HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - LB - 2009.08.25 URLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY rBURLIIYGAME
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Board of Trustees Agenda - q
August 25, 2009—9.30pm °e P
480 Primrose Road—Library Conference Room
SUGGESTED ACTION
I.�A L TO ORDER
II.1/iOLL CALL
III Library Board of Trustees Minutes for July 21, 2009 Approval
IV. CORRESPONDENCE AND INFORMATION Information
A. Library Statistics July 21,2009
B. Pacific Libraries Partnership Overview
FROM THE FLOOR (Public Comments)
VI. REPORTS
VA. City Librarian's Report—Escoffier Information
B. Foundation Report Information
VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Library Program Accomplishments 2008-2009& (Revised) Information/Discussion
B. Administrative Highlights 2008-2009 Information/Discussion
IX. NEW BUSINESS
A. Review of Library Survey Information/Discussion
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
XI. ADJOURNMENT Adjourn
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Library Board of
Trustees regarding any item on this agenda will be made available for
public inspection at the Reference Desk of the Burlingame Public Library,
480 Primrose Road, Burlingame, California
BURL NOAME
Library Board of Trustees Minutes
July 21, 2009
I. Call to Order
Secretary Katie McCormack called the meeting to order at 5:30pm.
II. Roll Call
Trustees Present: Betsy Corcoran, Deborah Griffith,
Katie McCormack, Pat Toft, Sandy Towle
Staff Present: Al Escoffier, City Librarian
Sidney Poland, Recorder
III. Introduction of Newly Appointed Trustee
The Trustees welcomed Betsy Corcoran to the Library Board of
Trustees. Betsy resides in Burlingame with her family and is editor of
science and technology (print and web versions) for Forbes Magazine.
IV. Minutes of the June 21, 2009 Trustee Meetin
The Trustees unanimously approved the June 21, 2009 minutes.
M/S/C (Griffith/Toft)
V. Correspondence and Attachments
Circulation for June at the main library was 57,835 representing a
7.99% increase over June 2008 circulation of 53,558. Easton's June
circulation of 6,325 showed a 10.40% decrease from June's 2008 total
of 7,059. This 10% decrease in circulation coincides with the 10%
reduction in open hours every Friday effective May 1, 2009.
VI. From the Floor
No one from the public attended the meeting.
VII. Reports
A. City Librarian's Report - Highlights
1. Joint Service Desk - Wayne Gehrke of Group 4 has been
requested by the City Librarian to provide insight into ways to
redesign the joint service desk to provide maximum benefit for
both staff and the patrons.
48o Primrose Road•Burlingame•California 94010-4083
Phone(650) 558-7474 Fax(650)342-6295'www.burlingame.org/library
2. Ergonomics - An Ergonomics specialist has been retained
by the City to meet individually with Circulation staff members
regarding repetitive wrist injuries received mostly from checking
materials in and out. The specialist has also been requested to
review the total procedure of how materials are handled by the
Circulation staff.
3. Self-Service - Due to reductions in staff resulting from
budget cuts, patrons are being encouraged to use the self check
machines rather than wait in line for personal service. The
goal is to increase patron usage of the self check machines to
80%; patron usage in June was 73%.
4. Summer Reading- In the second week of the summer
reading program for both children and young adults, participation
reached the 700 plus mark. The first two Family Fun Nights
have each had a combined audience of 140 children and their
parents.
B. Foundation Report Al Escoffier
Foundation members are preparing for their "Flower Garden
Show" event on August 13th which will be held in the garden of
John Ward. Each year Mr. Ward selects a non-profit entity to
hold an event in his garden and this year the Burlingame Library
Foundation was chosen. Although an-admission fee is not _
charged, tax deductible donations in any amount are expected.
Proceeds will benefit the Library. Eileen Nash is the event chair
person.
VIII. Unfinished Business
A. Holiday Schedule
The Trustees reviewed the holiday closure schedule for 2009-2010
which provides for the Library to close an additional 7 days before and
after regularly scheduled holidays. No action was taken as the Trustees
had previously approved the schedule with the stipulation that it was
subject to revisions if necessary.
B. Election of Officers
The Trustees unanimously passed the motion to accept the
nomination of Katie McCormack to serve as President of the Trustees
and Pat Toft to serve as Secretary for the term beginning July 2009 to
June 2010. M/S/C (Griffith/Towle)
Library Board of Trustee Minutes July 21,2009 2
IX. New Business
A. Trustee Handbook Introduction
The City Librarian reviewed the newly revised "Trustee Handbook"
which provides the Trustees with an overview of their role as active
advisors to the City Librarian in setting Library policy, determining
disciplinary measures for difficult patrons, supporting intellectual
freedom issues, and representing the Library in the community.
B. Library Accomplishments 2008-2009
The City Librarian presented a compilation of Library Accomplishments
for the fiscal year 2008-2009 for the Trustees to' review. The Trustees
felt that some of the items fell into the category of"Administrative
Highlights" rather than "Library Accomplishments" and therefore
requested that the original list be revised to reflect this change. The
revised lists will be agenized for the next meeting.
X. Announcements
A. Council Counterparts
The long term practice of Council Counterparts was designed to keep
Council abreast of Library issues.
Betsy Corcoran Ann Keighran
Deborah Griffith Terry Nagel
Katie McCormack Cathy Baylock
Pat Toft Rosalie O'Mahony
Sandy Towle Jerry Deal
B. August Meeting Change
The"Trustees agreed to change the,August board meeting from August
18th to August 25th in order to adjust to vacation schedules.
XI. Adjournment
The meeting of the Library Board of Trustees was adjourned at 6:45pm.
M/S/C (McCormack/Corcoran) The next scheduled meeting of the
Library Board of Trustees will be held August 25, 2009 in the Library
Conference Room at 5:30pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Al ed H. Escof ler
City Librarian
Library Board of Trustee Minutes July 21,2009 3
Pacific Libraries Partnership Staff Development Committee
Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2008-2009
Purpose
The Pacific Libraries Partnership Staff Development Committee (PLPSDC) identifies areas of interest to
stimulate ideas and discussion regarding library orientation and training and development needs with an
emphasis on continuing staff knowledge and skills development in new and emerging areas
Goals
1. The PLPSDC will promote, publicize, and share information about staff development events to
member libraries.
2. The PLPSDC will identify and creatively as well as innovatively respond to the unmet staff
development needs of participating member libraries in an effective, efficient, and timely manner.
3. The PLPSDC will plan and implement workshops based on the identified staff development needs
and interests of participating member libraries, which will be open to all interested persons.
