PLANNING COMMITTEE:

Adopted by the

Fletcher Free Library Commission

July 11, 2001

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Following approval from the Library Commission, the Fletcher Free Library planning process began April 25, 2000, with the first meeting of the Planning Committee. We would like to thank the following people, whose time, talents, and thoughtful observations contributed to the success of this process:

Planning Committee:

Beal Hyde (Library Trustee, Commission V. Pres.)

Gary Kowalski (Library Trustee)

Robert Coleburn (Library Labor/Management Chair)

Citizen Focus Group:

Vicki Bruchia

Tina Christensen

Vince Feeney

Bobbie Hirsch

Joanna Irwin

Richard Kemp

Betsy Krumholz

Deb Lashman

Michael Watson

Special thanks go to Marianne Kotch, Director, Public Library Support Services Division, Vermont Department of Libraries, who instructed and guided us through her "Planning for Results" workshops. We appreciate her so generously and graciously helping us to focus, edit, and generally stay on track during this year-long process.

Our thanks also go to the library staff and commission for their input and support and to the 511 people who filled out a questionnaire telling us what they liked about the library and what could be improved. As we worked on this plan, you provided a steady reminder of how important Fletcher Free Library is to the community.

Amber Collins

Anita Danigelis

Robert Resnik

Co-Directors

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A COMMUNITY VISION

In June 2000 the Burlington Legacy Project Action Plan was published. This document "provides a blueprint for change for the economic, environmental, social, and cultural health of our community for generations to come." In short, it’s a document that articulates the hopes and dreams of people from all over the city for our community.

The Legacy Project targets Fletcher Free Library as a lead organization under the following priority actions:

1. Develop a job readiness training center for higher skilled jobs in collaboration with local institutions and employers
2. Develop more creative and centralized information . . . to increase participation in civic activities.
3. Provide more "place-based" experiential and out of school educational opportunities for youths, including internships, work-study programs, and community service requirements.
4. Support and adequately fund libraries and other literacy programs.

These were very important issues to the Planning Committee, since they represent both community values and specific ways the library can help the community to achieve its vision for all citizens.

A COMMUNITY PROFILE

The Planning Committee collected data about the City of Burlington in order to describe the community in an objective way, to identify trends, and to figure out what the community will probably look like in the next few years. Unfortunately, the results of the 2000 census were not available at the time the Committee put together its data, and it was understood that the 1990 census results might not accurately represent our community. Nevertheless, some issues stood out.

• Burlington’s population was 39,127 in 1990. It is not expected to change significantly, although sources disagreed on whether it would go up by more than 4,000 or decline by nearly 2,000.
• A significant percent of the population (51.8%) was between the ages of 22 and 64, with another 19.8% of school age (18 and younger) and 10.6% age 65 and older.
• In 1990, 31% of Burlington’s children were in single parent families.
• 45% of Burlington’s population had French or French Canadian ancestry.
• The Burlington School Department teaches English as a Second Language to children with a wide variety of native languages--Bosnian, Russian, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Tibetan, Spanish, French, and many others.
• Although the unemployment rate is low (2.3% in March 2000), as recently as 1997, 11.3% of the City’s population was on food stamps.
• There are 13 school libraries and 3 academic libraries, as well as many other special libraries (churches, law firms, and a genealogy organization).
• 82.4% of Burlington’s population aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or GED, and 34.8% of people aged 25 and older have at least 4 years of college.
• There are at least 14 day care centers and 12 shelters/halfway houses/drug treatment centers in the City.
• The population has a high turnover rate. Approximately 60% of Burlington Electric Department’s customer base turns over every year.
• Approximately 60% of Burlington residence have computers, and 52% of residences are connected to the Internet (compared with 45 to 50% nationwide), according to a recent survey by Burlington Electric Department.

In summary, Burlington has a highly educated adult population with significant interest in computer technology. At the same time, the poverty rate is over 10%, and almost 1/3 of children live in single parent families. New arrivals whose native language is not English make up an important part of the community, and this can be expected to continue as Burlington remains a refugee resettlement center. There are a number of other institutions, such as academic, school, and special libraries; day care centers; and other social service agencies, that represent opportunities for potential partnerships. Finally, the high turnover rate in Burlington’s population represents a challenge to Fletcher Free Library in attracting new library users and in meeting the needs of people more familiar with library services in larger urban environments.

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The Committee collected Fletcher Free Library statistics for Fiscal Year 1998-1999 and compared them with statistics collected 5 years earlier. The overall impression is that certain measures, such as size of the collection (about 110,000), number of hours open per week (65), number of people coming into the library (about 5,000/week), number of registered borrowers (11,399), number of employees (21), number of reference transactions (14,434), number of programs for children and adults (400), and number of books on interlibrary loan borrowed and received (1,451), have remained about the same, while others have shown dramatic changes: (The first number is five years ago; the second is now.)

