2007 Annual Report
MISSION
Robbins Library is a vital community resource, cost-effectively providing residents with a broad range of materials, information and personalized services to assist them in leading satisfying lives in a complex world. The library provides information and answers to questions on a wide variety of topics related to work, school and personal life through print, online databases, the Internet and other resources; it helps patrons develop skills to find and evaluate information sources effectively. The library nurtures the love of reading in children and provides materials and services which support formal learning and the desire for personal growth and development for people of all ages. The library offers a high quality collection of current materials to meet residents’ desires for leisure reading, listening and viewing and for recreational and cultural enrichment. The library creates a welcoming and inviting environment for accessing library resources, interacting with others in the community and attending community meetings and events.
USAGE
In 2007, the citizens of Arlington increasingly accessed the many and varied resources offered by Robbins Library and the Fox Branch. The public of all ages enjoyed library programs; they constantly used the computer workstations for access to the Internet and electronic databases. Professional librarians at the Reference Desk, in the Children’s Room and at Fox Branch assisted the public in meeting their informational needs through the library’s book and periodical collections and with electronic resources. A growing number of residents availed themselves of the opportunity to access from home the library assets. Unfortunately, in FY2004, the library was forced to cut back its operating hours per week including the very popular Sunday time and Thursday mornings due to budgetary reductions. Patrons have regularly inquired since then as to when hours will be restored.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS/AWARDS
Online Database Training for the Public
The library implemented the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) database-training grant received the previous year. Robbins Library staff offered training sessions on many of the library’s research databases to the general public, after-school students, Ottoson Middle School parents, “baby boomers”, seniors, young adults aged 11-15 and members of book discussion groups. The grant also funded several programs for the public on “Revitalizing Retirement,” “Keeping Mentally Sharp” and “Book Club Cookbook.” A projector and new microphone/sound system was financed through the grant and a donation from the Friends of the Library. Financial assistance for this special project was made possible with Federal funds from the Institute on Museum and Library Services administered through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Public Relations Awards
The library received two public relations awards from the Massachusetts Library Association for its logo, “Arlington Reads Together” which promotes the community read program and for the new borrower brochure. A panel of independent judges from the public relations, press and library fields judged the entries on graphic design, originality and presentation.
Receipt of a Grant for English Language Learners
Library staff successfully applied for a $12,500 LSTA grant to expand services to immigrants. The library, in partnership with English at Large, will provide more English as Second Language materials (books, DVDs and CDs) and opportunities to practice English for foreign-born residents. Grant funds will also help recruit and train volunteers who will be facilitating conversation groups which will be held at the library. The program will be implemented in 2008.
Improved Access to Collections
This year the library embarked on an ambitious project to re-locate collections to better meet user needs. Citizens had frequently complained that the new book collection was located in an out-of-the way area among the fiction collection. New shelving was purchased to move the new books to the Reading Room at the entry of the library. The very popular audiovisual collection was re-located from the third floor to the Reference Room on the main level. Other collections that were shifted for easier use were the Children’s, large print and paperback. Library staff with the assistance of volunteers moved the entire adult book and audiovisual collection. The public was very enthusiastic with these new shelving arrangements, which were funded with trust funds and private donations. New carpeting, financed through the town’s capital budget, was installed in the public areas. Staff areas will be done in future years as needed.
Town Employee of the Year Award
Adult Services Librarian Nancy Gentile was recognized as Town Employee of the Year by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce for her services to the business community.
Library Trustee Appointed State Commissioner
Francis R. (Frank) Murphy, a resident of Arlington and member of the Robbins Library Board of Trustees, was appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve on the nine-member Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This Board is the agency of state government with statutory authority to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.
Website
To better inform the public about collections and services, the library website was redesigned with input from a staff committee and funding from the Friends of the Library for a website designer. The new, streamlined, site is built on an easy-to-update content management system. Upgraded capabilities include generation of booklists, program registration and online donations.
Programs/Outreach
Library staff continued efforts to reach out to the community through a presentation to students attending a local vocational program, hosting of seminars for the Chamber of Commerce Business Forward program, collaboration with the Friends of the Drama, partnering with English at Large, orientation for the Arlington Historical Society, participation in the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Town, and letters to local organizations encouraging them to create displays at the library to promote their services. The English as a Second Language collection continued to be expanded with books, videos, CDs and audiotapes to assist speakers of several foreign languages in their efforts to master spoken English.
