Flowers fill the Library’s raised planter, planted by Bonnie Acker, long-time volunteer gardener for the Library, and watered by volunteers Linda & Roger Cole.

Kate Pond’s sculpture, “Kiss II”, created in memory of former Library Commissioner Helen McAuliffe Robins, can be seen through the foliage.

Contents:

Fletcher Free Library Mission Statement

Letter from the Board Chair and the Co-Directors

Where Our Support Comes From

The Services We Provide

Marketing: How We Attract Use of our Services

Statistical Highlights

Department Highlights

Outreach to our Community

Organizational Structure

Get to Know the Staff

The Library Board

The Fletcher Free Library serves the evolving educational and cultural needs of the Greater Burlington community.  Our urban public library offers a welcoming place for people to gather and to learn.  A trained staff helps patrons locate the materials and information they need for work and pleasure.

The Library is more than the building at 235 College Street, housing a collection of books and other items for loan and providing a venue for educational, cultural and fun events for children and adults.  It is a group of people – staff and volunteers – who not only serve Library users within the walls of the building but also go out into the community to fulfill the Library’s mission.  They bring the Library’s resources and sense of community to those who do not have the opportunity to enjoy them within the building.

This year’s Annual Report celebrates these “outreach” activities.  Over the past fiscal year, Library “emissaries” have traveled as near as Burlington’s Old North End and as far as Yaroslavyl, Russia to carry the message of learning and enjoyment through reading.

Those served are young and old, native Burlingtonians and people thousands of miles from their original homeland.  Many have experienced some type of hardship: the devastation of a hurricane, war, poverty or illness.  Others have not had to endure these hardships, but still benefit from other Library outreach efforts, such as 24/7 access to the resources on our web site.  Through making these services available, Library staff, volunteers and supporters benefit, too, by witnessing the experience of fulfillment in those served as they enjoy the advantages made available by public libraries.

Whether discovering the joys of reading, using databases on our web site for genealogical and other research, hearing a scholar or learning a language, all who use the Library’s resources are given a wealth of information, entertainment and culture.  Connecting with our community’s Library enriches our lives.

Thank you for your support!

Michael Schultz
Board Chair as of July 1, 2007

Amber Collins, Anita Danigelis, Robert Resnik
Co-Directors

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Where Our Support Comes From

The Co-Directors and the Board of the Fletcher Free Library work within the City’s organizational and financial structure.  In this era of budget cuts, we are utilizing our ingenuity to control costs while maintaining excellent service.

• City of Burlington – The Library is a City Department and receives operating money from the City’s General Fund.
  

• Dedicated Book Tax – A ½-cent tax provides most of the funding for the purchase of new books and other items such as books on CD and DVDs.

• Payments for Services – Non-resident library cards, printing, lost books and fines provided $65,745 revenue this past fiscal year.

• Endowment Fund – Started in 1873 with a $10,000 contribution from Mrs. Mary L. Fletcher and her daughter, Miss Mary M. Fletcher, the Library’s endowment is now managed by the Vermont Community Foundation.  Each year, 4½% of the past three-year average of the fund value is allocated for distribution or reinvestment.  The Board decides whether to spend or reinvest this income; it is designated for spending only on books.  As of June 30, 2007, the fund was valued at $326,109.37.

• Grants – The Library applies to foundations annually for grants to fund renovations, services, projects and programs.

• The Friends of the Fletcher Free Library is a separate non-profit organization devoted to supporting the Library.  With over 100 members, the Friends raise money through membership fees and book sales and contribute it to the Library as needs arise, for:

  • Equipment, office supplies, building renovations

  • Additional help for building and grounds maintenance

  • Special needs (such as staff travel & scholarships to professional conferences) 

• Children’s Sing-Along Music CDs – Three recordings have been produced over the past 10 years, featuring Robert Resnik with Carol Scrimgeour and Gigi Weisman.  Sales help pay for youth and adult special programs.  In July 2006, a glowing on-line review from a Texas librarian resulted in almost $700 in sales in two days!
  

