Press Alt + R to read the document text or Alt + P to download or print.
This document contains no pages.
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-15 - Agendas - FinalFAYETTEVILLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
Beyond Words
Lorraine Brewer, President
Beverly Schaffer, Vice -President
Elizabeth Jordan, Treasurer
Board of Trustees
February 15, 2010 4 pm
Regular Meeting
AGENDA
Ann Henry Board Room
Mike Malone, Secretary
Suzanne Clark
I. Call to order
II. Minutes
A. Approval of minutes
1. January 18, 2010 regular meeting — page 2-3
B. Signed minutes
1. October 19, 2009 regular meeting — page 4
Dan Ferritor
Marla Hunt
III. Reports
A. Management reports
1. December -January strategic plan progress — page 5-6
2. January 2010 performance measures — page 7
3. Chart of the meeting: City Quarterly Report — page 8-12
B. Financial reports
1. January 2010 budget comparison — page 13
2. January 2010 balance sheet — page 14-15
3. January 2010 profit and loss — page 16-17
IV. Unfinished business
A. Teen area expansion plans — page 18-19
V. New business
A. Staff presentation: Expanding Access: Text -a -Librarian & Library2Go: M. Raine
B. Staff presentation: NEH Challenge Grant Status Report: S. Foley
VI. Adjournment
VII. Executive session
VIII. Attachments
A. Key upcoming events
B. Projected 2010 meeting agendas
C. Director Survey Response
D. Assorted "Thank You" notes
E. "Kirkus Reviews R.I.P."
F. "Library System Proposes Service Cuts, Cites Tax Ruling"
G. Assorted FPL press
H. "Libraries: How They Stack Up"
Fayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
January 18, 2010
Minutes
Prepared by S. Terry, Communications Manager
Board Members present: L. Brewer, S. Clark, D. Ferritor, M. Malone, B. Schaffer. Absent: M. Hunt and E.
Jordan. Staff present: S. Foley, M. Raine, C. Rew, S. Terry and S. Thorup. Press: S. Descant, Northwest
Arkansas Times.
I. The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m. by L. Brewer.
II. Approval of minutes. S. Clark made a motion to approve minutes from the October 19
meeting. All voted aye.
III. Reports. A.) Management reports — S. Thorup announced that M. Raine is serving as interim
Director of Operations until a full time person is hired. M. Raine announced the Text -a -Librarian
service, which allows patrons to text questions from their cell phones. The texts will be answered
by librarians. Raine also said the library has added 10 laptops for home check out. Raine said the
library will switch from NetLibrary to Overdrive in February, which will make it easier to download
audiobooks. Raine noted the library is kicking off the 41h annual Cover to Cover Reading Festival
on February 6. S. Foley said the library has recently added "Donate Now" buttons to the website
as well as a feature that allows people to join Friends of the Library online. Foley said the
Foundation mailed out its first fundraising piece in fall 2009, which raised a significant amount of
money. The first fundraising piece of 2010 will be mailed February 25. Foley said the Wal-Mart
Foundation, the Walker Foundation and the Care Foundation have all recently made donations to
the library to fund programming. Foley said the library has met the NEH Challenge Grant of
$435,000 that is due January 31, 2010. Performance Measures — S. Thorup noted that the
library checked out more than 1 million items in 2009 for the second year in a row. Thorup said
the 68 percent of check outs in December were done with the self check machines — the highest
number recorded. Also, cardholders were up more than 10 percent in 2009. The library is at the
highest number of cardholders it has ever had. Thorup also noted the held item service increased
almost 19 percent in 2009. B.) Financial Report — C. Rew said the executive director typically
moves funds around in December if they have not been expended. Rew said 46 percent of the
year end expenditures were for materials in 2009.
IV. Unfinished Business. A.) Space Study Report Memo — S. Thorup noted that the study was
initiated last year to address crowding in the Young Adult section. The building's original architect
Jeff Scherer with Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle was hired to do an overall building study. M.
Raine mentioned that the space study pointed to several areas that need to be addressed,
including enlarging the computer lab, making the service desks more customer -friendly and
creating a more appealing entrance from the parking garage. The main reason for the study was
to address crowding in the teen area. Raine said the teen collection continues to grow. Teens
need space to collaborate more effectively, to access technology and to house books — their
interest in reading is growing. Thorup suggested hiring MS&R to create a detailed plan for
enlarging the teen area, which is proposed to be moved to the first floor ellipse area. Moving the
Young Adult section would create a vacancy on the second floor and displace a portion of the
media / magazine section on the first floor. Thorup asked for permission to hire MS&R to develop
plans for how to rearrange the space. Money for the space study could come from The Dr. and
Mrs. Harry C. Otwell Fund, this fund was received from the Dr. and Mrs. Harry C. Otwell estate in
1997, with no expenditures made from it to date, approximately $250,000 is currently available for
expenditure. When plans for rearranging the building are ready, they would be brought to the
board and the public. This item was tabled until the next Board meeting.
V. New business. A.) 2010 Objectives — S. Thorup said the 2010 objectives were created through a
manager -led SWOT analysis with the entire staff. Thorup said her focus is improving the
collections and increasing material per capita spending for collections. Thorup also emphasized
creating more original content for the library's website and progress toward sustainable funding
via the NEH Challenge Grant. B.) 2010 Budget Approval: C. Rew said city sales tax has been
down and the City Council has voted to freeze wages, which both effect FPL. Funding for salaries
largely remained the same. The items that increased in 2010 budget were utilities and
preventative maintenance. Rew said she has concerns about the state aid amount and the city
sales tax numbers and continues to monitor those. M. Malone moved to approve. All voted
aye. C.) Policy Revision: JC: 2010 Closed Days — M. Raine said the library would like to close
Presidents' Day, Monday, February 15 for staff training, including departmental goal setting and a
speaker to talk to the entire staff. The library also requested closing early at 4 pm on Tuesday,
April 20 to set up for the author Sapphire's talk, which will begin at 7 pm in the media / magazine
section. D. Ferritor moved to approve. All voted aye. D.) 2009-2010 Budget Roll Forward: C.
Rew requested to roll forward $52,623 for purchases made, but not received in 2009 and $65,360
for the solar test bed grant that was not expended in 2009. S. Clark moved to approve. All
voted aye. E.) Additions to Designated Funds for End of Year 2009: C. Rew requested
moving $60,011 from 2009 budget into the Building Designated Fund. M. Malone moved to
approve. All voted aye. F.) Staff presentation: Reading Roadshow's Books for Borrowing
by L. Greenwood & C. Walsh. This expansion of an existing outreach program was created
through a Community Development Block Grant. "Books for Borrowing" puts lending libraries in
each of the four Head Start Centers in Fayetteville. Greenwood announced the library just
received $3,000 from the American Library Association to expand the program to Children's
House. The grant pays for a book shelf and books to be housed at each center. Program teaches
students the basics of the lending library concept.
VI. Adjournment: B. Schaffer moved to adjourn. All voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
VII. Executive Session: D. Ferritor moved to go into executive session at 5:19 p.m. The board
came out of executive session at 5:45 p.m. No action was taken. D. Ferritor moved to adjourn.
All voted aye.
Fayetteville Public Library
Board of Trustees Regular Meeting
October 19, 2009
Minutes
Prepared by S. Daniel, Office Manager
Board Members present: L. Brewer, D. Ferritor, M. Hunt, E. Jordan, M. Malone. Staff present: S. Daniel, S. Foley, C. Rew, L.
