Sun Prairie Clock Tower Express Logo

Administration: Check out all of the activities we have going on for Earth Month!

Community Development: Our Tourism Commission is exploring what makes our community unique and distinct from other parts of Wisconsin through a branding study.

Parks, Recreation and Forestry: Register for the FIRST EVER Jurassic Parks 5K/8K/Dog Jog/FREE Kids Dino Dash! There is something for the whole family.

Public Safety: The Recycle Center (1798 S. Bird St.) switched to Spring/Summer hours starting on March 28.

Public Works: The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will host two public involvement meetings to discuss and gather input on long-range plans for Madison’s US 12/18 (Beltline) corridor.

Sun Prairie Media Center: Staff at the Sun Prairie Media Center is excited about the weather getting warmer because that means the return of summer workshops!

Sun Prairie Public Library: Celebrate National Library Week! 

Administration

Earth Month in Sun Prairie!

The City of Sun Prairie will be recognizing Earth Day by transforming it into an extended timeframe shared by April and May filled with a variety of educational events, community activities, and different sustainability initiatives. The community will have many opportunities to not only protect and preserve local spaces but also build relationships while engaging in volunteer activities. Although there are many items on the schedule throughout this season, community members are encouraged to pay special attention to a few upcoming opportunities.

Food Waste Warriors Presentations

Two student-led presentations will be available to the community that focus on the basics of backyard composting. Students from Patrick Marsh Middle School will be presenting on how wasted food affects the community through their school action plan. They will then share home composting best practices so that attendees can become a food waste warrior too. This will include the do's and don'ts of composting, along with bin placement and management throughout the year. Attendees will have early access to the City's first-ever compost bin group purchase. Details for the following presentations include:

This educational programming is being offered in collaboration with the Sun Prairie Area School District and the Sun Prairie Public Library.

Composting Bin Sale

In partnership with Recycling Connections, a nonprofit that provides resources on waste reduction, recycling, and resource conversation, the City will be selling compost bins at a discounted rate of $60. Bins will be available for sale mid-April and pick-up will be on Saturday, May 7 in the parking lot of City Hall at 300 East Main Street. For individuals interested in purchasing a bin, please visit the Earth Month page where a link will be added once the pre-order option is activated.

No Mow May

This conservation initiative encourages property owners to reduce mowing practices during May as a way to provide early season foraging resources for pollinators that emerge in the spring. Bees are an essential part of ecosystems and the City wishes to increase pollinator-friendly habitat by encouraging pollinator-friendly lawn-care practices, empowering citizens to make a direct and meaningful impact on their own properties. On Tuesday, March 29, City Council adopted a resolution designating the month of May as “No Mow May”.

The City has temporarily suspended the enforcement of Chapter 8.36 – Noxious Weeds, regulation of length of lawn and grasses, or any other section that regulates the length of grass to allow pollinator species to emerge and early flowering plants to establish, which may result in ground-cover exceeding established ordinance height of 8-inches.

As part of the pilot program, residential properties are to participate and must follow all pilot guidelines including advanced registration with the City. Organizations and businesses interested in participating will be considered on a case-by-case basis due to the significant land area these entities may manage. Once May has ended, enforcement of Chapter 8.36 – Noxious Weeds will resume on Wednesday, June 1.

Get Involved!

Earth Month is intended to bring the entire community together and collectively take steps in making Sun Prairie a more sustainable place for all. This has been made possible by collaboration from city staff Administration and the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to partner with my colleagues and different organizations to offer such a variety of events and initiatives for the community to participate in,” said Scott Semroc, Sustainability Coordinator.

Residents and organizations can learn more about the “No Mow May” initiative and register their property at https://form.jotform.com/220884700591154

To review the schedule of all the different activities taking place, please visit www.cityofsunprairie.com/2022EarthMonth

For any specific questions or comments on Earth Month, please contact Scott via email at ssemroc@cityofsunprairie.com or Cindy Burtley, Parks and Forestry Division Manager, at cburtley@cityofsunprairie.com.