Adult materials circulated 102,564          154,927

Children’s materials circulated 60,477     97,116

Program attendance 8,991                      18,029

Total operating expenses $958,435        $1,063,698*

Materials expenditures $77,457              $165,597*

Staff salaries & benefits $632,200          $713,278

*Increase due to largely to ½ cent book tax to benefit the library’s collection that took effect in 1995.

At the same time, the amount of money available for the building, utilities, supplies, etc. has decreased:

Other operating expenses $248,778 $184,823

It is clear that the amount of discretionary money available to the library has actually decreased, which raises concerns about the future ability of the library to maintain the building and sustain its programs.

*Vermont data and national averages from: Vermont Public Library Statistics 2001 Biennial Report Supplement (Vermont Department of Libraries, Feb. 2001) for FY 1999-2000

**FY 1999 Average Annual Collection Turnover rate for public libraries serving 25,000 to 49,999 population from: Public Library Data Service Statistical Report 2000.

Of all the work the Planning Committee did, the analysis of the library’s strengths (S), weaknesses (W), opportunities (O), and threats (T) was the most interesting, because it reveals in detail just how members of the community currently view the library and what they would like the library to do in the future. The committee gathered input in three ways:

1. A Questionnaire was handed out in the library and at City Hall in May and June 2000 and at wards 2, 5, 6, and 7 polling stations on May 31, 2000 at a re-vote on the school budget.
2. A Focus Group of nine people who were selected from a list of library users met on June 3, 2000.
3. A SWOT analysis form was filled out by 11 staff and commission members in June 2000.

While many diverse and detailed opinions about the library came from these sources, there were some common themes:

Collection: There is a good selection, and the increase in the number of new books as a result of the book tax was particularly noted and appreciated. The children’s collection was often singled out as being excellent. In fact, on the questionnaire, 33.4% mentioned the collection as number one in what the library is doing well. By the same token, 44.9% said that improving the collection would be the number one thing the library could do to make them use the library more often, and 43.2% said that improving the collection should be the library’s top priority in the next few years. They want more new books, classics in better condition, more non-fiction, more fiction, more children’s books, more non-English books at all levels, more videos, books on tape, and CD’s—in short, more of just about everything.

Staff: Comments from library users about the staff were generally favorable, the most common descriptive terms being friendly, helpful, efficient, knowledgeable, and responsive to patrons. Only 2% of the questionnaire respondents mentioned more staff as a priority for the coming years, but the focus group and the SWOT analysis forms gave more attention to inadequate staffing. Library staff, in particular, commented on the difficulty of covering public service areas when staff are ill or on vacation and perceived that delays in getting books shelved and long lines at the check-out desk were problems for library users, although none of the users actually complained about this. Staffing also impacts the library’s ability to provide programs and services.

Services: People like the variety of services the library provides. Children’s programs (such as story hours and summer reading club) and Outreach book deliveries were mentioned most often. Internet computers, reference help, interlibrary loan, book sales, art exhibits were also singled out for praise. However, 13.0% of questionnaire respondents said that more/better computer services would make them use the library more often. (In fact, 14.9% thought improving computer services should be the library’s third priority, after improving the collection and improving existing services). 12.4% said they could be induced to use the library more often through more or improved programs. Book discussion groups, bookmobile service, branch library in the New North End, expanded outreach service, materials for a more diverse population (such as foreign language books at all reading levels and materials for home schoolers), and programs that would attract more teens to the library were frequently mentioned. The focus group and SWOT analysis pointed out that the library needs to strengthen ties with other Burlington libraries and with public and private schools and needs to promote the library’s services more aggressively.

Building/Hours: People appreciate the library now being open on Sundays year round, and they like the Wed. night hours. The change most people would like to see is having the library open on more week nights, although only 6.0% of questionnaire respondents specifically mentioned maintaining or expanding hours. Most people like the building and the inviting atmosphere, although the need for quiet study space was pointed out. Staff felt that the library has a unique opportunity to become Burlington’s community center, offering cultural, educational and recreational resources. The landmark building, meeting room spaces, and wonderful children’s space ("child friendly") were all positives in the public view. The vacant law library space presented new possibilities, but there were concerns among staff and board members that maintaining the building could be a problem, if adequate city funds are not forthcoming. The focus group and SWOT respondents thought that the desks and workstations (both public and staff furniture in general) look pretty worn out and observed that the library could use more comfortable seating. A suggestion came from the focus group that the library house a local history museum.

Funding: Only 3.3% of questionnaire respondents mentioned the need to improve library funding and/or fundraising. However, any increases in staff and services, including additional hours or making improvements to the building, inevitably require increased funding, either through grants or the City’s appropriation to the library. Staff voiced fears that a general economic downturn and/or City budget problems could mean cuts for the library, making it even harder to keep up with rising book prices and public demand for computer technology. SWOT respondents felt there could be an opportunity for the library to become a county-wide facility if appropriate financial support could be found, but the public’s assumption that "it’s all on the Internet" could mean defeat for increased library funding initiatives.

SWOT respondents wondered whether there would be less interest in books and reading as people get more information and reading materials online and as upcoming generations become more visually oriented through involvement with video and computer games.