Schaper, and S. Thorup. Press: S. Descant, The Morning News and Robin Mero, Northwest Arkansas Times.
The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:09 p.m. by L. Brewer.
II. Approval of minutes. M. Hunt moved to approve minutes from the August 17 meeting. E. Jordan seconded.
All voted aye. M. Hunt moved to approve minutes from the September 21 special meeting. E. Jordan
seconded. All voted aye. E. Jordan moved to approve minutes from the special meetings at which no action
was taken. M. Hunt seconded. All voted aye.
III. Reports. A.) Management Reports - L. Schaper reported that a stool designed by Edward D. Stone is on display in
the fireplace room. Larry Foley will begin working on a film about John Lewis. S. Thorup reported lending libraries
were installed in Fayetteville Head Start Centers thanks to a CDBG. FPL partnered with Crystal Bridges in a well -
attended display. Susan Foley reported in-kind support from a number of businesses. The Friends of FPL will be the
lead donor to the NEH ($125,000). The Development Office has been soliciting NEH donations in FPL newsletters (to
date, about $3000). We are within $98,000 of reaching the NEH goal for 01/10. Performance Measures - S.
Thorup said circ is climbing about 4% monthly, cardholders and holds have increased 11% and 22% respectively
over last year, and about 5000 held items are processed every month. B.) Financial Report - C. Rew reported that
we are in the same place we usually are in at the end of the year with respect to year end money. C.) Art
Committee Report - E. Jordan reported the committee approved a watercolor show by 105 year old Myrtle Laabs.
IV. Unfinished Business.
A.) Space Study Status - S. Thorup anticipates it will be ready for the next board meeting.
V. New business.
A.) December Board Meeting: Due to the holidays, the meeting will be moved to January 4, 2010.
B.) Disposal of Unused Items: M. Malone moved to approve the staff recommendation:
• That the staff be permitted to sell, according to City requirements, any old computers, servers and
related hardware; any file cabinets or assorted furniture (with the exception of the Knoll and
Herman Miller pieces below) from the old library and any replaced light fixtures from Blair Library.
• That the staff may donate the locking cases and book display tables to other public libraries.
• That the Knoll Bertoia ottomans and Herman Miller Nelson bench be retained in use and that the
Knoll couches and coffee tables be retained until vintage furniture demand returns and expansion
plans for the teen area are determined.
• That the staff research the value and then sell the broken Bertoia chairs and the Herman Miller
molded chairs in accordance with City requirements.
M. Hunt seconded. M. Hunt moved to amend the motion so that any items with minimal value can be donated,
still according to city requirements, to nonprofit organizations. D. Ferritor seconded. All voted aye. All voted aye
on the amended motion.
C.) Policy Revisions; JC 2010 Closed Days. Staff requested additional closed hours due to the timing of certain
holidays and the need for building maintenance. D. Ferritor moved to approve the recommendation; M. Malone
seconded. All voted aye.
D.) New Strategic Plan: FPL has been working with Mitchell Communications on an organizational assessment that
will tie into the new strategic plan. Once complete, S. Thorup will discuss the development of the new strategic
plan with the board.
E.) Staff Presentation: Louise Schaper
VI. Executive Session: D. Ferritor moved to go into executive session at 5:32 p.m. E. Jordan seconded. The board
went into executive session at 5:33 p.m. At 5:45 p.m., the board came out of executive session. D. Ferritor
moved to waive the provisions of PA 81 relating to vacation time during the last weeks of employment for L.
Schaper. M. Hunt seconded. All voted aye.
VII. Adjournment: D. Ferritor moved to adjourn, M. Hunt seconded. All voted aye. Meeting adjourned at 5:49 p.m.
VL2 \ L
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Strategic Plan Progress Report
December 2009 - January 2010
Our Mission: To strengthen our community and empower our citizens through free and public access to knowledge.
Our Vision: To be powerfully relevant and completely accessible.
I. Access: Implement strategies to improve and extend access to library collection and services.
a. Hours: NTR
b. Facilities:
i. Met with Jeffrey Scherer, principal architect, re: teen area expansion plans.
ii. Re -set Children's AV section and shifted Easy Reader section.
iii. Installed LED Lights in administration, Children's Offices, Story Time room.
iv. Completed install of staff meeting room AV and magnetic locks on Ref workroom door.
v. Installed washer and dryer and replaced the iced plumbing lines in garage.
c. Branches: NTR.
d. Website:
i. Deployed PayPal functionality for Foundation donations and Friends membership payment.
ii. Redesigned teen's and children's web pages and updated the history page.
e. Computing and networking resources:
i. Completed wireless site survey to determine optimal WiFi layout for Blair Library.
ii. Installed new datacenter UPS in server room.
Hi. Met with engineers to plan upgrade of backend VoIP phone system hardware.
f. Outreach services:
i. Developed and began a pilot program for tutoring at -risk Head Start students.
ii. Continued Reading Roadshow and outreach story times, as well as Books for Borrowing.
iii. Provided over 100 surplus computers to area public libraries and non -profits.
II. Collections: Develop collections that are responsive to the needs and demands of its community.
a. Adult materials:
i. Evaluated collection against 2009 Best Books lists in NY Times and Publishers' Weekly.
b. Reference: NTR
c. World languages: NTR
d. Youth services:
i. Relocated DVDs that dealt with parenting and child care issues to the Parenting collection.
ii. Continued identifying levels of reading difficulty in the easy reader collection.
Hi. Evaluated collection against 2009 School Library Journal's Best Books for Children and Young Adults.
e. Nonprint: NTR
f. E -collections:
i. Procured OverDrive downloadable service to replace NetLibrary.
III. Services: Define its essential activities and service levels.
a. Programming and events:
i. Began a twice monthly Day School Storytime for child care centers & providers.
ii. Hosted an Origami Workshop, taught by Eddie Yuen.
iii. Began a series of Creative Writing workshops for grades 3 — 5 and grades 6 — 12.
iv. Began a Spanish class for children to learn the basics of Spanish.
v. Hosted a boy's book club and a Daisy scout troop to educate them on library use.
vi. Hosted Mitchell Gold author talk and book signing.
vii. Hosted 2nd annual appearance by Ozark Bronze for a holiday concert.
viii. Hosted renowned Arkansas photographer Tim Ernst in a book signing of his newest release.
ix. Continued Resume Review service twice a month.
x. Hosted inaugural session of Green Your Life series with a variety of community partners.
xi. Provided reference workshop for two Farmington High School AP English classes.
xii. Demonstrated use of three new business databases at Arvest Bank staff meeting.
b. Self-service strategies:
i. Implemented self pick-up for Interlibrary Loan materials.
c. Customer service:
i. Implemented Text -A -Librarian reference service.
ii. Implemented "Roberta Reader" customized email newsletter service for Fulbright Society members.
iii. Installed a receipt printer on the Children's Service Desk to generate guest passes for Kid Tech.
iv. Deployed new room reservation booking system using staff intranet.
v. Closed 3.5 days and had one late opening due to inclement weather.
d. Staffing and volunteers:
1. H. Robideaux completed committee work on the ALA Notable Books Council.
ii. C. Walsh completed her MLIS degree through the University of Florida.
hi. S. Thorup and Don Marr presented "Building a Regional Green Economy" at the Urban Library
Council's Partners Conference.