4. The PLPSDC continuously will recruit new members who will attend meetings regularly and
participate actively on the committee.
5. The PLPSDC will serve in a mentoring capacity providing opportunities for support and guidance to
new library staff developers.
Objectives
• To sponsor and organize an annual workshop for library paraprofessionals
Free2Be Engaged: Opportunities for Workplace Learning, a spring workshop for all levels of
library staff, was held at Fremont Main Library and Berkeley Public Library on April 29 and 30, 2009.
Mary Ross, a library consultant in staff development and training design and delivery, facilitated the
half-day workshop, which focused on inviting and receiving constructive feedback, asking for
"feedforward" suggestions for positive change, using the workplace as a classroom for leadership
skills, and creating a personal plan to move forward even if one cannot move up. The workshop and
Mary Ross were very well received and overall participant expectations were met. The majority of
survey respondents expressed excellent ratings for the workshop, indicating the workshop content
would be useful to them in their jobs. Registration: 47 / Revenue: $1,880.00 / Expended: $3,093.98 /
Loss: $1,213.98
• To present no fewer than two programs on topics of general interest to library staff members
The Future of Libraries (4.0): Effective Marketing & Outreach in an Onsite-Online World was
held at San Francisco Public Library on September 24, 2008. Christie Koontz, a columnist for
Information Today's Marketing Library Services newsletter and a faculty member at Florida State and
San Jose State universities, was the keynote speaker and facilitator of the day-long conference.
Panel sessions included Marketing: Hooking Them Wherever They Are; Branding: Creating the Face
of the Library; and Innovations in Reaching Children, Teens, and older Adults. The workshop
received excellent ratings for its overall presentation, meeting of expectations, usefulness on the job,
and participation opportunity. Registration: 153 / Revenue: $6,120.00 / Expended: $4,085.43 / Profit:
$2,034.57
• To use the PLPSDC listsery as a means of publicizing library oriented activities, forums, conference,
and training opportunities which have a non-profit library focus.
Staff development and training opportunities are announced on the listsery whenever possible.
A membership drive was held in January 2009 to increase committee membership to encourage
greater sharing and participation among partner organizations; to identify and respond to unmet staff
development needs of all member libraries; and to implement workshops based on those identified
staff development needs and interests. Membership increased by six new active committee
members.
• To hold ongoing discussions about the future of library services and related staff development and
training needs
Page 1 of 1 7/24/2009
Pacific Libraries Partnership Staff Development Committee
FAQ
Purpose
The Pacific Libraries Partnership Staff Development Committee (PLPSDC) identifies
areas of interest to stimulate ideas and discussion regarding library orientation, training
and development needs with an emphasis on continuing staff knowledge and skills
development in new and emerging areas
Goals
1. The PLPSDC will promote, publicize, and share information about staff development
events to member libraries.
2. The PLPSDC will identify and respond to the unmet staff development needs of
participating member libraries in an effective, efficient, and timely manner.
3. The PLPSDC will plan and implement workshops based on the identified staff
development needs and interests of participating member libraries, which will be
open to all interested persons.
4. The PLPSDC continuously will recruit new members who will attend meetings
regularly and actively participate on the committee
5. The PLPSDC will serve in a mentoring capacity providing opportunities for support
and guidance to new library staff developers
Objectives
• To sponsor and organize an annual workshop for library paraprofessionals
• To present no fewer than two programs on topics of general interest to library staff
members
• To use the PLPSDC listsery as a means of publicizing library oriented activities,
forums, conference, and training opportunities that have a non-profit library focus
• To hold ongoing discussions about the future of library services and related staff
development and training needs
Membership
All libraries in the Pacific Libraries Partnership are invited to send representatives to the
Staff Development Committee. Other library representatives and those working with
libraries may be considered for membership on a case-by-case basis. Membership term
is unlimited.
Co-Chairs
Reviewed annually
Meeting Schedule and Location
Fourth Friday of odd numbered months: July, September, November, January, March,
and May, alternating between Menlo Park Library and Fremont Main Library
Listservs
Current committee list: PLPSTAFFDEVCOMM LISTSERV.PLSINFO.ORG
General discussion list: PLPSTAFFDEVDISCUSS@LISTSERV.PLSINFO.ORG
Archives: www.plsinfo.org/archives
Page 1 of 1 7/24/2009
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2009
Burlingame Registered Borrowers
Burlingame Hillsborough Other Total
Adult Patrons 16,499 2,866 0 19,365
Juvenile Patrons 4,917 1,431 0 6,348
Non-PLS Patrons o 0 1,862 1,862
Teachers 90 11 88 189
Temporary Patrons 76 2 1 79
Outreach Patrons 24 1 0 25
Staff 28 0 38 66
Total Registered Borrowers 21,634 4,311 1,989 27,934
Circulation Totals
This month total Main 58,795 This month previous year 58,062 1.26% increase
This month total Branch 6,336 This month previous year 6,943 -8.74%decrease
This month Grand Total 65,131 This month previous year 65,005 0.19% increase
*Easton closed on Fridays as of May 1, 2009.
