"I Remember" Scrapbook
I Remember… back in the 60's many summer days walking to the library with my brothers and sisters, and walking back laden with treasures--(six books each back then).
I remember going to the library with my father. As we crossed Lawrence Street, I slipped and fell in a mud puddle. My bottom, covered with wet mud, my dad took me into the library to clean up. I was so grateful for the tall shelves in the children's room that I could slink behind so no one could see the big spot on my backside!
On another occasion, I was reading at the table in the youth room, and got the urge to indulge in some bubble gum I had stashed in a bag. I put a wad in my mouth and it tasted so good, I put yet another wad in! I soon realized that my mouth was too full to chew it discreetly, and I was so afraid that the librarian would catch me in my indiscretion!
I work in the Appleton Library now, in the Children's Room, and I have to chuckle when I see the young ones trying to hide the tell tale signs of bubble gum!
Kathleen Gerarden
I Remember… moving to Appleton from Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1991 and being welcomed by the library and staff. My children enjoyed coming to the library for story hour. It help lay the foundation for reading and doing well in school.
Karen Harkness
I Remember… the unfailing courtesy and helpfulness of the entire library staff. That includes the many who are no longer here. The present staff is to be commended for bringing the library into the new century. Continued success,
Cody Splitt
I Remember… Although I have been in Appleton only since 1988 the reference desk was wonderful at helping me find documentation for papers written in my Master's program. They even helped me research for my thesis. A hardy thanx,
Peggy Bell
I Remember… when my family and I moved to Appleton from the big city of Madison. The library became my second home. To this day, I swear that if it hadn't been for the library (and Public Radio), I would have marched right back to Madison. The Library welcomed my children and I and made the new city seem much friendlier. The library is my second home, and I am proud to be a contributing board member and patron!
Elly Loebach
I Remember… One of my first memories of the library is from when we lived in Madison, WI. I think I was two at the time. Anyway, I was looking at books, and I looked up, and the lady next to me wasn't Mom!
Whoops--I just looked up at the top of the page and it said these were suppose to be about the Appleton Library. I think one of my favorite things in the world is books. No, not I think --I know one of my favorite things is books. And I think the library is wonderful.
Emily Gilbert (age 11).
I Remember… as a junior high student, the library's proximity to the YMCA was my main reason for stopping in. But by high school age, regular visits were a necessity due to reading assignments that exhausted the high school library's capabilities. One fascinating feature of the public library in the early "forties" was a rather small glass case on a table. This case was kept locked because it contained all the sexually oriented books of that time. Only adults could request the librarian at the circulation desk for one of those books! I spent considerable time in the vicinity of that glass case waiting to see who would take out such books and if I knew any of these lenders! I never did!!!
Dick Goree.
I Remember… tonight best of all because our Quartet "tune time" sang to all the guests and enjoyed it very much. We specially appreciated singing to the ladies on the staff who were so beautifully dressed for the Centennial Celebration. We'd be happy to do it again for the bi-centennial? God willing!
John A VerBockel (tenor).
I Remember… coming to the old Public Library as a young child in the 1950's. Climbing the many, many steps to a wonderful world of books. I always participated in the summer reading program. I remember one summer the reading record chart included a map of the U.S. For every book read I got a colored dot to put on the map. When I got older I was finally able to use the adult section--what a thrill.
The public Library has become a main feature in my life since 1987 when I moved back to Appleton and my husband became a reference librarian here. Watching the new library be built was a thrill. When our first child Gillian was born in 1981 she became the youngest holder of an Appleton Public Library card at 3 days of age. Gillian and our son Brennan have grown up in the library and it seems like a second home to them.
Marsha Dawson
We Remember... the groundbreaking ceremony for the new library. We were co-presidents of Friends of the Appleton Library during the period of planning and campaigned for the bond issue. The citizen support for the bond issue was evidence of the value the community places in education and the power of books in our lives. It was a thrill to represent FOAL and Appleton citizens in turning one of the first shovelfulls for this grand facility.
Don and Alberta Churchill
I Remember… when I went here with my friend we saw the quartets and they sang a song to us!
