Paul Soglin: Waxing America

Congratulations to the Madison Public Library!

Congratulations to the Madison Public Library on being named one of the 30 finalists to receive the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor in the nation recognizing museums and libraries for their service to their communities! In the past this honor has been awarded to institutions that consistently make public service a top priority in their work with all community members.

Here in Madison we know that our public library is the heart of our community. Our nine libraries lead the way as we focus on equity and service to all. This nomination speaks volumes  about the Madison Public Library's work, but I look forward to the system receiving the top award! Thank you to Congressman Mark Pocan for the nomination.

For more information on this prestigious award check out the press release on the Madison Public Library website at the link below:

http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/new/madison-public-library-named-finalist-2015-imls-national-

Shabazz High School Visit

Recently I visited Malcolm Shabazz High School to spend some time talking with and getting to know the students and teachers. Malcolm Shabazz High School provides a unique learning environment for our Madison youth by providing them with smaller, more personalized classes, allowing them to work at their own pace, and encouraging them to apply their lessons to real life situations. It is essential that our Madison community provide our youth with the opportunity to succeed in an alternative education style.

I started my day with a tour of the school, met Principal Soderbloom, shadowed a student to class, and wrapped up the day with a discussion in the Service Learning Class. I was impressed by the students’ aspirations for their future. I am looking forward to seeing these youths achieve their goals!

CATCH Healthy Habits-The Tradition Continues!

I am excited to embark on the 4th year of the CATCH Healthy Habits Program in 2015.  As you may remember reading in my blog post back in March, CATCH Healthy Habits is a program that aims to encourage healthy eating and active living to reduce obesity. What's so great about CATCH is that it focuses on more than one generation, encouraging parents, grandparents, and children to be active together!

Adults ages 50+ act as mentors to kids in kindergarten through fifth grade. This set up does not simply benefit the physical health of the child and fight obesity, but has shown to improve overall health of the adult mentors, increasing functionality and decreasing depression, which ultimately leads to lower rates of mortality. This year CATCH is highlighting this idea, with a new program being called 50+ CATCH. 50+ CATCH is meant to educate more sedentary or less active seniors on the importance of nutrition and exercise. The first program is scheduled for March 13th.

To learn more about CATCH programs and get involved, contact Laurie Bibo via email at [email protected] or via phone at 608-267-8673.

Black History Month at the Madison Public Libraries

You may have seen Janetta Pegues, the new Goodman South Madison Library Supervisor on Channel 15 news recently discussing all that the Madison Public Library is doing to celebrate Black History Month.  At the South Madison location, Janetta has created a black history display including library materials and books with information on politics, black inventors, and children's stories. The library is also showcasing pieces, including a traditional African Kente cloth, a symbol of African culture. The display and showcased pieces will supplement the exciting events that are scheduled to take place!

Next year we can look forward to an impressive Black History Month roll out at all nine public libraries, including displays and events for all Madisonians to enjoy.

Stop by the Goodman South Madison Library on February 7th for the kick-off Black History Month event. Event attendees will hear from legendary storyteller Fabu, join in some hip hop dance, and enjoy some treats.

To read more about the February 7th event click on the link below!

http://www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/events/celebrate-african-american-history-month-fabu-carter-and-araceli-esparza-42579