Finally, among people who don’t use the library much, not having the time or being too far away from the library were the reasons most often given. A number of people said they prefer to own their own materials, while others (particularly respondents in ward 7) cited lack of parking near the library as a problem.

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After looking at the Legacy Project Action Plan, analyzing data about the community and the library, and reviewing responses from the user questionnaires, SWOT forms, and focus group, the Planning Committee came up with a list of visions that show how Fletcher Free Library can make a difference by addressing specific community needs:

• Library users will have a clean, attractive, safe, non-commercial place to go where they can read, enjoy programs, and do library-related activities together in order to strengthen family and community ties.
• Users of all ages will find a current collection of popular books and materials in other formats to fulfill their need for recreational reading for relaxation and enjoyment.
• Residents of all ages will have access both in person and via mail, e-mail, fax, and the Internet to the information resources they need for work, school, and personal interest so that they will be able to continue to learn, whether or not they are enrolled in a formal education course.
• Community residents who cannot afford their own computers will receive training on computer uses and applications so they will be better equipped to find and keep good jobs in a work environment that increasingly depends on electronic technology.
• Children and their parents will receive instruction on how to use and evaluate Internet resources so they will be more effective and discerning users of information technology.
• Teens and young adults will have opportunities to improve and develop their computer skills through stimulating and unique workshops and programs so they will have more diverse out-of-school activities that are geared to their interests.
• Residents will have access to clean, attractive, well-maintained meeting rooms for programs and meetings, which will foster the lively exchange of ideas and information and promote a sense of community.
• People whose first language is not English will have print and electronic resources to help improve their command of English so they can thrive economically and socially in the community.
• Burlington seniors, homebound individuals, and children in daycare facilities will have books in appropriate format delivered to them so they can make use of the library’s informational and recreational reading collections to experience the joy of reading and to maintain contact with the larger community.
• Researchers will have a collection of print materials on Burlington, other Vermont towns, and the State of Vermont to help them understand the history of these areas.
• All residents of Chittenden County will belong to a public library consortium that is well funded and allows for shared resources so that every citizen has equal access to all public library services.
  

The Planning Committee determined that library staff, resources, and facilities should be allocated to the following services responses,* which meet the community needs outlined in the vision statements:

Current Topics and Titles: Helps to fulfill community residents’ appetite for information about popular cultural and social trends and their desire for satisfying recreational experiences by providing a current collection with sufficient copies to meet high demand and materials in various formats. The collections are organized so materials are easy to find, knowledgeable library staff anticipate public demand, and the library may offer booktalks, performances, and exhibits that promote reading.

General Information: Helps meet the need for information and answers to questions on a broad array of topics related to work, school, and personal life. The library offers print, non-print, and electronic reference resources that cover a broad variety of topics. Skilled staff help users locate information that satisfies those needs. Requests for information are accepted and answered via telephone, fax, and e-mail, as well as in person. Internet access is provided for staff and public use.

Commons: Helps address the need of people to meet and interact with others in their community and to participate in public discourse about community issues. The library provides public space for meeting and gathering that is recognized as inviting, neutral, and safe by all individuals and groups in the community.

Information Literacy: Helps address the need for skills related to finding, evaluating, and using information effectively. Skilled library staff teach the public to find and evaluate information, as opposed to simply providing information. The library offers access to information in a variety of formats and offers Internet training and access. Staff may offer group classes, individual tutoring, or spontaneous one-on-one training in topics such as media literacy or finding resources on the Internet. The library may provide a computer laboratory or classroom.

Lifelong Learning: Helps address the desire for self-directed personal growth and development opportunities. The library provides and maintains an extensive collection of circulating materials on a wide variety of topics in which the general public has a sustained interest. Collections are easily accessible and organized to encourage public browsing by subject area. The library develops pathfinders to assist library users in learning about specific subjects and may organize important World Wide Web sites for public access on a web page.

*From: Planning for Results: A Public Library Transformation Process, by Ethel Himmel and William James Wilson (American Library Association, 1998).

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FLETCHER FREE LIBRARY MISSION STATEMENT

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

1. Total annual circulation will increase from 275,000 in 2001 to 313,000 in 2006 (about 3% per year).
2. Total registered borrowers will increase from 11,500 in 2001 to 14,000 in 2006 (from about 29% of our population to 35%).