Holly Wisniewski
I Remember… when I was about in the third grade, my mother let me take the bus with the neighbor family to go to the YMCA and library. Then the mothers took turns picking up. My memories are sensual ones--about red licorice, that I bought at the YMCA and looking at the green tiles as I walked up the stairs to the children's section in the old library on Oneida St. I recall the tan floor tiles, hard oak chairs and formica-topped tables in that building and revolving wire racks of paperbacks of the adult section. I recall how long the stairs seemed. Sometimes they displayed children's creations and book jackets in the stairway. I recall my parents parking on Oneida St. while I returned books to the outside return slot. I recall doing genealogy research in the basement when I was in my twenties.
I was somewhat sad to see the old building torn down. When the current building opened in 1981 I mentioned it to a newcomer who had said there wasn't much cultural activity in Appleton. In looking back I can't imagine how the citizens managed with that small building and traffic on Oneida. This building provides a much higher level of comfort and service. I still think of this as the "new" library, although it has been 17 years. I recall that the League of Women Voters and others had to promote the notion of a new library to obtain it.
Now I am awed by the power of the computerized databases and internet access. The old Oneida St. library is a relic of the distant past in my mind by comparison to the present.
Marsha Brewer
I Remember… The fun days reading awesome, mysterious, romantic novels--it was a glory
anonymous
I Remember… the library when it was on South Oneida. The second floor was a children's department with books of wonder, surprise and mystery. We spent time with the librarian selecting treasures.
Treasures have changed as life goes on but knowledge keeps being a treasure. It comes to me in different ways now at the library, but every visit is still a time of mystery, surprise and wonder.
Anonymous Appletonian
I Remember… I like the songs
Jane
I Remember… when I first moved here and the Appleton Public Library helped me out and became my friend. I will never ever forget them. Thank you again!!
friend
I Remember… when I was about 6 or 7 I got a white library card. When I was old enough to read horror, I loved it.
Tasha Derks
I Remember… when there was a children's room upstairs. I remember there were 8 different library settings. One was at Soldier Square. Another was at Houdini Plaza. When by Mom was little, she went to the library at Soldier Square. We like the library.
Tasha J. Derks
I Remember… when my daughter Alex was able to reach her book in the return book chute... it was today, Oct. 27, 1997.
Cheryl Dworak
I Remember… when we spent a lot of time the summer of 97 in the new children's dept. We loved to visit and would oftentimes "snuggle up" and read in the train!!! (fell asleep once or twice, too)
The summer reading program Zap into the Past, was so great. Prizes were fun!
The Drums
I Remember… the rich dark bookshelves of the 'old' library and scouting for books in the historical/novel section.
Returning to the Fox Valley after several years I am again looking for historical novels -- and am participating in library 'history" and volunteering time in the children's summer programs as well as having done the FOAL (pegasus) banner (b.d.lyons) and many, many posters for FOAL programs in the 1980's.
It's our family's second home!
Barbara (Derridinger/Lyons)Bell
I Remember… the cigar book
Justin Jahnke
I Remember… at the age of 10-12 (1956-58), taking the bus every Saturday to downtown Appleton just to go to the library. It seemed so awesome to me with its steps. Some of my favorite memories are of times spent browsing in the Appleton Public Library where I was privileged to check out 5-8 books per week -- and read them all! Thanks to the library! For years I lived out of state, but when Appleton was mentioned, it was the old library that came to mind.
Judith (Stroud) Stuck
I Remember… that the children's programs are so awesome. My kids really enjoy the stories and how they're told (almost as much as I). The librarians do an absolutely fantastic job in bringing all the books to 'life' and always enthusiastic! A true asset to the whole community. Thanks,
Judi E Drum
I Remember… this library does nothing but improve, shockingly so for a city of its size, Appleton. Thanks for being such an information conduit!
Grateful in the Fox Valley
I Remember… when they started building the new wing. I hadn't been here for a awhile, so when they moved Reference upstairs and children's downstairs, I was all confused. Later I figured it out. I started laughing too loud and had to go outside so I could finish laughing.
Sarah Jarek
I Remember… when this library was first built. It was considered ultra-modern. Many late nights were spent here referencing for reports. When the children's library was on the second floor. I remember a field trip as a 5-yr-old watching a puppet show and singing songs. Now my daughter is having a great time in this same building.
