HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-3-11 Library PlanBUTTE COUNTY LLBRARY ADVISORY BOARD
1820 MITCHELL AVENUE
OROVILLE, CA 95966
BOAR OF Si:JPERViSORS
February 15, 2011
MAC 0 3 2091
Butte County Board ofi Supervisors OROV[LLE, CAf_IFORNIR
25 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
RE: Library Long Range Plan Implementation
Dear County Board of Supervisors:
Over the past three years, the Library Advisory Board has authorized and funded a
comprehensive evaluation of library branches and service in Butte County. This
evaluation began with a survey of County residents regarding library service; the
Godbe study sampled residents regarding library, services. Funding for the Godbe
study was provided by interest on library accounts from the North Valley Community
Foundation. The survey of residents of both users acid non users o€ library services,
said they wanted library branches to be open more hours; they wanted the availability
of electronic. books; more programming for children and adults; and, a larger variety
of print books and materials.
Using the Godbe study as research material, the Library Advisory Board then
secured a grant from the. State Library of California to work with two consultants to
prepare a Long Range Plan for service and for capital projects, the Long Range Plan
you accepted on January 25. The four strategic priorities of the plan are:
1. Invest in efficient library infrastructure (facilities and technology)
2. Target library services
3. Focus marketing efforts
4. Develop sustainable funding
With the assistance of library staff, priorities #2, 3 are already underway. Plans are
being made to double the number of programs for children and adults and our
Literacy Program is planning more outreach to Butte County communities. Priorities
#2, 3-are manageable within our current budget:.
Priorities #1, 4`vviil~not be accomplished without additional funds. Inyesfing in
efficient infrastructure will modernize our.library branches, build a book and material
collection and provide for up~to-date technofo~y. Each of the items in this priority are
capital expenses except for books and materials which are operating expenses.
Library capital projects have been languishing for many, many years because of lack
of funds. Our library buildings have all become inefficient because of age. Library
`~ ~/Y1C C,JC~
~C t ~, ~ ~ 31g~~f
interiors need to be redesigned in order to provide the community with up-to-date
service and library branches need to be modernized to reflect current needs of library
patrons. We are sorely lacking in technology that would assist both library patrons
and staff in operating more efficiently.
For marry years, the Library Department has requested new carpeting for all
branches especially in Oroville and Chico. These requests languish for lack of
funding. The same is true for technology improvements, remodels, roofs, furniture,
and fixture replacements. Remodels include updated areas for children and young
adults, and more community meeting room space. Updating library facilities and
technology is in keeping with the priorities of the Library Advisory Board's Long
Range Plan.
Through our work on authorizing and funding the Godbe study and development of a
Long Range Plan, we have identified these areas of concern:
SUMMARY: FOUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES:
1.} Invest in efficient infrastructure
^ Modernized facilities
^ Popular collections
^ Up to date technology
2.} Target library services
^ A level playing field for Butte County's kids
^ Literacy for everyone
^ A thriving economy
^ Connections for seniors
3.) Focus marketing efforts
^ Clear messages
^ Diverse communications channels
4.) Develop sustainable funding
^ A cadre of library advocates
^ Diversified funding sources
We look forward to working with you on solutions for these concerns.
Sincerely,
~n
Michael Specchierla, Chair
Library Advisory Board