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Support Wisconsin Libraries
Issue: 23
July-September 2015
Director's Message
Hi!
 
I'm excited about the future of libraries in Milwaukee County. With a new library set to open this fall in Oak Creek, a soon to open renovated Tippecanoe branch library, and new libraries planned for the Forest Home and Mill Road areas, Milwaukee County citizens will continue to have some of the best libraries available in the state. 
 
I'm also excited about helping your library better serve you. MCFLS recently completed a strategic plan which focuses in four areas: 1) helping member libraries, 2) helping Milwaukee County citizens directly, 3) advocating for library service statewide, and 4) improving our own operations. I hope you take a look.
 
I frequently hear, "I didn't know the library had that!" You might be surprised at what your library has now, from ebooks to children's programs to free high-speed internet to online tutorials. Come into a Milwaukee County library and surprise yourself.
 
Thanks for your continued support!
 
Bruce Gay
DIrector
Memory Cafes Established With the
Help of MCFLS Libraries

People with Alzheimer's and Dementia Meeting Socially
 

Memory Cafes are springing up around the country, and Milwaukee County is no exception. Several libraries are hosting these monthly gatherings of individuals with memory loss along with their caregivers and friends. The cafe gives everyone a welcome break in a safe, understanding, engaging environment. 

Experts recommend that people with dementia or Alzheimer's remain as active as possible. Beyond improving quality of life, activities can keep those with disorders from wandering or becoming agitated. Memory Cafes allow people to share stories of difficulties and experiences in a sociable atmosphere, learning and communing with those who can relate.
  

MCFLS libraries are working closely with the Bridges Library System (Waukesha), the Alzheimer's Association, TimeSlips, the Milwaukee County Department of Aging, the Milwaukee Public Museum's Spark! program, and other professionals to establish local cafes. Beyond establishing cafes, libraries look to become a resource hub that can provide information and assistance for area cafes. Anyone with questions or interest in attending a Memory Cafe should contact their local library

Telecommunications Upgraded
New Automated Call System, Plans for Renewal Updates

As you may have noticed, the automated system that calls patrons with held items ready to be picked up has been upgraded. In addition to being a more efficient and reliable system, any issues with notifications can be resolved more quickly, and any errors can be tracked down at once. The new messages are also more detailed, including reminders of non-pickup fines for those libraries that have them.  

We will also be upgrading the Telephone Renewal System in the upcoming months. The decision tree will be more user-friendly and the automated messages will provide users with better feedback about items that may or may not have been successfully renewed. The renewal hotline number (414) 277-0183 will not change.

FEATURED RESOURCE: Mango Languages 

Free resources provided by your library!

The Mango Languages database available from your local library offers interactive language lessons in many popular languages. Practice speaking, reading, and listening comprehension in the language of your choice either on a computer or by using the new and improved mobile app.
 
The mobile app is available for Apple or Android devices and will allow you to learn on the go. Lessons can be downloaded and stored in the app or streamed depending on your expected availability of a data connection. Download a whole unit before switching your phone to airplane mode and you can learn while in flight! Of course, a whole unit takes time to learn, which is why Mango allows users to skip around to find the most useful lessons. If you expect to use shopping and haggling words more than terms for hobbies and pets during your trip, you can focus your study appropriately.
 
Mango lessons are designed to let you set the pace. Take a placement test if you already have some familiarity with the language you are studying to see where you should start. Repeat any lesson as often as necessary, or skip forward to find something more interesting if you feel the pace is too slow. At any point you can long press a word to hear it pronounced slowly and clearly. You can also record your answers and compare them to the professional pronunciation.
Visit the Mango page on CountyCat here for more information on how to get started.