Karolyn and Emily Schmidt
I Remember… when they changed the order of things.
Chris Boveroux
I Remember… the thrill of the children's library and its books, especially one that contained beautiful art, teaching me at an early age to appreciate art in different forms. I also remember reading many of the old "Life" magazines from the 1950s and 1960s and being fascinated with how much the world had changed in such a short time. In my library school classes whenever we discuss issues relating to public libraries, I always think of APL, and it gives me new appreciation for what a great library APL is!
Rachel Gavelek
I Remember… when I got my first library card. I was so excited that I borrowed 10 books just because I wanted to use my card.
anonymous
I Remember… the times my friends and I got kicked out or yelled at for too many people at a table. You guys should get bigger tables. Your CD players are cool.
Pana Lee
I Remember… reading a doll story and feeling like a kid again with awe and a sense of wonderment.
Jean M. Thiel
I Remember… the first adult book I ever read. I was tired of the children's books, so my Mom took me to one of the librarians to ask about some adult books. I ended up checking out The Coelura by Anne McCaffrey. That helped establish my love of both science fiction/fantasy and books by Anne McCaffrey.
Leighann Harvey
I Remember… when I was small and I came down here
Kham Yang
I Remember… that this place doesn't have all the books I like but it is still cool.
Brittany Ginise
I Remember… getting lost with no one around to help me.
Michelle Buza age 7
I Remember… when I was 5 years old I always came every single day of my life. Now I'm 12 years old and I still come every single day of life also. I want to work here.
Justin James
I Remember… when I got my library card when I came on the field trip
Kathy Lee
I Remember… when I came in to get my library card and didn't bring identification, so the next day I came in and I didn't have my Mom's signature. They were nice and still gave me a library card, and I got to use it that day. I was so happy.
Jane H
I Remember… the first book I ever checked out from your old location-- Seven Day Magic, by Edward Eager. I'm still looking for a copy of it for my personal collection!
anonymous
I Remember… the standing bear who talked to children when they stepped on a mat in front of it. This was a big hit with my children and to the child in me, too
Bill Brehm
I Remember… coming to the library for shelter and sanctuary. Times when I needed to be alone and figure out my mind. From the days after college, looking for a job, working for a great actuarial firm. I found myself often coming to the library to escape the pressures of life. I came to the library after I lost my job and family, living at the salvation army, killing time in a warm friendly place. As I still continue on with life I come to the library to rest, observe people, escape, learn and educate, use computers, or simply sit in the wildlife below. The library is a vast resource of opportunities for everyone.
anonymous
I Remember… when I came to the Appleton library I enjoyed the peace and tranquillity after a busy work day. I also think the Appleton library is a great place to relax one's mind and for having a quiet reading time.
Karen Wyman
I Remember… when I came here and got some books. When I checked them out too.
Mindy Kiehl
I Remember… when I come to the library I'm usually doing home work but when I'm finished I read books and study.
Melissa Cunds
I Remember… When I came here, we could not find any thing on frostbite and then we asked. They helped us! Thank you!
Ericka Foth
I Remember… How the library helped me keep in touch with my Air Force son through using the Internet. It makes Korea seem a whole lot closer!
Valerie Bales
I Remember… when I come to the library I come here to see my friends.
anonymous
I Remember… when I come here to check books and meet my friends, and also homework.
anonymous
I Remember… the first time I came here, I thought, what a really wonderful library! I am a California transplant and I was pleasantly surprised on the well-stocked, safe atmosphere. I will enjoy coming to the library again.
Victoria A. Wendt
I Remember… coming here checking for my favorite books, Goosebumps, by R.L. Stine.
Chue Yang
I Remember… I come to the library to see my friends and have fun and do my homework. I am only 13 years old and I would like to come here every single day with my sister and friends. I like to read a lot. Thank you very much that you let me write in here. Good luck and best wishes to you.
anonymous
I Remember… I have very vivid memories of the Oneida Street building. My first job as a teenager was as a page there in the mid 70's in the children's department. Climbing those hot narrow stairs after a long bus ride in the summertime...the crowded shelves...the huge, heavy carts of children's books to put away. I remember the thrill of occasionally checking out patrons with their 6 books each. Then when I was in my 20's the library held an auction of some of the furniture before moving to the new location and my church picked up a few of the large, round wooden children's tables and chairs. They still grace some of our Sunday School rooms today and I am always reminded of that great building on Oneida street whenever I see them.