• Donations from Individuals, including bequests, help pay for books and other materials in our collection, projects and programs.  The Board sends solicitation letters once or twice a year.  This past year we received a sizeable bequest from David Offensend.
  

• In-Kind Contributors have been very generous toward the Library.  This past fiscal year, 44 In-Kind Contributors donated products and services with an estimated total value of over $12,000 to support a wide variety of Library services & events, including the Summer Reading Program, Volunteer Luncheon, and Wi-Fi Internet access.
  

• The Library depends on Volunteers to help us provide our exceptional services:

  • In addition to giving financial support, the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library run Book Sales, advocate for Library programs & services, help produce mailings and run programs such as “Booked for Lunch” (started in FY02).

  • Those paid, at least in part, by others (Work-Study, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Department of Corrections and other special employment programs).

  • Champlain College students, fulfilling their 40-hour community service requirement for graduation.

  • Many members of our community who simply give their time and efforts to support the Library!

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The Services We Provide

The Fletcher Free Library is the largest public library in Vermont, located in the largest city in Vermont (population of about 38,000), within the most populated county.

Our 14,000+ members are mostly Burlington residents, who support the Library through their taxes; members who do not pay taxes in Burlington (there are over 600) pay a comparable amount to what Burlington taxpayers pay.  Non-resident seniors receive a discount.

You don’t need a Library card to use the Library.  Our building is open to everyone and is a popular destination for tourists.  With free access to the use of our collection within the building and internet access at the Computer Center or via our WiFi network, the Main Reading Room provides a safe, quiet place to work, read and relax.

Resources:

• Library books & materials for adults and children

• Outreach deliveries to those unable to come to the Library

• Interlibrary Loan both to our members and from our collection

• On-line catalog, with links to best-seller and other lists

• Reference research from in-person, phone and on-line inquiries

• On-line databases (non-member access within the Library only)

• Free Public Access Computer Center

• Free Public Wi-Fi Internet access

• Meeting Room space available to the public at no charge

FY07 Regularly-Scheduled Programs*:

• Art Exhibits

• Book Discussion groups (Library and Flynn Center)

• “Booked For Lunch” speaker series (coordinated by the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library)

• Computer Workshops

• English as a Second Language Classes

• “First Wednesdays” (with the Vermont Humanities Council)

• Youth:

  • Family Sing-A-Long, Moving & Grooving with Christine, Music with Robert and Gigi

  • Library Learning Adventures for Homeschoolers, Pre-school Storytime

  • Summer Reading Program

*There were also many one-time-only programs, especially for youth.

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Marketing:
How We Attract Use of Our Services

By devoting resources to distribute information about the Library, we are reaching out in an effort to connect with our community.

• BiblioFile is the Library’s monthly newsletter.
  • Adult and Youth programs and events are listed, as well as Friends of the Fletcher Free Library news, book reviews and other items of current interest at the Library.
  • It is mailed to donors, Friends, city councilors, legislators, media, organizations offering posting locations, schools & libraries, and available for anyone to pick up at the Library.
    
• The Library’s website (www.fletcherfree.org) devotes a page for Adult and Youth Programming and Events, another page for Library News, and another for the Library News Archives, going back to 2004.  Youth Services created a Blog in the Fall of 2006, with a link on the Kids’ Page.
  
• Press releases via email advertise Adult Programs, Art Shows & Openings and other events.
  
• Youth Department program announcements are mailed to 60 schools, organizations and media.
  
• Flyers advertising Programs, Art Shows and Events are posted in the Library.
  
• Tours are given to students, who are encouraged to become members and use the Library.
  
• Videotaped events are broadcast by two local television stations: Channel 16 (RETN, Regional Educational Technology Network) and Channel 17 (Town Meeting Television).
  
• UVM students in Public Communication Media worked with Library staff last year as part of a service-learning project to find ways to market the Library to young adults.  The results of their work included brochures, program suggestions and a PSA, which was aired on WRUV.

