Due to proposed budget cuts, the Library will be reducing hours and services beginning July 2009. To help us plan for the future, the Library is currently conducting two surveys. We would greatly appreciate your input on the following two issues:
1) Library Hours. Hours will be reduced from 31 hours to 20 or 24 hours per week. Currently the Library is open Tuesday through Saturday. If hours are reduced, the Library will be open only four days a week. When do you use the Library? When would you like to use the Library?
2) Interlibrary Loan (ILL). This service allows our cardholders to borrow books or receive photocopies of documents that we do not own, from other libraries. Currently, for a $1 fee, a cardholder may request an item at the Reference Desk. Our staff identifes owners of the desired item, places the request, receives the item, makes it available to the cardholder, and arranges for its return. Although books and journal articles are the most frequently requested items, we have also made ILL requests for audio recordings, sheet music, and microforms.
Survey forms may be picked up at the Library. Or go to our website and download the Surveys. Or just click here: InterLibrary Loan Survey • Library Hours Survey. (Please note: Surveys must be printed, filled out, and returned to the Library. At this time, they cannot be completed online.)
Thank you for helping us plan for the future.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Library Budget Cut - Again
Pacific Grove's Recommended Budget for FY 2009-2010 has been released. For the third consecutive year, the Library's budget has been substantially reduced.
As summarized on page 89 of the Recommended Budget:
As summarized on page 89 of the Recommended Budget:
- FY 2006/07 $1,080,361
- FY 2007/08 $ 994,976 (Staffing: FTE 15.25)
- FY 2008/09 $ 696,810 (Staffing: FTE 7.50)
- FY 2009/10 $ 610,389 (Staffing: FTE 6.50)
Reductions in Library services, caused by these cuts, will include:
- Operating hours reduced from 31 hours to 20-24 hours per week. (A 22-35 percent reduction.)
- Library open only four days per week.
- Elimination of one full-time position.
- Reduction in part-time staffing, including the elimination of the recently approved Librarian I position.
- Increased fines for overdue books.
- Increased fees for Interlibrary Loan.
- Elimination of one or two storytimes per week.
- Reduced coverage at the Children's and Adult Reference Desks.
- Reduced funds for books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. (The Friends of the Library donation will be used for operating costs rather than for new books and materials.)
- Fewer online databases. (The online World Book Encyclopedia, Oxford English Dictionary, and Litfinder database have already been cut for next year.)
- Inability to implement objectives outlined in the Library Services Study, (commonly referred to as "The Strategic Plan").
On Wednesday, May 20th, the City Council will hold a public hearing, as well as introduce and hold a first reading of an ordinance to approve the recommended budget for FY 2009/10. This is an opportunity to share your comments, requests, needs, ideas, and insight with your elected representatives. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. We encourage you to be there to support YOUR Library.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Meet the Author: Michael Katakis
Michael Katakis, acclaimed photographer, author, and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, will be speaking at the Pacific Grove Public Library Thursday, May 21st, at 7 p.m.
It promises to be a fascinating evening, as Mr. Katakis shares excerpts from his most recent publication: Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile.
For more than thirty years, Katakis has been traveling around the world, writing about and photographing a wide range of countries and cultures. As a photographer he is noted as one "who gets right to the soul of his subjects." And as an author, "in both his letters and in his journal, Michael has the infectious ability to sense the essence of a place and transmit it to the reader." The entries in Traveller are much more than travel guides. "They are personal, like letters from the most desirable sort of friend. "
Please join us for the third lecture of our Meet the Author series, sponsored by the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library. Mr. Katakis will read excerpts from Traveller, answer questions, and sign books. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.
It promises to be a fascinating evening, as Mr. Katakis shares excerpts from his most recent publication: Traveller: Observations from an American in Exile.
For more than thirty years, Katakis has been traveling around the world, writing about and photographing a wide range of countries and cultures. As a photographer he is noted as one "who gets right to the soul of his subjects." And as an author, "in both his letters and in his journal, Michael has the infectious ability to sense the essence of a place and transmit it to the reader." The entries in Traveller are much more than travel guides. "They are personal, like letters from the most desirable sort of friend. "
Please join us for the third lecture of our Meet the Author series, sponsored by the Friends of the Pacific Grove Public Library. Mr. Katakis will read excerpts from Traveller, answer questions, and sign books. The doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 2009
"Informing, Educating, and Enriching the Community Since 1886"
Go to the City's website, click on Library, and this is what you read: "Informing, Educating, and Enriching the Community Since 1886."
The City and the Library share an amazing legacy. For 123 years, the citizens of Pacific Grove have had a commitment to enrich the community through its Library.
This commitment remains strong. Recent surveys and elections have confirmed that the public is in favor of dedicating funding to operate the Library.
In response, the Library's Advisory Board, Staff, and Friends have demonstrated their dedication to Pacific Grove through maintaining programs and services, investing in strategic planning, and sponsoring special events.
A 123 year commitment is something to be honored. Together we can get through these challenging times. With your continued support, the Library will continue to inform, educate, and enrich the Community. Because that's what libraries do.
The City and the Library share an amazing legacy. For 123 years, the citizens of Pacific Grove have had a commitment to enrich the community through its Library.
This commitment remains strong. Recent surveys and elections have confirmed that the public is in favor of dedicating funding to operate the Library.
In response, the Library's Advisory Board, Staff, and Friends have demonstrated their dedication to Pacific Grove through maintaining programs and services, investing in strategic planning, and sponsoring special events.
