Streams

From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - Each February, public library directors across Wisconsin complete annual reports required by the State of Wisconsin. The reports track information on public libraries such as revenue, expenditures, and use of library resources. Now that the reports are complete directors should put them to use. Here are a few suggestions for doing that.

The library board is required to approve the annual report, but don’t simply ask the board for approval of the report without discussing it. Put the data in context for your trustees. Discuss whether use of the library is increasing, decreasing, or stagnant. What might the reason be? Are patrons responding to expanded hours or a new library building? Are patrons using the library differently than in the past?

The annual report can be shared with local government in two ways. One is to simply send a copy to each member of the governing board with a cover letter that explains some of the data. Be brief; keep the information to one page, if possible. Highlight two or three trends you’ve observed at the library over the past few years. Focus on use of the library and be positive.

Better yet, present the annual report to municipal and county officials at a regularly scheduled meeting. This is an opportunity to discuss how the community benefits from its library when, unlike budget time, nobody is asking for money. Share a complete copy of the report and a sheet that shows trends you’ve identified. Again, be brief, leaving plenty of time for questions.

Reach patrons directly using an information sheet distributed at the circulation desk or in an information rack. Consider giving patrons a copy as they borrow library materials, sign up for a meeting room, or log into the Internet. Use a few charts to present trends graphically, including two or three sentences with each chart to explain its meaning.

Discuss the annual report with service organizations such as Rotary or Kiwanis. Talk about trends and what they mean for the future. Tie some of the information into the library’s plans. Use the meeting as an opportunity to talk about the importance of the library in the community. Again, keep it short (10 minutes is about right) and leave time for questions.

Contact the media and ask for coverage of your annual report. Try to meet with a reporter in person, but provide a written copy of the information you’ll be discussing for use as a reference when the piece is prepared. Encourage the reporter to call you with questions as he or she prepares the piece.

As the competition for scarce resources continues to grow, so too does the need to emphasize the importance of library services. Publicizing the annual report is a natural opportunity to do so.

Page up

A Glance at Annual Report Data

From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - All 28 Northern Waters member libraries have submitted their annual reports and it is now time to analyze the data and identify trends. The information below provides a quick comparison of system-wide data for libraries from 2004 to 2008. In some instances, data is only available back to 2006; these cases are noted. The member libraries with the largest percentage increases are listed in each category.

• Circulation rose 11.7%
(Cable up 112%, Shell Lake up 105%, Iron River up 97%)

• Materials expenditures rose 3%
(Land O’ Lakes up 186%, Lac Courte Oreilles up 154%, Cable up 126%)

• Print items added rose 7.2%
(Lac Courte Oreilles up 94%, LaPointe up 93%, Winter up 93%)

• Audio items added rose 6.7% from 2006 to 2008
(Eagle River 422%, LaPointe 311%, Shell Lake 172%)

• Video items added rose 23% from 2006 – 2008
(Mellen 358%, Hayward 240%, Drummond 188%)

• Interlibrary loans rose 106%
(Spooner 5234%: 143 items in 2004 to 7627 in 2008, Shell Lake 1635%: 277 items in 2004 to 4808 in 2008, Winchester 1178%: 69 items in 2004 to 882 in 2008)

• Interlibrary borrows rose 116%
(Spooner 714%: 1201 items in 2004 to 9777 in 2008, Winchester 543%: 35 items in 2004 to 225 in 2008, Shell Lake 507%, 821 items in 2004 to 4984 in 2008)

• Public programs held decreased 18%, but rose at 10 libraries
(Winchester up 1950%: 2 programs in 2004 to 41 programs in 2008, Mercer rose 205%, Hayward rose 152%)

• Public program attendance decreased 21%, but rose at 15 libraries
(Cable rose 165%, Mercer rose 116%, Hayward rose 56%)

• Internet use rose 10% from 2006 to 2008
(Land O’ Lakes 272%, Iron River 137%, Webster 94%)

• Public Internet workstations rose 24%
(Hayward, Spooner, Winchester, and Winter have each doubled (or more) the number of public Internet access workstations available)

From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - On February 2, 2009, the Burnett Community Library in Webster welcomed Patti Meyer as its new Library Director, replacing Maxine Peterson, who retired after nearly 20 years of service.