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 * Includes those paid by other organizations.  In 2006, changes in UVM’s work-study program may account for reduction in students choosing to work at the Library

 Statistics of Note:

• Library usage continues to increase: Library staff served over 7,000 more patrons than last year!  Since 2003, visits have increased by 33,618.  (Note that many people use resources in the building instead of borrowing them.)
  

• In the same square footage, we have found space for thousands more books, CDs, and DVDs!  (There are actually many more new items, as older ones are removed from the collection annually.)

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ACQUISITIONS & CATALOGING

Anita Danigelis chaired a statewide committee that investigated downloadable e-audiobooks for libraries and issued a report to the state librarian.  This was extremely helpful in making the decision as to how and when the Fletcher Free Library would offer this service.

ADMINISTRATION/BUILDING CARE

A Long Range Planning focus group met with the Co-Directors and long range planning facilitator Lawrence Webster twice this past Spring.  The group consisted of 25 local library users representing many different facets of the Burlington community.  The new five-year plan will be crafted later this year, based on the input of this group.

Our flower gardens adorn the grounds, thanks to planting by Bonnie Acker and watering by Linda & Roger Cole (all volunteers), geraniums started from cuttings and tulips planted by Doug Chamberlain.

Librarians from the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston met with FFL staff for a mutually beneficial discussion on library policies and procedures.

BOARD

The Donor Reception and Book Sale Preview last September attracted about 40 donors, who took advantage of the benefit of being the first Book Sale customers while enjoying conversation and desserts provided by staff, Board and the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library.

Amber Collins and Annie Morse attended a three-day conference at the Wyndam Hotel sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals to learn about fundraising principles and techniques based on research and experience.

A goal of Burlington’s Legacy Project is to encourage youth participation on City commissions.  Amelia Schlossberg agreed to serve on the Library’s Board.  She is a sophomore at Burlington High School and has volunteered for the Library’s Summer Reading Program

CIRCULATION

New staff provide great service at the Main Desk: Toni Taginski, who worked for many years at the C.P. Smith school library and was a FFL Outreach volunteer.  Chris Beneke, a proofreader by trade who focuses his organizational skills and eagle eye on the adult book stacks.  Amy Hurley worked at Dana Medical Library for the past three years.  She is an avid reader and shares her love of books with our patrons.

For the first time in 15 years our non-resident member fee increased: from $25 to $35 per year, with the discounted rate for seniors increasing from $8 to $12 per year.  This charge is comparable to what Burlington taxpayers contribute to the Library via their property tax.

Children’s Gardening Tools were a popular addition to the collection.  Worn or lost flags were replaced in the flag collection (79 countries).  Outreach Volunteer Tom Corcoran developed a software program allowing staff at Circulation to continue checking materials in & out when the main system is down for service, saving the Circulation staff hours of manual work.

OUTREACH
(Please see the special Outreach to Our Community section for Outreach Department activities outside the Library.)

English as a Second Language (ESL) Services
The Outreach Department’s AmeriCorps*VISTA member, Amber Gaster coordinated and raised funds for these activities and resources:

• Barnes & Noble donated 5% of sales during a Book Fair, which we used to support the foreign language collection that serves our immigrant community.

• ESL classes, taught weekly by volunteer Vicky Turner for the past four years.

• A grant purchased the language learning software, Rosetta Stone for English as a Second Language patrons to use in the Library on laptop computers.

• “Discovering Common Ground”, a lecture series supported by a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation, explored the experiences of refugees and immigrants living in Burlington viewed through the perspectives of both New Americans and the Burlington community.

• Typing classes for teenage African refugees.

Amber also initiated a German-English Conversation Group to serve members of the community interested in improving their skills in either of these languages.

In Cooperation With Other Organizations:

• Outreach Librarian Barbara Shatara coordinated book discussions based on Flynn Center performances again this year.

• Scholars from across the country again made presentations at the Library as part of the “First Wednesdays” series, in cooperation with the Vermont Humanities Council.

