Goshen Public Library & Historical Society | 203 Main St Goshen, NY 10924 | Phone: 845.294.6606 | Fax: 845.294.7158 | RCLS Member
Summer @ the Library
By plnkh | July 15, 2008
The Summer Reading Program (SRP) has been in full swing since July 7. Organized around the statewide theme of Catch the Reading Bug the program is geared to school aged children wo keep them reading over the summer. Summer reading has been proven to improve a child’s success in school, lack of reading for the two months of vacation can cause a child to fall behind. We have over 240 K-6 children enrolled, slong with 30 teens in an intensive six weeks of activity, at the center of which are rewards for reading.
Library Youth Services staff (1 FT librarian, 1 PT librarian and a PT paraprofessional), supplemented by program specific presenters and/or aides spent several months in planning and preparation of the intensive six weeks of activity. Just before the SRP was scheduled to begin the second FT librarian was cut for budget reasons. With less than 2 FTEs to coordinate and implement the SRP and interact with the 270 children enrolled the Library is taxed to sustain the quality of the overall program. Staff are to be commended for their energy and commitment.
This summer we have had a number of complaints about the lack of preschool programs. The summer tots program is offered on Mondays. Registration was earlier in June than the SRP registration and the program filled up quickly. A second session was added to accommodate additional demand. Working with the limitations imposed by our budget and the program space available, choices have to be made. We are unable to offer the same level of programs for all age groups year-round. Preschool programs are emphasized throughout the school year, the summer is the time we emphasize service to school aged children.
Every few years we have conducted an in-house survey to solicit feedback on the programs and services we offer, how well we are meeting your needs, what you would like to see emphasized or de-emphasized. The survey results have driven program planning and budget development. We can’t be all things to all people, but we can revise our collection development, program offerings and communications to serve you better if you let us know what you are missing. This year we have taken the survey out of the library in an effort to stimulate a wider interest and response. We would like to hear from those who do not use the library, who may think we have nothing to offer because they are unaware of the services we have. Throughout July this survey will be on our website, in the library and at the Chamber of Commerce booth at the Farmer’s Market.
In the fall, we will conduct a second survey to get a clearer sense of the community’s views on a new building. The results will inform a planning process. This survey will be in the fall Reference Point, on the website and perhaps in the newspaper. In the meantime, if you would like to comment now about the library building you may send a comment to the new Board president (Tiffany Milidantri).
Topics: Building, Services, Staffing | No Comments »
Kids reading
By plnkh | June 25, 2008
The following is from a summary of The Kids & Family Reading Report (www.scholastic.com/aboutscholastic/news/readingreport.htm) . A study of 501children ages 5 - 17 reveals that 75% of those studied love technology, and 62% of them prefer reading printed books to downloadable books. Further, after age eight, high frequency Internet users are more likely to read books for fun every day, than others. A key reason given by children who don’t read more often is the difficulty in finding books they like. Parent engagement in their child’s reading from birth through teen years is a significant factor in the child’s continued reading for fun.
So what does this have to do with the library? Sign your child up for the summer reading club. At registration (s)he will receive a list of suggested titles for fun reading. Readers 11 and up can check our Teen Read Teen Reviewed blog for recommendations from their peers. This summer they can add their own. Youth services staff are also available to suggest age and topic appropriate titles to help wile away some lazy summer hours.
Summer reading registration is ongoing weekdays from June 23 - July 3.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Keeping current
By plnkh | June 18, 2008
Word has trickled back to me that this blog should be more up-to-date. I agree. The library administration is two full-time staff (the account clerk and me) with 2 part-time assistants. So there are times when the blog slips to the bottom of the priority list. That said, I’ll try to keep current.
There will be no re-vote on the library budget. The voters said no and we have modified our expenses accordingly. State law requires the library vote to be held between April 1 and July1. Once a tax levy has been approved by the voters it remains in effect until changed by a subsequent vote. The no vote on June 11 left us with the tax levy approved in April 2007.