iv. Staff participated in various training, e.g. "Writing a Library Behavior Code," Biography Resource
Center database, Foundation Directory Online database and OverDrive's Library2Go.
v. Conducted seven phone and one in-person interviews for Director of Operations. Position remains
vacant.
vi. Accepted practicum student from UCA.
vii. Hosted Holiday volunteer party with 65 attendees.
viii. Attended Head Start Holiday open house (MB,LG) and KUAF open house (mngt. team)
ix. Attended various Fayetteville Forward and Chamber committee meetings.
x. Volunteered for Polaris Enhancement Committee and attended Complete Count meeting. (SH)
xi. Investigated best practices for book repair, problems with electronic ordering, and problems with
competing RFID tags on interlibrary loans. (SH)
IV. Visibility and value: Promote the contributions and value of the library to the greater Fayetteville area.
a. Marketing plan:
i. Working with Mitchell Communications Group to update plan.
b. Marketing (visibility) and communications
i. Met with area media reps to secure ads, sponsorships and other promotions for 2010.
ii. Secured free advertising in Northwest Arkansas Times for 2010.
iii. Designed, ordered and received digital signage system.
iv. Met with Washington Regional representatives to discuss potential partnership opportunities.
v. Appeared on Clear Channel Sunday morning radio show to promote Cover to Cover Kick Off.
vi. Secured editorial space in Citiscapes to promote Cover to Cover.
vii. Appeared on Ozarks at Large to promote Green Your Life series.
viii. Appeared on morning TV to promote holidays at FPL & Green Your Life series.
ix. Filmed "Ben at Work" spot for KNWA about a day in the life of a page at FPL.
x. Filmed Text -a -Librarian story for KFSM; resulted in dramatic spike in this new service.
c. Collaboration:
i. Hosted Walton Art Center cast members of Little House on the Prairie who read from the book.
ii. Partnered with UA sorority on a family story time.
iii. Partnered with UA Spanish honor society, Sigma Delta Pi in offering a youth Spanish class.
iv. Working with UA Industrial Engineering design team on LEED and volunteer timekeeping projects.
v. Working on 2010 UA One Book, One Community Planning Committee.
V. Sustainable funding: Seek funding sources that are reliable, sustainable, and adequate to carry out the Library's
mission; these sources will grow as the community grows.
a. Funding strategies and sources:
i. Developed fundraising plan.
ii. Received American Library Association's Light the Way grant to expand Books for Borrowing.
iii. Applied for Summer Artist in Residence grant through the Arkansas Arts Council.
i. Received funding from Care Foundation to supplement the Nonprofit Resource Center collection.
ii. Invited to reapply for Altrusa International of Fayetteville grant for teen summer reading club.
iii. Reported on Solar Test Bed Project to ICMA via conference call and written report.
b. Advocacy:
i. Executive Director discussed needs with the Mayor's Chief of Staff.
c. Friends and Foundation
Certified Year 3 NEH Challenge Grant funds - $489,730.98.
ii. Presented 2010 fundraising plan to Foundation Board.
iii. Mailed 300+ sponsorship solicitation letters to area businesses.
iv. Selected and ordered Roberta Fulbright Society donor benefits.
v. Hosted Friends annual meeting on 1/25. Current Friends membership is 174.
FPL Performance Report: January 2010
JAN* FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 10 YTD 09 YTD CHANGE PROJ.10 TARGET
1,064,0001
o
o
0
0
268,0001
o
o
0
N
o
0
0
(0
0
583,0001
49,0001
12,4001
(0
CO
IC
O
O
(0
(00
M
no
(D
N
r
N
C
266,965
V
CN'
r
�-
(0
.. LO
0)
C')
V
N
I--
(0
CO')
(D
co
V
N
W
25,776
408
K
V
O(0
.-
C0
<0
N
N
(0
(0
of
I .......1,6321
00
V
O
O
0
(")
co
0
N
C
0
a
N
0
O
O)
o
0
a
0
O
o
o7
0
co.
0
o0
C
vi
0
co
(O
0
(h
.-
0
0N.)
O)
0
I�
r
o
<0
V
O
W
(D
O
M
M
N
(00
W
C
00)
V-
0
`-
06 Ln
N
0)
243,871
1,774
863
in
N
(0
N
c0')
0
0
O'0
Co
N
32
0
'-
W
<0
V
N
.N-
0
CO
C
731
0
•N-
cn
(h
co
W
N
47
a
N
co
M
tn.
249,721
C
763
N
(D
(0
40,5331
1�
co
N
M
1871
875
C
O
N
(D
681
CO
.M -
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
O
co
O
O
co
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
co
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
co
O
O
O
O
O
0,
N
CO
m
W
N
oo
O)
0
(0
M
0
.-
r
V
N
N-
CO
.--
(0
CO
N-
CO
(0
(0
IM
O
.-
Ni
m
.'
(V
v
CO
r
W<
in
0
0
.-
N
to
CO
(D
CO
CO
'Circulation
# self -checked
0N
N
L
Y
CD
0
d
d
0
W
u
c
2
d
R'
Collection size
Items added
'New Card Registrations
e
0
a
—p
a
m
0
3
N
'Library programs
Attendees)
'Mtg Room Rentals
'Volunteers 1
0
S
'Computer Sessions
'Holds filled
J
1 Requested
Loaned
January due to indem
S
U
Library Division
0,
O
O m
N O
h O
CO N
O L
T N
R
CP r
1a
R =
C�
'.. 1-
M M
9 o
= LL
0 o
X .a
0
N 4) i
ma co
O a.
E
O
T. U
J
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
N 0
0 0 0
❑ Staff -assisted check outs
0 Self -check outs
0)
O
O
N d)
co O
co O
O
r L
L
Q m
y L osir
R V
o r L
e. O
L 43'
-
i
R Q
U E
i O
` U
J
o 0 0 0
o 0 0 0
0 0 0 0
OO o 0
r- m w
0
0
0
0
0)
O
O
co
a, p
r 0
-a N
c
Y
R a
N
>- U
o d t
d
O
.14
N LL
,Q Q O
J
E m
CO ca
• a
o E
`
�U
• oL
co
.G
J
I l l
o o 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0
(O 10 V m N
O
O
0
0
N
CO
0
O
N
0
O
O
N
O
0
N
N
0
N
0
0
N
m
0
0
N
0
O
N
0
0
N
0
0
0
N
m
m
w
rn
rn
Library Division
1998-2009
0
C
1 -
di R
0
N
C
0
:2
0
R
W
C
113
L
1-
0 0
V
C
0
L
N
w.
N
re
L
R
L
S2
J
Compared to Fourth Quarter 2009
1
0
0
0
o 0
0 0
0 0
0
Library Division
a)
40 a,
cm a,
91 0
N N
0
0 CD
N s_
-0 CO
C
CP
:Ts
4.)
