5.7 LIBSR 07-23-2019GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY - Exolore. Learn. Connect.
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To: Elk River Library Board
CC: Robbie Schake, LSC
From: Brandi Canter, Lead Patron Services Supervisor
Date: July 11, 2019
GRRL Efforts to Retain and Increase Borrowers
GRRL's administrative Leadership Support Team (LST) has been talking a lot lately about the recommendations
made by the Borrower Workgroup. We are expanding our social media presence and evaluating use of press
releases and other media outreach as well as potential advertising venues.
We've been working on removing barriers by building accessibility through written materials — both printed
and online. We're in the process of securing translations for many of our primary handouts and information
materials for patrons as well as working on accessibility for our website.
The Collection Development and Patron Services Departments have been working together to find ways to
help patrons find new bestsellers and other high-value items on the shelves in their library. One idea is to have
a limited number of items purchased through local funds that would not be eligible for requests from other
branches. We're planning to pilot this idea in a couple of libraries to learn how it might work.
Our Communications and Development Department has begun sending out welcome emails to new card
holders — four emails over five weeks to those who opt -in to receive information from us. These emails have
an average 'open rate' over 40%, which is excellent. Recipients learn about regional programs, services, and
how to do things like place holds for items.
Of course, the new move to fines -free for juvenile and young adult items is all about removing barriers and
making it easier for families to enjoy the library.
Finally, LST is in the process of updating GRRL's Library Development Plan, and through that we are discussing
ways we can reach out to and add alternative services for some of our 'in between' communities.
Marcile Carlson Gift to Elk River
At the May Elk River Library Board meeting you also asked for more information about the planned gift for
GRRL— Elk River. We do have permission to disclose the donor's name: Marcile Carlson. Ms. Carlson left GRRL
the gift with the intention that it be spread over 20 years, therefore through the annuitization of the funds Elk
River library will receive approximately $12,000 per year.
The GRRL Communications & Development and Accounting departments are in the process of finalizing the
paperwork. We'll be working with local and regional staff to make the most of these funds, with plans to
spend the dollars in areas of collection, programs and promotion.
GREAT MM RE('dON&
LIBRARY