Tell Us Your Story

59 submissions

Name Sort descending	Your Neenah Library Story
Alyssa	I moved to Neenah two years ago with my husband, Adam, and three-year-old son, Will. I have been a stay-at-home mom since Will was born. Before that I was a full-time librarian at both public libraries and a medical library, having received my MLIS from UW-Milwaukee back in 2011. Seeing how much Will loves visiting the library, he especially loves the train table and picture book area, has driven home just how much I love being in the library. It is an essential service that does not get the respect it deserves. Neenah's library is beautiful, and the staff is always very friendly. Thank you for all that you do. :)
Annie	As a parent with limited mobility, the NPL classes were ALWAYS accessible, and such amazing experiences for my child. I feel safe bringing my child to the programs, and our child looks up to the librarians throughout the library, especially the Youth Librarians! We have saved thousands and thousands (and thousands) of dollars by checking out library materials, and we appreciate the opportunity to place holds on items that can be shared from other libraries as well. The positive energy all staff share with patrons is respectful and creates such a warm, hometown feel to the building's experience. I can't imagine parenting a child who enjoys books, or growing as a reader myself, without the NPL. We are truly blessed to have this resource in our city! Thank you for all you do!
Anonymous	Richie really did a great job with the jazz series!
Beckett	I moved to Neenh with my husband and two young daughters in 2005. The library was our favorite place to visit. Now my daughters are adults and I still love to go to the libraray. I especially love the bookscription program!
Betsy	The Neenah library staff is all so helpful! And I love being able to place holds on materials online & pick them up near the front desk. Thank you!
Cal	Cal (3) was so excited to play with our Explorer Boxcar that the moment his younger sibling woke from a nap he started asking Mom to go to the library. Even though they had just visited the library, Mom knew another trip was needed, so off they ventured. The entire journey to the library was filled with excitement over playing with the igloos. When a staff member handed Cal the Boxcar his smile stretched from ear to ear as he bounced up and down with excitement.
Caleb, Logan, Isaac, and Tara (aka Mom)	Tara (aka Mom) approached the Youth Desk asking for a game to help pass the time while waiting for her daughter's choir. Caleb, Logan, and Isaac all agreed that Ticket to Ride was the perfect length. Their wait was filled with family fun. We won't reveal who the winner was, but we hear he has bragging rights until the next family game time.
Charlotte (age 5)	I've been going to the library since I was one. I like that you can get crafts. I like that you can borrow as many books as you like and get subscription with a treat. I like to play there. I like to see friends there. (as relayed by mom Andrea.)
Cheryl	I came to the library for the repair cafe to get my Bluetooth speaker fixed. The volunteer did a great job of fixing it. I also love doing the puzzle tournaments the library holds.
Chris	I emailed Richie Zaborowske, Adult Services Librarian, last August because I am interested in writing and heard about the "Leap into Writing" group. He emailed me they wrote "Flash Fiction" in the group, which I had never heard of. He wrote that the deadline for submitting a story was midnight that day. Flash Fiction is 1,000 words or less. There was a typo in the email, so it read 100 words. I figured I could write 100 words before midnight, and I did and submitted it. When I attended the meeting on August 29, I was the only one with a 100-word story. Everyone was very nice. It's tough to write a good story in 100 words. I learned a lot about writing in the subsequent group meetings. I enjoy writing Flash Fiction because it teaches me to be economical with my words while including all the elements of a good story in under 1000 words. It has sharpened up my writing, and I never would have heard about it except for Richie and the group. I wrote a story inspired by a theme of the month for the group ----- Fairy Tales. The group gave me valuable feedback, and I used it to edit the story. I submitted my story for online publication, and the editors accepted it! In December, my spouse and I moved to New York City to help care for our two grandchildren (we are living the dream), so I can't attend the Leap into Writing group. I continue to write and have several stories in progress. I participate in a writers' circle associated with the NY Public Library.
Cindy	Just as I turned to help my 5-year-old retrieve a book on bats from a top shelf, my 3-year-old escaped my attention, wandered over to another row, and scaled the stacks. Yikes! I plucked him off the shelves. "But," he protested, "I want the red one." Choosing a book by its color! The book was "McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm" by Sid Fleischman, part of a series of tall tales about the farm, a fantastic find that was as funny for adults as for children. We read them many times. Dozens of times. We checked out each of the books, all of the books, renewed the books, pulled them out from the book return to take them home again. We bought the books. Today, they are a huge favorite of the next generation. I have read them aloud, each has read them to themselves, and they read them to their younger siblings. A red book.
Coral	When Coral visits the library, she can often be found making art. Recently on a visit, her friend Camila joined her. They created their very own art challenge where each person would close their eyes and chose just six colored pencils. Using only those six colors they had to create a work of art. They kept their art a surprise by creating a folder wall between them until they finished. Both Coral and Camila rose to the challenge and found the library a good spot to create wonderful art.
Dana	My mother is a long-time patron of Neenah Library. Libraries have always been extremely important to her. She invited me to the Lawrence University student jazz concert at Neenah Library. I’ve never “understood” or “liked” jazz, but it’s time with Mom so I went along. The featured composer was Carla Bley. Between the music, Richie’s personal touch, the intimacy of the room, and the students’ gentle instruction of their art form, my mind was blown! It was a personal epiphany. Walking out through the children’s books, 60 year old memories of library trips with my mother and siblings came alive. I don’t live in Neenah but you have a magical place there,and I’ll be back. Thank you.
Danielle	I just came from the Neenah Library's repair cafe and it was awesome. I loved it so much. I had a few things that needed mending. Karen the sewing volunteer was able to help me out. I sure did appreciate her fixing up the things that I needed help fixing. What a great idea this repair cafe is. Thank so much Neenah Library for hosting this event and to all the volunteers that offered there talents. I can't wait for the next one.
David	I always greatly appreciate the great staff at the Neenah Public Library. All of you do so much for serious and dedicated readers like me. I am 61 and reading is my passion. I have read seriously since I was 8 years old. Now that I am retired it brings me lots of enjoyment. The Neenah Library is the top library in the Fox River Valley. That is mainly due to the great staff but the facility, collection and the programming are fantastic! That is why I consider it my home library even though I live near Seymour. I’ve known Nicole and Richie and others for quite sometime now. I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for the great work you do!
Diane	Bravo! The Neenah Public Library is amazing. I am completely impressed at the number and variety of quality activities you are offering to every age group and citizen of our community. My husband and I both wanted you to know you are very much appreciated. Please keep up the great work.
Diane	I stopped at the library because I had an issue with a scam email request for gift cards that appeared to come from a contact. I first spoke with Meghan who was helpful and cheerful. She suggested I come into the library and someone would be able to help remove the spam emails from my phone. She was cheerful because of her encouragement. When I arrived Justine was the person who helped me further to explain how to remove. And with her assistance, I removed and trashed the emails. Justine was also patient...I'm a growing learner of cell phones. Meghan also printed out material to help me with this process.
Dinah	A great lady helped me solve a problem in using an external disc drive. I made a huge deal out of a problem - Mehta took 15 seconds to solve my problem. She was reassuring & very respectful doing so. She was patient with me. A very nice lady!
Donald	The interlibrary loan service is a wonderful gift. The service has gotten publications I never expected I'd ever see, but which have helped significantly with my research. (Donald A. Gaubatz PhD)
Elizabeth	The reference librarian Richie is so professional, kind and nice to library patrons. Thanks for all you do!