The Appleton Public Library stands as a truly valuable resource for everyone in the community, offering so much more than just books. This welcoming spot, located right in the heart of Appleton, has been a place for learning, connection, and discovery for a very long time. It provides a wide array of services and tools, making it a go-to destination for people of all ages and interests, and you know, it's pretty impressive how much they offer.
For anyone living in or around Appleton, understanding all that the library brings to the table is quite helpful. From getting your hands on the newest bestsellers to exploring thousands of articles for research, or even just finding a quiet spot to read, the Appleton Public Library has something for you. It's truly a place that aims to support your curiosity and learning, and that's something we can all appreciate, right?
As the library moves into an exciting new phase with a big, new facility, it's a good moment to really look at its history, its current offerings, and what the future holds. This article will walk you through everything you might want to know about this important community hub, including its new home, the many ways you can use its services, and how it connects with other library systems. It's almost like a little tour, in a way, of what makes this library so special.
Table of Contents
- Welcome to the Appleton Public Library
- A Glimpse into History and Growth
- The New Library Project: A Community Vision
- Finding Your Way: Location and Contact Details
- A World of Resources at Your Fingertips
- Getting Your Infosoup Library Card
- Frequently Asked Questions About Appleton Public Library
- Connecting with the Wider Library Network
- Your Next Visit to the Appleton Public Library
Welcome to the Appleton Public Library
The Appleton Public Library is a public library that serves about 1,400 residents in the city of Appleton. It holds a significant collection of materials, boasting 260,637 volumes. This means there are a great many books, magazines, and other physical items for people to explore and borrow. In fact, the library sees a very active use, with 1,449,140 annual circulations. This number represents how many times items are checked out each year, showing just how much the community uses and values the library's physical offerings, you know, for reading and entertainment.
Beyond its physical collection, the library provides a variety of services and resources designed to meet different needs. Whether you are looking for a new book, needing to access the internet, or seeking help with research, the library is set up to assist. It's a place that really tries to offer something for everyone, making it a central point for learning and leisure in the area. That's pretty cool, if you ask me.
A Glimpse into History and Growth
The history of the Appleton library dates back quite a ways, established in 1895. This long history shows its deep roots in the community and its enduring role over many generations. For a significant part of its existence, it has been connected to larger library systems, which helps it offer more to its users. For instance, it has been a part of the Pioneerland Library System since 1983. This affiliation means it works with other libraries to share resources and services, which is pretty neat, actually.
More recently, the Appleton Public Library has also been affiliated with the Outagamie Waupaca Library System. These connections help the library expand its reach and provide even more for its patrons. It's a way for smaller libraries to offer a wider range of materials and services than they might be able to on their own. This network approach, you see, helps everyone involved.
The New Library Project: A Community Vision
A really big development for the Appleton Public Library is its move to a new facility. This project has been a long time coming, 17 years in the making, and represents a significant investment in the community. The new library project is quite substantial, with a budget of $40.4 million. This kind of investment really speaks to the importance placed on public access to knowledge and community spaces. It's a huge undertaking, you know, to build something like this.
The new building is designed with modern features to better serve the public. It includes elements like skylights, which will bring in natural light, making the space feel open and inviting. There will also be a community room, providing a dedicated place for gatherings and events. A "flex box" and creation studios are also part of the plan, offering spaces for various activities and creative pursuits. These additions show a forward-thinking approach to what a library can be, truly a place for more than just quiet reading.
The library is moving from its temporary location at 3000 E 26 in preparation for this big move. The newly renovated and expanded library will be located at 225 N. This new address marks a fresh chapter for the library, allowing it to offer enhanced services in a modern setting. It's a pretty exciting time for the library and for the people who use it, honestly.
Finding Your Way: Location and Contact Details
Knowing how to find the Appleton Public Library and get in touch is quite straightforward. The library has been at various locations, and it is now settling into its new main spot. The Appleton Public Library can be found at 225 N. This is the newly renovated and expanded facility that will serve as its primary home. It's good to know the exact spot, especially with the recent changes, so you can plan your visit, you know, without any trouble.