A 123 year commitment is something to be honored. Together we can get through these challenging times. With your continued support, the Library will continue to inform, educate, and enrich the Community. Because that's what libraries do.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A New Face at the Reference Desk
There's someone new sitting behind the Reference Desk. Her name is Ashlee Wright, and she is ready, willing and able to assist you.
Although Ashlee is a new to the Reference Department, she is not new to PGPL. She began working here two years ago, first as a Shelver, and then as a Library Assistant. She recently received her Masters Degree in Library & Information Science from the University of Washington.
Ashlee is filling the position approved in February, by the City Council. This position will allow us to staff the Reference Desk whenever the library is open, as well as increase staffing in the Children’s Department on Saturdays.
We're delighted to welcome Ashlee to the Reference staff. Please stop by and introduce yourself. And if you have any reference questions, be sure to ask!
Although Ashlee is a new to the Reference Department, she is not new to PGPL. She began working here two years ago, first as a Shelver, and then as a Library Assistant. She recently received her Masters Degree in Library & Information Science from the University of Washington.
Ashlee is filling the position approved in February, by the City Council. This position will allow us to staff the Reference Desk whenever the library is open, as well as increase staffing in the Children’s Department on Saturdays.
We're delighted to welcome Ashlee to the Reference staff. Please stop by and introduce yourself. And if you have any reference questions, be sure to ask!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Read-a-thon Raises $13,000!
Everyone who entered the Library on May 2nd noticed something magical was happening. Children were nestled in chairs, sprawled on the floor, leaning against book shelves, quietly and intently reading.
It was the 2nd Annual Read-a-thon. From noon until midnight, kids read books of their own choosing to raise money for children's books and programs.
Over 140 children signed up to take turns reading in the 14 chairs that were sponsored by local businesses, families and friends. And every minute a chair was occupied, they earned a dollar for the Library.
One child read 11 hours. A few young girls read 600 minutes each. And several readers logged in over 300 minutes before the gong sounded at midnight.
In only two years, the Read-a-thon has established itself as the event at the Library. It's enormously popular, by readers of all ages, and exemplifies what we can do when we all work together.
The Read-a-thon was conceived and orchestrated by Linda Bailey and her daughter, Mei. Pledges were made by more than 100 individuals and businesses. Additional donations were received throughout the day from PG patrons. Local teachers and performers stopped by to tell stories, sing songs, and dazzle the children with decorative face-painting. And Library Staff kept readers fueled with books, more books, snacks, and water.
It was definitely a night to remember. And some children are already asking, "When can we do it again?"
It was the 2nd Annual Read-a-thon. From noon until midnight, kids read books of their own choosing to raise money for children's books and programs.
Over 140 children signed up to take turns reading in the 14 chairs that were sponsored by local businesses, families and friends. And every minute a chair was occupied, they earned a dollar for the Library.
One child read 11 hours. A few young girls read 600 minutes each. And several readers logged in over 300 minutes before the gong sounded at midnight.
In only two years, the Read-a-thon has established itself as the event at the Library. It's enormously popular, by readers of all ages, and exemplifies what we can do when we all work together.
The Read-a-thon was conceived and orchestrated by Linda Bailey and her daughter, Mei. Pledges were made by more than 100 individuals and businesses. Additional donations were received throughout the day from PG patrons. Local teachers and performers stopped by to tell stories, sing songs, and dazzle the children with decorative face-painting. And Library Staff kept readers fueled with books, more books, snacks, and water.
It was definitely a night to remember. And some children are already asking, "When can we do it again?"
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Library Blog Resumes
It has been almost a year since the last post in the Library's Blog . The lack of activity has not been due to a lack of noteworthy news and events. It was a direct result of the reduction in Library hours and staffing that began last July.
It has been a challenging year. Even though we've been open fewer hours, the Library has welcomed as many visitors as the previous year. Almost as many books have been checked out. And more questions have been asked at our public service desks.
As noted repeatedly in national news, during an economic downturn, people turn to their local libraries. They come for information, a recommended book, DVDs, storytime.... They come to write a resume, to read the latest issue of their favorite magazine, to logon to the Internet. Sometimes they come to meet a friend, or to study in quiet surroundings. Othertimes they come because it's a safe place with a friendly helpful staff. They come because they can find what they want, and get what they need. Whether we open at 10 am or noon, people are lined up outside, every day, waiting to get into the Library. It's happening on the East Coast. It's happening in the Midwest. It's happening in Pacific Grove.
Business is booming at the Library. But for the third consecutive year, the Library is facing major budget cuts.
Iimportant decisions will be made during the next few weeks that affect every library patron. We thought you would like to know since it is YOUR Library. And so the Library Blog resumes......
It has been a challenging year. Even though we've been open fewer hours, the Library has welcomed as many visitors as the previous year. Almost as many books have been checked out. And more questions have been asked at our public service desks.
As noted repeatedly in national news, during an economic downturn, people turn to their local libraries. They come for information, a recommended book, DVDs, storytime.... They come to write a resume, to read the latest issue of their favorite magazine, to logon to the Internet. Sometimes they come to meet a friend, or to study in quiet surroundings. Othertimes they come because it's a safe place with a friendly helpful staff. They come because they can find what they want, and get what they need. Whether we open at 10 am or noon, people are lined up outside, every day, waiting to get into the Library. It's happening on the East Coast. It's happening in the Midwest. It's happening in Pacific Grove.
Business is booming at the Library. But for the third consecutive year, the Library is facing major budget cuts.
Iimportant decisions will be made during the next few weeks that affect every library patron. We thought you would like to know since it is YOUR Library. And so the Library Blog resumes......
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