Some topics aren’t easy to discuss. For these moments, the Fond du Lac Public Library is offering a new, grab-and-go Tough Topics display with books that are outside the library’s regular collection.  

With the support of a grant from Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC), the library purchased more than 30 books that may be taken home and not returned. These items, located on a special display and identified with a green label, cover topics that can sometimes carry stigma and can be hard to ask staff about. These topics include addiction, mental health and wellness, and surviving trauma.  

The concept of a Tough Topics collection is not new to the library, but how the books are being distributed is novel. 

“The Fond du Lac Library has hosted a Tough Topics display for a number of years, hoping to give patrons a space to easily find resources on some of the more taboo topics,” said Melanie Kearn, adult services manager for the Fond du Lac Public Library.  

But through the partnership with MPTC, a selection of books now may be taken without checking them out, making someone’s search for answers even more private. 

“We were inspired by a partnership with the Appleton Public Library and the Fox Cities United Way in which they were able to make those materials free to take home, without having to check them out,” Kearn said. “With support from the Fond du Lac United Way, we were lucky enough to secure a grant through Moraine Park Technical College that covered the purchase of all 32 titles. We appreciate their generosity.” 

This temporary display may be found on the second floor of the Main Library in a quiet space against the east wall. 

“Although we do often have patrons ask library staff for help finding topics, we know that sometimes topics can carry shame or uncertainty that may prevent them from accessing resources,” Kearn said. “This collection is set a little separate from the rest of the materials, giving patrons a little bit of privacy to browse and take something they might find helpful that day.” 

When the display is depleted, it won’t mean the end of the library providing resources on difficult subjects. The Fond du Lac Public Library always offers plenty of books that may be checked out on a wide array of concerns. 

“This small collection is just a sample of the variety of subjects that we have,” Kearn said. “In addition to this display, we’ve created a bookmark that directs you to a wider range of topics in our collection including in wellness, trauma, and recovery. Our goal is that each person can find the right resource for them.” 

Library staff always are available as well to help direct patrons to any materials in the library’s collection, whether it’s about a tough topic or an easy one. 

Fond du Lac Public Library operates two locations: the Main Library at 32 Sheboygan St. in downtown Fond du Lac, and the Buechel Branch at 1132 E. Johnson St. near Festival Foods. The main library is open daily: Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Chapter 52 Bookstore at 52 Sheboygan St. is open Monday through Wednesday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while the Buechel Branch is open weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For more information about any of these locations, visit fdlpl.org. 

Date posted: July 28, 2026