We are currently planning for the summer. The summer reading club activities are all in place. This year we will be offering our second summer reading club for the grown-ups. (Why should kids have all the fun?) During the month of July we will be conducting a survey to determine directions for our services. Since we will be operating with last year’s tax levy, it is especially important that you tell us what library services are most important to you. We will disseminate the survey in as many ways as we can - online, in the building, on the streets. Last time we surveyed the public on services was in 2006 and 318 people participated. We are hoping to reach more of you this time around.
In the fall, we will most likely follow up with a survey on our building needs - step one in determining what the referendum vote meant. Although it is charming, the library IS too small, does not meet minimum standards for public libraries nor does it meet contemporary building codes, and it is not accessible. The Board needs widespread input from all of the groups that make up this community before it can begin work on a revised project. There will be another plan, but it will take time to put together. In the meantime, we can all hope that the economy will improve.
Topics: General, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Upcoming vote
By plnkh | May 28, 2008
On June 11 voters of the Goshen Central School District will have an opportunity to vote on three library trustees and the proposed tax levy for the coming fiscal year. Three seats on the Board of Trustees are up for re-election with only one incumbent seeking another term. With at least two new members the Board will face the challenge of garnering public input on which to base a new plan for a new library.
The tax levy being put to the voters represents a 4.27% ($48,643) increase. The average home, assessed at $194,000 will pay an estimated $2.03 more per year for library service. A $2.00 cup of coffee is a short term boost. Your library tax pays dividends daily if you choose to avail yourself of library services.The proposed budget is marginally different from the current year. It will allow us to continue the services we presently offer, with a commitment to improving the collections, improving the museum pass selections, and upgrading three more of the public computers. The new winter hours will reflect closing at 8PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, and at 6PM on Fridays. The later hours never attracted sufficient numbers of visitors to warrant the expense of remaining open. The new budget also provides funding to help us cover increases in the cost of energy - for heating, cooling and grounds services, and to begin replenishing the depleted operating fund balance which is necessary to our financial health. View the proposed budget here.
Six candidates are running for the three seats: 2 year seat (held by Jasper Field) - Esther Zaccone; 3 year seat (Patty Garnett) - Bill Courtney, Don Herring and Jim Tarvin; 3 year seat (Gene Degan) - Gene Degan and Ellen O’Brien. The summer newsletter, scheduled for mailing next week, contains more budget detail; photos and statements by the candidates. View the newsletter here.
Topics: Announcements | 3 Comments »
Youth, the Internet and libraries
By plnkh | April 17, 2008
Catching up on my professional reading, I’ve come across 2 articles of note about under-25s and Internet resources in Library Hotline. The first article (1/14/08) summarizes an Idaho report “Perceptions of Idaho’s Digital Natives in Libraries” (for the full report visit libraries.idaho.gov/files/default/2007-digital-native-rpt.pdf ). Research on the habits of Idaho’s under 25 population (those raised with the Internet as a fact of life) indicates that these young people believe “that a library, like a bookstore, should be a place to hang out with their friends, but they also perceive the library as a place for serious work, quiet and books. And though they typically begin an information search on the Internet, they believe information obtained through books and libraries is much more trustworthy than information found online.” The goal of the study was to determine how best to reach young patrons, and it would appear that the findings indicate libraries - at least in Idaho - are not dead, and have a secondary role as the community gathering place (the primary role remaining a place for books, quiet study and research.
The second article is (1/28/09) “Google Generation Youth are Poor Researchers: BL Reports” which summarizes a British study information Behaviours of the Researcher of the Future (www.jisc.ac.uk/news/stories/2008/01/googlegen.aspx) This study concludes that young people are no more informationally literate now than they were before the Internet. Speedy web searches reveal little time devoted to evaluating resources for “relevance, accuracy or authority”. Most teachers and librarians can tell you that “young people typically have a poor understanding of their information needs, and therefore, find it difficult to develop effective search strategies.” They tend to use unverified information found through search engines, rather than library databases (the reference collection on-line). Librarians and teachers have major roles in educating students about effective searching and evaluating resources whether those resources are printed or digital.
