MADELINE ISLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY
mooningwanekaaning-minis: the home of the yellow shafted flicker
2025 Year in Review!
2025 was another marvelous year for our small but mighty Library. We fostered some continued favorites and began to dream big on some new programming. Our unique role in our community always has us exploring new and innovative ways to provide and this year was no exception. Here’s the highlights!
The Little Learners preschool program is in its 5th year (yay!) and provides on island support for our littlest members to learn in an accessible collaboration. Learning space is provided by St. John’s UCC and the lessons by our dedicated teacher, Ms. Debbie (Knopf). The Library graciously receives support from the Pace Woods Foundation and several private donors to make this program possible for our island families and for that we are incredibly grateful!
The Library continued to provide support to The Afterschool Program (TAP) so our elementary kiddos can explore the joy of cross country skiing and ice skating. If you didn’t already know the Library has collections of more than just books! We have several recreation “libraries” that help support our recreation programming.
This year we also wished our devoted longtime head Librarian, Seri Demorest, a happy retirement. Seri was a cornerstone in the Library for nearly 30 years. Many of our community members came to the Library just to talk with Seri. Her book recommendations, knowledge of current happenings and of course incredible knitting skills enriched our community beyond words. She wouldn’t want us to shout it from the rooftops but we can’t help ourselves, Thank you Seri,enjoy your much deserved retirement!
We knew it would be hard to fill Seri’s shoes but I couldn’t imagine a better fit then our new Head Librarian, Micaela Montagne. Micaela is a Jill of all trades and has already made a lasting imprint on our offerings. She has sparked interest in our budding nightsky programming by learning all about our graciously gifted Celestron Telescope, ( thank you Jamison family) and continues to host our La Pointe Elementary students every week for Library education and innovative Makerspace nights. Also, little known fact is that Micaela is a ping pong enthusiast, so it was timely that we added a ping pong table to the Library this year. She even managed to find an indoor space for it in the winter so drop in anytime for a game! I am elated Micaela has joined the Library fulltime and am excited for what her energy will bring!
Our summer Recreation Program for children 4-10 years old was a continued success this year. The kids participate in many activities including, open water swim lessons, art, obstacle courses, golf lessons, and a crowd favorite, Skate Board Camp. This incredible collaboration with the broader skate community began pre Covid through a friendship with Wyatt Lindberg who worked for Damage Boards in Duluth. He is also a dedicated skate community program provider. Wyatt and his crew supportively and enthusiastically brought the joy of skateboarding to our island youth. Luckily with the effort of so many people before my time our Town has a Skate Park where they could continue to learn. However, the park’s surface is in disrepair and in need of some love. So our dream big portion of 2025 was born from the children's favorite programming and the support of some good friends. Enter the Skate Park Project. Wyatt and skate crew joined us in the 4th of July parade and secured us as the best float! We have our sights set on resurfacing the park, repairing some of the ramps and pouring some new obstacles. This is a collaborative effort of grants, fundraising and the support of our new skate community friends. What an exciting attraction for visitors and islanders alike and I very much look forward to its progress in 2026. If any of you out there are interested on any level of this project do not hesitate to reach out to help the effort!
Internally the Library Board worked on a new Strategic Plan, that I will be sharing in the weeks to come. Many thanks to our supportive Library Board, they each bring a wonderful perspective that helps shape all that we do! Speaking of support, I must give a shout out to our FriendsCircle, headed by Helen Roland. Her efforts to gather volunteers, coordinate upkeep and inform the public of our ongoing activities is incredibly helpful and I look forward to continued support in ‘26.
We rounded out the year with a successful thrift shop event. We hope to expand this through the winter months as a compliment to St. John's summer season Closet. It was a wonderful way to pass along useful things and help create less waste in our world.
It has been a wonderfully full year! Thank you all for making it possible.
It is the financial support of many that keep our Library able to provide such diverse programming. If you are inclined to give a tax deductible contribution to any of our efforts you can donate online or mail a check to:
Madeline Island Public Library
Po box 65
La Pointe, Wi 54850
If there is a particular program you are wanting to support please make sure to note it.
Here’s to a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Warmly, Lauren Schuppe
Library Director
2025 was another marvelous year for our small but mighty Library. We fostered some continued favorites and began to dream big on some new programming. Our unique role in our community always has us exploring new and innovative ways to provide and this year was no exception. Here’s the highlights!
The Little Learners preschool program is in its 5th year (yay!) and provides on island support for our littlest members to learn in an accessible collaboration. Learning space is provided by St. John’s UCC and the lessons by our dedicated teacher, Ms. Debbie (Knopf). The Library graciously receives support from the Pace Woods Foundation and several private donors to make this program possible for our island families and for that we are incredibly grateful!
