This summer, Louise Robbins and I are helping to design and set-up the interim library at Red Cliff. After some initial space changes, we were able to create a blueprint that includes computer stations, tutoring space, a children’s section, and comfy chairs for relaxing reading. Here in Madison, we visited SWAP (Surplus With A Purpose) and St. Vincent de Paul to furnish the new space. Once we gathered the furniture, we packed up the U-Haul van and set out to Red Cliff!
With some help, Louise and I rolled up our sleeves and unloaded the furniture to the library. As we placed the furniture how we had designed the library, we couldn’t help but get excited. After months of planning, we were seeing so much progress.
Without much of a break, we took a short drive over to the fire hall to pick up our first load of books. Thousands of books have been stored at the fire hall since TLAM students boxed them up in 2009. Finally, we were going to get them opened! Police Chief Bill Mertig might have been just excited to see the books being used again!
After a relaxing night in Cornucopia, Louise and I woke up early to begin unloading books. For those of you who have moved books before, you know how heavy they are! Luckily for us, some members of the Red Cliff AODA program came to our rescue. They moved twice as many boxes in half the time Louise and I were able to do! A big thanks to these men!
My first priority was to take a look at the existing Native collection, since a Red Cliff and Native collection are primary focuses for the interim library. It was a good surprise to see many relevant books, which will make a strong start for a Native collection.
In a couple of weeks, we will be making another trip to Red Cliff. We will begin the weeding process and solidify cataloging software. We’ve made a lot of progress and everyone is feeling the momentum! Expect some big changes in the next couple of months!
-Brenna Degan