Friends of the Watertown Public Library

08/29/2026

Library Park Watertown Public Library

08/29/2026

What is your current weekend read? 📚✨
If you're looking to stock up your nightstand for the fall, don't forget to swing by the Book Nook inside the library!

Mark your calendars! Due to the holiday, the next meeting of the Friends of the Watertown Public Library is on Monday, September 14th, in the Makerspace at the library.
Drop a 🙋‍♀️ in the comments if you plan on attending!

08/09/2026

We have received several messages and comments regarding the recent window art installation at the library, and we want to provide complete transparency to our community regarding our involvement and funding.

Regarding the Book Nook & July Book Sale:
100% of the funds raised during our July "Liberty Stack" 50¢ Book Sale were explicitly restricted to the physical update of the Book Nook itself. These funds are being used exclusively to purchase shelving, organizational displays, paint, and directional signage to make the Book Nook more accessible and inviting for local readers. Zero dollars from the July book sale or Book Nook proceeds went toward the window art project.

Regarding the Window Art Grant:
The window art project was initiated and managed under previous library leadership. The Friends group was asked to provide a grant to support a project that was already underway. Like the public, our board relied on the information provided to us at the time. We were not involved in the artist selection, design submission, or creation process.

Our Support for Local Artists:
The Friends of the Library deeply value and advocate for the incredible talent within our local art community. We share the community's passion for supporting real, local human artistry. As we look ahead to future layout updates, events, and library support, we remain committed to uplifting local creators and ensuring our community's voice is heard.

Thank you for your continued support of our library and the Book Nook.
-The Friends of the Watertown Public Library Board

07/25/2026

Hard to believe, but there’s only ONE WEEK LEFT in our July 50¢ Book Clearance! We've loved seeing so many great reads head out the door with local readers this month.

Help us finish the month strong; all books in the Book Nook are 50¢ through July 31st. Pop in before the month ends and build your stack!

07/17/2026

There is nothing quite like seeing great books find good homes! ❤️📚

To help us clear the way for some updates of our library Book Nook, every single book is just 50 CENTS for the rest of July! The Book Nook is fully loaded with fantastic reads just waiting for a cozy spot on your bookshelf. Come on in, build your own stack of summer reading, and help us reach our goal of $250.00.

What treasures have you found in the Nook so far? 👇🪙

07/08/2026

Let freedom ring... and let the pages turn! 📚
In celebration of America’s historic 250th Anniversary, the Friends of the Watertown Public Library is launching a massive clearance event. Welcome to The Liberty Stack Sale! For the entire month of July, EVERY SINGLE BOOK in the Book Nook is just 50 CENTS! 🪙✨

Our community goal is to raise $250.00, one dollar for every year of our nation's history, to fund a layout refresh and reorganization of the Book Nook space.
Stop by today, build your ultimate summer "Liberty Stack," and help us hit our milestone.
History has never been so affordable! 🦅📖

07/01/2026

❤️

Well...it's time to turn in my library keys!

Thirty years ago, I started as a part-time employee at the circulation desk. I never imagined that one day I'd retire as the library director. It's been an incredible journey!

Looking back, I realize how lucky I've been to spend my career doing work that mattered. I've had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues along with getting to know so many wonderful people over the years! You’ve all been part of a career I’m proud of and deeply grateful for!

No two days at the library were ever quite the same, and that's part of what made the job so rewarding. There were challenges, plenty of laughs, and countless moments that reminded me what a special place this library is for our community!

I have a few days left but I hear my garden calling along with a stack of books to read! It's time for the “next chapter”.

Peg

06/09/2026

June Friends of the Library meeting:
First, a massive THANK YOU to everyone who supported our spring Brat Fry! With your purchases and generous tips, we officially brought in a combined $1,248.34 to support the library. Because of your continued support, the Friends were able to donate to the Summer Reading Program so that participants can receive free books this summer and to fund new mulch for the gardens.

Celebrating a Special Milestone 💐
We got to spend a little time celebrating our wonderful Library Director, Peg Checkai, who announced her retirement. We are so incredibly grateful for her years of dedication and leadership, and we wish her the absolute best in her next chapter!

Help Us Flip the Page on the Book Nook! 🎨🛋️
Before she retires, Peg challenged us to give our Book Nook a vibrant, eye-catching makeover. We are officially forming a committee at our next meeting to brainstorm a fresh color, better organization, and fun new items to sell. If you have an eye for design or love organizing, we need you!

🗓️ Save the Date: Our next meeting is Monday, July 6th at 10:00 AM in the Makerspace. Come pull up a chair and help us design the future of the Book Nook!

06/01/2026

Grab your coffee and join us! ☕✨

The Friends of the Watertown Public Library meeting is happening TODAY at 10:00 AM. We are gathering in the Makerspace to plan our next steps and discuss some very important upcoming transitions for our library community, including the retirement of our Library Director.

Whether you've been a member for years or are just curious about how you can help, we would love to have you at the table!

🗓️ WHEN: Today, Monday, June 1st @ 10:00 AM
📍 WHERE: The Library Makerspace

See you there! 📚🛠️

05/13/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who braved the 40° wind and snow to support our National Library Week Brat Fry and Book Sale. Even with the flurries, your support helped us raise over $270 at the book sale and brought in $220.81 in tips at the Brat Haus!

A special shout-out to our "Frigid Favorites" - the volunteers who kept the grills hot and the orders moving:
Grillmasters: Joe Checkai, Tom O’Connor, and Dave Wetzel.
The "Brave the Cold" Crew: Stephanie Semon, Beki Grotelueschen, Kay Kopplin, Tom and Donna Kohls, and Francine Geis.
Watertown's encouraging comments and steady business reminded us why we love supporting the Watertown Public Library.

Looking Ahead:
We have a very important meeting coming up. We will discuss the upcoming retirement of our Library Director and brainstorm ways to make our 2027 events even better.

🗓️ WHEN: Monday, June 1, 2026 @ 10:00 AM
📍 WHERE: The Makerspace

Whether you’re a regular or brand new, we’d love your voice in the room as we plan this next chapter.