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2008 Library Department Objectives with Accomplishments

  1. Complete the next steps – including hosting extensive public involvement, proposing a funding plan to voters, and beginning design work – to build a new central library that is responsive to the community, considerate of contemporary technological and social trends, and respects tradition, current developments, and future possibilities. (Council Goals 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10)
    Concluded the Central Library Building Program process in February. Gained a clear description of what the community desires in their new library, a projected size for the library, and estimated costs. Conducted "Behind-the-Scenes" tours of the Central Library for over 150 interested citizens, and developed a BTV10 segment featuring library building issues.
  2. Establish a library presence in northern Bellingham by exploring partnership opportunities, service improvements such as drop boxes, pick-up points, and kiosks, and if appropriate, propose increased funding to implement these improvements. (Council Goals 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10)
    Continued to work with Whatcom Community College Library to provide convenient public library materials pick-up and drop-off at the WCC Connection, and are preparing for 2009 implementation of a Community Drop Box at the new Community Food Co-op opening in January.
  3. Include recommendations in Priority 1, 2, and 3 from the 2006 Fairhaven Branch Condition Assessment in a library bond proposal. (Council Goals 1, 5, 6, 8 and 10)
    Architect was selected for the repair and renovation work at the Fairhaven Branch and began work during 3rd quarter of 2008 in preparation for beginning the project, once bonded funds are available, in 2009.
  4. Retain highly-skilled, well-trained employees by focusing on staff development, particularly to address rapid changes in technology and the library field. (Council Goal 1)
    Library staff were able to attend a number of staff development opportunities locally, and nearby in the state. For example: Washington Library Association / Oregon Library Association Joint Conference in Vancouver, WA; Washington Association of Library Employees Conference in Olympia; Nancy Pearl Reader's Advisory training and PREPARE safety trainings at the Bellingham Public Library.
  5. Consider options, including funding increases and staff reallocation, to meet the demand for increased library services, especially in the north and east areas of the city. (Council Goals 1, 3, 5, 6, 8 and 9)
    Barkley Branch Library opened to the public on September 13, 2008. Opening was accomplished through a reallocation of current staff, gift funds from the Friends of the Bellingham Public Library, donated furnishings and build-out by the Barkley Company, and some City funds for equipment and other furnishings.

Additional Accomplishments

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