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2022 B.E.A.M. Awards

This year’s highly anticipated event, the 4th Annual Sun Prairie B.E.A.M. Awards ceremony is coming soon! B.E.A.M. stands for “Black Excellence Achievement Makers” and is an event to challenge the negative narrativ80828011_102050907989362_4718726258530189312_ne we often hear associated with our Black students and/or adult advocates. The B.E.A.M. awards “shine a beaming light” on the positive examples of Black excellence and achievement in our community. It is imperative that this event is celebrated as a part of the greater community that is Sun Prairie; anyone who would like to celebrate Black excellence in Sun Prairie is welcome to attend this free event!

In 2020 the event was fully virtual due to COVID, and last year in 2021 we celebrated with a socially distanced car parade. This year we are grateful to announce that this year we will gather in-person at Bank of Sun Prairie at Ashley Field on Sunday April 24th, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Over 700 awards will be given to our Black scholars and Black adults, including staff, leaders and parents/guardians. This year scholars were nominated by staff and teachers based on the following five categories:

● Models Excellence in Academics 

● Models Excellence in Teamwork

 ● Exemplary Peer Leadership 

● Models Excellence in Responsibility

 ● Extraordinary Growth 

Follow BEAM Awards Sun Prairie on Facebook for more details or email us at BeamAwards2019@gmail.com if you have specific questions. 

Thank you, The B.E.A.M. Awards Committee Janice Chestnut, Tracy Frank, Teran Peterson, Marilyn Ruffin (founder), Amy Schernecker and Krista Smedema.

Become a Master Recycler!

What is it? 

Sustain Dane is working in partnership with the City of Madison to offer their Master Recycler Program! This is a program where you can learn the ins and outs of our local recycling system and get your recycling questio275501636_4840979695938048_3059047338108559363_nns answered. The program will give you the tools you need to teach your family, neighbors, friends, and coworkers how to improve recycling and community sustainability.

Topics include: what makes recycling work and why we do it, local recycling basics, barriers to recycling, other waste streams, low waste living, & how to champion recycling in your community.

When are the upcoming dates?

The participants will meet in two sessions:

  • Thursday, April 7, 12PM—1:30PM
  • Thursday, April 14, 12PM—1:30PM

Register at https://sustaindane.org/eventbrite-event/master-recycler-3/

Access Information

Both sessions are virtual meetings. Access links are available on the Online Event Page and at the bottom of your confirmation email after registration.

Scholarships

Is the ticket cost a barrier for you? Full or partial scholarships are available. Please contact lorenza@sustaindane.org to learn more.

Sun Prairie Discount (*APPLIES ONLY TO THE FIRST 40 PURCHASES*)

Sun Prairie residents can receive a discount on the registration fee! All you have to do is: 

1. For registration, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/master-recycler-tickets-169671886179 

2. Click "Tickets" 

3. Click Enter Promo Code (highlighted in blue at the top)

4. Enter the code "Recycle" which unlocks the $5 discount

5. Fill out the order form, one question asks “Where are you joining us from?” and when answering “Sun Prairie” a conditional sub question will ask for the zip code (this is a required question).

Side note: You don't need to have a PayPal account to pay. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can choose the "Pay with Debit/Credit Card" option. 

Questions? Contact Program Manager Lorenza Zebell at lorenza@sustaindane.org. Can’t make this one? We’ll hold another two sessions later in the year!

Community Development

Branding Initiative 

Our Tourism Commission is exploring what makes our community unique and distinct from other parts of Wisconsin through a branding study. We want the input and insight from our Sun Prairie community about what makes us unique and distinguished. Our ears are open to everyone in our community who is willing to share their thoughts! To guide us in these efforts, we are collaborating with North Star Place Branding + Marketing, a national leader in community branding.
 
For more on the branding initiative, you can go to brandingsunprairie.com. You can register to receive an email reminder when that survey is available. To learn more about North Star, please visit NorthStarIdeas.comScreenshot (106)

Artful Wine Walk is Back This Spring!

