Listening to your community (and responding)

I "like" several of NCLS member libraries on Facebook.  It's great to see what they post and how their patrons respond.  A few days ago I was scrolling through my feed and came across a status update from a particular library.  The Croghan Free Library posted that, in response to the community's request, they were extending their hours an extra 6 hours each week to include morning hours (which the library is currently lacking).  The request came as a result of a community-wide patron survey that library conducted several weeks prior. 

CFL is currently open the state required minimum of 20 hrs a week (based on their service population), which is basically all their modest budget allows.  The 30% increase in open hours represents an added cost to the library.  The library board didn't make the decision without considering this, so they are enacting the extra hours on a trial basis.  If the change needs to be made permanent, the Board will make sure they have the resources to do so.

Ultimately this is a great example of a library making a change in order to stay relevant in their community.  They library saw the need to be open more hours and isn't letting an added expense prohibit them from serving their community better.  Their community asked, and the library answered. 

Kudos to the staff and board of the Croghan Free Library for listening (and responding) to your community.

State aid for libraries - take action NOW!

Governor Cuomo's FY2016-17 Executive Budget has funding for libraries remaining flat at $91.6M.  We're asking for a 4.3% increase from last year's funding, which is the same percentage increase that he has proposed in the Education budget ($992M).  This increase would get NYS libraries closer to the full funding required by ED Law ($102.6M) which was last received in 2007.

Fill out this form to let your voice be heard.  (It takes about 30 seconds to do)

Check out the the full run-down of the NYLA's legislative priorities on their website.  The New York Library Association does an excellent job in lobbying on behalf of our libraries and letting us know what going on in Albany.  They also provide handy advocacy tools.

Permanent funding courtesy of your school ballot

It's the time of year again! Time where library board members gather their thoughts and decide if they are going to seek additional funding for their library by going out on the school ballot in the Spring.  Because this is one of the easiest ways to secure permanent additional funding (and Ed. Law says it's totally legit) I strongly encourage everyone to consider this option. 

Think of what your library could accomplish with the extra money.  Here are just a few of my favorite ideas:

• Replace a cut from another funding source
• Give your staff a well-deserved (and long overdue) raise!
• Pay for an additional annual expense (internet/computer upgrades, etc.)
• A really awesome new program for your patrons (that you plan to keep doing)

If I've convinced you and you're ready to do this (or if you are still on the fence) check out the School Ballot Kit on the NCLS Website.  It details the process and has a timeline for all the steps involved (don't worry - it's not a complicated process).

P.S.  If your library board hasn't had a school ballot discussion - they need to start talking!  Just let me know and I will be more than happy to help get the ball rolling.