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Prairie Lakes Library System
October 2025 Newsletter
Local News
Double the Distinction: Two PLLS Affiliates Honored by WLA
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Paralibrarian of the Year
JENNIFER MELCHI
Adult Services Librarian, Burlington Public Library
The Wisconsin Library Association’s Support Staff and Circulation Services (SSCS) Paralibrarian of the Year Award recognizes the essential role of paralibrarians, including all library support staff who do not currently have an MLIS, in providing excellent library service in Wisconsin. This award places special emphasis on efforts to further the role of paralibrarians and library support staff in the library profession.
Submitted by Joe Davies:
 
Jen has done exemplary work at the Burlington Public Library, first as a part-time Library Assistant (since 2017) and then as our full-time Adult Services Librarian (since 2023). While her duties initially centered around providing reference service, her aptitude and passion for adult public programs quickly became apparent.

Last year, Jen planned and managed 208 adult programs that 2,151 participants attended. These programs include: a weekly walking program; brunch & learns with lectures by a retired local educator; a monthly book club; a monthly presentation by a local historian; a series of author talks; monthly bingo; historical and cultural speakers through the UW Speakers Bureau; outreach programs at two local senior care facilities; meditation and yoga programs; artists programs, and so much more. 
In addition, Jen manages interlibrary loans, rides the Book Bike, prepares monthly subscription book boxes, liaises with local artists and writers' groups, and co-authored a book about our library's tortoise. Also, she's really nice. She's kind and caring to the patrons and friendly and helpful with her colleagues. Burlington is lucky to have her.
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2025 Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame
STEVE PLATTETER
(April 24, 1961 – February 27, 2025)
Deputy Director, Prairie Lakes Library System
Induction into the Wisconsin Library Hall of Fame is granted to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the statewide improvement of library service in Wisconsin over a sustained period of time.  Individuals who have worked in and/or advocated for Wisconsin libraries will be considered. Both living and deceased individuals are eligible for selection.
Submitted by Steve Ohs:
 
Steve had a long, distinguished career in Wisconsin libraries. He served as Automation Services Librarian for Southwest Wisconsin Library System for seven years, as Automation Services Librarian for Mid-Wisconsin Federated Library System for nearly ten years, as Director of Arrowhead Library System for more than 11 years, and most recently as Deputy Director of Prairie Lakes Library System since its inception in January 2023. A champion of small libraries and passionate advocate for collaboration, his proudest achievement was the system merger that resulted in the new Prairie Lakes Library System. His leadership style was calm and reassuring. This fostered a great deal of trust among and between stakeholder groups – with whom Steve always showed genuine interest, compassion, and humor.
See a full list of WLA awards and honorees.

PLLS Libraries Shine Bright: Multiple WiLS Ideas to Action Grants Awarded Across PLLS
The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 so member organizations can bring their project ideas to life. The Fund encourages partnerships and collaborations among WiLS members and with community partners, supports innovative and exploratory new work, and seeds the development of processes, methods, or resources that can be used by other WiLS members.
Burlington Public Library
Compassion Kits @ Your Library
Burlington Public Library will support individuals in their community experiencing homelessness by assembling and distributing Compassion Kits – backpacks containing hygiene items and essential supplies to address their immediate needs.
Edgerton Public Library
Monthly A1C and Blood Pressure Testing
Edgerton Public Library will provide free monthly A1C testing and blood pressure testing to members of the community, regardless of income or age.
Prairie Lakes Library System
Passport Packs: Check Out the World
Passport Packs are innovative, inclusive circulating kits that bring the world to young patrons through immersive, hands-on cultural experiences – featuring books, music, games, recipes and more – to foster awareness and appreciation of global traditions, languages, and lifestyles.
Racine Public Library, Racine
Participatory Defense Hub
The Racine Participatory Defense Hub is an existing program that meets weekly at the library to help families and individuals in Racine County, empower participants to navigate the criminal justice system more effectively.
See all the projects and grant recipients.

PLLS Board Approves 3-Year Local Community Outreach Grant Program
The Community Outreach Grants Program exists to help Prairie Lakes Library System (PLLS) member libraries expand their impact in local communities through innovative outreach projects. It aims to fund creative, experimental, and collaborative efforts that extend library services beyond traditional walls—especially to rural or underserved populations. The program supports libraries in testing new ideas and building partnerships that strengthen community engagement and access to resources.
 
Eligibility:

All PLLS member libraries are eligible to apply individually or collaboratively. Projects must introduce new services or infrastructure outside the library’s existing operations—such as book bike delivery programs, pop-up libraries, pickup lockers in unserved areas, or partnerships for community health or outreach initiatives.

Grant funds cannot be used for routine library operations, materials, staffing, or building renovations. Collaborative projects must designate one library as the fiscal agent and provide regular progress updates to the Librarian Advisory Committee.
 