Artful Wine Walk is back this spring! Join the Downtown Sun Prairie Business Improvement District on Thursday, May 5 5-8:30 PM and sample wine at 30 local businesses. Participating businesses will be hosting exclusive sales, specials, entertainment, and appetizers. Standard tickets are $35 and designated driver tickets are $10. Purchase tickets online or the day-of the event at the Bank of Sun Prairie!

artfulwinewalk2022.eventbrite.com


Parks, Recreation and Forestry

Recreation Department
The Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry office is open: Monday – Friday 8:00am-4:30pm and available by phone at (608) 837-3449 Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm, by email at rec@cityofsunprairie.com.

Announcements:

Summer Rec Guide out now!

Registration opens for Residents on April 5th, Non-Residents on April 12th

Online Guide available now - https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_379633 

Family Aquatic Center Guide out Now

Registration opens for Residents on April 14th, Non-Residents on April 19th

Online Guide available now - https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_769193 

FACGuideCover

Winter/Spring Guide out now!

Register today! - rec.cityofsunprairie.com

Online Guide available here - https://view.flipdocs.com/?ID=10018939_143015

Sun Prairie Historical Museum

Closed to the Public – November 1st-May 1st 

“Volunteer work continues behind the scenes to develop new exhibits and advance collections inventory. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Historical Museum should email museum@cityofsunprairie.com

We’re Hiring – Join our Team! 

Come have the BEST SUMMER EVER with team PRF.  
For a full list of our summer job openings visit: governmentjobs.com/careers/SunPrairieWI 

Important Dates!

ImportantDatesPoster

“Recreation is for Everyone” Scholarship form!

Scholarship Flyer

Come join us for fun and enriching programs available for the whole family!  Requesting a scholarship is easier than ever with our NEW online form!   This easy, streamlined form provides "no questions asked" financial access to SPPRF programs.

In order to request the Recreation is for Everyone Scholarship you must be a resident of Sun Prairie or enrolled in the Sun Prairie Area School District.

For questions or assistance contact us at 608-837-3449 or rec@cityofsunprairie.com

  • Scholarships cover 50% of enrollment fees on most programs
  • No formal documentation is required for approval of financial assistance
  • Online submission with approvals within 2 business days

New in 2022! – Fitness Flex Pass & Fitness “Try it” Week

Not sure what fitness class is right for you?   Enjoy the flexibility to try them all with our new Fit  Flex Pass.   Click here to purchase a 5 or 10 class pass, Fit Flex Pass - Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry (cityofsunprairie.com), passes never expire! 

American Red Cross Classes:

Did you know that Sun Prairie Parks Recreation & Forestry now offers Red Cross training? Check out this informational flyer for more! 

CPR, First-aid

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Jurassic Parks Flyer

Register for the FIRST EVER Jurassic Parks 5K/8K/Dog Jog/FREE Kids Dino Dash! There is something for the whole family.

 Join Parker N. Rex, our official mascot, on May 7th to run through the parks on our trail system! Run through 2 parks when you sign up for the 5K and three parks when you sign up for the 8K!  

Register at https://cityofsunprairie.com/jurassicparksrun

Registration includes shirt, race bib, and goodie bag.

Packet Pick Up and Pre-Registration: May 6th 8:30-7:00 PM at the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Office, 2598 West Main Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 or morning of the race at Stoneridge Estates Park starting at 7 AM

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Upcoming Programs Not to Be Missed: 
 

Games, Art, Tag, and Outdoor Recreation (G.A.T.O.R.)

Registration Ends: 05/06/2022

School’s out for SPASD, but class is in session at the Westside Community Services Building. Join us for a day off school program. Spring is here! Time to grab your friends for a fun filled day with group games, art projects and other outdoor activities. Tennis shoes are required. Be sure to dress for the weather, it’s Wisconsin after all. We will provide a Free Hour of Fun in between AM and PM sessions for anyone that wants to pick up late, drop off early, or stay for both sessions. Select this option when registering to attend.