The Library continued to provide support to The Afterschool Program (TAP) so our elementary kiddos can explore the joy of cross country skiing and ice skating. If you didn’t already know the Library has collections of more than just books! We have several recreation “libraries” that help support our recreation programming.
This year we also wished our devoted longtime head Librarian, Seri Demorest, a happy retirement. Seri was a cornerstone in the Library for nearly 30 years. Many of our community members came to the Library just to talk with Seri. Her book recommendations, knowledge of current happenings and of course incredible knitting skills enriched our community beyond words. She wouldn’t want us to shout it from the rooftops but we can’t help ourselves, Thank you Seri,enjoy your much deserved retirement!
We knew it would be hard to fill Seri’s shoes but I couldn’t imagine a better fit then our new Head Librarian, Micaela Montagne. Micaela is a Jill of all trades and has already made a lasting imprint on our offerings. She has sparked interest in our budding nightsky programming by learning all about our graciously gifted Celestron Telescope, ( thank you Jamison family) and continues to host our La Pointe Elementary students every week for Library education and innovative Makerspace nights. Also, little known fact is that Micaela is a ping pong enthusiast, so it was timely that we added a ping pong table to the Library this year. She even managed to find an indoor space for it in the winter so drop in anytime for a game! I am elated Micaela has joined the Library fulltime and am excited for what her energy will bring!
Our summer Recreation Program for children 4-10 years old was a continued success this year. The kids participate in many activities including, open water swim lessons, art, obstacle courses, golf lessons, and a crowd favorite, Skate Board Camp. This incredible collaboration with the broader skate community began pre Covid through a friendship with Wyatt Lindberg who worked for Damage Boards in Duluth. He is also a dedicated skate community program provider. Wyatt and his crew supportively and enthusiastically brought the joy of skateboarding to our island youth. Luckily with the effort of so many people before my time our Town has a Skate Park where they could continue to learn. However, the park’s surface is in disrepair and in need of some love. So our dream big portion of 2025 was born from the children's favorite programming and the support of some good friends. Enter the Skate Park Project. Wyatt and skate crew joined us in the 4th of July parade and secured us as the best float! We have our sights set on resurfacing the park, repairing some of the ramps and pouring some new obstacles. This is a collaborative effort of grants, fundraising and the support of our new skate community friends. What an exciting attraction for visitors and islanders alike and I very much look forward to its progress in 2026. If any of you out there are interested on any level of this project do not hesitate to reach out to help the effort!
Internally the Library Board worked on a new Strategic Plan, that I will be sharing in the weeks to come. Many thanks to our supportive Library Board, they each bring a wonderful perspective that helps shape all that we do! Speaking of support, I must give a shout out to our FriendsCircle, headed by Helen Roland. Her efforts to gather volunteers, coordinate upkeep and inform the public of our ongoing activities is incredibly helpful and I look forward to continued support in ‘26.
We rounded out the year with a successful thrift shop event. We hope to expand this through the winter months as a compliment to St. John's summer season Closet. It was a wonderful way to pass along useful things and help create less waste in our world.
It has been a wonderfully full year! Thank you all for making it possible.
It is the financial support of many that keep our Library able to provide such diverse programming. If you are inclined to give a tax deductible contribution to any of our efforts you can donate online or mail a check to:
Madeline Island Public Library
Po box 65
La Pointe, Wi 54850
If there is a particular program you are wanting to support please make sure to note it.
Here’s to a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Warmly, Lauren Schuppe
Library Director
Madeline Island Public Library
1 Library St. 249 Big Bay Rd. La Pointe, WI 54850
Monday 11-7pm
Tuesday 9-5pm
Wednesday 11-7pm
Thursday 9-5pm
Friday 9-5pm
Saturday 10-12pm
Sunday Closed
1 Library St. 249 Big Bay Rd. La Pointe, WI 54850
Monday 11-7pm
Tuesday 9-5pm
Wednesday 11-7pm
Thursday 9-5pm
Friday 9-5pm
Saturday 10-12pm
Sunday Closed
Please take a couple of minutes to fill out our Programs Survey! We are interested in your feedback on what programs to provide at the Library! Survey link below.
Makerspace
Learn & Create!
hours:
Monday 4:30-7pm
Wednesday 4:30-7pm
December 2025
Greetings from the Madeline Island Public Library FriendsCircle!
The Madeline Island Public Library (MIPL) serves everyone who comes to the Island, visitor or resident, with special emphasis on young people. The MIPL is well known for its robust collection, easy and efficient access to material, and welcoming and
comfortable indoor spaces.
The MIPL also also serves as the Island School's library with schoolchildren regularly visiting. The MIPL supports the children's after-school programming, winter and summer recreation, and STEM activities and materials. While much library programming is for Island children, there is also summer programming with an outward- facing reach to engage children and folks who are on the Island only during summer months.
