Compass Communications LLC

Remember the card catalog? That little wooden drawer full of possibilities most people never thought to search?

Appleton Public Library is still that, just with a lot more drawers than most nonprofits realize.

I recently connected with Peter Kotarba, Adult Services and Engagement Librarian, and what he walked me through deserves its own entry in the catalog, filed under "partnerships your nonprofit should already have."

Here's what's cataloged and waiting for nonprofit and service organizations:

🗂️ Community resource tables: a dedicated space inside the library where your constituents visit. Whether your mission touches childcare, health, housing, or any other community need, this puts your resources directly in front of the people looking for them.

📖 Curated book displays: APL features a month-long display tied to your cause or campaign. The Women's Fund for the Fox Valley Region did this during Women's History Month. Visibility, credibility, and community reach, all in one card pull.

🏛️ Meeting and event space: the newly renovated library has a community room that holds up to 315 people, available free for nonprofits and community-focused events. Smaller conference rooms too.

🎨 Artist-in-Residence program: collaborate on arts programming, connect with local artists, and get your work into the library's gallery space.

🤝 Real community partnership: APL isn't just offering space. They want to co-create programming with the organizations doing meaningful work in this community.

The library reopened in February 2025 after a $40 million renovation including co-working areas, creation studios, and spaces built for collaboration.

If you lead or work for a nonprofit in the Fox Cities, flip open that drawer and see what's inside. Reach out to Peter and find out what a partnership could look like for your organization. Email: [email protected]

Your card has been waiting.

City of Appleton Government