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Monday Night Madness & Art Programs

Monday Night Madness: Messy Art

Registration Ends: 04/18/2022

Messy Art is a preschool art class for kids that just like to be creative and get messy. During this program will be making different projects using all types of stuff while exploring the world of mixed media art. So, let’s get a little messy!

Monday Night Madness: Tot Lot

Registration Ends: 05/09/2022

Come play in the park! Tots will enjoy theme-based games and activities, create art and make new friends. Tot Lot will be led by fun, friendly staff. Tennis shoes are required and be sure to dress for the weather. Please note: Children must be toilet trained to participate in this program.

Paper Marbling Ages 5-8    Paper Marbling Ages 9-11

Registration Ends: 04/11/2022

Make sure your gloves are on for this messy and beautiful Marbling exploration! Students will explore oil based marbling paints, by using large trays and watercolor paper to create the most unique abstract marbled cards. Create several designs to keep for yourself or use for wrapping paper, cards and more.

Cootie Catchers & Fortune Tellers (Ages 5-8)      Cootie Catchers & Fortune Tellers (Ages 5-8)

Registration Ends: 05/02/2022

Learn the art of origami by creating your own folded fortune teller! Using a variety of materials including professional oil based markers, stickers, gelly roll pens and more. Create a one of a kind fortune teller to help your friends decide their fate! A fun and silly class for students of all ages.

Arts & Crafts – Mother’s Day Bouquets

 Registration Ends: 04/28/2022

Moms are SUPERHEROS - Let’s give them a super special hand crafted bouquet for Mother’s Day! Using various art materials like recycled tine cans, pipe cleaners, glitter stickers and more. We’ll create our own flower vases and flowers for mom!

Listen to Your Art – AM Session   Listen to Your Art – PM Session     

 Registration Ends: 05/06/2022

Join Ms. Jessica from Jessica’s Art Studio on these days off of school for hours of creativity! You will also learn about famous artists and popular art methods such as drawing, painting, sculpture, clay exploration and more.

Wear “Art Clothes” and be prepared to get messy. It is recommended to bring an Art Bag with you to take your projects home at the end of the day. Each day will explore entirely new projects than the day before, so signing up for the whole week means TONS of new unique art projects.

We will provide a Free Hour of Fun in between AM and PM School's Out sessions for anyone that wants to pick up late, drop off early, or stay for both sessions. Select this option when registering to attend.

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American Red Cross Babysitter Training

Registration Ends: 04/25/2022

This training provides kids, ages 11-15, with the information and skills necesary to provide safe and responsible care in the absence of parents/guardians. This training will also help participants develop skills in leadership, professionalism, basic care, safety, safe play and first aid.

All sessions cover the same material.

Please bring a sack lunch.

Public Safety

Spring/Summer Hours!

The Recycle Center (1798 S. Bird St.) switched to Spring/Summer hours starting on March 28.

Spring/Summer Hours (March-October):

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

More information on the Recycle Center here: https://cityofsunprairie.com/744/Recycle-Center-Information-Hours?fbclid=IwAR3G5TL0COKwt1Cbk9taMxfRnt0QWFIwUrScJ_V0P1MYGemw5T-ZHHSpC_s

Next brush collection week will begin on May 2. Residents should set brush on their curb by 7:00 AM on Monday (5/2) to ensure their brush is collected throughout the week. Please stack brush neatly at the curb, piled no more than 4 feet high, with cut ends facing the curb. Residents can find more information about brush collection on the City’s website here: https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/1173/Brush-Collection-Information?fbclid=IwAR0-bULEMwXRKIUOaMB-CCVKuC7GsAWsJXIP5RIHuQi-JEH2av-uP_fgP_c

Sun Prairie EMS Vaccination and Testing Services!



Public Works

Public involvement meetings set for long-range Madison Beltline study

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will host two public involvement meetings to discuss and gather input on long-range plans for Madison’s US 12/18 (Beltline) corridor.

Post 6The objective of the Planning and Environment Linkages (PEL) corridor study is to identify and evaluate a range of potential long-term solutions that will address local and regional safety, accessibility, and mobility issues along the Beltline. The PEL will evaluate the Beltline between US 14 (Middleton) to County N (Cottage Grove). The Beltline PEL is a long-range planning study. WisDOT does not anticipate any construction projects associated with the PEL study for the next 10 to 15 years.