All Children's All A/V All Non-English
Main 20,791 18,510 519
Easton 3,750 2,134 0
Total 24,541 20,644 519
Self Check Usage
Total Items %of 1 st Time Check Outs
Nlain 33,290 78%
Branch 39197 66%
Online Renewals
Total Items %of Total Renewals
Main 12,333 75%
Branch 1,092 66%
Reference Activity Inter Libra Loans
Questions Lent 4,449
Reference 19965 Borrowed 2,695
Children's 1,437 TOTAL 79144
Lower Level 1,552
Branch 568
TOTAL 5,522
BURLINGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2009
PAGE 2
Collections Main Titles Volumes Main Titles Added Branch Volumes Added
Adult Non-Fiction 190 134 9
Children's Non-Fiction 28 23 0
YA Non-Fiction 0 0 0
Adult Fiction 195 99 20
Children's Fiction 72 23 9
YA Fiction 10 5 1
DVD Fiction Adult 62 52 1
DVD Fiction JUV 6 5 0
DVD Fiction YA 0 0 0
DVD Non-Fiction Adult 18 17 0
DVD Non-Fiction JUV 6 3 1
DVD Non-Fiction YA 0 0 0
BCKD Adult 39 27 3
Children's BKCD 1 0 0
YA BKCD 3 3 0
CD Music Adult 1 1 0
CD Music JUV 0 0 0
CD Music YA 0 0 0
Totals 631 392 44
Fines and Fees Main $6,866.26
Branch* 529.10
Total $7,415.36
Main and Easton Deposits
Trustee Special Fund Photocopies/SAM Main $1,283.30
Photocopies/SAM Branch 20.35
Total Branch and Main $1,303.65
Estimated User Traffic Main 37,991 Dail Average Main 1,357
Estimated User Traffic Easton 3,549 Daily Average Easton 169
Total User Traffic 41,540 Total Daily Average 1,526
Community Room Adult*
Number of Meetings Attendance
Public Meetings 7 116
Staff Meetings 3 50
Library Adult Programs 6 185
Driver's Education Recreation Department 4 80
Lincoln School 2nd and 3rd Grade Book Clubs 2 30
Totals 21 461
Conference Room
Book Club Adult 1 15
One Book One Community 3 30
Spanish Class 2 12
Library Board of Trustees 1 10
-ibrary Foundation 1 7
Totals
BU!;UiNGAME PUBLIC LIBRARY STATISTICS FOR THE MONTH OF JULY 2009
PAGE 3
Children's and Young Adult Programs
Main
Pre-school Story Time 12 324
Toddler Story Time 10 468
Baby Story Time 1 20
Total Story Time 23 Total Story Time Attendance 812
Special Programs Attendance
Bonnie Lockhart 1 123
Puppet Art Theatre 1 152
Magic Dan 1 146
Magic Dan 1 151
Total Special Programs 4 Total Special Program 572
Attendance
Class Visits (Elementary) 7 238
Preschool Outreach Visits 0 0
Total Class Visits 7 Total Class Visits Attendance 238
Easton Story Times & Special Programs Attendance Questions Easton
Preschool 5 189 Reference 658
Toddler 5 145
Total Programs 10 334
Class Visits elements N/A 1 Attendance 23
Total Class Visits 1 Total 23
Attendance
Easton Internet Usage
User Sessions 518
Main Internet User Sessions
Hour, Half Hour, & Express Children's Total
6,997 123 7,120
JULY Outreach Statistics
Total Outreach Patrons 17
Deliveries 22
Pick Ups 2
Books 83
Paperbacks 12
Audio Books 19
Music CD's 12
DVD's 6
Magazines 10
Total Library Materials 142
BURL i NO-AM[
City Librarian Report to Board of Trustees
August 25, 2009
Summer Reading Programs a Success!
While the,numbers were down slightly from last year, 779 children and teens
completed the summer reading clubs. That translates into 7,376 books read or
listened to by finishers this summer. The Pre-school, Toddler, and Baby story times
numbered 39, reaching 802 children. Children's staff did 8 class visits, reaching 238
children.
As for the "Family Fun Nights" there were four in July, reaching 572 children. These
are only our main library statistics, but it has been a very busy summer for the
children's staff.
Adult programs with the highest attendance were the interview and resume writing
programs with at least 45 attendees each. These were very well received. The Tech
Talk for July, given by Amy Pelman, had 30 attendees. The programs have been
uniformly excellent, and the public is asking for more.
Joint Service Desk Status
Work on the ergonomics of the service desk has begun with a list of suggestions by the
staff. The city hired an ergonomic specialist who spent a morning with us reviewing
the circulation desk and the circulation office (check in area) to determine the needs in
these locations. She will submit a full report later in the month.
Our first session with Wayne Gehrke, Group 4 Architecture, will be August 15th. This
will be an introductory session to explore what might be done to plan for the use of the
main floor space for the next few years, and to focus on improving the main service
desk for both ergonomics and functionality. We will be working with a staff task force
to improve the desk for patrons and staff.
Collections Acquisitions
We resumed the purchase of library materials the second week of July, following the
close of the fiscal year. We had to stop purchase to create a fund balance for the close
of fiscal 2008-2009. Improvements in the acquisitions system this year will include an
accounting system to better track the types of purchases made.
1
480 Primrose Road•Burlingame•California 94010-4o83
Phone(650).558-7474.Fax(650)342-6295•www.burlingame.org/library
All Staff Meeting
After a hiatus of several months, we held an all staff meeting. I gave an overview of the
current budget for staffing and materials for the new year. I reviewed some of the new
policies and procedures which affect our public service desks.
"Handheld" Conference
The "Handheld" technologies conference was a "webinar" that was held in the Lane
Room for all interested staff. There were a variety of speakers from a variety of
disciplines discussing the use and impact of handheld technology devices (iPhones for
example) and their impact on library services. Many services can be delivered through
phones, etc. We even solved a dilemma regarding the PLS use of SMS (short message
service) which is being used in libraries to alert patrons to holds, overdues and other
messages.
American Library Association Conference
Amy Pelman attended the ALA Conference in Chicago, July 9-15. In addition to
exhibits, fundraisers, committee meetings and workshops, she attended the YALSA
(Young Adult Library Services Association) "Leadership Development for Chairs and
Future Leaders" mini-conference. Amy has been active in the group for some time. She
will be assuming the Chair of"Partnerships Advocating for Teens" position for the
coming year. I was unable to attend due to the death of a close friend.
Upcoming Events:
• 10 August, "Filoli" presentation, 2 PM
• 11 August, " Drought Tolerant Plants," 7 PM
• 13 August, "Flower Garden Show," John Ward's home, 11 AM-7 PM
• 18 August, "Native Plants," 7 PM
• 25 August, Library Board Meeting, 5:30 PM (one week later)
• 27 August, "Planting a fall Victory Garden," 7 PM
• 6, 7, September, Labor Day holiday, Closed
15 September, Library Board Meeting, 5:30 PM
• 1 October, "One Book, One Community" Mistress of Spices, 7 PM, SAMPAC
• 8, 9, 10, 11 October, Foundation Book Sale, Lane Room
• 17 October, NKF Author Luncheon, Hilton Hotel, San Francisco
2
Burlingame Public Library
Program Accomplishments, 2008-2009
Revised August 3, 2009
July 2008
• Burlingame Library wins 6 public relations awards from the American Library
Association; this was a "clean sweep" of the awards given that year
• Statistical Comparison of library use between 1992 and 2008:
o 40% increase in circulation
o 51% increase in programming for children
o Increase in circulation per capita from 11.96% to 17.5% (national
average is 7 per capita)
August 2008
• Largest attendance for children's summer reading programs: 1,374
• New adult summer reading program attracted: 317 participants
• Children's Room repainted; paint donated by Jeff Gray, Gray's Paint,
Burlingame
• Foundation Gift: Children's Room Mini-Renovation: new Children's Room
furniture, re-upholstery and/or refinishing of existing furniture
• Children's Room Mural; Targeted gift of 25 community supporters
• Trustee Education Fund established to supplement city training fund
• "Name the Lions" contest held; winners announced at Centennial Day
• Centennial Library cards introduced
• Centennial Proclamation by City Council "The Year of the Library"
• Centennial congratulatory letter from Assemblyman Gene Mullin
• Foundation Newsletter mailed to 8,000 households in Burlingame and
Hillsborough
September 2008
• Revised Collection Development policies; increased use of online sources to save
$ 16,000
• Children's Room mural completed
• Centennial T-shirts designed and offered for sale as a fundraiser by the
Foundation
October 2008
• Foundation Book Sale a success with $ 6,500 in sales
• One Book, One Community: Dave Eggers in conversation with Michael Krasny;
1,400 in attendance (Burlingame designed the program and led the volunteers.)