>-
ca 2
co
a)
"
$2,
E
E o
o 0
0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O o
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
co co -a ot co oo co •or CNI
0-4
to count wireless
D
ion
Fayetteville Public Library
Budget Comparison
January 31, 2010
Current Monthly Current % Budget Annual
Month 1 Month Budget YTD YTD YTD Budget
Sources of Funds
Millage Receipts 105,614 105,615 105,614 8.33% 105,615 1,267,379
City of Fayetteville 132,588 132,588 132,588 8.33% 132,588 1,591,059
City CIP books 27,917 27,917 27,917 8.33% 27,917 335,000
City CIP other 1,917 1,917 1,917 8.33% 1,917 23,000
State Aid 11,441 0 0.00% 11,441 137,294
Foundation 14,300 0 0.00% 14,300 171,600
Friends 83 0 83 1,000
All Other Sources 54,743 16,200 54,743 28.16% 16,200 194,400
Total Sources of Funds 322,779 310,061 322,779 8.68% 310,061 3,720,732
Expenses
Salaries & Wages 138,944 150,591 138,944 7.69% 150,591 1,807,091
Payroll taxes & Work Study 13,150 12,833 13,150 8.54% 12,833 154,000
Employee Insurance 9,538 12,588 9,538 6.31% 12,588 151,050
Retirement 11,800 15,000 11,800 6.56% 15,000 180,000
Processing Supplies 561 2,750 561 1.70% 2,750 33,000
IT -Hardware 119 11,750 119 0.08% 11,750 141,000
IT -Software & Maintenance 93 8,660 93 0.09% 8,660 103,920
Cleaning Supplies 76 1,500 76 0.42% 1,500 18,000
Other Supplies 3,634 4,596 3,634 6.59% 4,596 55,154
Youth Programming 1,173 2,917 1,173 3.35% 2,917 35,000
Adult Programming 540 2,917 540 1.54% 2,917 35,000
Library Materials 554 34,750 554 0.13% 34,750 417,000
Telephone & Internet 3,250 0 0.00% 3,250 39,000
Utilities 10,095 12,000 10,095 7.01% 12,000 144,000
Postage 2,083 0 0.00% 2,083 25,000
Travel & Training 273 2,813 273 0.81% 2,813 33,752
Prof./Contractual Services 496 5,708 496 0.72% 5,708 68,500
Landscape Maint. 1,977 2,083 1,977 7.91% 2,083 25,000
Building/Equip. Maint 8,051 24,680 8,051 2.72% 24,680 296,157
Insurance 583 0 0.00% 583 7,000
Public Rel. & Other 2,383 3,317 2,383 5.99% 3,317 39,800
Furniture & Equipment 2,500 0 0.00% 2,500 30,000
Total Expenses 203,457 319,869 203,457 5.30% 319,869 3,838,424
Excess/Deficit 119,322 -9,808 119 322 -9,808 -117,692
4:27 PM
02/05/10
Cash Basis
Fayetteville Public Library
Balance Sheet
As of January 31, 2010
Jan 31, 10
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
General Operating Funds
Savings account for state money - solar project 8,501.76
CD 100,000.00
Bank of Fayetteville -deposits 16,759.04
Petty Cash 408.00
Total General Operating Funds 125,668.80
Arvest operating account 150,000.00
Merrill Lynch-WCMA
Operating portion of account 906,479.54
Total Merrill Lynch-WCMA 906,479.54
Schwab-Millage 4108-2175 945,841.05
1125 • Schwab Institutional - longterm 189,220.98
For long term Facilities repairs & replacements 382,769.95
For major repair & replacement of furniture & equipment 214,021.40
For major replacements of Tech. items, conveyor, phone system... 257,172.80
Total Checking/Savings 3,171,174.52
Other Current Assets
1220 • Due to/ from other Gov. Units 1,260,645.95
1250 • Prepaid Expenses 51,673.95
Total Other Current Assets 1,312,319.90
Total Current Assets 4,483,494.42
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets
Library Buildings 20,770,329.47
Books & Publications 718,926.57
Equipment 1,109,462.71
Furniture & Fixtures 233,599.94
Accumulated Depreciation -3,199,49437
Total Fixed Assets 19,632,824.32
Library Owned Art 150,000.00
Total Fixed Assets 19,782,824.32
TOTAL ASSETS 24,266,318.74
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Other Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable -Other
A/P Vacation accrual 176,569.65
NP Salaries & Wages Accrual 29,084.00
A/P Other Payroll Liabilities 41,299.64
1929 • A/P Sick Time 49,185.79
Accounts Payable -Other - Other 11,965.89
Total Accounts Payable -Other 308,104.97
Payroll Tax Liabilities
State Unemployement Payable 1,920.56
Payroll Tax Liabilities - Other 272.56
Total Payroll Tax Liabilities 2,193.12
Other Payroll Liabilities
Health & Dental Insurance
2330 • Vision Insurance
2340 • Vol. Life & AD&D
2345 • Voluntary Group Life
Cafeteria Plan
Total Other Payroll Liabilities
1,507.26
183.64
41.00
103.52
30.00
���� —1,865.42
4:27 PM
02/05/10
Cash Basis
Fayetteville Public Library
Balance Sheet
As of January 31, 2010
Jan 31,10
Total Other Current Liabilities 312,163.51
Total Current Liabilities 312,163.51
Total Liabilities 312,163.51
Equity
Investment in Fixed Assets 20,110,420.12
Fund Balance -Undesignated 3,338,892.34
Fund Balance -Reserved
facilitie major repairs & rep 269,873.40
for reparis & replacements 243,648.39
f & f repairs & replacements 212,998.77
............ .._..
Total Fund Balance -Reserved 726,520.56
Fund Balance -Current Year Net -72,965.86
Net Income -148,711.93
Total Equity 23 954,155.23
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 24,266,318.74
4:57 PM Fayetteville Public Library
02/05/10 Profit & Loss YTD Comparison
Cash Basis January 2010
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
Revenue & Support
4150 • Miscellaneous Income
4151 Program fees
4153 • Merchandise Sales
4500 Misc. M.J.
4501 • Designated Gifts Other
4505 • Adult Designated gifts
4500 • Misc. M.J. - Other
Total 4500 • Misc. M.J.
Total 4150 • Miscellaneous Income
Cafe Rental
charges for set up and equipm
Fines & Fees
Fees collected at front desk
4315 • Library Cards
4320 - Research & Misc. Genealogy
4360 • Lost and Paid
4370 - Damaged and Paid
4380 Copier and Printer income
4390• Short and Over
Total Fines & Fees
Interest
4401 - Interest -Operating
Total Interest
Total Revenue & Support
Total Income
Expense
Operating Expenses
Office Supplies
Jan 10 Jan 10
15.00
1,034.00
35,043.08
910.00
22.88
.....--35,975.96
37,024.96
1,000.00
640.00
12,740.16
90.00
46.00
80.69
55.90
1,642.84
1,017.02
15.00
1,034.00
35,043.08
910.00
22.88
35,975.96
37,024.96
1,000.00
640.00
12,740.16
90.00
46.00
80.69
55.90
1,642.84
1,017.02
15,672.61 15,672.61
405.58
405.58
405.58
405.58
54,743.15 54,743.15
54,743.15 54,743.15
5110 - Administration Expenses 3,634.44 3,634.44
Foundation, marketing and Volunteer needs 73.79 73.79
computer supplies & minor eq.