Mary Danielsen
I Remember… moving to the Appleton area. Money was tight, but there was always plenty of things to chose from to keep my children and me busy at the library. Thanks for all the support!
Christine Magray and Dezaray
I Remember… getting my card for the first time. My friend Christine helped me. I was so excited. We rented VHS videos and watched movies at her place.
Roger O'Dell
I Remember… Hi, I came here with my friend to look for a couple of books on discrimination.That is what I remember.
Heidi
I Remember… when we came here, we were trying to find Michael Jordan books. We didn't find it yet. I was trying to do my homework while she was trying to find a Michael Jordan book, actually. Now we're going to look for CD's and also movies.
Heidi M. Smith and Amy L. Wurm
I Remember… When I came here to check out your nice books!
Lee Lee
I Remember… when I was small and I'd come watch the plays and puppet show in the old library.
Sweety Lee
I Remember… coming to the library in 4th grade with my class and having lots of fun.
Kristin Pierse
I Remember… When I came here, I saw a friend. I have since 2nd grade.
Mindy Riehl
I Remember… getting my first library card and pointing out my house on the map. That was before the library was remodeled and the kids' section was upstairs
Maria Putzer age 10
I Remember… looking and enjoying looking at flower books in order to order flowers for my wedding.
Jean Theil
I Remember… When my husband , young daughters, and I moved to Appleton in 1943, one of the first places we looked up was the library. Located at that time on South Oneida it was very convenient to reach, but had limited parking facilities - one might say, no parking facilities! We were very favorably impressed, however, by the library itself and its various departments. When the new building was opened we were delighted with the numerous services it afforded - plus plenty of parking spaces! Our family, now four, has enjoyed its increasing number of services over the years, and have continued to avail ourselves of as many of these as possible. When we retired we briefly considered moving to a warmer climate but finally decided that Appleton had too many advantages for us to leave. High on the list was the Appleton Public Library.
Judy and Paul Cundy-
I Remember… I first moved to Appleton in 1975 at the age of 17. My parents had both grown up in the Appleton area. After being away for 25 years they came back to the Fox Cities. I looked for the library as soon as I could. I was a bit taken aback by its location and architecutre of the building. That was when the library was located next to the Zuelke Building. It was so "antique" looking and "packed" inside. Just like not judging a book by its cover, I found it still carried the books I loved and the information I was in search of. The heavy wooden chairs and tables now remind me of how "solid" learning can be. I enjoy your new location and bring my children when I visit the area again.
Helen Arens/Bera
I Remember… bringing my daughter and son to Story Hour at the old library building on South Oneida Street. Both have a great love of reading. My now twenty year old daughter is now trying to find Egbert Nosh, a book she checked out of the library as a child, again and again.
Pat Fanning
I Remember… when I first moved to Appleton.... the library was like a long lost friend. I have many new friends now, but I will always have you!
Samantha Nowak
I Remember… I loved the things that were in here. I loved the books best. I read books when I was only 6.
Mao Thao
I Remember… coming to the library and just kickin' it with old friends. Oh yeah, the books are totally cool!
Vida Vang
I Remember… when the light was so bright in the library I couldn't steer myself but I loved the books, especially "Sadako and the thousand paper cranes".
Darla Leez
I Remember… when I used to be litttle I loved to read or listen to stories. I was a great reader my mother would say, I used to read a lot of books. When I was only 6 my mother took me to get a library card. That time I was in Fond du Lac. I love Fond du Lac's books but every book I have read is beautiful and lovely. This is going to be the letter I would never forget.
Mao Thao
I Remember… when I was little and would come to story hour and children's activities in the summer. I thought the old library (corner of Oneida and Lawrence) was really neat.
Valerie Bayer
I Remember… Getting my first library card, I was 4 years old. It was like winning 10 million dollars
Jenny Jones
I Remember… I loved the things that were in here. I loved the books best.
anonymous
I Remember… Spending loads of time at the library reading all my favorite books... Computer, Sci-Fi, fixit, Fiction, and Music. I couldn't live in a city without an excellant library.
