Pros and Cons of Self-Publishing

Local independently-published author Valerie Biel is back again this time she will give a comprehensive overview of why you might want to self-publish (based on your goals) along with an honest look at the pros and cons. She’ll also cover how to best assess what you’re capable of learning/doing on your own and when you’ll want to hire a professional to assist you. Then she’ll dive into the details of the lingo of the publishing world, business basics you need to consider, book readiness and formatting, categories and keywords, plus options for both print, e-book, and audio distribution. There’ll be time to ask questions!

Choose either one of the two virtual events:
Tuesday, October 27 at 5:30-8:00 PM 
or  
Friday, October 30 at 9:30AM-noon
Click on the date to register for the event

The event will take place via Zoom. You do not need to use a computer, a smartphone or tablet will also work. The event will take place on Zoom.

Go Big Read Online Book Discussion

Go Big Read is a shared reading experience that the University of Wisconsin-Madison invites area communities to participate in. This program was created 11 years ago and each year’s book to bring light to social, economic or environmental issues and generates dynamic discussion where diverse ideas could be shared.

This year’s Go Big Read title Parkland by author Dave Cullen. The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of Columbine offers an intimate, deeply moving account of the extraordinary teenage survivors who became activists and pushed back against the NRA and feckless Congressional leaders—inspiring millions of Americans to join their grassroots #neveragain movement.

There will be several virtual community conversations you can take part in to discuss the book and its topics with other. Columbus Public Library will be participating on the discussion held on Tuesday, November 10 from 7:00pm -8:00pm. You can register for the event though the Madison Public Library website by clicking here. You can also find a list other discussion dates and times.

The UW also host a Keynote Event that will be released for streaming on Wednesday, October 7 via the Go Big Read. More information about Go Big Read, this year’s Virtual Keynote speakers, and complete list of past Go Big Read books can be found on the Go Big Read website.

Sign-Up Guidelines for Virtual Programs

Currently, all of our programs for all age groups are taking place virtually. This may continue to be the case for some time.

As the world moves toward a more virtual reality, at least for the time being, we need to ensure that our patrons are accessing our virtual programs safely.

  1. All Columbus Public Library programs are free and open to the public. We never charge a fee of any kind for our events.
  2. The only way to sign up for a virtual event for our library is by signing up in a Google doc in a link directly from our website or the body of the event description on our Facebook page. It would never be in a comment to that event.

Scammers post fake links for a LIVE STREAM or LIVE LINK to events in the comments section of the post to make it seem as if it is part of the event. It is not. They want your credit card information. The Columbus Public Library would never ask for that information under any circumstances.

Chad Lewis Event Recording

We had some unexpected technical difficulties during the September 30, 2020 virtual program featuring paranormal research Chad Lewis. However, we did record the event.  Chad Lewis is as generous as he is entertaining, and he is allowing us to rebroadcast the event's presentation at will so that all of you may have the opportunity to enjoy it. A video recording of the event can be viewed on the library's YouTube page, click here to watch the video.

Chad Lewis is a researcher, author, and lecturer on topics of the strange and unusual. His background is in Psychology as he did both his Bachelor and Master degree work in the field- but for the last 20 plus years he has traveled the globe in search of unique and bizarre stories and history. He has also writen several books about hauntings, monsters, myths and lore.

Columbus Public Library is Now on YouTube!

We are excited to announce that the Columbus Public Library now has its own YouTube channel! Find us on YouTube by searching for Columbus Public Library WI. Then follow us
by liking and subscribing to our page. You can also choose to get a notification when a new video is posted.

There will be weekly program videos posted for ages 5 and up, weekly Storytimes, and monthly adult crafting videos. We may also post fun videos about upcoming programs and library news. 

This is a great alterative for those who do not use other social media sites to still have access to our instructional videos and storytimes. Videos will still be shared on Facebook for those who prefer to watch through that site.

Click here to visit the Columbus Public Library's YouTube page.

* Storytime videos will only be availble for viewing for one week.

Library Re-Open May 26!

The Columbus Public Library building will open to the public starting on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The library will open with its regular hours and regular services including public internet computers, wireless printing, copying and faxing. Staff and patrons are encouraged to practice social distancing and best hygiene practices as recommended by the CDC. Masks are encouraged but not required.

Curbside services will continue to be available for holds pick up as well as copying, faxing and wireless printing. Patrons will need to contact the library by phone, 920-623-5910, to schedule a curbside service.

At this time, the library meeting room and the Library Annex will not be available for the public to use.

The health and safety of our patrons and staff is of utmost concern to the Columbus Public Library. With that in mind, the Library Board has decided that all library programs will be done virtually through the summer, which includes our Summer Reading and 1,000 Books before Kindergarten programs. We will be releasing more information regarding our virtual programing line-up in the near future. Please watch our Facebook (@ColPubLib) and website for programing information.

 Thank you for your patience and understanding.

How to Place Holds for Curbside Pick Up

The Columbus Public Library is still offering curbside pickup.

Our newest library staff member Bethany has created a helpful video to walk you through how to use our online catalog Linkcat to find items that are currently available at the Columbus Public Library and how to place them on hold for pickup. The tutorial can be viewed by clicking here. Holds are being transferred between libraries. The time frame for holds to reach their destination is longer than normal due to safety precautions being taken by delivery and the libraries.

If you are having difficulties placing holds through the online system or the form, please contact the library at 920-623-5910 and a staff member can assist you with your requests.

Library staff will contact you when your holds are ready to schedule a time for curbside pickup.

Visit from State Superintendent

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Carolyn Stanford Taylor visit the Columbus Public Library this past Wednesday, March 4.

Library Director Lindsey Ganz a tour of the library. During the tour, Lindsey was able to share about some of the ongoing programs the library offers as well as some of the things the library does with partnerships in the community. They also talked about the library’s outreach to nearby Fall River including a book club at the nursing home and mobile library program that will be coming this summer.

The library is honored and thanks Superintendent Stanford Taylor for taking the time to stop by our small-town library.

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