5114 • Computer Software, Lic. & Maint 92.51 92.51
5115 • Computer hardware & supplies 118.68 118.68
Total computer supplies & minor eq. 211.19 211.19
5130 • Childrens Program
5131 • Young Children Prog. & Supplies 736.12 736.12
5133 • Young Adult Expenses 436.38 436.38
Total 5130 • Childrens Program 1,172.50 1,172.50
Adult prog. expenses 539.89 539.89
5140 • Book Repair & Circ. Supplies 561.24 561.24
supplies for cleaning the bdg 76.48 76.48
Total Office Supplies 6,269.53 6,269.53
Travel & Training
5160 • Mileage reimbursement 552.00 552.00
Travel & Training - Other -279.30 -279.30
Total Travel & Training 272.70 272.70
5725 • Public Relations 2,308.89 2,308.89
Professional Services 495.90 495.90
Utilities 10,094.89 10,094.89
Total Operating Expenses 19,441.91
Salaries & Wages
Adult Services 16,335.64 16,335.64
Materials processing 10,494.67 10,494.67
Children's Library 16,184.53 16,184.53
Circulation 25,999.50 25,999.50
19,441.91
4:57 PM
02/05/10
Cash Basis
Fayetteville Public Library
Profit & Loss YTD Comparison
January 2010
Jan 10 Jan 10
Custodial 4,970.45 4,970.45
Administration 41,188.50 41,188.50
6498 Vacation Time Used 23,299.23 23,299.23
6499 Sick Time Used 471.51 471.51
Total Salaries & Wages
Payroll Expenses
FICA/Medicare Expense
Payments to UofA for students
Contract for cleaners
State Unemployment Expense
Total Payroll Expenses
Employee Benefit Expenses
Health & Dental Insurance
Company paid portion of HSA
Retirement Contributions
Total Employee Benefit Expenses
Publications
Book Acquisitions
all books child & adult
7120 • Adult Reference Materials
Total Book Acquisitions
Audio Visuals
7610 • Film/DVD
7620 Audio
138, 944.03 138, 944.03
10,581.97
57.57
589.56
1,920.56
10,581.97
57.57
589.56
1,920.56
13,149.66 13,149.66
8,396.61
1,141.19
11,799.54
8,396.61
1,141.19
11,799.54
21,337.34 21,337.34
430.60
46.09
430.60
46.09
476.69 476.69
59.15
18.00
Total Audio Visuals 77.15
Total Publications
Building & Equipment
Landscape Maintenance
Building Maintenance
Total Building & Equipment
59.15
18.00
77.15
553.84 553.84
1,977.28 1,977.28
8,051.02 8,051.02
10,028.30 10,028.30
Total Expense 203,455.08 203,455.08
Net Ordinary Income -148,711.93 -148,711.93
Net Income -148,711.93 -148,711.93
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Memo
To: Board of Trustees, Fayetteville Public Library
From: Shawna Thorup, Executive Director and Michele Raine, Interim Director of Operations
Date: February 15, 2010
Re: Interim Solution to Teen Space Needs
Background
At our last Board meeting on January 18, 2010, we discussed the best way to move forward with the plan to
expand the teen area. As we reported, for optimal service teens need space for more books, more seating,
areas for collaborative work and increased technology access. After our discussion, I was asked to review
whether an RFP was needed to hire the architect and interior designers of the original library, Meyer,
Scherer & Rockcastle, Ltd. (MS&R) to create a detailed expansion plan. City guidelines actually call for an
RFQ in these cases.
In speaking with Jeffrey Scherer, FAIA, the principal architect of the original library, I learned that MS&R's 5 -
Year Facility Assessment was done without an RFQ. We checked with Peggy Vice from City Purchasing
and were told an RFQ is not required unless a contract exceeds $20,000. However, the City may also issue
an RFQ for projects in the $10,000 range in order to generate multiple quotes; however, those type of
RFQs do not go through the formal review process.
On January 25, 2010, Mr. Scherer was gracious enough to make a side trip to Fayetteville on a pro-bono
basis to consult on this. His commitment to helping us continue the spirit and quality of the original design is
very much appreciated. He met with us for about three hours. After discussing the use patterns, collection
size and the reservations expressed about changing the aesthetic quality of the main floor and the
acoustical impact of moving the teens, our team brainstormed several options and developed the following
alternative recommendation.
Analysis
The original recommendation in the 5 -Year Facility Assessment will be disregarded. Based on consultation
with Mr. Scherer, who compared moving the teen area to "trying to fit 15 pounds into a five pound sack," we
are proposing an interim solution that has minimal construction impacts, but offers maximum service
options. The plan we discussed includes:
1. Moving the large print collection from the second service floor to the location of the VHS
tapes on the main level. This would require the deaquisition of the VHS tapes from the
adult media collection—something that is, according to Mr. Scherer, happening
nationwide. With some incremental adding of shelving on the main level for holds, there is
approximately the correct amount of linear feet of shelving to accept the large print—with
our planned 10% weeding. Interestingly, the public (in the original public meetings around
designing Blair Library) specifically wanted the large print on the main floor.
2. The space vacated by the large print on the second floor would be used to expand the
teen collection to the west of its current location.
3. The current 27 millwork units on the main service floor that house the CD and DVD
collection work well for browsing but are inefficient in terms of the number of housed units
per square foot of building area. We propose consolidating many of these millwork units to
house more items per unit. Mr. Scherer recommends replacing them with off-the-shelf
units that house more items per square foot and that could be more easily moved during
events. We prefer consolidation of the current shelving bins rather than replacement at this
time, but may have to rethink this solution once we see it in practice.
4. Two or three of the current diagonally arranged shelving units in the teen area would be
relocated to the main floor to house the holds and to display more new books. The spaced
freed up by the removal of these shelving units would house study and computer seating
for the teens. The plan would be to "remodel" some of the current DVD/CD bins to become
tables for this teen study and technology seating.
5. We would retain a shelving buffer between the teen area and the Roberta Fulbright
Fireplace Room, which is a quiet study area.
6. We would add a special "entry" that would "announce" the teen area without compromising
the adjacent adult new book display.
The advantages to this revised recommendation are:
• Seating on the main level at the south facing curved glass wall and the view are retained.
• The teens gain valuable real estate for expanding service by remaining in their current location.
• Acoustical interference with the Board Room by relocating the teens to the main level is eliminated.
• Major construction is avoided.
Mr. Scherer suggests that the design can be created by MS&R using about 40-50 hours of interior designer
Leanne Larson's time to help us with the rearrangement, verification of the collection management and
specification of an alternate CD/DVD cases. Ms. Larson's hourly rate is $115.00 per hour. She would need
to be on-site for about one week so that the plan could be tested and finalized with the senior management
staff. With travel expenses, Mr. Scherer believes that this new expansion plan could be done for well under
$10,000. Having Blair Library's original interior designer plan this rearrangement would be ideal.
Mr. Scherer has agreed to continue advising on a pro-bono basis.
Recommendation
We recommend Board approval of the above described plan to expand teen services. Upon Board
approval, staff will issue an RFQ for an architectural / interior design plan to accommodate the described
expansion elements. The plan would be presented for staff, public and Board input before being submitted
for final Board approval.
By approaching this as an immediate interim step, we achieve our primary objective of expanding teen
services and retain our ability to later integrate a more comprehensive alignment of the many needs
identified in the 5 -Year Facility Assessment with our upcoming update of our strategic plan. It also allows us
to move cautiously with financial commitments and changes to Blair Library.
FAYETTEVILLE PIIBLIG LIBRARY
Key Events: February 16 — April 20, 2010
4th Annual Cover -to -Cover Adult Reading Festival Continues
Now through April 30: The 12 -week reading festival will include author talks and a community wide
reading of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. Weekly prizes will be given
away, and three grand prizes will be drawn when the program concludes April 30.