Jim Chwaszczewski
I Remember… Spending everyday at the library for the Summer program just to get more points.
No name
I Remember… Roses are red, Violets are blue, Enjoy the books!
no name
I Remember… The old libraary when I started Geneological research and had to send Phyllis down to the basement for the info I needed. I also remember working here at the new library as a library page. In High School I could not fathom the Dewi Decimal System but picked it up like magic when I started working here!
Phyllis Heelsbeck
I Remember… coming to the library for the first time. We came here from Mexico, when my husband was transferred. We didn't speak English, (my children and I). Somebody told me that the best way that my children learn English was watching or looking at written language. So we came to the library. We got lost the first time. We didn't know what to do, what to look for. We were about to give up and leave. But a very nice woman at the desk came up to us and helped us find some special books, written in Spanish and English. We have learned a lot thanks to the books we read. And thanks to that beautiful lady who came to help us!
Beatrice Dominguez
I Remember… I came to do a project for school on Michael Jordan at the library and my mom helped me do it.
anonymous
I Remember… that today I got 1 CD, 3 books, and 1 movie. The Cd was Cold Greatest Hits Volume2 , the books were Cold Walk Two Moons, On the Banks of Plum Creek, and Little Town on the Prairie. I hope that they are good books. I have 1 movie called Who's Talking 1.
P.S. kids have fun reading!
Mindy Riehl
I Remember… not being able to afford to buy books of my own and remembering to look at the library for those I wanted to read. It has given me a new found love for the reading of library books I had grown up reading with. I now make a biweekly trip to the library with the children I care for. Its fun to see them get excited about bringing books home.
anonymous
I Remember… the day that during school and I came to this library to find some books to help me do my homework. I'll remember this library until I'm was past away.
Khou Yang
I Remember… When my friends came to the library and we got our homework done. I love ya!
Superman
I Remember… falling in love at the library. It was a wild, windy Autumn day, almost 25 years ago. I was 15. My father gave me a ride to the S. Oneida St. library, and I flew through the door, tingling with brisk air and with anticipation. Earlier that week, I'd read an exerpt in my high school literature textbook, from Thomas Wolfe's novel Look Homeward, Angel. The main character, Eugene, "felt the infinite depth and width of the golden world in the brief seductions of a thousand multiplex and mixed mysterious odors and sensations, weaving with a blinding interplay and aural explosions one into the other..." followed by a feast of descriptions so vivid, I swore I could smell them, feel them. I was seduced.
Hungry for more, I went in search of the book in the adult department. There I was met with another feast - row upon row of novels, each one holding its own promise of excitement, romance, adventure, enlightenment, engagement of my adolescent senses.
Up to that time, I had been content with the stories in the Youth room. But nothing had made me feel so alive as that exerpt, and now with the golden sunshine filtering through the thick glass block windows, casting a halo above the bookshelves, I saw the library in this new light and fell in love.
I found my book and a few more, and checked them out at the adult desk with a sense of purpose, performing a rite of passage into this new world.
Outside again, the wind in my hair, I looked for my father's car. I wondered if Dad would notice I'd changed since he'd seen me last, for I felt I had. I could feel myself growing up!
A Library Lover
I Remember… When Debbie Dadey came to the library and when you have all the reading programs.
Tosha Derks
I Remember… That the mosquitos haven't been that bad so far...
M. Hix
I Remember… Coming here with my mom when I was like 5 years old. Now I am 13! We would come and go in the train for 1 hour or 2. I also come with my babysitter, we had fun coming to see clowns or just read. I now love to read and would read all night if I could.
Lindsey Reynolds
I Remember… The first time I came here I was very young and I got some great books to read. I was always interested in Fiction books and they always had the books I wanted.
Leah White
I Remember… All the good memories reading here and all of the nice Librarians!
Mallory M.
I Remember… When I was little and couldn't read at all or not very well. Now I can read pretty well and I love reading books! It's a favorite hobby. My parents read to me a lot and that has helped me to love books. Doing the summer reading program for the last 2 years has helped me to enjoy books even more, even if I am getting older!
Tina T.