The PEL study is currently scheduled for completion in 2023. Potential strategies developed in the PEL will be further examined under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

More information about the PEL can be viewed at wisconsindot.gov and search “Madison Beltline Study”. Questions or comments about the Beltline Study can also be directed to WisDOT Project Manager Jeff Berens at (608) 245-2656, jeff.berens@dot.wi.gov, or by mail to Jeff Berens at 2101 Wright Street, Madison, WI 53704.

Meeting accessibility and accommodations

  • The same material will be presented at each meeting. Interested persons may attend any time during the meeting time to review displays and other materials, ask questions to WisDOT staff, and provide feedback.
  • The public meeting facilities are wheelchair accessible.
  • A Spanish language translator will be available at each meeting location.
  • Other language translators will be available upon request. Those needing such assistance should contact WisDOT’s Southwest Region Communications Manager Michael Bie at (608) 246-7928 or michael.bie@dot.wi.gov no later than three working days prior to the meeting.
  • People who are deaf or hard of hearing and need assistance should contact WisDOT’s Southwest Region Communications Manager Michael Bie at (608) 246-7928 or michael.bie@dot.wi.gov no later than three working days prior to the meeting.

Spring/Summer Hours!

The Recycle Center (1798 S. Bird St.) switched to Spring/Summer hours starting on March 28.

Spring/Summer Hours (March-October):

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

More information on the Recycle Center here: https://cityofsunprairie.com/744/Recycle-Center-Information-Hours?fbclid=IwAR3G5TL0COKwt1Cbk9taMxfRnt0QWFIwUrScJ_V0P1MYGemw5T-ZHHSpC_s

Next brush collection week will begin on May 2. Residents should set brush on their curb by 7:00 AM on Monday (5/2) to ensure their brush is collected throughout the week. Please stack brush neatly at the curb, piled no more than 4 feet high, with cut ends facing the curb. Residents can find more information about brush collection on the City’s website here: https://www.cityofsunprairie.com/1173/Brush-Collection-Information?fbclid=IwAR0-bULEMwXRKIUOaMB-CCVKuC7GsAWsJXIP5RIHuQi-JEH2av-uP_fgP_c

Sun Prairie Media Center

SUN PRAIRIE MEDIA CENTER’S 2022 SUMMER WORKSHOPS ANNOUNCED!

Staff at the Sun Prairie Media Center is excited about the weather getting warmer because that means the return of summer workshops!workshop pic

If you know of someone aged 9-14 who loves to make videos, movies, or even podcasts and wants help taking their creativity to the next level, then you need to sign them up for these workshops!

These workshops are designed for budding journalists, filmmakers, actors, and social media influencers who want a fun and creative way to express themselves. Participants will be introduced to media production in a fun, hands-on learning environment that is conveniently located – the Media Center is in the same building as the public library!

These courses will inspire kids in a creative atmosphere to learn communication skills they can use for a lifetime. Nothing is impossible when you have a camera, a microphone, an idea, and a group of friends. 

Online registration is open NOW and will close on June 10. But hurry – due to limited class sizes, these workshops will fill up fast! More information and online registration is available at kids4.tv. Classes include:

  • Adventures in Sports Production, June 20-23
  • Adventures in Movie Making, Session 1, June 20-23
  • Adventures in Animation, Session 1, July 11-14
  • Adventures in Movie Making, Session 2, July 11-14
  • Adventures in Reporting, July 18-21
  • Adventures in Animation, Session 2, July 18-21
  • Adventures in Photography, July 25-28
  • Adventures in Podcasting, July 25-26
  • Adventures in Live Television, July 27-28

All workshops will meet at the Sun Prairie Media Center. Discounted rates for SPMC members are available. More information on memberships is available at sunprairiemediacenter.com/memberships. Scholarships are also available. 

