Volume 1 Issue 1 March 20, 2006

Welcome to our first e-newsletter!

Welcome to the premier issue of NEWS@FDLPL, our bi-weekly e-newsletter that keeps you informed of the latest programs, services, and resources @ the Fond du Lac Public Library.  Your library serves the community by promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and diversity through customer friendly access to services that inform, entertain and inspire.  I hope that you will find this newsletter helpful in keeping you connected to the most up to date information on happenings at the library.  Keep an eye on our website www.FDLPL.org as well------and tell us how we are doing.  We want to hear from you!

Ken Hall, Library Director

Fond du Lac Reads!

Attend one of these special programs to celebrate the second annual FDL READS! campaign.  The program aims to get as many people as possible to read the same book at the same time.  This year’s selection is Population 485: Meeting Your Neighbors One Siren at a Time, by Wisconsin author Michael Perry.  The book details life in a small rural Wisconsin town and gives an account of Perry’s humorous and wrenching experiences as a voluntary fire fighter and an emergency responder. Books are available for checkout at the library.  All programs are free and open to the public.

Thursday, March 23, 3:30 p.m. –  McLane Meeting Room in Library   Writer’s Workshop

Michael Perry will humorously speak about how he came to the writing business. “I’ll talk about how shoveling cow manure taught me how to make a living as a writer and why I love going to poetry readings and monster truck races, preferably in the same week, “ stated Perry.  He will also discuss how to take writing off the page and into other formats like radio, music, and television. 

Thursday, March 23, 7:00 p.m. – Windhover Center for the Arts   Michael Perry Speaks

Michael Perry will discuss Population 485 and his other writings.  A reception and book signing will follow the program.  Perry has been published in Newsweek, Esquire, and the New York Times Magazine.  He is a regular guest on Wisconsin Public Radio, and Wisconsin Public Television.  Perry continues to serve as a voluntary fire fighter in New Auburn, Wisconsin.  He has the honor of being the only fire fighter to miss the monthly meeting because of a poetry reading. 

GREAT DECISIONS SERIES is a free weekly series of public forums on global issues featuring expert speakers. The program is sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association.  Funding comes from the library’s Seefeld Trust. Programs are held in the library’s Eugene G. McLane Meeting Room.

Tuesday, March 21, 7-8:30 p.m. – Energy Resources, Professor Richard Shaten, UW-Madison

Energy supply and consumption have a significant impact on U.S. politics and economy.  Is reliance on Middle East oil making the U.S. vulnerable to political influence and economic peril?

Tuesday, March 28, 7-8:30 p.m. – China and India: Partners or Competitors?  Dr. Martin Farrell, Ripon College

Will China and India work closer together or compete with each other to become major world powers?  How will their growth affect the U.S. economy and strategic interests?

JUST FOR KIDS

Registration for preschool storytime at the Fond du Lac Public Library begins March 20 through April 3.  Storytimes meet once a week for five weeks from April 4 through May 4.  Storytimes contribute to a child’s success when they learn to read.  It exposes listeners to the enjoyment of reading and exercises their imaginations.  For more information and to register online click here.

What’s New on the Library’s Website?

Have you read Michael Perry’s Population 485 and would like to discuss the book with other readers?  Or, have you read another book you would like to share with others?  The library has recently created an online discussion on our website.  Readers are invited to join a forum and discuss all things books.

CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE- You will find many links to interesting websites on the library’s webpage.  Check this one out!

The Gardening Launch Pad – With spring just around the corner you are probably planning your flower and veggie gardens.  This site is just what the home gardener needs.  It provides links to over 5,000 garden related sites organized into over 100 categories including specific kinds of plants, organic gardening, tools, weeds, weather, and much more!

BOOKS AT A BARGAIN!

Get rid of those winter blues!  Shop at the BOOKCELLAR, the used bookstore operated by the Friends of the Fond du Lac Public Library and located on the lower level of the library.  The store has a great selection of children’s and adult materials at low, low prices.  Remember, by shopping at the BOOKCELLAR you are helping to support your library.  The store will be open every other Monday from noon to 6 p.m. on the following dates:  March 20; April 3 & 17; May 8 & 22.

To join the Friends or volunteer in the store call (920) 929-7080.

We hope you visit us often to check out what’s new at the library or online at www.FDLPL.org

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Fond du Lac Public Library, 32 Sheboygan Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935  (920) 929-7080  

Hours:  Monday thru Thursday  9 am – 8 pm;  Friday  9 am – 6 pm;  Saturday  9 am – 5 pm;  Sunday  12- 4 pm