Activities:

• Work with City Administration to increase library funding as per Legacy Project’s goal (#1 goal)
• Retain focus on fundraising to supplement the library’s operating budget
• Increase evening hours
• Do displays of media tie-ins, eg. Movies based on books
• Sign people up for library cards at events throughout the city
• Reconsider fines structure, keeping in mind need to raise revenues
• Contact Burlington business owners to let them know they can get a free card

1. Circulation of nonfiction for all ages will increase 5% each year, from 67,000 in 2001 to 80,000 in 2006.
2. 75% of library users polled in 2003 say they are satisfied or very satisfied with the library’s non-fiction collection

Activities:

• Subscribe to additional selection tools to help selectors find in-print titles for the collection book database (e.g. the non-fiction equivalent of NoveList ; Choice)
• Mix materials for all ages in displays and on book lists (the Youth collection has excellent non-fiction, which could be brought to the attention of adults)
• Purchase more attractive display furnishings for stacks (i.e. end-of-aisle display shelves for non-fiction collection and better display of oversized books similar to how retail book stores do their displays)
• Use Freeman Foundation money and Library trust income to improve the adult non-fiction collection
• Do a survey of non-fiction users to ask if they found what they were looking for
• Take suggestions for purchase on the Library’s Web site
• Place signs prominently in the reference collection directing people to the top floor for the non-fiction books that can be checked out

1. Browser fill rate will increase 5% each year, after an initial count in 2001.
2. The total number of visits will increase 2% each year, from 194,000 in 2001 to 210,000 in 2006.

Activities:

• Revamp the adult reading room with new seating and with shelving that highlights the collection during 2001, including new banners (maybe?) and display areas similar to retail
• Visit other libraries for ideas on seating and lighting that would work with the main reading room
• Use graphics other than text-based signs to help users find collections (e.g. color code different parts of the collection to help users make better sense of where the collections are located
• Reduce noise levels by getting rid of the cash register and eliminating noise from doors to stacks slamming; investigate modifying surfaces to reduce noise acoustically

1. The total operating budget for programs will increase from 0 in 2001 to $5,000 in 2006 ($3,000 for adult programming; $2,000 for youth).
2. The library will sponsor at least 3 young adult programs per year.
3. At least 75% of those attending library programs will report their quality as "high" or "excellent" each year.

Activities:

• Conduct a satisfaction and idea-gathering survey of people attending library programs during an annual major event
• Involve at least 30 community groups in sponsoring different programs each year
• Send youth librarians for continuing education programs or internships in young adult services
• Establish an adequate operating budget for programming and advertising
• Develop a plan for coordinating annual solicitations of donations and grants to support programs across all library departments
• Establish a teen focus group to discuss what they want for programs
• Create an atmosphere more conducive to young adult use of the library through poetry slams, more teen art shows, music, etc., with sponsors and co-sponsors that appeal to this age group
• Establish stronger ties to alternative schools
• Set up series of programs, rather than special events, to build the habit of coming to the library—something special every Friday, for example
• Post monthly Bibliofile on library’s Web site
• Solicit ideas for programs on the library’s Web site
• Work with Friends of the Library to increase available money for programs
• Continue to work with City on parking and access issues, which affect attendance at library programs. Explore: free parking in garage with coupon, free bus transportation with CCTA for library patrons, more parking spaces changed from long term to 30 minute parking near the library, possibility of parking garage between the church and the library, increased handicapped parking, use of Verizon lot on weekends, etc.

1. Work with Team Tech, IBM, and CyberSkills to implement the CCAC during 2001.
2. At least 3,500 users a week will use the CCAC in 2002, and use will increase at least 5% each year thereafter.
3. Work with Team Tech, IBM, and CyberSkills and other community groups to sustain the CCAC during 2002-2006.
4. At least 50 people each month will participate in the CCAC-sponsored computer workshops during 2002.

Activities:

• Apply for Freeman Foundation grant for furniture and other equipment not supplied by IBM

• Have a CCAC grand opening and invite local dignitaries
• Make presentation to City Council to get their support and make sure they understand what the CCAC means for the community
• Schedule some children’s programs at the same time computer classes are scheduled for parents to solve the babysitting problem for single parent families
• Have a computer day for kids to teach their parents what they know
• Tie in library computer services with ESL classes
• (See Goal #8 for details on publicity and promotion)

1. The average number of searches per month on the library’s electronic reference databases will increase 10% per year from 2,145 in 2001 to 3,450 in 2006.
2. At least 50% of the first-time users of the library’s electronic reference services will say that they read/heard about the service via press releases, the library’s newsletter, and other library sponsored promotional efforts.
3. One-quarter of the people accessing the library’s catalog will do so remotely by 2003.
4. Hits on the library’s web page will increase 10% each year, from 180 a week in 2001 to 290 in 2006.

Activities:

• Apply for Freeman Foundation grant and LSTA Advanced Technology grant for web-based system in 2001

• Implement web-based library system in 2001/2002
• Do a cost/benefit analysis (i.e. what the database subscriptions cost vs the number of searches initiated)
• Consider e-book subscriptions geared to public libraries
• Identify popular local web sites and ask them to include a link to the library’s web site
• Put a list of web sites that are "the best of the web" on the library’s web site
• Put Lorrie Colburn’s popular "name that author" contest on the library’s web site
• Put web site information directly on library cards
• Ask Free Press to include the library’s web site address with the library listings information

1. The number of cardholders receiving outreach book deliveries will increase from 30 in 2001 to ? in 2006 (set 2006 target measure in 2002).
2. The number of items checked out from locations outside the library building will increase from 5,489 in 2001 to 10,000 in 2006.