• Centennial Kick-Off Celebration: October 11, 2008; Honorable U.S.
Representative, Jackie Speier; Burlingame Mayor Rosalie O'Mahony;
Hillsborough Mayor Kitty Mullooly; Assistant State Librarian, Stacy Aldrich;
Dedication and naming of bronze Lions; Open House
November 2008
• Library Strategic Planning team kicks off planning, including: White Paper,
SWOT exercise, Alternate service model: Joint Service Desk
• New Library Mission statement drafted and approved by Trustees
1
• `Women Authors" series held -�
• Glass Holiday ornaments offered for sale by Trustees; eventual $ 16,000 profit
to Trustees Fund anticipated.
December 2008
• "Winter Wonderland" a night of performance and entertainment for families;
reached 600 children and adults
• Fiber Optic Cable installed at both library facilities increasing bandwidth l OX
• Held annual Staff Recognition Dinner, sponsored by the Foundation and the
Trustees
• 14th annual Employee Recognition Dinner with award winners: Cathy
Somerton, Linda Santo, Bradley McCulley.
January 2009
• "Dan Stone Memorial Lecture" featuring Elizabeth Partridge
• Children's Poetry Month, sponsored by the Foundation
.February 2009
• Developed All-Staff Workshop with Ruth Barefoot, from the San Jose Way on
"Change"
• New Foundation Board Members: Bryan Blythe, CPA; Don Roberts, Attorney;
Amber Ellis-Senguine, graphic artist
March 2009
• Library User Survey results tabulated; many positive comments
• Preparation begins for the "Joint Service Desk" combining Reference and
Circulation; a "One Stop" for patrons; targeted implementation in May
• Initiated Self-Check promotion plan to encourage increased patron self-service
• Library Newsletter mailed to all residents in 94010 zip code to inform the
community of library events, operations; sponsored by the Library Foundation
April 2009
• "Express Holds" introduced to the public; check out of their own materials
relieves staff at the desk
• Trustees approve expenditure from Trustee's Fund of 5 "On Line Catalog"
stations to be placed at the former Reference Desk location
May 2009
• Foundation book sale profits: $ 6,100
• "Foundation Author Luncheon" featuring Sandra Tsing Loh and Mike Robbins a
great success with $ 20,000 in profit.
• New Foundation Board members: Debbie Grewal, realtor and former board
member; Jacqueline Haggarty, Attorney/Burlingame Mother's Club affiliation;
Pat Nicholson, development consultant and former dean of external relations at
Stanford; Chris Schaefer, founding teacher of KIPP Bayview Academy (charter
school in San Francisco)
• Key Indicators of Library Service revised and presented to Trustees & City
Manager
2
• Orientation of new Library Foundation Board members: Jacquie Haggarty, Pat
Nicholson, Bryan Blythe, Rawson Groves Hobart
Orientation of 6 Trustee Candidates prior to City Council interviews
June 2009
• Children's Librarian Sue Reiterman visits 95 classrooms in Burlingame and
Hillsborough to begin June 1St; reached 2,600 children in the schools with the
message of summer reading.
• Library wins 39th PR award from the American Library Association, thanks to
Maryam Refahi and Linda Santo.
• Children's, Teen, Read to Me and Adult reading clubs begin
• 700 sign up for the reading clubs by the 2nd week
• 8 Family Fun Nights planned; sponsored by Burlingame Library Foundation
Statistical Summary
• Circulation of Materials: 698,558 9 % increase over previous year
• Traffic in Library: 458,568 5 % increase over previous year
• Interlibrary Loan 82,138 9% increase over previous year
• Self Check Use 73% 12% increase over previous year
3
Burlingame Public Library
Administrative Highlights, 2008-2009
August 3, 2009
July 2008
• Compiled statistics showing library use between 1992 and 2008:
0 40% increase in circulation
0 51% increase in programming for children
o Increase in circulation per capita from 11.96% to 17.5% (national
average is 7)
• Hillsborough contract stalls after negotiation; financial support remains the
same for the year
• Options for library service developed by City Librarian for Hillsborough City
Manager
August 2008
• Foundation Children's Room project: new Children's Room furniture, re-
upholstery and/or refinishing of existing furniture, repainting of room.
• Children's Room Mural; Targeted gift of 25 community supporters
• Replacement of Library carpeting placed on hold due to budget
• Trustee Education Fund established to supplement city training funds
• Centennial congratulatory letter received from Assemblyman Gene Mullin
September 2008
• Revised Collection Development policies: canceled all microfilm subscriptions;
canceled all binding of materials
• Periodical retention periods reduced to 1 year or 2 years and current to save
staff time
• Designed and implemented a program for Centennial t-shirts to sell to the
public. Supported by the Foundation.
October 2008
• Burlingame designed the program and led the volunteers for One Book, One
Community project
• Centennial Kick-Off Community Celebration: October 11, 2008.
• City Librarian served on PLS executive committee "PLS Strategic Technology
Plan"
November 2008
• Proposed budget reductions @ 5% for library general fund for current year
• Library Strategic Planning team kicks off planning, including: White Paper,
SWOT exercise, Alternate service models
• New Library Mission statement drafted and approved by Trustees
• Glass Holiday ornaments designed and created to be offered for sale by
Trustees; eventual $ 16,000 profit to Trustees Fund anticipated.
