On Monday Movie Nights, the second Monday of each month, the Library will be showing a newly released DVD. Then, the Monday Movie Matinees, on the third Monday of each month, will feature interesting and informative documentaries.

The current economic climate has made it necessary to reduce the cost of operating the Library.

The Library has reduced its staffing by 4.5 full-time equivalent positions since 2005. To offset this ongoing loss the Library Board has chosen to reduce hours during one of the Library’s quietest times, Friday evenings. This will allow the Library to be fully staffed and provide quality service during the remaining open hours, and to retain hours on Sunday afternoons.

Beginning January 1, 2012

Due to staff reductions, Library hours will be changed to:

Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Sunday (October - April), 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Additionally, rather than further reduce services or hours the Library Board has chosen to introduce fines on overdue children’s materials checked out on children’s cards. Fines are an optional fee, paid only when materials are kept beyond the normal due date. The Library offers several ways to renew materials if they are needed longer than the three week loan period. Email notification of upcoming due dates is also available.

Fines on Library materials for ALL users will be:

$.25 per day on most items
$1.00 per day on DVDs, videos, Book Group Kits, Rental Collection, eReaders and Interlibrary Loans.

The Library is committed to providing a welcoming and dynamic environment where citizens of all ages can find the inspiration, ideas, and information necessary to achieve their full potential. The Library Board sincerely hopes that these changes will not discourage citizens from using the Library and its many services.

Jane Ameel, Waukesha Public Library Director, has announced her retirement effective May 1, 2012. Ameel has worked in libraries for 38 years, including 27 years as Waukesha’s Director.

Highlights of Ameel’s career in Waukesha include three expansion and renovation projects, the formation of the CAFÉ (Catalog Access for Everyone) consortium of local libraries, the development of the Library’s public art program, and the introduction of Waukesha Reads and numerous other community collaborations. These efforts ultimately culminated in the Library’s recognition by the Wisconsin Library Association as the 2011 Wisconsin Library of the Year.

"Jane's 27 years of experience as Director of the Waukesha Public Library will be fondly remembered," said Paul Kasprowicz, president of the Waukesha Public Library Board of Trustees. "Her capacity for innovation, creativity and teamwork is truly exemplary. Jane consistently displayed a resourcefulness that reflects her brilliance and commitment to the Waukesha community."

Ameel was honored for her service to the community with the Key to the City at the Waukesha Common Council meeting on Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m.

If you would like more information on this topic, please contact Karol Kennedy, Deputy Library Director at 262-524-3746 or kkennedy@waukesha.lib.wi.us.

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