Patti comes to Webster after serving two years as Director of the Fairchild Public Library, which is in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Her experience in Fairchild gave Patti an understanding of the joys and challenges of working in a rural public library.

When not working in the library, Patti can be found spending time with her husband, George, gardening, reading, and enjoying art and music.

From American Library Association, February 17, 2009 – Throughout the process of creating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the library community demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the American public by working with leaders in Washington to include opportunities that benefit public library service in the programs and initiatives that restore economic stability.

The ALA Washington Office has created www.ala.org/knowyourstimulus as a one-stop source with resources on how to make sure libraries benefit from the package and the most up-to-date information on the stimulus. Information and updates will be posted with with details, such as how funding will be distributed and how to apply. In addition, the White House has also created a Website with information on the act at http://www.recovery.gov, which allows you to track various programs and to see how much funding is going to specific Congressional districts.

• $7.2 billion for Broadband includes $2.5 billion for Rural Utilities Service and $4.7 billion for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) broadband grant program to increase broadband access and usage in underserved areas of the nation. This includes $200 million in competitive grants for expanding public computer capacity at public libraries and community college libraries. Additionally, this includes $650 million for DTV, of which $90 million may be used by organizations, including libraries, for education and outreach to vulnerable populations including one-on-one assistance for box installation.

• $53.6 billion for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund includes $48 billion in block grants allocated among the states. Encouraging state officials to invest the funds they receive from Congress in public and school libraries will be critical. It is also important to note that with the billions of dollars states are receiving, there should be no need for drastic state cutbacks in services.

• An additional $120 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program will provide community service jobs at nonprofit and public facilities, including libraries. There are currently 74 grantees. In most states, the governor has selected the State Office on Aging to administer the program. The contact information for all existing grantees is available by going to www.doleta.gov/seniors. Click the contacts link on the right and on that page go to grantees PY 2007.

• An additional $130 million for the Rural Community Facilities Program includes the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program. These programs help develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include public buildings such as schools, libraries, childcare, and community centers.

Small Press Month is a nationwide promotion highlighting the valuable work produced by independent publishers. An annual celebration of the independent spirit of non-conglomerate smaller publishers, Small Press Month is an effort to showcase the diverse, unique, and often most significant voices being published today.
Visit SmallPressMonth.org for more information.

President Barack Obama's keynote speech at the 2005 ALA Annual Conference drew record crowds and garnered a standing ovation. The speech emphasizes the critical role libraries play in upgrading the literacy standards necessary for Americans to compete in the 21st century job market. The article, published in the August 2005 issue of American Libraries, is an adaptation of that speech.

In his speech Obama explained that acquiring complex learning comprehension skills now necessary in unlocking the gates of opportunity in the global economy start at home and in libraries. He spoke of the importance of helping children to love reading so they can learn better throughout their lives and fulfill their dreams. He added, "...when I sit down with my six-year-old and my three-year-old at night and I'm reading a book to them and then I tuck them in to go to sleep, that's a little piece of heaven that I hang onto."

From Marsha Sorensen, NWLS - The Wisconsin Summer Library Program was developed to help children retain their reading skills over the summer months. The 2009 annual summer reading program theme for children is "Be Creative @ Your Library" and the teen theme is "Express Yourself @ Your Library!" This theme will promote a love of reading as well as creativity through programs involving visual arts, theater and music.

Creativity is what drives the improvisation we need when confronted by change in every day life. Library programs that collaborate with visual artists and art teachers expose children to the riches of creativity. Creativity programs can involve events such as artist visits, art displays, mural projects, art parades, photography contests, film festivals, craft projects, quilting workshops...the sky's the limit!

Library programs can also involve performing artists talented in drama and storytelling. Make your library a lively performing art space this summer with plays, stand-up comedy, puppetry, theater props and costumes portraying book characters. Participating in creative drama activities helps chidren develop social cooperation, concentration, creative expression and more.