1
December 2008
• Fiber Optic Cable installed at both library facilities increasing bandwidth l OX
• Coordinated Employee Achievement Awards
• Coordinated 14th annual Employee Recognition Dinner with Foundation and
Trustees
January 2009
• Matrix of budget reductions begins for all city departments
• Budget planning for 5%, 10% and 15% reductions (eventually 11.6% reduction,
nearly $ 500,000)
• Endowment gift of$ 280,000 a gift to Board of Trustees, Special Fund; Trustees
directed the gift to be used 1/3 of corpus annually for 3 years for library
collections and upgrade of the main desk
j Foundation purchases gift books for winners of children's poetry month
February 2009
• Effective January 16th, Main Library closes at 5 PM, a loss of 2 public service
hours
• Staff schedules change for evenings and weekends in an effort to save funds
• All-Staff Workshop with Ruth Barefoot, from the San Jose Way on "Change"
• New Foundation Board Members: Bryan Blythe, CPA; Don Roberts, Attorney;
Amber Ellis-Senguine, graphic artist
March 2009
• Library User Survey results tabulated; many positive comments
• Preparation begins for the "Joint Service Desk" combining Reference and
Circulation; a "One Stop" for patrons; targeted implementation in May
• Self-Check promotion plan begun to encourage patron self-service
• Library Newsletter mailed to all residents in 94010 zip code to indicate service
changes
April 2009
• Express Holds introduced to the public; check out of patron's own materials
help lessen impact of single staffing.
• Staff installs 5 "On Line Catalog" stations at the former Reference Desk location
at the request of the Trustees
May 2009
• City Storm Drain Measure passes thereby relieving the library of further
reductions
• Easton Branch closes Fridays, 3 hours, effective May 1
• Layoff of 21 of 26 hourly staff to create a fund balance for the City by fiscal year
end, June 30th
• Cease ordering of library materials until July 1 to increase fund balance for City
• Administrative staff assists with Foundation Author Luncheon (a great success
with $ 20,000 profit)
2
• New Foundation Board members: Debbie Grewal, realtor and former board
member; Jacqueline Haggarty, Attorney/Burlingame Mother's Club affiliation;
Pat Nicholson, development consultant and former dean of external relations at
Stanford; Chris Schaefer, founding teacher of KIPP Bayview Academy (charter
school in San Francisco)
• Key Indicators of Library Service revised and presented to Trustees
• Nancy Brock to leave the Board of Trustees at the end of her term
• Held annual meeting with Councilman Jerry Deal regarding library budget
• Orientation of new Library Foundation Board members: Jacquie Haggarty, Pat
Nicholson, Bryan Blythe, Rawson Groves Hobart
• Orientation of 6 Trustee Candidates prior to interviews: Carol Mink, Bob
Tessler, Jessica Hanson, Alvin Begun, Audrey Bojack, Elizabeth Corcoran.
June 2009
• Children's Librarian Sue Reiterman visits 95 classrooms in Burlingame and
Hillsborough; reaching 2,600 students with the message of summer reading.
• City Council interviews for Library Trustees
• One staff member out for 6 months for worker's comp surgery (budget and
staffing impact)
• Library Board approves holiday closures for next fiscal year
August 3, 2009
3
Library Survey Overview
March 11, 2009
Survey Overview
A survey of library users was taken over a 3 week period both online and in the
library. 180 surveys were completed, with 132 of those submitted online. There are 13
pages of comments on the various questions. The comments are attached. Below is a
summary of the survey results with comments from the City Librarian.
Survey Highlights with Comments
1) Reduction in Services. The highest number of respondents at 69% noted a
reduction in adult programming as their first choice in reductions. Only 28%
suggested reducing hours. Comment: Reduction in Adult programming is,being
done; we have reduced the costs by using more "box"programs which require
less staff time.
2) Frequency o,f Library Use. 67% of the respondents use the library once a week
or more; another 23% use the library once a month. Comment: Of those
surveyed, it appears that frequency of library use is very high.
3) Frequency o,f Easton Branch Use. 50% of those surveyed use the Easton
Branch; 17% of those surveyed use the branch once a week or more. Comment:
It appears significant that as many as half use the Easton Branch, considering
the location and hours. Circulation at Easton has tripled in the past 4 years.
4) What hours is the Main Library used?42% of those surveyed use the
afternoons; mornings, evenings and weekends were almost evenly divided on
use. Comment: It appears that library use beyond afternoons is evenly divided
among those who prefer evenings, weekends and mornings.
5) What hours is the Easton Branch used? Thursday was the heaviest day
according to the respondents, followed by Wednesday, Tuesday and Saturday.
Comment: The Library is conducting a survey in the next few weeks to determine
the actual circulation and traffic by day.
6) What do visitors do at the Library?94% check out books or media; 43% use
reference materials or reference staff; 28% bring a child to story time; 25% use
the library facilities for study. Comment: Clearly lending materials is a high
priority, as is use of the facilities for study, research, story times, and use of the
Internet.
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7) What Collections are used most?The top three uses were: adult fiction and
non-fiction books and media for all ages. Other heavy uses were: bestsellers, _
children's materials, and magazines. Comment: Library use is heavy in a number
of areas. The target of collection expenditures is in keeping with collection use. It
will be important to maintain library collections.in the future.
8) Rate Your Library Experience. 78% of respondents rated the Library as
"Excellent". Another 22% rated the Library as "Very Good". Comment: There
were no responses for "satisfactory" or `poor". The Library experience of our
users is very positive according to the written comments.
9) Demographics:Age Group. Of those surveyed, 37% were in the 25-45 age
range; with 3896 in the 46-64 age range. Comment. From the survey results, no
children or teens were surveyed, so library use by this very large youthful group
would not be accurate.
10)Demographics: Home Library. Of the respondents surveyed, 73% were
Burlingame residents; 6% were Hillsborough residents; 7916 were from outside our
service area.
Al Esco Tier, City Librarian
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Library Survey - Comments from the Community February 2009
Responses to the Question - "Other Suggestions for Cuts"
Programs
Eliminate Adult and Children programs as individuals can organize these
activities on their own.
Materials
1. Reduce magazine subscriptions
2. Reduce audio-visual materials
3. Instead of reducing materials, find out what patrbns would be
willing to pay for additional services.
Staf ani
Reduce staffing and use more volunteers especially tech folks to maintain
computer networks and equipment.
Hours
1. If reduction in hours is necessary, balance daytime and evening
hours. (example - have one day a week with extended hours in
- the daytime.)
2. Suggested hours - Monday-Thursday- 10:00am - 7:OOpm
Easton Branch
Close Easton Branch.
Miscellaneous
1. Please don't reduce anything.
2. It is regrettable that cuts are being made.
3. I love the collection
4. Make checkout more automated like the Millbrae Library
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Responses to Questions "What could the Library be doing better?"
Programs
1. My grandchildren love story time! I bring them every week.
2. I just LOVE story time! Please don't cut it at Easton or the Main. If
necessary have it two times a week.
3. Love the delivery service to shut in people and the.special
programs for children and families.
