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DIRECTOR'S REPORT
May 2008

    Director’s Report and Highlights

    May 20, 2008 Bellingham Public Library
    Pamela Nyberg Kiesner, Director Bellingham, Washington



    Tours
    We’ve taken several members of the public on “behind-the-scenes” tours of the library. We are delighted with the community’s response, and their interest in everything that happens in this building. As we take them on a book’s path through the building, we show:
    · the noisy book drop room;
    · the crowded, bustling check-in room;
    · the sorting area with piles of books on the floor, waiting because there is no room on the shelves for more;
    · jam-packed rows of shelving; and
    · the spooky closed stacks storage.

    Retreating down into the recesses of the building’s inaccessible interior is a favorite. We show folks why “closed stacks” means they may not find what they’re looking for on the shelf, and why we need staff to retrieve those materials (and wouldn’t it be great if everything could be out for public browsing?). The dumbwaiter and the “Cold War-era” freight and staff elevator is a highlight for all ages. The bubble-wrap-covered divider to separate library department meetings from meetings in the Director’s Office is an eye-opener.

    We are encouraging community members to schedule tours with us (a great club or field trip opportunity) so we can continue to share all of the idiosyncrasies – and hidden delights – with everyone.

    Welcome to David Webster
    The City of Bellingham’s new Chief Administrative Officer, David Webster, is planning to attend our Library Board meeting, and I look forward to introducing you. David will share with you a little about his role at City Hall.

    Facilities update
    Our facilities update this month will include several items:
    · What’s happening with the Barkley Branch? We’ll bring you up-to-speed on the latest.

    · Our request for funding Fairhaven Branch renovations was approved by the City Council. When can we get started? Specifications, Requests for Qualifications, and timelines – much planning is required.

    · How are we moving forward with Central Library plans? We’ll talk about responding to the public’s questions about timeline, the board’s site choice, and what is happening now.

    Trustee education
    We’ll discuss recent trends in our materials circulation, and welcome Beth Farley, Head of Information and Reader Services to the meeting. Beth handles the library’s Collection Development; we’ll share data and answer your questions about what is hot, and what is not!

    Board bylaws, code of ethics, and job descriptions
    Please thank Faye Hill and Vicky Marshall for poring over these important documents. We worked together with Deborah Brewer on staff to update the bylaws, develop a code of ethics and a job description for the Library Board of Trustees. At the meeting we will ask for your comments, questions, and eventual approval.

    Library Security Attendant position request
    I will provide an update on the request I submitted to the City Council for their consideration at the Monday, May 19th meeting.



    Happy spring! See you on Tuesday.