Library staff continued to meet monthly with the very energetic Young Adult Advisory Board who assisted with planning services and programs for middle and high school students. This group helped with the children’s/young adult book sale and with a Harry Potter Party for children.
Arlington residents enthusiastically participated in the fifth annual “Arlington Reads Together” program which promotes closer ties among community members through reading the same book and coming together at book discussions and other programs. The Pulitzer Prize winning classic To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee was enjoyed by the entire community and selected by Arlington High School as a mandatory title for sophomores. The Arlington Friends of the Drama offered a benefit performance of the play followed by an audience discussion and also performed selected scenes at the library. Several books discussions and a showing of the film were held at the library as well as discussions by the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Board of Library Trustees. The library also sponsored a poster contest at Arlington High School whereby students were invited to create posters around the themes of the book. The Community Read project was sponsored by the Board of Library Trustees, Friends of the Library and the Diversity Task Force of Vision 2020.
Participation in the library’s annual summer reading program for children, young adults and adults continued to increase.
SERVICES FOR ADULTS AND YOUNG ADULTS
Adults and young adults of middle and high school age utilized the services provided by the librarians in the Adult Services Department for school, work and personal life. The library continued to staff the Reference Desk whenever the library was open to the public and tried to provide two librarians whenever possible during busy hours. Twenty-four online databases were provided through the library’s participation in the Minuteman Library Network and the Metrowest Regional Library System with municipal funding for seventeen others. With the public workstations in almost constant use, the staff assisted patrons in the use of the Internet and electronic databases and with computer troubleshooting. The library recorded 82,592 visits to its web site.
Staff created book and audiovisual displays to highlight the collections and assist citizens in their pursuit of life-long learning. A summer reading club for adults and young adults was again offered with a raffle for gift certificates funded by the Friends of the Library. Many local organizations also took advantage of the library’s exhibit space in the lobby to publicize their organizations and to present informational displays. Several Arlington artists and photographers exhibited their works in the Reading Room.
Adult Services staff selected materials to increase the English Language Learning collection and actively promoted these as well as expanding the Chinese language collection. The “Speed Read” collection continued to be popular as citizens had the opportunity to browse this small collection of new and popular materials for which there was a significant demand.
Young adults in grades six through twelve continued to make use of the facility and services. The Reference Desk staff assisted students with class assignments and bibliographic instruction and offered orientation to classes from the Ottoson Middle School. Young adults enjoyed several programs planned by library staff and the Young Adult Advisory Committee including Chinese brush painting, comic book workshop, African drumming and an author visit. Library staff visited the Ottoson Middle School to present a book talk that was very popular with students. Young adults also participated in the National Poetry Month celebration with an open mike event at which teens read their original poems. Artwork from Arlington High School was displayed in the Young Adult area of the library throughout the year. Teenagers participated in the summer reading program and had the opportunity to win raffle prizes funded by trust funds and local businesses. Multiple copies of titles on the middle and high school summer reading lists were available for students.
The Community Room and Conference Room were used by ninety-one local organizations for a total of 631 meetings. In addition, the two study rooms were in constant demand by students and tutors and the Local History Room received heavy usage by researchers with Independent Research Cards.
SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
Children from infancy to fifth grade enjoyed the materials and programs offered by the Children’s Department. Materials included books, magazines, books on tape, music and spoken word on cassette and CD, videocassettes, CD-ROMs, puppets and educational toys. Children and parents participated in 295 activities at the Robbins and Fox Libraries including storytimes in English and Spanish languages, sing-a-longs for infants and toddlers, craft times, craft fair with the Recreation Department, toddler programs, workshops and various performances. The Children’s Department participated in Poetry Month with open mike poetry readings and a poetry wall to display students’ writing and favorite poems. Over 1,000 children participated in the summer reading program with a theme of “Catch the Beat.” Funding from the trust funds, Friends of the Library and local businesses enabled children who participated to choose a free book to keep and to win small prizes. The children’s librarians offered assistance to children, parents and teachers in researching homework assignments and for general use of the book collection and the Internet. The public continued to request the very popular graded and subject booklists that are updated annually by library staff and several new booklists were prepared. The library continued to prepare “Quick Pick” boxes with thematic picture books to assist parents who do not have time to browse the shelves.