In addition to all that she does for the Fletcher Free Library, Outreach Librarian Barbara Shatara is serving as the chair for the Vermont Library Association's Advocacy Committee.

SYSTEMS

Free internet access via the Computer Center and Public Wi-Fi network continue to attract more people to the Library.

Robert Coleburn, Systems Administrator, Reference Librarian and Computer Workshop instructor, demonstrated a level of dedication that was much appreciated by staff and public when he was called back from his vacation last Summer to correct serious problems that were preventing our automated system from running.

YOUTH

Since the late 1970’s the Library has been offering the popular and effective Summer Reading Program.  Studies show that children who read over the summer retain more of what they learned during the school year and go into the next school year with an advantage over non-readers.

Library staff & volunteers signed up kindergarteners through 8th graders at the Library and 13 outreach sites and helped them set a reading goal.  These young readers were then enticed with performances, activities and prizes to report on their progress weekly.

This year, the T-shirt artwork was created by FFL Youth Services Assistant Christine Demarais.  AmeriCorps*VISTA member Stephanie Schott was responsible for coordinating volunteers and raising money to support the SRP through grants and a fundraiser at American Flatbread.  The program would not be possible without the support of volunteers, foundations, local businesses and the Friends of the Fletcher Free Library.

Thousands of dollars from generous donors paid for new carpeting and furniture designed to make the Young Adult area more attractive to teens.  Another grant funded the purchase of new computers in the Youth library, and yet another contributed headphones.

The library hosted presentations by four Vermont children’s book authors and illustrators during National Children’s Book Week.

In collaboration with the Welcome Baby Program, the Library hosted the Baby Book Dedication Lunch again this year.

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REACHING OUT TO SENIORS

Book and Music Deliveries

Outreach Librarian Barbara Shatara and six loyal volunteers make about 25 visits per month to senior residences and homebound patrons.  They set up a temporary library at the senior residences, displaying books they’ve chosen from the Library’s collection, making good use of the Large Print collection.

Musician and Library Co-Director Robert Resnik continues to bring his special brand of good cheer and music to senior residences.

Reading Discussion Group

Led by Outreach Librarian Barbara Shatara and Library volunteer Tom Corcoran, the Heineberg Book Club meets monthly at the Heineberg Senior Center off North Avenue.  These avid readers have been meeting for about four years, and their reading list for the past year includes Truman by David McCullough; We Were The Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates; Charming Billy by Alice McDermott, In the Name of Salome by Julia Alvarez and Delta Wedding by Eudora Welty, in addition to about 15 other books!

REACHING OUT TO IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

In cooperation with the Burlington Housing Authority, AmeriCorps*VISTA member Amber Gaster visits families at Franklin Square and Riverside to deliver books about eight times per month.  In cooperation with the Refugee Resettlement Program and Vermont Adult Learning, she demonstrates Rosetta Stone language learning software at ESL classes outside the Library

REACHING OUT IN COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

 The Children’s Pet Show is an annual event in its 27th year, organized by the Burlington Parks and Recreation Department and the Library.  Prizes are awarded to children and their pets in many categories.

Library patrons can check out Museum Passes for free or reduced admission to ECHO, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Shelburne Farms and Rokeby.

University of Vermont Business Mathematics students designed and carried out a survey to collect and analyze information about Burlington voters who do not use the Library.

Regional Education Technology Network recorded “First Wednesdays” programs at the Library and aired them on channel 16.  “First Wednesdays” is produced in cooperation with the Vermont Humanities Council.  Peter Galbraith was a popular presenter.

The Library continues participating in the Champlain College Community Service program, in which students must complete 40 hours of community service as a graduation requirement.  Computer Lab Monitor Annie Morse attends the college’s Volunteer Fair, informing students about this opportunity to gain first-hand experience serving the public while helping the Library fulfill its mission.  Because the Help Desk is staffed only 4 hours/week, assisting Computer Center users adds to Reference staff duties without these volunteers.

Through the Interlibrary Loan service, we share the value of our collection with a much wider group of patrons than our members.  We have loaned to 285 libraries nation-wide.  Libraries throughout the country loan to our members through this service, too.