Music also enriches lives, and can enliven your library programs. Music helps with early literacy skills, building phonological awareness and helping with language development. Kids will enjoy programs such as making instuments, open mic, local talent shows, and music concerts. Music can also be promoted through the art of dancing, such as ballet, clogging, waltzing, hip hop, ethnic and folk dancing.

Let your library come alive with creative sights, sounds, tastes and stories that will turn summer reading into a lifelong adventure!

Trustee Trouble: The misadventures of a new library board member is a website that offers a video series developed by the Wyoming State Library to help library trustees understand their work. While the examples used apply to county libraries in Wyoming, much of the information is useful for other public libraries.
URL: http://www.wyominglibraries.org/trusteetrouble.html.

Open Source Living is a huge resource organized by category and offers a forum for discussions about open source products and related issues. Being community-driven, it continues to expand with more and more resources daily. In a bad budget year, an open source product of sufficient quality, reliability, and ease of use (like Open Office) might be worth trying.

"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out."

- from Jack Buck, Major League Baseball Sportscaster

NWLS: 3200 E. Lake Shore Dr. • Ashland, WI 54806 • Phone: (715) 682-2365 • Web: http://nwls.wislib.org • Serving libraries in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Vilas and Washburn Counties.

	Northern Waters Library Service

	In This Issue: March 2009 Finishing the Annual Report • A Glance at Annual Report Data • Introducing Patti Meyer • Economic Stimulus Information • March is Small Press Month • A Little Piece of Heaven • Summer Reading Program Ideas • Links • Reflection C A L E N D A R March 10,11 Children's Book Fest, Holiday Inn, Rhinelander March 21 NWLS Board of Trustees Meeting, NWLS, 12:00 March 25 Merlin Consortium Meeting followed by Libray Directors Meeting, 10:00, OPAL Interlibrary Library Loan & Delivery Meeting: • March 26, Drummond, 10:00 • March 27, Hurley, 10:00 ABC's of Long-Range Planning: • April 3, Boulder Junction, 10:00 • April 4, Drummond, 10:00 April 23, Adolescent Literacy Initiative, NWLS, 10:00 UW-Madison SLIS Continuing Education: • March 9 - April 3, Children, Technology, and the Library Instructor • March 11 - April 8, Graphic Novels in the Library Page up C U R R E N T E V E N T S Finishing the Annual Report From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - Each February, public library directors across Wisconsin complete annual reports required by the State of Wisconsin. The reports track information on public libraries such as revenue, expenditures, and use of library resources. Now that the reports are complete directors should put them to use. Here are a few suggestions for doing that. The library board is required to approve the annual report, but don’t simply ask the board for approval of the report without discussing it. Put the data in context for your trustees. Discuss whether use of the library is increasing, decreasing, or stagnant. What might the reason be? Are patrons responding to expanded hours or a new library building? Are patrons using the library differently than in the past? The annual report can be shared with local government in two ways. One is to simply send a copy to each member of the governing board with a cover letter that explains some of the data. Be brief; keep the information to one page, if possible. Highlight two or three trends you’ve observed at the library over the past few years. Focus on use of the library and be positive. Better yet, present the annual report to municipal and county officials at a regularly scheduled meeting. This is an opportunity to discuss how the community benefits from its library when, unlike budget time, nobody is asking for money. Share a complete copy of the report and a sheet that shows trends you’ve identified. Again, be brief, leaving plenty of time for questions. Reach patrons directly using an information sheet distributed at the circulation desk or in an information rack. Consider giving patrons a copy as they borrow library materials, sign up for a meeting room, or log into the Internet. Use a few charts to present trends graphically, including two or three sentences with each chart to explain its meaning. Discuss the annual report with service organizations such as Rotary or Kiwanis. Talk about trends and what they mean for the future. Tie some of the information into the library’s plans. Use the meeting as an opportunity to talk about the importance of the library in the community. Again, keep it short (10 minutes is about right) and leave time for questions. Contact the media and ask for coverage of your annual report. Try to meet with a reporter in person, but provide a written copy of the information you’ll be discussing for use as a reference when the piece is prepared. Encourage the reporter to call you