Activities:

• Pursue efforts to acquire a bookmobile or a van with a lift
• Apply for Americorps VISTA worker to help with outreach deliveries
• Continue to recruit volunteers to help with outreach deliveries and day care book bag deliveries
• Sign up people for library cards at the outreach sites
• Expand bookmobile services to other sites in the city
• Place book return drops around the city or on the bus
• Have a Library Card Day with prizes for kids
• Have "cultural days" at the library, with films, food, performances, and information about a particular ethnic group
• Expand the library’s web site to offer online reference, request a visit to a homebound patron, register for a library card, etc.

1. 50% of residents polled in 2003 say they are very or extremely aware of the library's resources and services
2. Four hundred people per year will be registered at offsite locations
3. Three high profile events will be held each year to promote library services

Activities:

• Set up a staff publicity committee to work with Robert Resnik
• Develop a plan for a consistent approach to ensuring adequate publicity and high visibility of library programs and services in the community
• Put library information on flyer with City employees’ paychecks
• Use Library’s Web site to promote services more effectively
• Use public access TV program to promote services
• Use bookmobile (and eye-catching graphics, large book on top, etc.) to advertise the library

• Put advertising placards in Burlington businesses (e.g. on shopping carts in the new Burlington grocery)

• Offer meeting space to more city organizations

• Have Computer Fair days in which library staff and others knowledgeable about computers and the Internet (teens, UVM staff, Champlain College staff, etc.) can show people what it’s all about one-on-one

• Try to get a Free Press column about area public libraries
• Work with the Free Press to find a teen to write a computer column for the weekly "Edge" page
• Set up a booth with other Chittenden County libraries at the Champlain Valley Fair (include handouts, bookmarks, interactive demos)
• Participate in local parades with an eye-catching bookmobile, someone dressed as a computer, etc.
• Put signs inside and outside on the CCTA buses to promote outreach, web site, etc.

• Have information on the library’s computer services at the tourism kiosks (for visitors who want to check e-mail) and maybe even have a computer in a kiosk

• Send out flyers on computer classes through children in schools

• Set up an advertising budget for public relations and use UVM marketing students, yellow pages ad, radio and TV, including the logo on all publicity

• Develop plan to publicize library’s web site in 2001

• Advertise the library’s web site on the outreach van

• Put banners over Main St.

• Do a traveling promo show in the schools

• Get an article in the Free Press to promote outreach services

• Promote outreach through Meals on Wheels, Visiting Nurses, and clergy

• Establish library presence (staff or board) in community organizations and at community events

1. Total number of hours of work on library activities by individuals not paid by the library will increase by 40% over the next 5 years

Activities:

• Expand base of volunteers for ongoing services, such as outreach and daycare deliveries
• Work with other community organizations to implement literacy and English as a Second Language projects outlined in the Freeman Grant
• Continue to explore funding for VISTA positions which can help to make library services available to underserved populations throughout the community
• Work with Friends of the Library to increase membership and participation
  

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(Statistics in bold are actual figures for the Fiscal Year)

I. Residents of all ages will have access to a wide range of current and significant materials and programs to fulfill their lifelong learning and recreational needs.

1. Total annual circulation will increase from 275,000 in 2001 to 313,000 in 2006 (about 3% per year).  Circulation:   FY 2004:  332,614;   FY 2005:  358,490.

2. Total registered borrowers will increase from 11,500 in 2001 to 14,000 in 2006 (from about 29% of our population to 35%).  Borrowers:   FY 2004:  14,141; FY 2005:  14,302.

Activities completed:

• Work with City Administration to increase library funding as per Legacy Project’s goal (#1 goal).  2004:  Voters approve ½ cent tax, which  ensures funding for Outreach librarian’s position; Library Board’s Development Committee initiates plan for capital campaign to increase endowment.

• Retain focus on fundraising to supplement the library’s operating budget.  Ongoing.

• Do displays of media tie-ins, e.g. Movies based on books.  Ongoing.

• Sign people up for library cards at events throughout the city.  Ongoing.

II. The Burlington community will have a current and attractive non-fiction collection which fulfills their needs for information on a wide variety of topics.

1. Circulation of nonfiction for all ages will increase 5% each year, from 67,000 in 2001 to 80,000 in 2006.  Nonfiction circulation:   FY 2004:  76,785;   FY 2005:  80,166.

2. 75% of library users polled in 2003 say they are satisfied or very satisfied with the library’s non-fiction collection.

Activities completed:

• Subscribe to additional selection tools to help selectors find in-print titles for the collection book database (e.g. the non-fiction equivalent of NoveList ; Choice).  Added Novelist and Book Index with Reviews databases to website; subscribed to Science Books and Films (review periodical).

• Mix materials for all ages in displays and on book lists (the Youth collection has excellent non-fiction, which could be brought to the attention of adults).

• Purchase more attractive display furnishings for stacks (i.e. end-of-aisle display shelves for non-fiction collection and better display of oversized books similar to how retail book stores do their displays).  Will be part of renovation project, funding permitting.

• Use Freeman Foundation money and Library trust income to improve the adult non-fiction collection.  $25,000 was spent on adult non-fiction in 2004.

