2007 Library Department Objectives with Accomplishments
Engage the Library Board, staff, and community in strategic
planning for library services, resources, and facilities. Ongoing in 2007.
(Council Goals 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9)
- Strategic planning for the Library continues in 2008.
Continue developing and implementing the necessary groundwork to
build a new or expanded Central Library to serve a growing community whose
residents’ Library use consistently ranks among the nation’s top five for
communities of similar size. Projects will include finalizing site
selection, beginning design work, and a voter-approved bond. Ongoing in
2007. (Council Goals 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9)
- Site selection for the new Central Library was finalized in January;
consulting team was selected for the Building Program development; work
continues into first quarter of 2008; bond measure is being considered
for spring, 2008.
Develop and implement the necessary groundwork to establish a
library presence in northern Bellingham. Projects will include exploring
partnership opportunities and possible locations, and inclusion in a
voter-approved bond. Ongoing in 2007. (Council Goals 3, 5, 6, 7 and 9)
- A Bellingham Public Library presence was established in September,
in partnership with the Whatcom Community College at their library.
Planning for the small Barkley Branch, on the east side of Bellingham,
was ongoing in 2007 and the Library will open in 2008. As part of
developing the Building Program for the Central Library, the Thomas
Hacker consulting team was charged with assessing the community,
reviewing national and regional standards, and recommending the
feasibility of additional branch libraries for the Bellingham community.
According to their research and their recommendation, an additional
branch in a community this size would be unusual, and difficult to
support. The Library Board and staff continue to consider this
information, public demand, and the alternatives available for providing
cost-efficient, effective library services to growing areas of the city.
Include results of 2006 Fairhaven Branch Structural Assessment in
Library bond issue. (Council Goals 3 and 5)
- The Condition Assessment of the Fairhaven Branch was completed in
2007; improvements are estimated at $2 million. Library bond issue was
deferred to 2008, and although the ballot measure has not yet been
developed, the Fairhaven Branch improvements are being considered for
inclusion in the ballot measure.
Continue to explore and develop cooperative ventures with the
Whatcom County Library System for improved customer service, staff and
service efficiencies, and cost benefits. Ongoing in 2007. (Council Goals 3
and 6)
- Ongoing. Example: a consortium was developed, including both city
and county library systems, to enable more cost-efficient purchase of
downloadable audio books, a popular library materials format.
Increase the Library’s 2007 books and materials budget to reflect
15% of the Library’s total budget, a benchmark of a healthy materials budget
for a highly literate community. (Council Goals 3, 6, 7 and 9)
- The 2007 library materials budget was 14% of the Library’s total
budget, the healthiest materials budget in several years. 15% – 20% is
the Library’s goal, particularly as formats change and increase, as the
Library’s materials wear out from our high usage, and as they become
quickly outdated in today’s changing world.
Develop active partnerships and work cooperatively with community
groups, educational institutions, and individuals on designing and providing
informational, educational, and cultural programs, services, and resources
for Bellingham citizens. Planning and programming will be scheduled
throughout the year. (Council Goals 1, 3 and 6)
- In 2007 staff actively planned library programming for adult
audiences with new and established community partners – and also began a
popular library book club. The Children’s Summer Reading Program was
record-breaking, and the Library experienced a 45% increase in number of
people attending all informational, educational, and cultural programs.
Upgrade the Library’s Horizon Integrated Library System to a
planned release during 2007. The automated system is shared with the Whatcom
County Library System, and the upgrade costs will be shared. (Council Goals
1 and 6)
- This Horizon release did not occur in 2007. Additional
Accomplishments: To meet the growing demand for technology at the
Library, Wi-Fi internet access was implemented at both libraries in
2007, and is planned for the Barkley Branch as well. The Library also
upgraded and increased the number of public computers.