The library is very fortunate to have the Anne A. Russell Children’s Educational and Cultural Enrichment Fund which sponsors many special programs for children that could not be afforded through the municipal budget. In 2007 these included storytellers, Arlington Philharmonic Concert, animal program, celebration of authors’ birthdays, Chinese Folk tales, art experience for young children, science program, knitting, pirate-themed theatre arts, Teosinte celebration, babysitting workshop, crafts, picnic concerts, outdoor theatre, musical instrument making, poetry workshops, Greek myths, international and strategy games. Over 700 children and adults attended a picnic concert on the grounds of the library during the summer. The Russell Fund also finances the very popular infant-toddler sing-a-longs. The fund continued to provide kindergarten packets to children to introduce them to the library and baby bundle packets to new parents with information on library services for infants and toddlers. The library introduced several sessions of a “Baby Brunch” to welcome parents and infants to the Robbins and Fox Libraries. The public and school libraries continued their cooperative efforts, although the lack of elementary school librarians continues to negatively impact this partnership. The public library maintained collaboration with the schools through letters to teachers, attendance at elementary school faculty meetings, assignment support for teachers and students, extended loan periods for teachers, library tours, and preparation of curriculum kits. The children’s librarians at the Robbins and Fox presented book talks in the schools and instruction for classes at the library. As in previous years, the library considered the needs of the curriculum frameworks when selecting materials for purchase.
EDITH FOX LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER
Children and adults in East Arlington continued to enjoy branch library services three days a week. Children and parents enjoyed daytime and pajama story times, lap-sit programs, sing-a-longs, craft programs, a Chinese New Year party, Baby Brunch, adult book club, the summer reading program, ghost stories, and a “Teachers are Reading book discussion. Elementary and nursery schools brought classes to the library for stories and instruction. All ages enjoyed the monthly book displays that highlighted the collection and exhibits from community groups and the schools. A highlight of the year was the painting of colorful murals by Arlington High School students on the windows of the building.
BEHIND THE SCENES
Library staff worked diligently to offer quality services to the community. The number of items borrowed for library patrons from other libraries and loaned to other libraries for their patrons continued to increase. Despite the fact that the public can request items electronically, the staff must still locate the materials and process them for loan and return. The Adult Services and Technical Services Departments selected, ordered, cataloged and processed 15,742 new items including books, magazines, music compact discs, books on CD, DVDs, CD-ROMs, puppets and educational toys. The Circulation Department checked out and returned 515,309 items to the shelves. The Adult Services Department continued to order various tax forms and serve as a distribution center to assist patrons in filing their state and federal income taxes. Library administration maintained all state mandated standards to receive $56,967 in a state aid grant that was used for participation in the Minuteman Library Network and to purchase library materials. The library collected $65,821 in overdue fines and lost book money that was returned to the general town fund. Library administration coordinated several large projects: re-location of the collections, installation of new carpeting, publicity for promoting the Reading Room as a function site, and the installation of security cameras to better protect citizens, collections and the facility. Library administration and branch staff worked with the Fox Revenue Study Committee to identify ways to raise revenue to make the Fox Library as self-sustaining as possible by 2011. The Adult Services Department successfully submitted a federal grant application to provide resources and programs for English as Second Language learners. Arlington organizations were encouraged to submit information to the Minuteman Library Network’s Community Information Database. All staff participated in a workshop on how to better serve customers with disabilities. Library staff prepared the monthly children’s newsletter and the quarterly newsletter for adults to keep the public aware of services available to them. A staff committee participated in a re-design of the web site. Other staff activities included selecting, weeding and updating the collection, responding to local history questions of which many were from out -of- state patrons, updating the periodical list, creating a computer use brochure, shifting collections, creating booklists and displays, scheduling the meeting rooms, purchase and processing of the rental book collection, attendance at a Digital Commonwealth Conference, and processing books that need re-binding. The library participated in the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the Town with programs, hanging of banners, research assistance, lending of historical photographs for the Bicentennial gala, an historical booklist and displays.