• Do a survey of non-fiction users to ask if they found what they were looking for.  Adult collection survey was completed May/June 2001.

III. Library visitors will use attractive, inviting spaces for reading and study that make books, periodicals, and other materials easier to discover.

1. Browser fill rate will increase 5% each year, after an initial count in 2001.

2. The total number of visits will increase 2% each year, from 194,000 in 2001 to 210,000 in 2006.  Total visits:   FY 2004:  224,693;   FY 2005: 238,205.

Activities completed:

• Revamp the adult reading room with new seating and with shelving that highlights the collection during 2001, including new banners (maybe?) and display areas similar to retail.  Will be completed Summer/Fall  2005.

• Visit other libraries for ideas on seating and lighting that would work with the main reading room.  Done in 2003.

• Reduce noise levels by getting rid of the cash register and eliminating noise from doors to stacks slamming; investigate modifying surfaces to reduce noise acoustically.  Cash register was removed.

IV. More adults and young adults will attend a wider variety of library sponsored programs.

1. The total operating budget for programs will increase from 0 in 2001 to $5,000 in 2006 ($3,000 for adult programming; $2,000 for youth).  FY 2005 operating budget for programs remains at 0, but proceeds from the sale of Library singalong CDs are dedicated solely to funding Library programs.

2. The library will sponsor at least 3 young adult programs per year.  FY 2004 had 12.

3. At least 75% of those attending library programs will report their quality as “high” or “excellent” each year.  We have not been conducting regular exit polls at programs.  Satisfaction polls for programs will be instituted as regular policy beginning in July 2005.

Activities completed:

• Develop a plan for coordinating annual solicitations of donations and grants to support programs across all library departments.  The possibility of a capital campaign is being explored (Spring 2005) by the Library Commission’s Development Committee; Outreach Dept. has posted list of grant applications in admin. office to prevent simultaneous solicitation of same grant source by more than one Library dept.

• Establish a teen focus group to discuss what they want for programs.  Teen focus group was organized in 2003 and met 5 times.

• Create an atmosphere more conducive to young adult use of the library through poetry slams, more teen art shows, music, etc., with sponsors and co-sponsors that appeal to this age group.  Library sponsored Teen Read Week Oct. 2002 & Oct. 2003.

• Establish stronger ties to alternative schools.  Gailer and Pine Ridge School classes regularly visit the Library when doing research projects.

• Set up series of programs, rather than special events, to build the habit of coming to the library—something special every Friday, for example.  New youth programs initiated during FY 2005 include a bilingual Spanish-English story hour and a preschool story hour.  The Friends of the Library’s very successful monthly “Booked for Lunch” series has been offered since FY 2003. Regular ESL classes, launched in 2003, are very popular.

• Post monthly Bibliofile on library’s Web site.  First posted online in Dec. 2003

• Work with Friends of the Library to increase available money for programs.  Friends have donated money for numerous Library programs.

• Continue to work with City on parking and access issues, which affect attendance at library programs.  Directional signs indicating location of the Library were installed in 10 high traffic locations around the City in FY 2004.

V. More residents will use the library’s Community Computer Access Center.

1. Work with Team Tech, IBM, and CyberSkills to implement the CCAC during 2001.  Computer Center with 12 computers opened Dec. 2001.

2. At least 3,500 users each month will use the CCAC in 2002, and use will increase at least 5% each year thereafter.  Average users / month:   FY 2004:  4,283;   FY 2005: 4,863.

3. Work with Team Tech, IBM, and CyberSkills and other community groups to sustain the CCAC during 2002-2006.   Center is still going & has received Vt. Public Library Foundation/ Freeman Foundation funding and City funding for part-time staff.

4. At least 50 people each month will participate in the CCAC-sponsored computer workshops during 2002.   Participants:   FY 2002:  220;   FY2004:  146.

Activities completed:

• Apply for Freeman Foundation grant for furniture and other equipment not supplied by IBM.  Furniture, hardware and software were purchased with VPLF/Freeman grant.

• Have a CCAC grand opening and invite local dignitaries.  Tied in opening of Center with presentation of VPLF/Freeman grant check.

• Tie in library computer services with ESL classes.  Had at least 2 classes solely for ESL students; many people whose first language is not English use the computer center.

• (See Goal #8 for details on publicity and promotion)

VI. More members of the greater Burlington community will be aware of and use the library’s electronic reference services.

1. The average number of searches per month on the library’s electronic reference databases will increase 10% per year from 2,145 in 2001 to 3,450 in 2006.  FY 2004 searches on Gale databases:  7,045 (11 months).

2. At least 50% of the first-time users of the library’s electronic reference services will say that they read/heard about the service via press releases, the library’s newsletter, and other library sponsored promotional efforts.

3. One-quarter of the people accessing the library’s catalog will do so remotely by 2003.

4. Hits on the library’s web page will increase 10% each year, from 180 a week in 2001 to 290 in 2006.  FY 2004:  1,146 hits / week  (online catalog went live Oct. 2003).