Excerpts from Underneath the Lintel
Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 pm, Walker Community Room: TheatreSquared will perform
excerpts from their production of Underneath the Lintel, a play about a Dutch librarian and what
happens when an overdue book is returned -- 113 years late.
After School Workshops Continue
Thursdays at 4 pm, Wal-Mart Story Time Room: FPL hosts themed workshops (book binding,
chemistry, international students, and martial arts) each Thursday from February 18 -March 18 for
students in grades K-5.
Maxed Out: Master Your Credit
Thursday, February 18, 5:30 to 8 pm, Walker Community Room: Legal Aid of Arkansas and
Credit Counseling of Arkansas will screen the film Maxed Out, and will offer counseling, useful fact
sheets and updated information about the new credit card accountability act.
Magician Zac Barkowski
Saturday, February 27, 10:30 am, Walker Community Room: Zac the Magician will perform at
Family Storytime. This event is free and open to the public.
Resume Review Offered
Thursday, March 4 and Thursday, March 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Reading Room: FPL will continue
offering its resume review sessions in 2010. Ellen Bruce will review and provide feedback on resumes
during the drop-in feedback sessions.
Adult Reading Festival Community Read
Monday, March 1, 6:30 to 7:30 pm; Monday, March 8, 1 to 2 pm; Sunday, March 14, 2 to 3 pm,
Walker Community Room: The library's 12 -week Adult Reading Festival continues with a
community read of The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba. The community read
is intended to bring residents together through book discussions on a topic that highlights diverse
issues and inspires the community. Kamkwamba's book spotlights series issues of poverty and
famine with this story of a boy who offers solutions based on his own determination, inventiveness
and ingenuity. Sponsored by the Walt Danforth Memorial Fund.
How Can I Afford Retirement Series Continues
Thursday, March 11, 6:30 p.m., Walker Community Room: The series of programs focuses on
investor education topics aimed at helping people plan ahead while avoiding investment mistakes that
can undermine their retirement security. The program is presented by the Garrison Financial Institute
at the University of Arkansas's Sam M. Walton College of Business, the Investor Protection Trust and
the Central Arkansas Library System.
R U Game? FPL Gamers Club Kicks Off
Friday, March 12, 6 to 8:30 pm, Walker Community Room: Ready to game every month? So are
Wii! Test your skills with Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, Rock Band 2, Super Smash Brothers Brawl and more.
Board games and cards will also be available. Munchies will be served. Free and open to teens.
Basic Computer Boot Camp
Monday, March 15 through Thursday, March 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., FPL Computer Lab
Developed for those new to the world of computers, participants will learn the parts of a computer,
how to use a mouse and keyboard, some simple word processing skills and Internet and email
basics. Participants must have a library card.
Find It and Fund It: Grant Seeking Basics
Thursday, March 18, 6:30 to 7:45 pm, Ann Henry Room: This workshop will introduce basic and
advanced search tips for those using the Foundation Directory Online, a database of more than
98,000 grant makers and a half million grants.
Beginning Genealogy Class
Saturday, March 6, 10 to 11:30 am, Grace Keith Genealogical Collection: Learn to use the print
and online genealogy resources available at FPL. Receive a pedigree chart and other helpful forms
for keeping records as you research your family tree. Presented by Daughters of the American
Revolution Lineage Committee.
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Wednesday, March 17, 4 pm, Walker Community Room: Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with
traditional Irish dancing by the McCafferty Irish Dancers.
Spring Break Movie Marathon for Children and Families
Tuesday, March 23, Wednesday, March 24 and Thursday, March 25, 2 pm, Walker Community
Room: FPL will screen movies on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Daytime Lock -In
Thursday, March 25, 11 am to 2 pm, Wal-Mart Storytime Room: Students in grades K-2 will spend
the day enjoying games, crafts and stories. Cost is $10 per child, which includes lunch.
Overnight Lockin
Friday, April 16, 8:30 pm through Saturday, April 17, 8 am, Children's Library: Celebrate
National Library Week with an overnight lock -in at FPL. Students in grades 3-5 will enjoy crafts,
games and movies during the lock -in. The cost is $15 per child, which includes food.
Author Sapphire Visits FPL
Tuesday, April 20, 7 pm, Media & Magazine Section: Sapphire, author of The New York Times
bestseller Push, will visit the Fayetteville Public Library to conclude the library's 4th annual Cover to
Cover Reading Festival. Push, recently adapted to the big screen as the much lauded film Precious,
follows Claireece Precious Jones, an overweight teenager living in Harlem who endures a series of
abuses by her father and mother. Copies of Sapphire's works will be available for purchase during
her talk at the Fayetteville Public Library, and she will sign autographs following her talk.
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Board of Trustees
Projected 2010 Meeting Agendas
(updated 2/8/09)
Monday, January 4, 2010
(Rescheduled December 2009 meeting)
1. Space study report
2. 2010 Objectives
3. 2010 Budget
4. Staff presentation: Reading Roadshow's Books for Borrowing: L. Greenwood & C. Walsh
Monday, February 15, 2010
1. Teen area expansion plan
2. Staff presentation: Expanding Access with Text -a -Librarian & Library2Go
3. Staff presentation: NEN Challenge Grant Status: S. Foley
Monday, April 19, 2010
1. Swearing in of new trustee
2. Appointment of Nominating Committee
3. Staff presentation: Summer Reading Club: L. Greenwood
Monday, June 22, 2010
1. Officer elections
2. 2011 budget proposal
3. Strategic planning process
4. Staff presentation
Monday, August 16, 2010
1. 2011 budget
2. Strategic planning process
3. Audit report
4. Staff presentation
Monday, October 18, 2010
1. 2011 budget
2. 2011 closed day schedule
3. Staff presentation
Monday, December 20, 2010
1. 2011 budget
2. 2011 fee schedule
3. Staff presentation
Shawna Thorup
From: do-not-reply@faylib.org
Sent: Thursday, January 07, 2010 10:17 AM
To: Shawna Thorup
Subject: Director Survey Response
Submitted: 1/7/2010 10:17:02 AM
Patron: Mrs Sophie Massey
Email: calebandsophie@lve.com
Question 1: What do you really like about Fayetteville Public Library? What are we doing that's working for
you? I think that Fayetteville Public Library is certainly living up to its mission to be accessible. I thoroughly
appreciate in particular the large childrens department with it's wide array of literature both fiction and non-
fiction. We often make use of the hands-on section in that department (ie puzzles and computers). We enjoy the
audio collections available too and would perhaps like to see more classics. Self -checkout is very useful as are
the availability of carts. Often a browse in the book store and a welcome drink at Asaga's enhances our library
experience; elevating it to the status of a 'grand day out.'
Question 2: What's not working for you, and what would you like to see different at Fayetteville Public
Library?
Question 3: What do you expect from Fayetteville Public Library now, next year and in 5 years? To continue
on it's mission to make multi -faceted information available to the general public.
1/7/2010 11:46 AM/11:46 AM 1 of 1
of
Wishing you a holiday season filled with inspiration,
and a new year full of adventure and exploration
with the FREE LffiRARY OF TRANSFORMATION.