with questions as he or she prepares the piece. As the competition for scarce resources continues to grow, so too does the need to emphasize the importance of library services. Publicizing the annual report is a natural opportunity to do so. Page up A Glance at Annual Report Data From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - All 28 Northern Waters member libraries have submitted their annual reports and it is now time to analyze the data and identify trends. The information below provides a quick comparison of system-wide data for libraries from 2004 to 2008. In some instances, data is only available back to 2006; these cases are noted. The member libraries with the largest percentage increases are listed in each category. • Hours open rose 6.1% (Iron River up 83%, Mellen up 41%, Cable up 28%) • Circulation rose 11.7% (Cable up 112%, Shell Lake up 105%, Iron River up 97%) • Materials expenditures rose 3% (Land O’ Lakes up 186%, Lac Courte Oreilles up 154%, Cable up 126%) • Print items added rose 7.2% (Lac Courte Oreilles up 94%, LaPointe up 93%, Winter up 93%) • Audio items added rose 6.7% from 2006 to 2008 (Eagle River 422%, LaPointe 311%, Shell Lake 172%) • Video items added rose 23% from 2006 – 2008 (Mellen 358%, Hayward 240%, Drummond 188%) • Interlibrary loans rose 106% (Spooner 5234%: 143 items in 2004 to 7627 in 2008, Shell Lake 1635%: 277 items in 2004 to 4808 in 2008, Winchester 1178%: 69 items in 2004 to 882 in 2008) • Interlibrary borrows rose 116% (Spooner 714%: 1201 items in 2004 to 9777 in 2008, Winchester 543%: 35 items in 2004 to 225 in 2008, Shell Lake 507%, 821 items in 2004 to 4984 in 2008) • Public programs held decreased 18%, but rose at 10 libraries (Winchester up 1950%: 2 programs in 2004 to 41 programs in 2008, Mercer rose 205%, Hayward rose 152%) • Public program attendance decreased 21%, but rose at 15 libraries (Cable rose 165%, Mercer rose 116%, Hayward rose 56%) • Internet use rose 10% from 2006 to 2008 (Land O’ Lakes 272%, Iron River 137%, Webster 94%) • Public Internet workstations rose 24% (Hayward, Spooner, Winchester, and Winter have each doubled (or more) the number of public Internet access workstations available) • Municipal funding rose 12% (Cable 152%, Sayner 75%, LaPointe 44%) • Total funding rose 22% (Sayner 199%, LaPointe 114%, Iron River 109%) Page up Introducing Patti Meyer From Jim Trojanowski, NWLS Director - On February 2, 2009, the Burnett Community Library in Webster welcomed Patti Meyer as its new Library Director, replacing Maxine Peterson, who retired after nearly 20 years of service. Patti comes to Webster after serving two years as Director of the Fairchild Public Library, which is in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. Her experience in Fairchild gave Patti an understanding of the joys and challenges of working in a rural public library. When not working in the library, Patti can be found spending time with her husband, George, gardening, reading, and enjoying art and music. Page up Economic Stimulus Information From American Library Association, February 17, 2009 – Throughout the process of creating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the library community demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the American public by working with leaders in Washington to include opportunities that benefit public library service in the programs and initiatives that restore economic stability. The ALA Washington Office has created www.ala.org/knowyourstimulus as a one-stop source with resources on how to make sure libraries benefit from the package and the most up-to-date information on the stimulus. Information and updates will be posted with with details, such as how funding will be distributed and how to apply. In addition, the White House has also created a Website with information on the act at http://www.recovery.gov, which allows you to track various programs and to see how much funding is going to specific Congressional districts. • $7.2 billion for Broadband includes $2.5 billion for Rural Utilities Service and $4.7 billion for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) broadband grant program to increase broadband access and usage in underserved areas of the nation. This includes $200 million in competitive grants for expanding public computer capacity at public libraries and community college libraries. Additionally, this includes $650 million for DTV, of which $90 million may be used by organizations, including libraries, for education and outreach to vulnerable populations including one-on-one assistance for box installation. • $53.6 billion for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund includes $48 billion in block grants allocated among the states. Encouraging state officials to invest the funds they receive from Congress in public and school libraries will be critical. It is also important to note that with the billions of dollars states are receiving, there should be no need for drastic state cutbacks in services. • An additional $120 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program