Activities completed:

• Apply for Freeman Foundation grant and LSTA Advanced Technology grant for web-based system in 2001.  VPLF/Freeman and LSTA grants funded the new web-based automated system.

• Implement web-based library system in 2001/2002.  New system went live Oct. 2003.

• Consider e-book subscriptions geared to public libraries.  Investigated Jan./Feb. 2004; still not affordable for a library our size, but we are following developments.

• Put a list of web sites that are “the best of the web” on the library’s web site.  Links have been added to the Reference page.

• Put web site information directly on library cards.  Library’s website info is on cards.

VII. More members of the community who are unable to come to the library will have access to and use library materials and programs.

1. The number of cardholders receiving outreach book deliveries will increase from 30 in 2001 to  ?  in 2006 (set 2006 target measure in 2002).  Feb. 2005:  136 cardholders.

2. The number of items checked out from locations outside the library building will increase from 5,489 in 2001 to 10,000 in 2006.  Total Outreach Circulation FY 2004:  6,198.

Activities completed:

• Pursue efforts to acquire a bookmobile or a van with a lift.  Completed Autumn 2003 with Vt. Public Library Foundation/Freeman Foundation grant.

• Apply for Americorps VISTA worker to help with outreach deliveries.  The Library has had a full-time Outreach A*VISTA worker since August 2001.

• Continue to recruit volunteers to help with outreach deliveries and day care book bag deliveries.  Spring 2005—7 Outreach volunteers currently active.

• Expand bookmobile services to other sites in the city.  Visits to North Gate and Franklin Square are now included.

• Expand the library’s web site to offer online reference, request a visit to a homebound patron, register for a library card, etc.  Online reference (E-mail a Reference Librarian) initiated Summer 2005.

VIII. Residents of all ages will be aware of programs and services offered by the library through promotion and advertising.

1. 50% of residents polled in 2003 say they are very or extremely aware of the library’s resources and services.  Survey not done.  However, Mayor Clavelle stated in a May 2005 speech that from regular feedback received by his office, the Library is “by far one of the City’s best-loved and popular City departments.”

2. Three high profile events will be held each year to promote library services.  Major events in 2003-2004:  Carnegie building 100th anniversary party and lecture series; annual Summer Reading Program promo visits to all of Burlington’s public elementary schools; Fletcher Free Library Day at Borders on Church St.; and the Summer Reading Program Celebration and Watermelon Party.

Activities completed:

• Develop a plan for a consistent approach to ensuring adequate publicity and high visibility of library programs and services in the community.  Publicity plan drafted Spring 2004.

• Use Library’s Web site to promote services more effectively.  Ongoing.  Web site is constantly being evaluated and changes made.

• Use public access TV program to promote services.  Two public access programs were produced in 2004 about the Library’s online catalog.

• Use bookmobile (and eye-catching graphics, large book on top, etc.) to advertise the library.  Custom designed bookmobile graphics completed Fall 2003.

• Offer meeting space to more city organizations.  The Library’s meeting rooms are widely used by City departments (including Spring 2005 City property assessment hearings) and by many different local organizations.

• Try to get a Free Press column about area public libraries.  No regular column has been established, but the Fletcher Free is a regular subject of Free Press feature articles (more information below).

• Participate in local parades with an eye-catching bookmobile, someone dressed as a computer, etc.  The Library’s bookmobile is a common participant in City parades such as Kids’ Day and North End Appreciation Parade.

• Send out flyers on computer classes through children in schools.  Computer classes are filled to capacity, thanks to in-house posters, notices in Bibliofile, and word-of-mouth advertising.

• Set up an advertising budget for public relations and use UVM marketing students, yellow pages ad, radio and TV, including the logo on all publicity.  Publicity money from the Freeman Grant was spent largely on promotion for the Carnegie Building 100th anniversary events during Summer 2004.  There is no regularly budgeted publicity money.

• Develop plan to publicize library’s web site in 2001.  Done with Bibliofile articles, handouts, and a Free Press feature article in Oct. 2003.

• Advertise the library’s web site on the outreach van.  Completed Fall 2003.

• Put banners over Main St.  Banner advertising new Library computer system on display across Main St. Summer 2003.

• Do a traveling promo show in the schools.  Youth Services visits every public elementary school in the City every spring to promote the Summer Reading Program.  They have also partnered with Burlington High School and Hunt Middle School in a program that delivers and loans books on request to those schools.

• Get an article in the Free Press to promote outreach services.  Feature article on FFL Outreach published in Free Press in Nov. 2004.

• Establish library presence (staff or board) in community organizations and at community events.  Library is highly visible (information table or participation in parades) at Kids Day, the annual Pet Show, First Night Burlington, at the Old North End Community Day, and at other neighborhood functions.  Borders on Church St. held Fletcher Free Library Day in Summer 2003, featuring Library music programs, art projects, and card signups.

IX. Community volunteers will continue to support library activities and programs and will be advocates with regard to library issues.