Topics: General | No Comments »
News from Colorado
By plnkh | April 14, 2008
Library Board president Patty Garnett is vacationing in Colorado. Like most library lovers, she includes libraries in her itinerary and her reading matter. She recently sent me an article from Durango Magazine -”A New ‘Heart’ for Durango” by Indiana Reed. Durango is a city of under 14,000 in LaPlata County. The article states:
“By the end of 2008 residents and visitors alike will be enjoying the long-debated and much anticipated new Durango Public Library - a new gathering place and ‘heart’ for the community.” “… a 43,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.” “… the library of the future.”
“I’ve heard the question,’… because of computers, digital media and the Internet, are libraries becoming dinosaurs’ ?” says Robert Kunkel, Durango’s downtown business and promotions specialist. “On the contary, new and exciting opportunities abound for the libraries of tomorrow. The right comment should be” let’s capitalize on this once-in-a-century opportunity.”
“On a national level the evolution has been termed the “Barnes & Noble-ing” of the American public library… as comfortable, social community centers.”
“The promenade [to the new library] will promote a communal environment including book displays, art exhibits and comfortable seating areas. A coffee kiosk will be featured near the entrance…”
“The Durango Public Library will be the first new municipal building in the city of Durango to be built to LEED…standards.” “It’s been a community effort all the way along.”
Sound familiar? The arguments for (and against) library growth are the same nationally. It’s comforting to be reminded that libraries are alive and well, and are growing in Durango, CO; Nyack and Smithtown, NY.
Topics: General | No Comments »
Now what?
By plnkh | April 8, 2008
The library referendum was soundly rejected by the voters on March 12. The turnout of over 2600 voters for a library initiative was huge, and although devastating was a remarkable example of democracy in action. The passage of those voters through our small building went smoothly thanks to the efforts of two volunteers: library colleague and spouse Bob Devino and trustee Janet Markiewicz who were at their posts all day long.
The question we have heard repeatedly is what now? The Library Board has no alternate plan to unveil. The most pressing order of business is preparation of the FY 2008-9 budget which will be voted on in June. At that time the community will be electing 3 trustees (one for a two year term, and two for three year terms). As least two of those seats will be filled by new candidates, as two of the incumbents are not seeking re-election. Once the new Board is convened, it can begin to determine what the voters meant when they voted no.
We have heard many different opinions in that regard, including many that acknowledged the need for a new library. The building was too big; it cost too much; it had too many extras; it was too sudden; there wasn’t enough information; the plans were incomplete; the timing was wrong because the economy is so unstable; no new taxes. We are all listening and making notes. The challenge is to be creative in reaching out to the two-thirds of you who voted no on March 12. We know we have to try multiple approaches to enlist your help in defining “NO”.
Topics: Building | No Comments »
A cafe and a used bookstore
By plnkh | March 6, 2008
In making suggestions for amenities to be included in their new library, a coffee shop was high on the list for many residents. Thinking of their experiences at many bookstores, museums and other regional libraries, they recognized that a cafe in the library, a place where people often spend many hours at a time - is a good idea. Goshen’s proposed new library is next to a park, at the north end of the village where there are no other cafes. The library is open on weekends, when families might be enjoying the park and the library cafe could provide a welcome oasis.
An important, yet overlooked aspect of a cafe is its income generating possibility. Newburgh Free Library has a tiny, staff run coffee shop in its foyer, which is a popular amenity and makes about $1200 a month. Your tax money will not be used to buy coffee and snacks and pay food service staff. If the cafe is included in the final building plan, an outside vendor would be sought to set it up and run it under contract with the library.
Also in the building program is an area for the Friends of the library to operate a used bookstore. The proceeds of the Friends booksales already support the summer reading club (a value of $2500 - $3000 per year). With an accessible space in which to sort and display their offerings, Friends support might grow to compare to that of the Thrall Library Friends who donate about $20,000 a year for library programs and services.
In addition to Newburgh, public libraries in Binghamton, Saratoga, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Princeton, Suffern (all of which I have visited) have cafes which support the library and provide library patrons a place to meet, read, compute and refresh. Many of those libraries also have Friends stores. These libraries are vibrant, responsive centers enhancing the quality of life for residents and serving as a destination for visitors to their communities.
Topics: Building | No Comments »
What will the building look like?