will provide community service jobs at nonprofit and public facilities, including libraries. There are currently 74 grantees. In most states, the governor has selected the State Office on Aging to administer the program. The contact information for all existing grantees is available by going to www.doleta.gov/seniors. Click the contacts link on the right and on that page go to grantees PY 2007. • An additional $130 million for the Rural Community Facilities Program includes the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program. These programs help develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include public buildings such as schools, libraries, childcare, and community centers. Page up March is Small Press Month Small Press Month is a nationwide promotion highlighting the valuable work produced by independent publishers. An annual celebration of the independent spirit of non-conglomerate smaller publishers, Small Press Month is an effort to showcase the diverse, unique, and often most significant voices being published today. Visit SmallPressMonth.org for more information. Page up A Little Piece of Heaven President Barack Obama's keynote speech at the 2005 ALA Annual Conference drew record crowds and garnered a standing ovation. The speech emphasizes the critical role libraries play in upgrading the literacy standards necessary for Americans to compete in the 21st century job market. The article, published in the August 2005 issue of American Libraries, is an adaptation of that speech. In his speech Obama explained that acquiring complex learning comprehension skills now necessary in unlocking the gates of opportunity in the global economy start at home and in libraries. He spoke of the importance of helping children to love reading so they can learn better throughout their lives and fulfill their dreams. He added, "...when I sit down with my six-year-old and my three-year-old at night and I'm reading a book to them and then I tuck them in to go to sleep, that's a little piece of heaven that I hang onto." Page up Summer Reading Program Ideas From Marsha Sorensen, NWLS - The Wisconsin Summer Library Program was developed to help children retain their reading skills over the summer months. The 2009 annual summer reading program theme for children is "Be Creative @ Your Library" and the teen theme is "Express Yourself @ Your Library!" This theme will promote a love of reading as well as creativity through programs involving visual arts, theater and music. Creativity is what drives the improvisation we need when confronted by change in every day life. Library programs that collaborate with visual artists and art teachers expose children to the riches of creativity. Creativity programs can involve events such as artist visits, art displays, mural projects, art parades, photography contests, film festivals, craft projects, quilting workshops...the sky's the limit! Library programs can also involve performing artists talented in drama and storytelling. Make your library a lively performing art space this summer with plays, stand-up comedy, puppetry, theater props and costumes portraying book characters. Participating in creative drama activities helps chidren develop social cooperation, concentration, creative expression and more. Music also enriches lives, and can enliven your library programs. Music helps with early literacy skills, building phonological awareness and helping with language development. Kids will enjoy programs such as making instuments, open mic, local talent shows, and music concerts. Music can also be promoted through the art of dancing, such as ballet, clogging, waltzing, hip hop, ethnic and folk dancing. Let your library come alive with creative sights, sounds, tastes and stories that will turn summer reading into a lifelong adventure! Page up L I N K S Library Trustee Video Trustee Trouble: The misadventures of a new library board member is a website that offers a video series developed by the Wyoming State Library to help library trustees understand their work. While the examples used apply to county libraries in Wyoming, much of the information is useful for other public libraries. URL: http://www.wyominglibraries.org/trusteetrouble.html. Open Source Living Open Source Living is a huge resource organized by category and offers a forum for discussions about open source products and related issues. Being community-driven, it continues to expand with more and more resources daily. In a bad budget year, an open source product of sufficient quality, reliability, and ease of use (like Open Office) might be worth trying. Page up R E F L E C T I O N "Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out." - from Jack Buck, Major League Baseball Sportscaster Contact NWLS for subscription services or to submit an article for publication. NWLS: 3200 E. Lake Shore Dr. • Ashland, WI 54806 • Phone: (715) 682-2365 • Web: http://nwls.wislib.org • Serving libraries in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Sawyer, Vilas and Washburn Counties.