1. Total number of hours of work on library activities by individuals not paid by the library will increase by 40% over the next 5 years  FY 2001:  4,393;  FY 2004:  12,270  (includes A*VISTA workers= 179% increase) ; FY 2005:  11,482.

Activities completed:

• Expand base of volunteers for ongoing services, such as outreach and daycare deliveries.   Ongoing:  Spring 2005—7 regular Outreach delivery volunteers and 8 active Home Daycare Bookbag volunteers; Champlain College students volunteer at Computer Center help desk annually Oct. through April.

• Work with other community organizations to implement literacy and English as a Second Language projects outlined in the Freeman Grant.  Outreach Dept. works regularly with Vt. Refugee Resettlement Program, Vermont Adult Learning, Sara Holbrook Center, the Vt. Dept. of Employment & Training, and local cultural groups.

• Continue to explore funding for VISTA positions which can help to make library services available to underserved populations throughout the community.  Ongoing.  We have had full-time A*VISTAs in Outreach since 2001 and in Youth Services since 2002 and have obtained funding for next year’s VISTAs with financial help from Community Block Grants and the Friends of the Library.

• Work with Friends of the Library to increase membership and participation.  Co-Directors have provided ongoing clerical support for the Friends in maintaining their membership databases, bulk mailing the Friends’ newsletter along with the Bibliofile, and creating publicity for the Friends’ Booked for Lunch series.

The future of Fletcher Free Library has been thoroughly studied and well thought out. However, even the best plans go nowhere unless adequate funding exists to support them. Fortunately, just as the long range planning process began, several grant opportunities became available, and they will have an important impact on library services and programs.

The Freeman Foundation announced a $10 million grant to be given to Vermont public libraries over a two year period, beginning in 2001. Fletcher Free Library qualifies for $250,000 in each year. These funds will supplement local tax dollars and are to be used "to strengthen traditional library services, including programming and library collections, as well as to support renovations, improvements and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, computer and other technology, and staffing." The library plans to apply for Freeman Foundation funds for the following projects: upgrade of the adult non-fiction collection with hundreds of volumes to supplement the existing collection (for documentation of needs see Fletcher Free Library’s 2000 Collection Development Report); new chairs and tables for the public in the main reading room to replace 20 year old furnishings; computer tables, chairs, and other related items for the public in the new Community Computer Access Center in the main reading room and for children in the youth area; a new Web-based automated system to replace the MultiLIS system; a new book security system to replace the outdated 3-M model which is no longer operational, and a program of advertising to promote the collections and services of the library to the greater Burlington community.

The library has also applied for a grant for a bookmobile with a hydraulic lift. This project will enable the library to extend its successful outreach services beyond the locations now served, which include senior housing, community centers, and a limited number of homebound individuals, to encompass low-income housing developments and other new sites. The library will be strengthening and expanding its partnerships with agencies such as Vermont Refugee Resettlement, Burlington Housing Authority, and Burlington Parks and Recreation and will be able to give special attention to outreach services to young adults, families, and new residents who are learning English. The purchase of a new outreach vehicle is critical at this time, because the library’s old van failed to meet inspection standards and was beyond repair.

The library has applied for a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation State Partnership Grant. Under the terms of this grant, the library is eligible for four Gates Library computers, a server, and laser printer. The complete package is worth $18,358. If the library receives this grant, the computers will go in the youth area, where there is currently only one computer for public Internet access. Freeman Foundation funds will provide computer tables and chairs.

For more than a year, library staff have been working with IBM, Team Tech, and CyberSkills (Old North End Technology Center) to plan a computer access center for the public at the library. CyberSkills has had some difficulty finding funding for their open access center, so the library’s taking on this function will ensure that the community will continue to have this important service. After much discussion, it was decided to locate the access center in the main reading room, where it will be most visible. IBM has agreed to donate 12 computers, which come with Office 98 installed, and a printer. Other items, such as desks for users, instructor’s desk, chairs, mouse pads, projector and cart, screen, blinds, and signage will be part of the Freeman Foundation request. Portable partitions will be purchased with impact fees (see below). The mayor has included in the Fiscal Year 2002 budget the funding for a 20 hour per week lab monitor to assist with this new center. A full-time AmeriCorps VISTA position has been approved, as well. Reference staff will supervise and will also perform some monitoring functions as needed. The opening of this center in fall of 2001 will be the culmination of much planning and will provide services that library users have been asking for over the past few years.

Since 1993, the library has been included in the City’s impact fees. Every time a residential building is constructed, fees are paid into this account, which can only be used for library construction purposes. The definition of construction expenses includes shelving and certain other projects, such as cabling for computer systems. At one point the library’s account totaled over $100,000, although some funds were spent to add metal shelving to the mezzanine and top floor. In fiscal year 2001-2001 additional impact fees are earmarked for new shelving for books, periodicals, and AV for the main reading room to complement the furnishings acquired through the Freeman Foundation grant.

In summary, these grant opportunities, which appear to be aligned in a most auspicious way, will allow the library to realize the goals and objectives that have been developed through the long range planning process. We hope that old and new library users alike will be delighted with the results.

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