The library attempted to meet patron demands for new audiovisual materials. The Friends of the Library’s DVD rental collection continued to prove very successful and the proceeds from the rentals will allow for the further expansion of the collection.
Several technology projects were completed this year: the upgrading of the public computers in the Reference Room and the re-location of the public computer work-stations in the Reference Room for better access. In coordination with the Minuteman Library Network several new features were added to the MLN webpage including a new automated catalog and the ability to pay fines electronically. An upgrade of a MLN server is scheduled for January 2008 to address response time issues.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The seven member Board of Trustees continued its commitment to sponsor a twice-yearly authors program, administer the trust funds for the optimum benefit of the community, raise private funds to augment the municipal budget and advocate for adequate staffing and delivery of essential library services. The Board approved funding in FY07 for reference and circulating books, books on CD, music CDs, DVD non-fiction, literacy materials, local history, art prints, children’s materials, young adult books, materials for the Fox Branch, summer reading programs, activities for children, Community Read, author program, public relations, volunteer appreciation and staff development. Four author programs featured Alice Hoffman, Dan Shaughnessy, William Martin and Claire Cook. The third annual Arlington Authors panel was well received and will be held again next year. A program on the historic connections between Boston, Massachusetts Bay and Boston, Lincolnshire, England in the 17th century was presented by a local historian. The Board conducted a mail solicitation of individuals and businesses to raise funds for the collections. Board members also participated in Town Day by staffing a table providing information on library activities and resources.
The Board also sponsored the first Margaret Spengler Memorial Lecture to honor her fifty plus years of volunteer service to the town as a member of several governmental boards including library trustees and her contributions to numerous organizations serving youth, education and diversity. The lecture featured Jeanne Shaheen, former governor of New Hampshire. Susan Cronin Ruderman who served as a trustee since 1998 resigned. The Board is grateful to her for her leadership and expertise with the fundraising effort. The Town Manager selected Kathryn Gandek-Tighe to replace her.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
The Friends of the Robbins Library added 81 members this year, for a total membership of 486. Increasing membership will again be a goal for the upcoming year. This support group raises supplemental funds for materials and equipment at the Robbins and Fox libraries not provided through the municipal budget. They also sponsor the family museum pass program. April was a busy month for Friends’ activities, beginning with the first annual Children’s/Young Adult book sale, co-sponsored by the Russell Fund, with able assistance from members of the library’s newly formed Youth Advisory Board. April concluded with the Friends’ annual meeting, highlighted by a fascinating and enthusiastic talk/slide presentation by Richard Duffy on the history of the Arlington libraries. Even long-time employees and residents learned some new things and enjoyed the trip down “memory lane”. Despite the extreme heat on Town Day, book lovers came out in droves to patronize the Friends’ book sale. Many visitors also regularly peruse and make purchases from the ongoing book sale on the fourth floor of the library. The rental DVD collection has many users and a new, convenient location on the first floor. The Friends partnered with the Arlington Friends of the Drama on two occasions. A spring benefit performance of “Carousel” served as the Friends’ major fundraiser. Then, in October, the AFD presented “To Kill a Mockingbird”, the library’s Community Read book selection. The actors treated the near sell-out crowd to an audience participation discussion after the show as well as a separate program of scenes/discussion in the library’s community room. Just in time for Halloween, the Friends welcomed storytellers Diane Edgecomb and Kate Chadbourne who presented a wonderful “adults only” program of supernatural tales, slides and music to a large group. In November, Leith Colen, editor of the “Book Bag” talked to a small, but enthusiastic audience about becoming a late-in-life avid reader. Amy McElroy continues to capably coordinate all activities of the Friends of the Library.