FriendsCircle is volunteers and donors who support the MIPL with services, funds, and in-kind donations. Its activities benefit the children, visitors and residents of Madeline Island. The grounds where the children play and visitors hang-out are a focus for volunteers: The Library Woods and Sound Garden, The Gazebo and Memorial Paths, The Outdoor MakerSpace, and The Library Gardens. Check them out and share your ideas for improvements with us!
*Anyone, anytime can come on board the FriendsCircle. Volunteers regularly walk the grounds, tidy and pick up litter, secure benches and children’s artwork, check on wind chimes, pull weeds, and make progress on current projects. Please express your support of any kind for the MIPL by signing up, filling out the survey (click on “survey” below), and
wearing your FriendsCircle cap (available at the MIPL)!
*Anyone, anytime can access the Library Woods Sound Garden recording. James Everest’s musical creation is available on the ECHOES app so that anyone, anytime can access the music while in the Library Woods. Beautiful signage at the Library Woods entrances will assist with access.
FriendsCircle Projects.
Pollinator Garden. The Raised Bed had a great inaugural season! Lots of flowers, pollinators, and seed pods.
Volunteer to help water and maintain the bed.
Library Woods. All year-round the Woods needs regular tidying, weeding, and monitoring. Volunteer for spring mulching, care of dead hedges, wind chimes, benches, etc., and fall buckthorn removal.
Memorial Gardens. Keeping up with weeding and tending to the pavers along paths and around gazebo.
Reading. Volunteers to read to children during the summer.
Survey. Take the Library survey on the MIPL web site and share your thoughts on programming.
FRIENDSCIRCLE, a Committee of the Madeline Island Public Library Board. Please join us by donating your services or funds to propel us all forward. Please take the survey or make a donation. Contact us at [email protected]. Please make checks payable to “Madeline Island Public Library,” note “FriendsCircle” in the memo, and address
to PO Box 65, 1 Library Street, La Pointe, WI 54850.
Greetings from the Madeline Island Public Library FriendsCircle!
The Madeline Island Public Library (MIPL) serves everyone who comes to the Island, visitor or resident, with special emphasis on young people. The MIPL is well known for its robust collection, easy and efficient access to material, and welcoming and
comfortable indoor spaces.
The MIPL also also serves as the Island School's library with schoolchildren regularly visiting. The MIPL supports the children's after-school programming, winter and summer recreation, and STEM activities and materials. While much library programming is for Island children, there is also summer programming with an outward- facing reach to engage children and folks who are on the Island only during summer months.
FriendsCircle is volunteers and donors who support the MIPL with services, funds, and in-kind donations. Its activities benefit the children, visitors and residents of Madeline Island. The grounds where the children play and visitors hang-out are a focus for volunteers: The Library Woods and Sound Garden, The Gazebo and Memorial Paths, The Outdoor MakerSpace, and The Library Gardens. Check them out and share your ideas for improvements with us!
*Anyone, anytime can come on board the FriendsCircle. Volunteers regularly walk the grounds, tidy and pick up litter, secure benches and children’s artwork, check on wind chimes, pull weeds, and make progress on current projects. Please express your support of any kind for the MIPL by signing up, filling out the survey (click on “survey” below), and
wearing your FriendsCircle cap (available at the MIPL)!
*Anyone, anytime can access the Library Woods Sound Garden recording. James Everest’s musical creation is available on the ECHOES app so that anyone, anytime can access the music while in the Library Woods. Beautiful signage at the Library Woods entrances will assist with access.
FriendsCircle Projects.
Pollinator Garden. The Raised Bed had a great inaugural season! Lots of flowers, pollinators, and seed pods.
Volunteer to help water and maintain the bed.
Library Woods. All year-round the Woods needs regular tidying, weeding, and monitoring. Volunteer for spring mulching, care of dead hedges, wind chimes, benches, etc., and fall buckthorn removal.
Memorial Gardens. Keeping up with weeding and tending to the pavers along paths and around gazebo.
Reading. Volunteers to read to children during the summer.
Survey. Take the Library survey on the MIPL web site and share your thoughts on programming.
FRIENDSCIRCLE, a Committee of the Madeline Island Public Library Board. Please join us by donating your services or funds to propel us all forward. Please take the survey or make a donation. Contact us at [email protected]. Please make checks payable to “Madeline Island Public Library,” note “FriendsCircle” in the memo, and address
to PO Box 65, 1 Library Street, La Pointe, WI 54850.
Located on beautiful Madeline Island our historical building has served the Town of La Pointe for over a century. It was originally built as the Bayview School House in 1873.
Come enjoy the cozy eclectic atmosphere! |