I Remember… When I was little my mom took me by the train with millions of animals.
anonymous
I Remember… the reading programs and the prizes.
Andrea
I Remember… when I grew up in Wisconsin, I'd spent most of my free time at the library! Coming back to visit has reminded me about the awesome facility, adventures, and education that the Appleton Public Library has provided me. I will always be thankful for this quiet place and the train that always took me on a different trip each time I was here! thank you so much!!
Alison Bray
I Remember… the first time I came here. I was 8 or 9. I was so impressed that I checked out 10 books or more and tried to read them all by the due date. I still come here today and I volunteer for the S.L. Program. I love to read , even here!
Amy Beth Hubetts
I Remember… Reading is such a joy! I like to just curl up and read a book.
Molly Buss
I Remember… I enjoy reading. I think one of the best things is reading.
Molly Buss
I Remember… when I needed help with a report so I came to the library then it helped me with it!
Shoua Yang
I Remember… when I needed a book they helped me.
Sara Bellin
I Remember… looking at all the books and wishing I could have them all. Well, actually the only ones I really want.
Fanatic of libraries
I Remember… coming here and finding all the adult fiction books that I wanted to read.
Nick Carter Girl
I Remember… my first visit to an American library - well laid out , excellent selection of books and good facilities for children. Staff particularily helpful. -- JM Dawson
There are lots of different books and I really like going on the internet. I managed to find a lot of information about the Green Bay Packers. -- Jemma Dawson
Jm and Jemma Dawson U.K. visitors 1998
I Remember… A- Big aid Re: Military Insigna and addresses
Bill Swick
I Remember… changes. In high school, this didn't aways feel like a place to come and ask a question, but by the late 1970's the library was getting a higher profile. We became more of a reference library. The library grew as community expectations grew. I remember the effort to clean up the card cataolg and tweleve years later, the replacement of the cards with a computer catalog. I remember the referendum approving the new library and the hours of committee work planning the new building. I remember the damp basement and holes in the floor of the old building and the move from the old library to the new library, wheeling loaded book carts down long ramps into moving trucks. I remember the last night in the old library, when my friend Tom Wendlandt was the last patron. With the new library and the meeting roms, we became a community center. Business boomed. We became electronic, and the Library Foundation and a talented staff put us on the Internet. I Remember… so many things that they are a welter of impressions and memories... coming to the old library with my father almost every week as a young child, climbing the long stairway to the children's area... finally being old enough to get an adult card and being able to use the collections on the first floor without my father... summer afternoons riding my bike to my favorite destination, zipping through the alleys to the library... as a teenager, being thrown out with my friends for eating fried chicken in the library on a Friday night before going to the Den.
I Remember… books. Book after book after book. During my childhood, I read almost every Science Fiction novel in the collection, starting with "Space Cat" and "Danny Dunn" and working my way through Andre Norton and Robert Heinlein. I learned most of the facts of life from books in the young adult collection - books like those we still see embarrassed young teenagers browsing through but seldom checking out. I remember years of amazing, disturbing or joyous discoveries on the new book shelf, or browsing the stacks. I Remember… mostly people: Magda Trinrud, Harold Adams, Dorothy Draheim, Howard Dickson, Ruth Birkhead, Jackie Nytes, Anna Costantino, Gordon Bebeau, Virginia McMahon, Karen Schmitt, Marion Huss, Amy Waite, Chuck DeVries, Ray Vignovich and so many more. I remember staff, Friends, Trustees, and Foundastion Board members. I remember performers: The Guthrie Theater playing to a full house, Stephen Ambrose making history come alive and Tom Pease bringing out our laughter and common humanity through songs. I remember patrons, from babies to seniors, street people and college professors. I remember debates, discussions,arguments, and hugs. The people have been hundreds, maybe thousands; their names and faces a blur. I remember especially and always, the collegues who left us too soon: Shirley Janssen and Harriet Tippet. I remember getting a library card for my daughter when she was less than a day old. My life has been half that of the library. In the past twenty years I've spent here, there have been births, marriages, divorces, and deaths, but the library has gone on...I still feel what I remember best: the joy of being part of a place, a profession and a community where people love learning and ideas so well
Terry Dawson
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