4. Please try not to cut children's services; the libraries are wonderful,
and story time is such an important asset, especially for those who
can't afford paid activities. It is the only free activity available
to children in town, and its such high quality.
5. Suggestion for a late afternoon or weekend story time, as well as a
reading workshops for kids.
6. Children's story times are excellent.
Hours
1. The less the library is open, the less it will be used and cared for,
and eventually it might lose its special place in the community. -_
2. If hours are cut, it will be next to impossible to get them back later;
whereas a less current collection can be remedied in the future.
3. Patron appreciates library's late evening and weekend hours.
4. Increased hours on the weekend especially for students.
5. Our family could live with fewer evening hours but the weekends
are valuable to us. Someday when you can afford to do so, more
evening hours on the weekend would be valuable and welcome.
6. If possible, opening the main library for longer hours on the
weekend would be helpful to students and working patrons who
cannot get there during the week.
7. Like more and more people in our community, I am unemployed
and the library is the MOST important public service available
to me for job searching online or finding something interesting
to read about and to simply escape to the library's beautiful
and peaceful environment. Please do not reduce hours any
further.
S. I would have preferred if the hours were cut on another day other
than Friday. I used to use the library on Fridays after work.
9. I love the library and hate to see the hours reduced as evening
hours are really terrific for those of us who work and for teenage
kids.
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10. While I love the programs like Winter Wonderland, I would rather
see fewer of these types of programs and longer library hours.
11. If further cuts in hours are necessary, I would like to suggest
closing the main library on Mondays rather than on Sunday when
students and many families use the library.
12. My preference would be to for the library to open up later in the
day and close later in the evening. This would benefit the people
who cannot get to the library until after 5:OOpm.
13. Open main library Friday and Saturday nights.
14. More weekend hours, especially Sundays or mornings at the
Easton branch would be preferable to weekday hours.
Staff
1. Staff is very knowledgeable and very helpful.
2. I would like to see City employees take a 10% pay cut starting at
the very top, and at least half way down_ the line. My income has
been cut more than that.
3. I think we can live without the convenient hours,
comprehensiveness of the collection and the bells and whistles for
a while. Please just leave the staff in tact as much as possible,
because they are a critical part of the library experience and
once they're gone, they're gone forever.
4. I like your excellent reference desk on the first floor.
5. Cut open hours, audio visual collections, or anything else before
you cut the librarian positions—materials can be re-purchased
once times get better, but people who lose their jobs won't be back.
6. All employees are very helpful.
7. The cuts that hurt us all, as a community are the staff cuts, and I
do hope that staff will be replaced when the City's financial
position improves.
8. Librarians ALWAYS VERY helpful and cheerful, makes a person
happy that this library was chosen over any other.
9. Given the cutbacks ahead I would look to working with the other
libraries in the San Mateo County System to.combine forces with
online services that could offer additional services or resources
when the library is closed.
10. Great Staff. Always helpful and friendly.
11. Your librarians are fantastic.
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12. The main library is a gem with the best children's librarians
ever. The staff is friendly and efficient, the facility is clean and
welcoming and the collection is thorough. I think closing a bit
earlier in the evening would be the worst of all evils in terms of
cuts.
13. More availability with the reference librarians and access to
computers.
14. Excellent help from the lower level desk! "Children's story times
are excellent! Story times are perfect for both of my childen - we
go at least once very week.
15. It is a wonderful library- Cathy (Somerton) does an outstanding
job at story time. Our Grandson loves the library and books.
16. I very much oppose any combination of the library and parks and
recreation departments, staff and/or commissions.
yLa.ter ials
1. Add Laptop magazine.
2. I cannot locate the Religion section in the Friends of the Library
Book Sales section. I do appreciate the growing DVD collection.
3. More DVD's of classic movies and TV series.
4. Try to do a better job of estimating member interest when
acquiring materials. For example, I've seen multiple copies of a
single new book (e.g.) Bob Woodward sitting on the shelf, while -
other books have not been ordered.
5. Large type collection is terrific.
6. Your collection of travel books for common destinations - Hawaii,
Europe, and California is up to date. Your collection of less
common destinations Egypt, Israel , Namibia, etc. is out of date.
Do you accept donations in these areas or is it possible to set up a
planned giving program that specifies these kind of titles?
7. I love your hold/deliver service and would definitely pay more for
that for best sellers. I'm used to buying new books but have
stopped that to save money. I'd be happy to pay a couple of dollars-
to put holds on best sellers.
8. A lot of the magazines and periodicals are specialty oriented. Why
not winnow out all by the most popular magazines and those that
are representative of their topic and put the rest on an endangered
species list?" Post notices in the City newsletter, website free
newspaper free space, etc. that these endangered periodicals are
up for "adoption".
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An individual could assume payment of the subscription for 1 year
by writing a check to the library which could then be used for
renewal so that the subscription is uninterrupted. The library
could post an artful list in the library which would show the yearly
"adoption fee" and then add an overlay with a donor's name on the
"endangered periodical". Maybe a class of school kids would like to
adopt something as a class project.
9. Cut down on the # of copies ordered for best sellers. Of course that
makes the wait list longer but at the same time, you could add a
couple of copies to a lending library format.
10. More selection of new releases.
11. Need more computers
12. I live in Daly City but I love coming to the Burlingame Library. The
building is so beautiful, and everyone is so nice. My favorite part
of the library is the old magazine collection in the basement. It's a
very important archive.
13. Online academic journal subscriptions would be great. It is great
that the library has a subscription to Science.
14. Decrease number of items/patron for books on CD's and
DVDs.
15. Post written classification of materials and method of resource
organization.
- 16. How about a per diem on the movie collection....$ .50 a day rather
than for free.
Miscellaneous
1. I do not like the change in policy regarding the 1 st floor internet
usage. I like to be able to reserve a computer so that I can plan my
time accordingly.
2. The PLS website needs to be updated to reflect Burlingame's Main
Library current internet availability and policy.
3. I have been to the library to see films and had the distinct and
unforgettable pleasure of watching the Inauguration in the Lane
Community Room. It's a jewel. What a gift! I cannot recommend
cutting anything about the library. It is arguably our greatest
community resource!
4. I most often find my visits to the Burlingame library very
satisfying. Sometimes the book(s) I want are not in at the time,
but I can always put a hold on them .
5. Love the online search of catalog, and being able to renew and ask
for holds from home.
6. Noise level of the library person replacing books - do it quietly.
7. I like everything at the Burlingame Library more than the Millbrae
library even though Millbrae is more convenient. I like the way it is
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set up. I like the children's program in both branches so I hope
you do not cut those hours or eliminate them.
