Fond du Lac Public Library announces April programs

Discover ‘The Shape of Things’ during exhibit by Open Door Artists at Langdon Gallery

Join the Open Door Artists of Fond du Lac as the group hosts its 15th-annual exhibit at the Langdon Divers Gallery from April 3 to May 1. The gallery is located inside the foyer of the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Fifteen area artists provided pieces to the gallery based on the theme “The Shape of Things,” with each artist interpreting the theme differently.

Members of this group include: Beth Campshure, Chris Dolan, Nancy Donohue, Kathryn Dreifuerst, Bonnie Federman, Debra Hellwig, Beth Kazda, Mel Kolstad, Nicci Martin, Pat Reiher, Michael Sergi, Alice Tzakais, Mary Wehner, Wanda Yuhas Weller, and Steve Wirtz.

A public reception will be held Thursday, April 11 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Langdon Divers Community Gallery is open seven days a week, whenever the Fond du Lac Public Library is open at 32 Sheboygan St. The gallery may be found off the atrium at the south entrance to the Main Library.

For updates on Langdon Divers Community Gallery, follow the gallery on Facebook at www.facebook.com/langdondivers. Volunteer curator Mel Kolstad may be contacted at mel@kolstad.net.

Hear about a women’s rights pioneer from FDL during History at Home at the Fond du Lac Public Library

Lisle Lester grew up in Fond du Lac but her influence was felt far beyond the Lake Winnebago region. Learn about this pioneer in women’s rights during History at Home at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

On Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. in the library’s McLane Room, local historian Tracy Reinhardt will tell the story of Lester, who was born in Fond du Lac in the mid-1800s.She later traveled the world and worked for multiple publications while pushing for women’s rights. According to Reinhard, “she credits her childhood in Fond du Lac for her lack of any prejudice.”

This program is sponsored by Soroptomist International of Fond du Lac.

Hear about her story either in person on April 11 or watch from home via the library’s Facebook page at facebook.com/FDLPL.

Let your inner artist shine during April at the Fond du Lac Public Library

Don’t hide a love for art; let it shine during April at the Fond du Lac Public Library. From a Tiny Art Contest for all ages to adult crafting programs, there’s something for everyone this month at the library.

Free 4-inch-by-4-inch canvases continue to be available for the Tiny Art Contest, though a limited number are available to be reserved at calendar.fdlpl.org. Artists also may supply their own canvas if they choose.

Pieces can be turned in at the Help Desk on the first floor of the Main Library from April 22 to April 29 at 8 p.m.; one entry per person. Anything except food or perishables may be used in the creation of the art. Winners will be selected in four age categories: 0-5 (Littles), 6-12 (Kids), 13-18 (Teens), and 19+ (Adults). Prizes issued in each category include Best in Show and Library Staff Choice.

All entries to the Tiny Art Show will be exhibited in the Langdon Divers Community Gallery from May 1 to June 4.

Not ready for the competition? Hone your skills during upcoming crafting events at the library.

Revel in campy and tacky art during Bad Art Night on Monday, April 1 at 6 p.m. in the McLane Room. This month, the theme is Digital Disco. All supplies will be provided; register now at calendar.fdlpl.org.

Then, join library staff Monday, April 8 at 6 p.m. in the McLane Room, to create a Spring Greeting Card during Evening Craft Class. All supplies will be provided. Register now at calendar.fdlpl.org.

Prefer to dabble with yarn? Drop into Yarn It All on Thursday, April 11 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in the Mid-States Meeting Room. Bring your latest project and chat with fellow yarn crafters at the

library, whether you knit, crochet, cross stitch and more. No sign up necessary; bring your own supplies.

Know an adult who loves to craft but needs to keep it simple? The newest craft program at the Fond du Lac Public Library will be perfect for them. Join library staff on Tuesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. in the Idea Studio for Super Simple Crafts. Each month, library staff walk participants through an extremely easy craft appropriate for almost any skill or ability level. All supplies will be provided. Sign up starting April 9 at calendar.fdlpl.org.

Stretch your dollar with Financial Literacy Month and Money Smart Wisconsin at the Fond du Lac Public Library

Help your money go further during April at the Fond du Lac Public Library.

Throughout the month, the library will help patrons shrink their fines via Food for Fines. The library will waive $1 in fines for each donation of a nonperishable food item. Only food with expiration dates after June 1, 2024, will be accepted, and some less-expensive foods, such as ramen, will be credited at 25 cents each.

Food for Fines donations are good for any money owed to the library, no restrictions. The collected food will be donated to a local food pantry.