Please contact Mara Trusty at mtrusty@cityofsunprairie.com with any questions. 

See you at the Media Center this summer!

103.5 FM COVERAGE SET FOR CARDINALS BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

The Sun Prairie Media Center is pleased to announce that it is planning on live radio coverage of nTom Veith - softball game 06232021-newo fewer than 31 games for the upcoming Cardinals softball and baseball seasons. Games will be broadcast live on 103.5 FM The Sun Community Radio. Coverage will be split evenly, with 16 broadcasts scheduled for baseball and 15 broadcasts for softball.

Anticipation for Cardinal softball and baseball has never been higher as both teams are coming off tremendous 2021 seasons: The Sun Prairie baseball team added to its record of state baseball titles by defeating Bay Port in last season’s Division 1 state championship game, while the Cardinals softball team made it all the way to the championship game before being edged out by Kaukauna 1-0 in the title matchup.

A full list of scheduled broadcasts can be found at sunprairiemediacenter.com/playball

 The Sun Prairie Media Center would like to thank its sponsors that are making these broadcasts possible: The Baker Realty Group, Culver’s of Sun Prairie, Hebl and Hebl Attorneys at Law, TDS Telecom, Kebe Technology Solutions, Service Specialists of Dane County, Sport and Spine Recovery Clinic, Metro Ford and Metro Kia, Primavera Cleaning Service, Peak Performance Chiropractic and Rehab, Milio’s Sandwiches, Colony Brands, Woodman’s, Chase Lumber, Kobussen Buses, and the Bank of Sun Prairie.

 A big thanks as well to Tim Perko, Tom Veith, and Dan Corcoran for calling the games on 103.5 FM this spring.

 103.5 FM can be accessed via 103.5 FM in and around Sun Prairie, or streaming at sunprairiemediacenter.com, tunein.com, or via the free Sun Prairie Media Center app, available to download for free from Google Play or the App Store.

 Oh, and go Cardinals!

“SUN PRAIRIE, DID YOU KNOW?: A PERSONAL SHARING OF BLACK HISTORY” IN SUN PRAIRIE 

"Sun Prairie, Did You Know...?" is an ongoing digital storytelling project where Black community leaders share their Sun Prairie experiences. The focus of this project is to honor the history of different Black leaders while also teaching the community about who these individuals are. 
This is a joint effort between City staff that includes Administration, the Sun Prairie Media Center,, Sun Prairie Historical Library & Museueum as well as participating community members. To be involved in the project and recommend other Black community leaders to be featured, please contact Jake King, Communications and Diversity Strategist, at jking@cityofsunprairie.com.

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Meet Marilyn Ruffin! She is a Black Community Leader who has an important story to share about her history, experience, and contributions to Sun Prairie.

DID YOU KNOW...? 
  • Marilyn served as the first Black Sun Prairie School Board Member?
  • About some of the challenges she had to face in order to serve in that role?
  • That Marilyn is not a POC (Person of Color), BIPOC (Black Indigenous Person of Color), or minority? She is a Black woman (and she says to ALWAYS capitalize the “B” in Black). 
To watch the full version of Marilyn’s story, please click here 


This video and other local programming content is housed on the Sun Prairie Media Center’s website. KSUN is available on Charter Spectrum (channel 983) and TDS (channels 13 and 1013). Live streams and on-demand programming are available as well on Roku and Apple TV devices, at sunprairiemediacenter.com, and on the free Sun Prairie Media Center app, available to download from the App Store and Google Play.

Sun Prairie Public LibrarySun Prairie Public Library Logo

Celebrate National Library Week! 

April 3-9, 2022

Celebrate National Library Week by visiting the Sun Prairie Public Library. The SPPL Foundation will have a card-making table. Patrons can make cards to show their appreciation to the SPPL staff. The Friends of the Sun Prairie Public Library will host a membership drive. New members will receive a $5 certificate to the Read Before Book Store that can be used for books, CDs or DVDs.  