Funding Details:
  • Program total: $792,000 (from PLLS reserve funds)
  • Available per library: up to $36,000 for the full 2026–2028 program period
  • Collaborations: libraries may pool their allocations for larger regional projects
  • Reimbursement basis: funds are reimbursed to libraries upon submission of paid invoices
  • Duration: three years (2026–2028)

Illustrated spotlight shining on the words
Systemwide Resource
Mango Languages Adds Alphabet Chart Feature
Shared from an October 8 announcement email from Mango Languages.
 
You asked. We delivered. Alphabet charts are here.
 
The wait is over! For years, librarians have requested alphabet charts, and Mango is now delivering. We’re thrilled to announce the launch of interactive alphabet charts, starting with Spanish and Japanese.
 
Your patrons can now:
 
  • Click through characters and hear their sounds
  • Learn phonetics with crystal-clear pronunciation
  • Build a strong foundation for deeper language learning
The Alphabet Charts are live today in the main unit of each course! To explore them, head to Spanish or Japanese. You’ll find the charts right below the Unit 1 pre-test in each language, as shown below. *If you are accessing from mobile, you may need to update your app, to see the new feature in action.
 
Take a glimpse at this new feature!
Mango Languages alphabet chart
And this is just the start. More alphabets are on the horizon; Korean, French, Arabic, and beyond. Available for both web and mobile! This long-requested feature is finally here, and it’s about to make language learning in your library even more engaging.
 
Best,
The Mango Languages Team
Learn more, visit PLLS's Mango page.

Catch Up with PLLS & Our Member Libraries
Meeting Agendas & Mintues
Board & Advisory Council
Community Calendar:
Libraries Events

State News
A bookshelf filled with books, a sticky note reads
SEWI Is Your Doorway to Seemingly Endless CE
Southeastern Wisconsin Libraries (SEWI) is a collaborative network comprising five regional library systems: Bridges, Kenosha County, Milwaukee County, Monarch, and Prairie Lakes that provides continuing education (CE) opportunities for their member libraries. 
 
Now is a great time to visit SEWI's redesigned website to discover CE sessions that interest you!
What you'll find:
On-demand learning:
  • Building Projects
  • Circulation Tools
  • Collection Management
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Management & Human
  • Resources
  • Marketing
  • Privacy
  • Public Services
  • Technology
  • Trustee Resources
  • Wild Wisconsin Winter Web Conference
Staff Development Day Resources
Future Events Calendar & Registration
Past Events
  • Recordings
  • Slides
  • Handouts
  • Activity Reports
Other Learning Opportunities
Explore SEWI's website today!

National News
Announced Closure Disrupts Supply Chain
Baker & Taylor, long one of the major book distributors serving libraries in the U.S., announced on October 6, 2025, that it would begin winding down operations and plan a full closure by early 2026. Wikipedia This reversal follows years of structural shifts: in 2019, it exited the retail wholesale business (ceasing sales to bookstores, comic shops, and other non-library retailers) with the wind-down completed by mid-July 2019. For libraries that have depended on Baker & Taylor for acquisitions and distribution, this impending shutdown creates a significant gap in the supply chain.
 
As for alternatives: many libraries currently (or historically) use Ingram Content / Ingram Library Services as a primary or backup vendor, thanks to its broad catalog and library-oriented services. Other options include specialized library wholesalers and vendors such as Brodart, Mackin, GOBI (via EBSCO), and Midwest Tape. Some libraries also continue to supplement orders via Amazon or other trade sellers for specific titles, though those are often less ideal for library purchasing policies, pricing, and processing.
Read announcement on "American Libraries".
"American Libraries" Buyers Guide of Book Wholesalers

2026 Public Library Association Conference
Registration & Housing Are Now Open!
The Public Library Association (PLA) Conference is the largest public library event in the world, where thousands of public library workers, advocates, and vendors come together for an unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate the power of public libraries.
 
Join us in Minneapolis, April 1–3, for an unforgettable experience with over 100 educational sessions on topics like leadership, community partnerships, censorship and misinformation, A.I., and more. Whether you’re a seasoned library professional or new to the field, there is something for everyone at PLA 2026!
 
Reserve your spot today and save with the ALA member advanced rate or become a PLA member and save nearly 50% on registration with the Early Bird discount!
 
We can’t wait to meet you in Minneapolis for PLA 2026—where ideas flow and libraries flourish.
 
Can't make it to Minneapolis? This year's virtual Conference will coincide with the in-person event, with live-streamed general sessions, author events, mindfulness practices, and the chance to network with colleagues across the country and around the world. Virtual attendees receive access to on-demand sessions for three months.
Information & Registration.

Get in contact with us.
Main Office
262-514-4500
29134 Evergreen Drive, #600
Waterford, WI 53185
Satellite Office
608-868-2872
430 E. High Street, Suite. 200
Milton, WI 53563
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Prairie Lakes Library System
Headquartered at 29134 Evergreen Drive, #600, Waterford, WI 53185 | Phone: 262-514-4500
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