Also during April, learn how to make your money go further through a series of Money Smart Wisconsin programs at the Fond du Lac Public Library:

· WHEN I’M 65 — Monday, April 8 at 1 p.m. in McLane Room and online: Learn about Medicare, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D. Discover what each part covers, when to enroll, and how to maximize health insurance dollars. Registration appreciated but not required; register at calendar.fdlpl.org

· HOMEBUYER PREPAREDNESS — Tuesday, April 9 at 6 p.m. in McLane Room: Protect yourself and your family by reviewing estate planning, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Registration appreciated but not required; register at calendar.fdlpl.org

· AN INTRODUCTION TO CRYPTOCURRENCY: UNDERSTANDING THE BASICS — Saturday, April 13 at 10 a.m. in McLane Room: Explore the basics of crypto and web3 during this session; hear about cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Etherum, and Dogecoin. From CEX’s to DEX’s, cold wallets to hot, come learn about cryptocurrency, web3, nfts and more. Registration appreciated but not required; register at calendar.fdlpl.org

Get creative in April in the Idea Studio at the Fond du Lac Public Library

Bring your ideas to life during April in the Idea Studio at the Fond du Lac Public Library. Whether it’s for yourself, a friend, or the Tiny Art Contest, the Idea Studio has opportunities to create all month long.

On Wednesday, April 17 at 6 p.m., drop into the Idea Studio to make a mini masterpiece. This will be an evening dedicated to individuals working on their 4-inch-by-4-inch canvas for the Tiny Art Contest with some supplies provided. Free canvases are available to those who sign up for the program, while supplies last, at calendar.fdlpl.org; search for the Tiny Art Contest on the calendar.

Then, on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 p.m., The Press Club (for printmakers) will explore printing techniques. Staff will demonstrate how to screen print from home with the help of the Idea Studio’s Silhouette Cameo 4 vinyl cutter. This Press Club event will be part slide-show and part demonstration. No experience or registration required for this free event, but participants younger than age 13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Interested in how to create sublimated earrings? Join the Idea Studio on Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m. to take the required training to use of the Idea Studio’s Sublimation Printer and Heat Press. Participants also will have the chance to make their own sublimated earrings to take home. For ages 13 and over. Registration opens April 15 at calendar.fdlpl.org.

The Idea Studio is open for walk-in visits Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Youth may enter the Teen Photo Contest & more during April at the FDL Public Library

Teens have just a few more days to enter the Fond du Lac Public Library’s 10th-annual Teen Photo Contest for a chance to win a Visa gift card. This is one of many activities planned during April for youth at the library.

Teens are invited to submit photos in three categories:

· Wildlife: Share a photo of your pet(s) or animals you encounter in nature

· Black & White: Set the mood with a beautiful black & white image

· Anything Goes: Share with us any photo you have taken that you feel is award-worthy

The photographer who submits the photo judged best overall will win a grand prize $250 Visa gift card. Honorable mention awards will be given for the winners of each category.

The contest is open to teens who attend school in Fond du Lac County in grades six through 12. Deadline to enter is April 5 at 5 p.m., after which the library will gather a VIP panel to judge entries. Entries will be displayed in the library’s Langdon Divers Gallery in May.

Full contest rules and guidelines are at fdlpl.org or by calling (920) 322-3940.

Other teen activities planned in April include:

· Sunday, April 14 through Saturday, April 20: Register for a Browser’s Cache bag, complete with a checked-out book and more, that can be picked up later in the month. Theme: Historically Speaking.

· Tuesday, April 2 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Drop into Anime Afternoon to see a few episodes of anime and enjoy a few snacks. Cosplay is welcome.

· Tuesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Create personalized picture frames during Full STEAM Ahead. No registration required.

· Thursday, April 18 at 4 p.m. in the Teen Area at the library: Want to try out Magic the Gathering but don’t know where to start? Join this Mischief & Magic beginner class to learn the basics and try out some pre-made decks.

Children, meanwhile, also have plenty planned at the library in April:

· Wednesday, April 3 at 1:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Drop in to Homeschool Art. This month, learn about calligraphy and geometric mosaics for Arab American Heritage Month.

· Wednesday, April 10 at 4:30 p.m. in the Mid-States Room: Create rain sticks during Crafty Kids. Best for ages 4+; no registration required.

· Monday, April 15 at 4:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Make a bird feeder during STEAM Night for youth. No registration required.

· Tuesday, April 23 at 4:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Visit with a trained therapy dog and practice reading skills during Paws to R.E.A.D. No registration needed.

· Family Storytime continues on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. through April 23 on the lower level of the library (either in the Storytime Room or the Mid-States Room). Family Storytime is best for children ages 1 to 3, but all are welcome to join as library staff share stories, rhymes and more.

· Parents with children younger than 1 year old can drop in for Babies and Books program, scheduled for Mondays at 11 a.m. in the Storytime Room. Intended for pre-walkers and caregivers, library staff will sing songs, enjoy rhymes, explore books, and have a relaxing playtime with an opportunity for babies and caregivers to connect.