8. Devastated with budget cuts! Are there ways to contribute funds
privately- through foundation? - Let the public know.
9. We love the library, especially the main library. The staff is great,
particularly the children's. Easton is closer to our home, so we
occasionally stop by for a quick visit to pick out new books.
10. We still marvel at the beautiful and wonderfully perfect library we
are so fortunate to have in Burlingame. Sounds really corny, but
the entire enlarging project was done with "love" from the planning
to the fund raising and it shows it. There.is a unique personal,
friendly, cozy atmosphere here that does not exist in today's
"modern" libraries.
11. Thank you for seeking our input. I think the people need the
library more than ever during tough economic times and it is a
shame to have to cut services when the public needs you most. I
hope you will let us know if there is anything else we can do, such
as writing to the city or the state regarding library funding. Thank
you for everything.
12. I love the library despite the parking situation. I would hope that
Burlingame could find budget cuts some other way rather than
messing with one of the city's showpieces. If anything, maybe
think of closing the Easton Branch until money can be reallocated
to operate again?
13. Unfortunately, we are in a recession and cannot afford to continue
to spend the same amount of money as when the economy is
,growing.
14. Turn out the lights at night. Don't print a open letter to the
patrons of the library on 201b custom printed paper. Tell the
library staff to stop talking with each other while waiting on the
patrons of the library.
Easton
1. It may make sense to close the Easton Library during this
downturn but I am sure you will evaluate the usage of both
libraries to determine whether that makes sense or not.
2. Easton seems to be a free day care for the neighboring private
Catholic School - I avoid using it on school days as the uniformed
students are talking loudly, going in and out the doors,
monopolizing the computers, etc. It seems we should not be using
our city's funds to provide free day care to a private parochial
school.
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Response to "Best Experience in the Library"
Programs
1. Talks I have attended on various topics.
2. Story time and any of the staff-produced holiday affairs!
3. Enjoy the annual events and this year's 100th year celebrations.
4. Baby and Me story time
5. The summer reading program for the kids was a big success for
our son.
6. We really enjoyed the holiday celebration. We had never been
before and it was fabulous. Of course, we always enjoy the
children's story time. I have children ages 7,4 and 21 months and
they have all participated in the toddler and preschool story times.
The 21 month old has just begun_ going on a regular basis.
7. The book sale!
8. I love the time the library turned into Winter Wonderland not
just for the, children but for adults as well.
9. Children's programs are great.
10. In addition, story time has become a way to build our community
and allows children and fellow moms/caregivers of all different
- backgrounds to meet each other.
11. I love (as does my boy) Story Times!!!
12. Story Time 8s kids section.
13. Story times, checking out books & audio-visual materials, studying
and holding our 3rd grade book club in the Lane Room.
14. The Children's Story time and the Children's programs.
15. Story Time
16. I raised 4 daughters and all attended Story Time and participated
in summer book club and now I bring my 2 year old grand-
daughter to the Story Time. It's a tradition.
17. Movie Time and Story Time
18. Centennial celebration, uses of Children's library and great service
of Children's Librarians when I was teaching in the Burlingame
School District. Marvelous coordination with public school system
and library!
19. Toddler Story Time
20. Story Time is very enjoyable. the librarians are very friendly and
helpful. I have enjoyed all the winter activities (Winter Wonderland)
at the Main Library, singing at Easton great place. I would never
read so many books if it was not for the library.
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Staff
1. Watching the rapt attention of the children and the joy engendered
in them by the wonderful staff who read to them at story time
and put on a "show" like the magical Holiday evening. You can
always get more materials and extend hours again when the
budget improves, but the personnel are priceless and not
replaceable.
2. I knew the book I wanted but not the title. I gave clues to the
reference librarian and after quite a search, she found it. Another
person, who was also consulted her was intrigued by her
ingenuity, as was I. I did not get her name, but I see her quite
frequently. ,
3. I love the library. I often drop in when I am out for my walk, just
to see what is new. We are a heavy user of DVDs and CDs. I love
browsing through the Friends "store"... I usually come home with a
new treasure. The library is extremely important to me. I
will do whatever I can. Do not close Easton. Usually, I have sent
over to the Burlingame Main whatever I want. The library tech
there is wonderful. Actually, all of the library staff is the
absolute best. Please do not cut staff hours. Our community
needs these wonderful people. Let's have fundraisers. The
Friends of the Library could be more active.
4. There are too many to mention, but the staff are always friendly
and helpful, especially at the front desk, and it is a very
welcoming family environment.
5. Receiving help when I needed to get books on tapes for an elderly
parent. The staff was so patient and understanding.
6. Children's room librarian Cathy talking with my daughter after
story time about her interest, drawing her out and getting her
excited about books related to the things she likes.
7. I think, unquestionably, my best experience has been MY ON-
Going EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAFF. We simply have an
exceptional staff, helpful, knowledgeable, and did I mention,
consistently cheerful.
8. The Children's librarian's are wonderful at helping kids find
appropriate books.
9. Front desk and other librarians are always helpful and cheerful. It
makes you happy that you chose this library over others.
10. Watching my somewhat shy 9-year old son, Peter, independently
approach a children's reference librarian for help with finding
books on Greek Gods. She helped him find some wonderful books
and he read them all.
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11. The courteous friendly service of the library staff is always
outstanding, patrons are made to feel really welcome.
12. Having my child feel confident that he/she are welcome and can
find help and find what they are looking for. Help in the children's
section is excellent.
13. My best experiences have been going to the children's department
with my children and asking for recommendations. We always
come away with great new books.
14. I am a mother of 3 kids who all LOVE and enjoy every minute of
Story Time by teacher Cathy. They love her and her team. It is
one of our most favorite activities each week.
15. My daughter just turned 13 and I've been bringing her to the
library since she was a baby even when it was housed in the
trailer up the street due to retrofitting. She utilizes the help of the
children's librarians all the time to find reference/resource books
for school projects and pleasure reading. They are always
wonderfully helpful to her and have guided her to many books she
might not know how to look for. They are wonderful women and a
priceless resource for the library.
16. Getting prompt assistance from the reference librarians.
17. Your excellent children's book collection and helpful librarians -
we have had a great experience getting books here.
18. The children's librarians are always very helpful in finding books
and suggesting alternate resources.
19. Whenever I hear about a new book I'm interested in reading, I call
you up and if you don't have it, you order it. I love that !! Also,
staff is very helpful.
20. Short concise answers to questions of location... not a barrage of
information. Ask questions that help to narrow or focus the search
experience.
