some of her favorite stories with the kids! |
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Keep the kids engaged with Miss Becky's free, bi-weekly activity packets. Waushara UW-Extension, 4-H Coordinator, Heidi Hensel- Buntrock, is also providing monthly activity packets for the kids!
Kits are available on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last
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March Coloring Contest Winners |
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Thank you to everyone who participated in our Children's Coloring Contest! There were so many beautiful entries, it was difficult to pick just one winner in each category. Please stop by to see all the entries hanging on the wall in the children's room. The winner in the 0-3 age category was Greta Regan with her pink and blue owl. The winner in the 4-8 age category was Jersey Lorence with her rainbow owl. And the winner in the 9-12 age category was Tomas Gumz who added extra gold sparkle to his picture. Congratulations to all the winners and to all who participated! |
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Circle Saturday, May 22nd, on your calendar for the Library's Brat Fry Fundraiser at Stoneridge! All proceeds will be for this year's Summer Reading Program which encourages kids to continue reading throughout the summer, experiences new things, and foster an appreciation for the library and community! Programs will include Mr. Steve the magician, Zoozort, and more! We will also be having magnificent raffle drawings for the kids, teens, AND adults. |
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Spring is here! Thanks to a generous donation from the Waushara County Master Gardeners, we have seeds available for our patrons to start their gardens!
From beans and broccoli to lupines and strawflower packets, we are sure to have just what your garden needs!
Be sure to enter the drawing for Ruffage, a vegetable cookbook, when you pick up your seeds!
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Tom Whalley, former president of the Wisconsin Bluebird Association, is leading a workshop at the Wautoma Library to build bluebird houses Saturday, April 17th at 10am. Space is limited, masks are required. Call the Library to sign up (920) 787-2988 |
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Want better internet in Wisconsin? Help the DPI/State of Wisconsin by taking the internet speed test. This will give data to help know where improvements need to be made through out the state, especially in rural areas.
It is recommended to take the test several times between now and April 15.
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The Wautoma Library Virtual Book Club will be reading The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason for April's discussion.
A gruesome historical thriller about a murder conspiracy fueled by the sensationalism of Darwin's On the Origin of species.
The book is available in audio and ebook on Hoopla. If you want to join in our Facebook book club discussion or to see what the book club is like, go to the Wautoma Library Book Club Facebook page and ask to join.
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The Library will be closed Friday, April 2, 2021 for Good Friday. |
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Wautoma Public Library Hours
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunday CLOSED
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WAUTOMA PUBLIC LIBRARY | (920) 787-2988 | 410 WEST MAIN STREET |
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