Children’s & Teen Services

Storytimes are in full swing, we are offering both virtual and in-person options. Please keep an eye on the website and events calendar for exact days and times! We’re offering a mix of virtual and in-person programs, including: Young Explorers Club, Lego Club, Family Fun, Gaming with Sammy, Tween Book Club, Teen Creativity Club, Teen Book Club, Teen Gaming and more! Visit https://www.sunprairiepubliclibrary.org/sppl-kids-page for more information. 

Adult Services

Virtual Chair Yoga

Thursday, April 7, 14 & 21 2:30-3:15 p.m. 

Discover the ease and stabilization that a simple chair can provide when practicing stretches and traditional yoga poses for 45 minutes in the comfort of your own home! The chair serves as a support to your foundation, allowing you to increase mobility, decrease stress, and minimize aches and pains. You are invited to deepen your relationship to your body, stabilize your mind, and uplift your spirit to experience an overall sense of ease. These classes are appropriate for all fitness levels. Facilitated by certified yoga instructor and Reiki practitioner, Megan Reed. This is a three week series and you may register for any session that suits your schedule, be it one, two, or all three! Beginner's welcome anytime!  This program will be held via Zoom. To receive the Zoom log in information, please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com

Wisconsin Poet Carrie Voigt Schonhoff

Tuesday, April 12 6:30-7:30 p.m. 

Library Community Room

Carrie Voigt Schonhoff, poet and author of “The Liminal Space” has released her second published book of poems, “The End of the Beginning”. Carrie once again captures the spirit of her native Wisconsin while encapsulating the growth of her life’s journey and exciting next chapter. This work will resonate deeply with readers from the Midwest and pull at the heartstrings of those that continue to face challenges but never stop dreaming. Her second book of poems addresses the importance of healing, moving on, and being ready to face a new beginning. Carrie's newest work is a continuation of beliefs that we can heal by connecting and understanding one another on a deeper level through poetry. Registration required. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Wearing a mask is not required, but strongly recommended.

Backyard Composting

Tuesday, April 19, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Library Community Room

Come learn the basics of backyard composting! Students from Patrick Marsh Middle School will be presenting on how wasted food affects our community through their school action plan. They will then share home composting best practices so that you can become a food waste warrior too. This will include the do’s and don’ts of composting, along with bin placement and management throughout the year. Attendees will have early access to the city’s first ever compost bin group purchase. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com

 

Urban SUN: Black Voices Book Club

Sunday, April 24 3-4 p.m. 

A monthly book club devoted to creating meaningful conversations about race by exploring works of contemporary and historical African-American authors. Discussions are led by Sun Prairie residents, Donna Mackey and Marilyn Ruffin. Get ready to get uncomfortable and get real! This month's book selection is "Remember Me: Mary Lou Williams in Poetry" by former Madison Poet Laureate, Fabu, who will be joining us as a special guest for our May discussion. Limited copies of the book will be available at the library's Information Desk for those who register. The Urban SUN book club will meet via Zoom until further notice. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com, and Zoom details will be emailed to you.

Quan Barry Book Talk

Wednesday, April 27 6:30-7:30 p.m

Library Community Room

Quan Barry, the amazing author of last year's Big Summer Read, will discuss her new book, “When I'm Gone, Look for Me in the East”.  Already receiving rave reviews, it is described as "a stunning examination of our individual struggle to retain faith and discover meaning in a fast-changing world, and a paean to Buddhist acceptance of what simply is." Copies of the book will be available for purchase - and author signature! - courtesy of Mystery to Me, an independent bookstore in Madison. Registration is required. Please register on the Events Calendar at https://sunprairie.librarymarket.com. Wearing a mask is not required, but strongly recommended.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

Public Health Madison & Dane County will be holding walk-in vaccine clinics in the library’s Community Room on Fridays 4/8 and 4/15 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. Everyone 5 and older is welcome. No ID or insurance required, but children 5-17 must have a parent or guardian present. First, second, and booster doses will be offered. Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson available while supplies last.

Library Closed on Sunday, April 17 for Spring Holiday

The library will be closed on Sunday, April 17 for the Spring Holiday. The drive-thru book drops will remain open.