21. Your staff is always helpful and friendly!
22. Excellent Reference Librarians
23. When I was a classroom teacher, BPL personnel and materials
were invaluable to me. As a retired person, I now enjoy attending
special events and checking out books for pleasure reading or just
browsing.
24. The Children's Librarians are all wonderful and helpful. I hope the
children's programs don't get cut. My kids look forward to them.
25. Story Time with Cathy.
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Materials
1. Finding some remote book, ages old, that I've read about to some
obscure article always gives me a charge ... never too old to learn
new things.
2. Love finding the one dollar treasures in the little "book shop"
corner. ALWAYS check that and never miss the book sales. The
charming staff always gives me a feeling of welcome.
3. Introducing my young child to the library. The Children's room is
amazing!
4. I hope there is not a reduction in the book collection. It seems that
a cut could be made in the purchase of new AV materials if
necessary. Although, I do enjoy getting a DVD now and then, I
could rent them on my own. I could never imagine a library,
without new books but certainly can imagine a library without new
DVDs.
5. Watching my 3 year old pour through the stack of children's
books. Also we enjoyed the Winter Wonderland evening.
6. I requested that the library purchase a book that other peninsula
libraries had ordered and it did.
7. Discovering your extensive literary criticism and plays collection.
Your library is the best in the county for this type of material.
8. Thank you for such a great children's book collection, and for
keeping the hold fees down on children's books—we are huge
library fans!
9. Not once, but every time... I can't find what I want on the library's
computers, your librarians find it for me. They don't behave as if I
am stupid! Could you post some directions re: use of computers?)
10. I think that being able to request books online and have them
delivered to the nearby library is the best deal in town! Our
librarians are some of the nicest people you will meet in this town
as well.
11. The selection of books is the best in the county.
12. You have the best DVD collection, as well as your quick picks on
the main floor (new books) area. It is my favorite library. I was
introduced to it when I started working in Burlingame, and now
.that I'm working in San Mateo, I still go back.
13. When recently remodeling our home, we used many books for
remodeling, as well as planting gardens, herbs, and vegetables for
our new garden. My husband loves the cookery book section -you
are just a great library for our family- for us all. Thank you for all
your good work.
14. I like the books you put out on sale @ $1.00 each. -
15. Love the videos of PBS series like "As Time Goes By "
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16. I like the Hold system for books when I don't have time to browse
the shelves in person. I check the online catalog and put holds on
- the books I like and if Burlingame doesn't have them, they are
borrowed from other branches within a reasonable amount of time.
The librarians and staff are always friendly.
17. I went to the librarian who sits in front of the old magazine archive
and asked if I could browse inside. She said it was fine, and I
spent an hours or so just looking through the fantastic collection.
Being able to hold and read magazines from the beginning of the
20th century in'paper form instead of microfiche is a really
different and much more intense experience, and I felt privileged to
get the chance.
Miscellaneous
1. Easy return
2. Getting a centennial celebration library card - very cool
3. The best experience began a string of many more. The whole
family grew very attached to our libraries about 16 years ago when
we started going to story time, especially bedtime stories when the
_ kids came in their pajamas. Additionally, we are very fond of our
librarians who are always helpful and friendly. It is wonderful to
be connected to the Burlingame community through the library
where people know you by name!!!
4. I can't single out one because every visit is a joy.
5. Introducing my young child to the library. The Children's Room is
amazing.
6. Reference room with wireless is great, especially in the summer
because you have air conditioning.
7. I cherish the memories of taking our son to the main library when
he was small. He continued to come to the library in elementary
and high school. In his junior year he was selected to receive the
coveted Yale Book Award. He requested that his photo for this
award be taken at the library.
8. I feel safe bringing my nieces to this library and letting them
study/research/read in their own section while I peruse
downstairs. I also appreciate the regular book sales and the book
sale display area right behind the circulation desk.
9. Every time I go into the library is my best experience. You people
are awesome! Thanks for what you do.
10. There is no best experience, I have brought my children to the
library since they were toddlers and now they are ten. They enjoy
finding books they have an interest in and asking librarians for
advice.
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11. Quiet -
12. I love this library, it is so clean has enough light and is very well
kept up. Congratulations, keep up with the beautiful job that you -�
are doing.
13. I like the two hours of internet since I do not have a computer at
home. This is a great service.
14. Difficult to state - probably being on the board and active with the
Friends when it still existed.
15. Walking from our house with our children to story hours with Mrs.
Dunn years ago-at the Easton Branch. Yes, we have been library
patrons for a long time, but we still enjoy walking to the Easton
Branch to check out books.
16. I think the library is a great asset to the community. When I had
small children, we used to go to the library all the time. Now that
my children are grown, I am reacquainting myself with the library
and enjoying it all over again.
17. The library is needed the most during poor economic times so that
people have access to learning materials.
18. I just think the new library is a wonderful place to visit. I wouldn't
want to see it closed because of budget. It-needs to be open every
day. You could cut the hours of operation if needed.
19. It has been and continues to be a wonderful resource for my
children who are now in middle school and high school. They have
been regular library patrons since they were toddlers. The self- j
service check out was a very exciting thing for them! As for myself,
I often went to the main library to study when I was in law school a
few years ago and found the upper floor reasonably quiet and
peaceful.
20. I believe it is very important to our community to provide library
resources and facility for the public to utilize. In these difficult
economic times, the resource of a local library can be the lifeline to
community outreach and support.
21. My daughter learned to love books here. She bounds into the
library and heads right for the adolescent series section and
consults the librarians on her own. I love to.browse the "quick
picks "section and use the library regularly.
22. Could you offer a conference area for meetings and charge a small
fee? We'd hold our book group there if there was a place for us to
talk and bring our own tea or coffee.
23. Best in every respect! Thanks!
24. I really like the customer service, cleanliness, easy access to
everything, and having a copy machine for convenience since I use
it often.
25. Easy way of finding books.
26. I have been coming to the Library for 48 years. Helping to grieve
the death of father. (Should this be left in?)
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27. The Children's section is the best because it is made for kids to
have a fun time.
28. I get help with my computer skills when I am constructing a
project online!!! On the other hand, there is too much loud talking
from the school kids at the main level computer arcade, or even in
the main reading room. There is no authority figure to quiet them.
29. Oh my goodness, there are so many how should I begin? #1
expertise and availability of research librarians; #2 ability to
improve my life situation by internet availability for help and
research on w.w.w. for health, finances, everyday living, commuter
information, ecology/recycling; #3 the enjoyment of classical/jazz
CD's and educational DVDs i.e. computer instruction, that I
personally can't afford.
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