Did you know that with your Mead Public Library card, you can download free music, magazines, books and movies? Or that you can learn to knit, use a 3D printer, or paint a watercolor at Mead Library?
Mead Public Library is the library of the City of Sheboygan, and for many years, it’s slogan was “more than books.” Today’s Mead Library is a lot more than books. You can still come to the library to check out books and DVDs, go to storytime with your kids, and do research, but now you can do so much more.
Mead Library is developing a Digital Media Lab and Makerspace. You’ll soon be able to use a sewing machine, do photography, make a recording, scan documents, use aprecision cutting machine, create an object on a 3D printer, use Photoshop or animationsoftware on an iMac, and that’s just the start. Training also will be offered so that everyone can learn how to use these tools.
More opportunities come at library events where you can learn from experts: do tai chi, graft a fruit tree, make a dessert, and more. A seed library offers a chance to save and borrow seeds from other gardeners.
As always, the library offers many programs for children including chess, LEGO building, making art, doing science experiments, model building, and reading to Faith, a therapy dog. There are programs for teens as well, including gaming events, screen printing, and creating interactive electronic objects.
Mead Library has offered book discussion groups for decades, and still does, but has added the Book to Art Club where members talk about a book while creating art, and a book group that meets at Urbane called “Books on Tap.”
Did you know that there is a book store inside of Mead Library where the Friends of Mead Library sell used books? Mead also has a gathering area on the first floor where you can relax and enjoy snacks and beverages.
With a Mead Library card, you can even use free library services without coming into the library! Go to Mead’s website (www.meadpl.org) and take a look at what you can do.
With Hoopla Digital, you can stream or download thousands of movies, TV shows, comics, e-books, music albums and audiobooks. Freegal Music Service allows you to stream up to three hours of music each day, and download three songs per week, and there are millions to choose from. Zinio is a collection of popular magazines you can read on a computer or mobile device. OverDrive offers audiobooks, e-book and magazines to “check out” online. Need help with homework, writing a report or resume? Try Brainfuse, which offers live online tutors. For personal help learning to use online services, call the library at 459-3400, ext. 3422, for an appointment.
Mead Library recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to help preserve the history of the City of Sheboygan by digitizing photos and other artifacts that residents own. Check the library’s website or pick up information at the library to learn about Scan Day on Saturday, March 5, or to have items scanned at another time.
Mead Public Library is funded primarily by the City of Sheboygan. Through the Eastern Shores Library System, most public library services are shared among residents of Sheboygan and Ozaukee counties.
Many enhanced services and programs at Mead Library are funded by the Friends of Mead Public Library and the Mead Public Library Foundation, in addition to grants from the Green Bay Packers Foundation and the Kohler Foundation, Inc. We appreciate their support!