Sio r an A. Reardon
President and Director, Free Library of Philadelphia
a-7 (iywz
og 70
06 totlu z- r
lecle
o4Lord_
7-74 ; eft( I; i/ (1h7CLZCJ/
+ R Name A✓ 11) ; / ✓� C,i! -- Date // ✓4 O
Youth Bridge Add L/1 / co no(l/ ///c v Phone gc.2 U k"
BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURE C/S/Z /1/41(( -LD- ((( (-v--Q Email
Charitable Con ributions RecordJ-.
( /o/
Washington, Benton, Carroll, Madison, Boone, Baxter, Marion & Newton Counties
❑ Monetary Contribution:
❑ Cash 0 Donate Now 0 Credit Card:
❑ Check # 0 Paypal 0 Visa 0 Mastercard 0 Discover
❑ Volunteer Hours
❑ In ind/Service(s)
E' Non -Cash Items (Contributor is requested to provide an estimated value on all non-cash items.)
Item 1: / (.' ('i)Y;ty (t/:('/VS „4 (-.I D 15 $ /OW
Item 2: $
Item 3:
Total $ / oo)C % C O
T%adc ' for Tae piny' oar area e you ai,
The Federal Tax ID# is: 71-0387126.
All donations made to the above mentioned agency may be tax deductible as provided by the law. The IRS requires that the above mentioned
agency notify you if they have provided any goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part, for any property or cash contributed.
Copy 1 - Contributor Copy 2 - YB Accounting Copy 3 - Development Copy 4 - Remains in book
o pay
)ecome
who are
to find
ily able
mdreds
retofi-
ithout a
number
pitals in
be more
dth care.
scarcer
se fewer
the very
nr mind.
s admin-
)11
dmhr)n sense.
.ts in the
And the
eferred a
ire choir-
. Instead,
irnment's
9 do with
at to regu-
'Irr deficits
axed to see
Bance conn
zto people
esmolcers.
osals have
l'e health of
-)CUs on i n -
incentives
e allowed
ice across
is reap the
''eider tour
)»an." Such
?fended too
'lone some -
lawyering
1) wont into
Sed practio-
not in order
!lard against
'ot so little
too. Demo -
't campaign
lawyers to
ill wind up
er of health -
11 the others
•er the years
comprehen-
the old; ring
VJr2.4m. 6)--611
12- - 2-tc - OO
COLUMNISTS
Kiskus
ReviewsR.I.P.
MEGFAN DAUM customer reviewer. And he wo ks for free.
IN THE Los ANGELES TIMES Bound by conventions of neither spelling nor
hen news carne last week about the grammar, nor by the need to put anything (plot,
NNclosure of Kirkus Reviews, the 76 -year- theme, typeface, anything) in context, the cus-
old book -reviewing publication that tomer reviewer is so enthusiastic about his own
catered mostly to booksellers and librarians, a lot opions that he not only
reviews
fear vieofw the Capsdiffusely Land
nd
of people were prettymean about it. OK, not "a emphaticallyaul hshreviow (showing
no
about every person or
lot" as in the number of people who went to see key),
The Princess and the Frog last weekend. But even. thing he comes in contact with.
as they wring their hands at yet another sign of That's right, you no longer have to be ano au -
the demise of print media, plenty of authors and ha hazasician d views or lmmakpeakeer to who done jece t toe he
to
publishing insidersare gloating. P
The New York Observer na�hich still covers the sign their names to then rants. Thanks to Web
book business with the same gunlet-eyed pluck sites such as Yelp and Citysearch, everyone and
it fered upta few delectable ie if les than clamorousharitable supermarkets—my, of- ytrfrom local Vons hdressers to as no leclesss than
quotes.
14 reviews on Yelp, many quite prickly—carr be
"Ht
"blearing about en closing reminded me praised or pummelall to see.
ow,ed online . for
e phenomenon
is supposed to coalesce into sonic
kind of equal -opportunity jubilee. It's
supposed to be a healthy, if veto
sionally gratuitous, manifestation Irl
democracy itself. And as much as 1
gripe, ril admit that it can be helpful
to read what others have said about
Good riddance.
. . And so that's n various products and services, al-
Gooi pus, ce.'with
Kirkus, you see, was notoriously harsh. though too often it seems as if it'sne nevergquite
Whereas Publishers Weeldy often seems like a an ax to grind or a lot of guy
booster for the trade, and Booklist, another book explain themselves enough for me to figure out
industry magazine, usually manages to find whether to believe them.
something nice to say about even the most me- Whether you're for on have to r against hisadnew nodel
diocre prose, 'Coitus took no prisoners. On Dave of judgment -passing, y
at the
Eggers' bestselling and much -revered memoir, concept of "reviewing"—indeed, the entire idea
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, of on whits at a way constitutes value—has
at es beyondeen onlinevs.
KirkusAlr pity hmed: "It isn't." . print. No longer an intellectual or aesthetic or
Butfflce then! cal exercise drawing from objective facts
But like ryat nn ng workshop
o ks-ppaor crank clor book ub (eg the
rvations
andrmakes everyonelse feel like a middlebrow and real what's
xpe rise (sometimesficalledl ccomnois-
clnunp, Kirkus was maddening enough that seursbip), reviewing is more and more simply a
you were inclined to dismiss it and estimable vehicle oo r personal
narnarrative.
ews read like diary
enough that you really couldn't.
1 well remember the day my agent looked at entries: "We ended up buying two small white po-
advice devo
lves
Eire soberly and said, "Your novel got a not -great tatoes" chimes a Vons patron =helpfully on Ye } i.
Kirkus review." Having already received a not- Too often, the pretense of sharing
even -good Kirkus review for my previous book, into oversharhng the contours of one's navel.
1 t
at's why the
though notyall reply
disingenuous) "Yeah, sowith a (tediously ?" Butrit to be mlourned. Sure, it wassing of alirkus deserves
captious beast.
also kind of stung. Sure, its reviews sat on many authors' Amazon
1 still feel more "Yeah, so?" than "Oh non" pages like indelible stains. But unlike the bed -
e up
about the end of this ndefense of KirkuBut for all my s (and on thoseiffer- lam of ne customer pages like graffiti on a bathroom ons that can wall,
ence,prI will say
the
t review some
cred. in general): At Kirkus'veryone reviews
v always been a critic, and never
leastG the critics had some yrod.
Granted, at Kirkus many of those critics were more so thartoday—but at least Kirkus valued
anonymous freelancers who were paid about $50 the job enoughto a $50. _
per review. But as dangerous as it can be to instill
power in reviewers who work for cheap (and are
therefore less experienced), there's now an even Meghan Daum is an essayist and novelist in
more menacing form of arbiter in our midst: the Los Angeles.
that they were still publishing, hter-
ary agent Ira Silverberg said.
Esther Newberg, an executive vice
president at International Creative
Management, allowed that she was
"sorry people were losing their jobs
but it's never been a publcation
ArkansasBusiness.com - Printer Friendly Version Page 1 of 1
arkansas
W business.com
Library System Proposes Service Cuts, Cites Tax Ruling
By Arkansas Business Staff - 1/7/2010 11:45:00 AM
PRINT I CLOSE WINDOW
The Central Arkansas Library System, citing a court ruling on the collection of library taxes, announced Thursday a
public meeting to discuss service reductions.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Main Library's Darragh Center.
The Arkansas Supreme Court, reversing an earlier Pulaski County Circuit Court decision, ruled last month that
Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines' increase of property taxes for Little Rock residents was illegal. The Supreme
Court agreed with a group of taxpayers that a voter -approved property tax increase for libraries was applied
prematurely.