By plnkh | February 22, 2008
A comment on my last posting is deserving of full attention. The writer has asked about the status of the library’s relationship with its architect and if the public should be concerned about this.
In August 2007, because of changes in the nature of the project, the Library board voted to negotiate the termination of its existing contract with its architect (Peter Hoffmann). The Board also voted to request new proposals for the design and construction of the building, based on the building program and established budget, should the project be approved by the voters.
Mr. Hoffmann had been retained in 1994 when the Library Board was beginning to consider its options for meeting the Library’s space needs. He helped the Library evaluate sites for a new building, prepared the 2003 space needs analysis, helped articulate the building program and developed a conceptual plan for the purposes of the vote to illustrate that program. Details of contractual negotiations between the Library and any party are not public information. Contracts, once executed, are public information under the Freedom of Information Law.
Neither the NYS Education Department, nor DASNY expect their agencies to develop complete design documents prior to securing voter approval for a public works project. Schematic and construction design development are labor intensive, costly services. The Library project before the voters is developed as far as is usual and practical. The Board has received comments from member of the public on the conceptual design and has planned to invite general community input on the appearance and layout of the building prior to approving a final design. Factors including interest rates, community input and the completion of the Environmental Assessment will all impact the final design of the building. There is no point in spending time (and operating funds) on the design details of a building for which there is no approved funding.
The public is being asked to approve bonding of $19,675,000, with a maximum annual tax levy of $1,360,00 for the indebtedness, to construct a new library on five acres of land adjacent to the Salesian Park. The building will include 28,000 square feet of public space for library services and offices. It will include designated spaces for children, teens, adults, public computers, meetings, local history. It will include a cafe if a vendor is found to run it. It will include a basement to house the HVAC and future expansion ( if the site and budget allow). It will use green technology (geothermal heating, solar panels, recycled materials, automated lighting and bathroom fixtures). The drawings on our web site should illustrate to you that we want a building that will reflect Goshen’’s architectural heritage and merge well with the park.
The architectural firm which receives the contract to design the building will do so based on the building program and budget presented for the referendum.
The Library Board was elected to ensure that the residents of the school district receive the library services they require, and that library operations comply with applicable state laws and regulations. If you are confident that your elected board has done so, you have no cause for concern. The Library is not the first, nor will it be the last, to switch architects during project development.
Topics: Building | No Comments »
Why is the library referendum vote being held in the Library?
By plnkh | February 7, 2008
There’s been some talk around town about the location of the upcoming building referendum vote for the library on Wednesday, March 12th. The vote will take place at the library from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. because all Goshen Public Library votes have taken place there since we became a school district public library in 1984. The connection between purpose and place is fixed in the minds of Goshen’s voters and it would be confusing to hold the vote someplace else.
But, we didn’t come to this conclusion lightly. The Library Board deliberated in several lengthy sessions about moving the vote to another location. The Board determined that the lack of parking and difficulty of access are facts of life to library patrons, and that voters who are not familiar with the library would benefit from the opportunity to evaluate those concerns first hand.
The Library’s lack of space is challenging but we are implementing plans that will accommodate traffic flow in and out of the building. There will be three voting machines as well as paper ballots to accommodate voter turnout. To alleviate parking, volunteers are being drafted to drive voters to the polls. If you need a ride, call Ken Tschan (615-1242) to schedule one.
Absentee ballot applications for voters who will be out of town or who can’t get to the library are available at the library and on our website (goshenpubliclibrary.org). Applications must be mailed in seven days before the vote March 12th vote or can be dropped off at the library until the day before the vote. As determined by NYS Election Law, ballots will be available for mailing to applicants 30 days prior to the vote. Ballots must be returned to the Library by 5 pm on the day of the vote.
A special edition of the Library newsletter containing details of the project being proposed and funding being sought will be mailed to all households in the school district in February.
It is our hope that if the voters approve the referendum, the new Library—a public building that will be visible, accessible and have ample parking—will become a regular polling place for Goshen for all elections just as the Nanuet, New City, Pearl River and Spring Valley libraries are.
Topics: Building | 1 Comment »