VOLUNTEERS
The library staff is grateful for the contributions made by volunteers who donated over 2,800 hours assisting with several aspects of library operations. Bill Bradley and Margarida Mapletoft continued their dedicated service, as did Beverly Brinkerhoff, who coordinates the homebound delivery program. This program brings library materials and companionship to residents who are unable to come to the library. A fledgling group of volunteers staffed the library “greeter” table. A huge volunteer effort took place during the summer. The installation of new carpeting and an extensive re-organization of the library collections made it necessary to move over 100,000 volumes to new shelf locations. Volunteers assisting at the Robbins Library in a variety of capacities were: Diane Alexandre, Swati Bhattacharya, Monika Brodsky, Joan Caterino, Caley Chastell, David Gersh, Mary Grynkiewicz, Catherine Grynkiewicz, Kim Haase, Carol Hoover, Reena Idiculla, Shibani Joshi, Morris Keesan, Aparna Khanna, Susan Leonard, Page Lindsay, Ami Malia, Kentaro Marchionni, Leslie Medoff, Debbie Minns, Stephanie Norton, Akila Padmanabhan, Dave Pienta, Asha Rao, Nancy Rodriquez, Brigitte Romeo, Leon Sasky, Paulette Schwartz, Ron Sender, Ellen Shearer, I-Hwa Shiue, Angie Snelling, Mia Stange, Betty Veinot, Barbara Wagner, Marjorie Wills, Shannetta Young and Jayne Zaccagnini. The Fox Branch Library staff is appreciative of the efforts of its volunteers, Joe Cook, Michel Jackson and Joanne Burns. .
DONATIONS
Citizens, businesses and organizations donated over $35,900 to the library in Fiscal 2007. The library acknowledges with appreciation these gifts which allow for the purchase of books and audiovisual materials which could not be afforded through the municipal budget. As in previous years the programs and services of the Anne A. Russell Educational and Cultural Enrichment Fund have enriched the community. The library is also grateful to Arlington resident Richard Duffy who continued to donate the profits from the sale of his book, “Arlington Then and Now” to the library. The state legislature passed legislation in 2006 for a program that allowed a $0.50 match on every eligible dollar raised by public libraries; however it only appropriated $250,000 for FY2007 to be distributed among the qualifying libraries.
The library is also grateful to the Chamber of Commerce-Taste of Arlington, the Arlington Family Connection and the Arlington Schools Foundation for making the library a recipient of their fundraising efforts.
The Friends of the Library donated $53,882 to the library for membership to five museums, reference books, books on CD, DVDs, children’s books, local history, multicultural, materials for the Fox branch, web site design, Community Read, raffle prizes for summer reading program and other supplementary materials.
LOOKING AHEAD
As in previous years the library will continue to face the challenge of providing quality library services within the context of limited municipal resources. It will not be possible to restore services including Thursday morning and Sunday hours that were cut back due to reductions in the municipal budget in fiscal 2004. A recent study that compared Arlington’s municipal appropriation per capita to nine other libraries in the Minuteman Library Network ranked Arlington ninth out of ten. This limited funding will impact the library’s ability to maintain and expand its book and audiovisual collection, keep pace with technology and introduce new media.
Library administration and the Board of Trustees will continue fundraising efforts to solicit private funding for materials and services not afforded through the municipal budget. An analysis of funding from trusts, donations and the Friends of the Library shows that these funds have increased 110% since Fiscal 2003. The library will maintain its commitment to high quality children’s services through the financial support of the Anne A. Russell Children’s Educational and Cultural Enrichment Fund.
Future activities include:
- initial preparation for a long-range plan for library services for FY2011-2013
- implementation of the marketing and promotional campaign formulated in FY2008 to insure that residents of the town are aware of all the services the library has to offer
- continued efforts to keep pace with technological improvements and to provide adequate staffing to assist patrons and manage electronic resources
- increased visibility for the fundraising campaign conducted by the Board of Library Trustees
- recruitment of additional members for the Youth Advisory Committee and expansion of efforts to obtain feedback and suggestions from the entire young adult community
- development of a survey to measure young adult satisfaction with library services
- continued efforts to expand and publicize library services and resources to English Language Learners
- exploration of ways to fulfill the library’s mission as a welcoming center to all residents including the foreign born and non-English speaking
- improved services to “boomers” and older adults
- expansion of the library’s role as a lifelong learning center
- funding to digitize historical materials in the Local History Room to improve access
- exploration of instant messaging for reference service
- improved access to library collections through better lighting, signage and the creation of themed areas
- continued review of options to generate revenue for library services at the Fox Branch
Library administration, staff and the Board of Trustees remain committed to maintaining high standards of service so that the library will fulfill its mission to be a vital community resource that assists residents in leading satisfying lives.