For those who need to reach the library by phone, the Appleton Public Library can be reached at 9208326170. This number provides a direct way to get answers to your questions, check on hours, or inquire about specific services. It is part of Outagamie County, which helps place it geographically within the broader area. You can also find out the current hours of operation and other contact details by checking their website or giving them a call. It's pretty simple to get the information you need, actually.
A World of Resources at Your Fingertips
The Appleton Public Library offers a vast collection of resources and services, aiming to meet the diverse needs of its community. It's not just about what's on the shelves; it's about providing access to information and opportunities in many different forms. This comprehensive approach means that whether you prefer traditional books or digital content, or need a quiet space to work, the library has something for you. It's pretty amazing, really, how much they fit in.
Traditional Collections and Borrowing
At its core, the library provides a wide array of physical materials. This includes books, of course, covering many subjects and genres. You can also find movies and music, offering entertainment options for the whole family. For those who prefer larger text, large print books are available. Magazines and newspapers are also part of the collection, keeping you up-to-date on current events and various interests. If something you want isn't immediately available, the interlibrary loan service can help you get it from another library, which is a great feature, you know, for finding just what you need.
Digital Doorways: Ebooks, Audiobooks, and Apps
The Appleton Public Library has really embraced digital resources, making it easier for you to access content from anywhere. With your Infosoup library card, you have access to thousands of ebooks and audiobooks. These digital collections mean you can read or listen to your favorite stories on your phone, tablet, or computer. Libby is the recommended app for accessing Wisconsin's Digital Library (OverDrive) ebooks and audiobooks. It's a very user-friendly app, making digital borrowing simple. Support for the original OverDrive app ended in early 2022, so Libby is the way to go now, which is good to know, really.
The Infosoup app itself lets you access your library card anytime, anywhere, right from your phone. You can also search the catalog, renew and reserve books, and view your digital library card through this app. This makes managing your library account very convenient. There is also an existing Appleton Public Library (APL app) that provides features and functions you might need, available on Apple or Android app stores. Hoopla Digital is another service that provides subscriptions to individual libraries, offering even more digital content. Unlike other digital content in Infosoup, which is available to all Infosoup cardholders, Hoopla's offerings are specific to what your library subscribes to. It's a pretty diverse set of digital options, actually.
Powerful Research Tools
For those needing to dig deeper into subjects, the library offers excellent research tools. You can access thousands of articles from popular magazines, academic journals, newspapers, and more. These resources are available 24/7 with your library card, making it possible to conduct research at any time that suits you. These free, online research resources are offered by your library and are also supported by the Outagamie Waupaca Library System and Nicolet Federated Library System. There are also great resources made available for free by Infosoup libraries and their community partners, or through library subscriptions, which are free with your Infosoup library card. This means you have a wealth of information at your fingertips for school, work, or personal interest, you know, for whatever you're looking into.
Specialized Genealogy Resources
If you're interested in family history, the library has a truly valuable resource: Ancestry Library Edition. This tool is available for in-library use only, providing a dedicated space for genealogical research. Answers await everyone—whether you're a professional or hobbyist, expert or novice, genealogist or historian—inside the more than 7,000 available records. It's a powerful tool for tracing your family's past and uncovering fascinating stories. This kind of specialized resource is a real gem for the community, honestly, and it's quite popular.
Community Spaces and Connectivity
Beyond its collections, the library provides important physical spaces and services. Computers are available for public use, offering access to the internet and various software. Free Wi-Fi is also provided, allowing you to connect your own devices. Photo copy services are offered for your printing needs. Meeting rooms are available, providing spaces for groups to gather, study, or collaborate. These amenities help make the library a true community hub, supporting work, study, and social connections. It's a very useful place for many different reasons, you know, for daily life.
Getting Your Infosoup Library Card
To access many of these wonderful resources, especially the digital ones, you will need an Infosoup library card. If you're new to the area or just haven't gotten one yet, the process is straightforward. You can request a new
