5.6. LIBSR 03-28-2017 So
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Patton Services Supervisor ' 611
To: Elk River Library Board
CC: Robbie Schake, LSC
From: Brandi Canter,Lead Patron Services Supervisor
Date: March 20,2017
Elk River Info
Welcome Robbie!!
We're so excited to have Robbie Schake join GRRL and start in Elk River. Robbie has a background in
both HR and preschool teaching—a breadth of experience that should come together well as a Library
Service Coordinator.
I'll be keeping Robbie very occupied for her first couple of weeks on the job, meaning her time on-desk
to meet the community will be necessarily limited. In addition to an all-day orientation in St. Cloud, I'll
be sending her to Buffalo, St. Michael and Monticello to shadow other LSCs. We also have interviews
for two aide and one assistant positions. However, I hope to have Robbie able to settle into a more
regular schedule as soon as possible.
City Budget for Library
Last month I met with Cal at the City office to talk about the Library budget for the City.We had a very
productive meeting,and Cal clarified for me some of the process pieces. First, it is helpful for the board
to have input on the budget and help identify areas that need more or less funding. Robbie will also be
communicating with Gary Lore,Tim Svecik and other City staff about the budget lines that their staff
use. I would also ask the board for direction on the City goals for the library and whether they need to
be changed or updated for 2018.
As a reminder,the goals and objectives for 2017:
1. Provide a welcoming, engaging environment.
a. Oversee physical maintenance of facility/grounds and promote access to a space for
community development.
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b. Anticipate scheduled replacements of building components/furnishings and include
foreseen costs in budget and CIP.
c. Sustain past and current beautification projects.
d. Promote safety on library grounds and building.
2. Focus on community education about grounds and building.
a. Promote best possible usage of all library resources by taking advantage of grounds and
building as the learning resources they are.
b. Promote community room use.
City Request to Expand Open Hours
The City of Elk River passed a resolution on February 21 stating that it would like the library to open at
10 a.m. Monday through Saturday and asking GRRL to calculate the cost of the additional open hours.
The Library Assessment Plan adopted by the GRRL Board of Trustees in 2016 creates a mechanism for
cities to provide the operating funds for additional open hours.
The proposal was sent to me on March 17. I forwarded it on to our Executive Director, Karen Pundsack,
and she and I will work on getting a response to the City.
Great Programming and Outreach Coming Up!
Will Hollerich, Deb Luken, and other Elk River staff have put together a great calendar of events
through the end of summer. The new adult book club is off to a great start, as local staff lead the group
every month.Storytimes have been well attended, including a new evening family story time.We
received a feedback form from the parent of a child who attended one of the City-sponsored
programs.This parent praised the Elk River programs, saying it was one of the best she'd every
attended!
Our new Acoustic Music Night(first Thursday of the month)was attended by half a dozen or so people,
and we've heard from other patrons who are excited for this new offering so we expect attendance to
grow. One local student participated for class credit! Music Nights are scheduled through August.
Drop in tech help is going very well—we had overflow at the last one,and our volunteer is booked
through the end of the month.
Staff went to Pullman Place Senior Living to talk with approximately 40 residents about the services
provided at the library. It was a great opportunity to talk about the digital collection,tech help, and
other programs they may not know about.We've already had some people get new cards and thank us
for the visit.
GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY-ONE LIBRARY 32 LOCATIONS
I will be meeting with Mayor Dietz,Cal Portner,and Michael Hecker on Wednesday, March 22 to
answer some of their questions about the City-Sponsored programs and thank them for the great
support that the City provides to GRRL.
Huge Shout-Out to Our Amazing Staff
The staff at Elk River have been amazing through this transition. In addition to Will's resignation,we
lost two other long-time staffers: Rose Bailey(aide)and Pam Wagman (assistant).This has added to
the challenge for the remaining staff, but they have been extraordinary to work with during this time.
In particular, Deb Luken,former LSC for Monticello and currently a library assistant substitute,finished
the summer program plans,found the subs needed for the open positions,and has generally been my
right hand during this time.
General GRRL Info
Color Copies and Printing
GRRL has started rolling out color copiers in select locations, including Elk River. We have a five-year
plan to set up color copiers in all locations. Color copies and prints cost$0.50 per printed side,while
black and white remains at$0.10. We're excited to be able to provide this service for our patrons, and
so far the response has been positive.
High Five Your Library
We are in the midst of our annual fund drive when we ask library supporters to give us a "High Five"
with a $5 donation. Half of the revenues raised stay local and provide funds for programming, display,
incentives, etc.The other half of the revenue supports collection and other operating costs for GRRL. If
you haven't yet made your donation (and received your bright green library supporter bracelet), please
give us a High Five before the end of the month.