REACHING OUT TO YOUTH

Summer Reading Program
To encourage participation, Beth Wright and Robert Resnik visited elementary schools “incognito” (dressed in harmony with this year’s “Get a Clue” theme).
SRP Outreach Assistant Shannon May made sure children who do not have opportunities to visit the Library could enjoy the program, too.  She signed children up and coordinated activities for them at 13 sites in Burlington.

Book Deliveries to Children
Volunteers provide the legwork for the Home Daycare Book Bag program, delivering picture books and reading stories to children at small daycare facilities in Burlington.

Through the 15^th Annual Books for Children campaign, the Library distributed 363 brand new, donated books to 214 preschoolers served by the King Street Youth Center, the Sara Holbrook Center, the VNA Family Room, and Head Start of Chittenden County.  Several local bookstores again gave discounts to customers purchasing books for this program.

REACHING OUT TO OUR SISTER CITIES

Moss Point, Mississippi
The library in Moss Point was not damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but lost much of its children’s collection that was out on loan.  Starting with Co-Director Amber Collins’s idea to do something for our sister city’s library and raise public awareness about the FFL at the same time, the Outreach Van made its longest trip on record last winter.  Rebecca Goldberg, Robert Resnik and Gigi Weisman drove it to Moss Point, presenting pre-school sing-alongs and selling CDs at libraries along the way.  Over $3,000 raised from these sales and cash donations from FFL donors was given to the Ina Thompson Library to help replace their children’s collection.  FFL also donated children’s sing-along CDs for the Library to sell.  Burlington area businesses supported the project by donating hotel rooms, gas cards and cash.  Carol C. Hewlett, Manager of the Ina Thompson Library, said that these three troubadours “literally brightened up the whole place -their humor, their compassion and their optimism, (was) what we needed more than anything.”

Rebecca kept everyone posted via a blog on the Burlington Free Press web site.  This was the first event posted on the new FFL Youth Services Blog, too.  Rebecca also filmed the performances and interviewed library staff and patrons.  The resulting documentary was edited and aired on CCTV’s Channel 17, and can be viewed on-line at http://blip.tv/file/216990.

Yaroslavyl, Russia
In May 2007, Outreach Librarian Barbara Shatara made her longest outreach delivery on record bringing books by Vermont authors and illustrators to Burlington’s sister city for the 10^th anniversary of their Sister City Library. England, France, Germany and the USA have contributed materials to this special library, and these languages are taught there, too.  The Friends of the Fletcher Free Library paid Barbara’s airfare.  Russian librarians have visited us on two different occasions, and another visit is planned for this Fall.

REACHING OUT TO THE WORLD!

The Library’s web site provides Library news and services.  Reference staff receive many out-of-state requests for information via the email address advertised.  Searching the catalog is available to all, and Library members can renew their borrowed materials and place holds.  Databases are available to members outside the Library, or anyone in the Computer Center.  We added a new database, ReferenceUSA, which is like a national telephone directory, including information about businesses helpful for job-seekers.  Web site usage has increased over the past fiscal year.  The most popular pages are Database, Programming & Events, About the Library and Kids’ Page.

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Organizational Structure

The Fletcher Free Library is a Department of the City of Burlington, and as such is governed by the Mayor.

Library Board of Commissioners: An advocacy group that meets monthly with the Co-Directors (open to the public), reports to the City Council annually.  There are four Trustees who are elected by the current Trustees and must reside in Chittenden County.  At-Large Trustees (non-voting advisors) may be elected, too.  There are six Commissioners (who must be Burlington residents) appointed by the City Council, Mayor presiding.  One of them is an Employee elected by the Employees of the Fletcher Free Library.  Another is appointed by the Mayor, and has been a representative of the Burlington youth population.

                     Responsibilities and Supervision

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Get to Know the Staff

*The Page position is responsible for shelving Library materials.
**Selectors choose which Library materials to buy.

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Library Board

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