Villines had applied the millage increase toward 2007 tax assessments, but the Supreme Court said the raise
shouldn't have gone into effect until 2008. After the ruling, Bobby Roberts, director of CALS, said the decision
probably would force the library system to make "drastic cuts."
In a news release issued Thursday, GALS said action on proposed cuts would take place after the system's Board of
Trustees approved them at its Jan. 28 meeting.
The CALS release noted that the court hadn't yet ruled on the amount the library was to reimburse taxpayers or a
timeline for repayment. The library system estimated that $1.5 million, or 10 percent of CALS' 2010 budget, would
have to be repaid. The proposed budget cuts include prohibition of staff pay raises, voluntary pay cuts by senior
staff, a job freeze and cutting hours of operation. Service reductions would apply only to library branches within
Little Rock.
Other proposals include:
• Reducing the Children's Library programming.
• Delaying the opening of the new Rooker Library.
• Closing the Aerospace Library.
• Reducing the books and audiovisual materials budget.
• Reducing reserve funds.
"None of these cuts in service will interfere with the expansion of the Main Library or construction of the Children's
Library Initiative," the release said. "We expect services to be restored in 2011," Roberts said. "Our customer
service will remain at its current excellent level, and we will do the best we can with money we have."
Comments on the proposed budget cuts can be emailed to Bahbyr@Cals.Org.
Copyright © 2010, Arkansas Business Limited Partnership. Ail Rights Reserved.
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=119272 1/7/2010
RELIGION NOTES
Members of 1110 Presbyterian
Church of Bella Vista 'troy Makers
group recently donated 210 wooden
to s to the Menton County Sunshine
Sc tool, the Shrine's Hospitals
IN Children In S1. Louts, Mo., the
N ' 10 oslt Arkansas Children's
SI eller, horses for Healing and
M ther to Mother Ministry of
N
almost Adcans01 To join the
group, call 855-0525.
The Presbyterian Church of
Bella Vista begins a 0001 Woman's
Bi le Study at 9:30 a.m. tan. 13.
TI e group will moot weekly through
March 17. Tho study is "Esther" by
B th Moore. Infeanatlon: 855-7684
op 8765581.
Bella Vista Lutheran Church
b gins a Liietigm class on the
al oltle Paul's letters of oalatons,
P 1ilippiane and Colossians at 9 ant,
Jan. 12. The Imdepth Bible study
v II meet for nine weeks. Reg Nies
b calling 8540772, Church
it formation Is available at www.
b lolhe'111.com
h lioy Ralph will present a
p 0pbetc proclamation workshop
a 9 a.m. Jan. 9 at the Northwest
A 'kansas Ministry Center in
Bella Vista. The session will locus
01 prophetic gifting.
h
A blood drive is slated at First
United Methodist Church of
Bella Vista from 9..11. to 3 pm.
Mondry. The Community Blood
Center will facilitate. The People
with Arthritis Can Exerd os 03/C.E.)
group meets 't4 p.m.
Wednesday. 11110000011011: 85--1058,
w '
w.le: IL d.ove.:0 1.
0A ladies' Bible Study will start
at First Baptist Church
in Garfield at 4 pin. Jan. 24.
The study will run for 13 weeks.
Inl ormation: 359-3496.
h Bella Vista Community
Church hosts a Friday Night
Gospel Sing at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
The Grief Recovery Support Group
i»
eels at 3:30 p.ml. Thursdays. The
Diabetes day Group me
ets at
8 a.m. Fridays. Information-.
855-1126,6, www.
•
bvcThe Bella Vi rch.or p
The Bella Vistas ller
Church Samos Adults will moat
for ice recant sundaes and a movie
he
ay
at 6:30 me, starring Jule I
and
Ruby
De starring 0100 Ii.
Info ruby Dee, will be shown.
wovw.E
Information: 65537413 or
www.bellavistahoptslorg.
f Village Baptist Church in
Bolla Vista benne; its Awana
program on Jan. 13. Call 856-7775
or 859-68,16 10 register area
children Or youth.
f The Servant Leadership
School of Northwest Arkansas
will host the hollowing classes this
winter and spring:
ROWING U
'CRISIS' SHARES
STORIES
OF STRUGGLES
By lkitina Lehovee
001000,10000000001
itchell Gold knows
hal jl ism grow up
gay. 110 spent years
hiding his sexual
orientation, terrified that he was
s nohow damaged beyond repair.
The constant stress of hiding
Ili. true identity spiraled into
depression. Suicidal thoughts were
frquent companions. Schoolwork
sr flexed as a result of the inner
pain.
Ibday, Gold Is a successful
furniture designer In l3oyloaville,
Nee and an openly Say man. Yet
the pain of those adolescent yews
lir gens. Ile feels for other teenagers
a ughl in their own private hells
Elicit torment is often fueled
b the intolerance found in
mhlny churches, synagogues
and mosques, Gold said. Ile
sees religion -based prejudice a1
the root 0u110 of the problem,
spreading from faith groups to
families, schools, conimunitjes and
lawmakers.
Gold spoke at the Fayetteville
Public c Library on Dec 12. He is the
founder of Faith In America — a
ooh p - f t organization wization dediuted
10 raising awareness of the harm
caused by relibdon-based bigotry —
and co-editor of "Crisis:40 Stories
Ik- al g the Personal Social
and Religious Pain and llatuna
of
Growing Up Gay In Annum"
The book offers an Intimate
glimpse into coning of 090 as a
goy mar or 0011101. Marry of the
memoirs were written by gay
rights activists and public figures
such as Richard Chamberlain,
Martina Natrilova and Bishop Gene
Robinson. Others were penned by
college students and young adults,
many of whom still struggle with
the judgments against 1110111.
"When the church Is the center
of your Ole and yeuTe not accepted
there, what do you do?" former
Mormon Bruce Bastian writes.
"Without family and friends who
love you unconditionally, where do
yon turn?'
Stories Of Suffering
The premise behind Gold's work
is simple. Ile believes that 01100
people understand the trauma
gay teens go through, they'll want
to change the harmful attitudes
they've Imbibed.
"1 think there are a lot of really
nice people who don't know the
harm they're causing," he said in
a telephone interview on Monday.
GAY
NW ft- r1-% %rtes
r -2 --ID
COU11161101010
Mitchell Gold signs d Copy of his book for Judith Levine at the Faye teville Public Library on Dec. 12.
Gold is chairman of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a furniture company in lay orsvlllo, N.C., and founder of Faith In
America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending religious -based prejudice against gays.
"'They truly don't know.'
Many still believe that sexual
orientation is a choice, something
one can 00111101 00 change, ,Gold
said. Yet the 7uner10m1 Psychiatric
Association, the American
Medical Association the Ahnuhcan
I t Ir 1'
A0SOCiati011 and many
y
othermajor organizations i magree:
Being gay is not a choice. Nor is it
disorder:
Yei the religiousand cultural
prejudice agamst homosexuality
ontme Cold's lr sehnton
included excerpts from several
of the Sit:Micei,i 1,001l, l black
toil ah foster Care In .I Withthc
very real threat of losing her home
if she acted 100 masculine When
She turned to her beloved pastor
for help, he attempted to set her
straight by t'o'eing himself upon
her.
Jared I1ori'oa1, a 28-ynar-old
student et Texas lith University,
recounted ye's ofselfhaired,
shame and unsuccessful 810009ts
to change his sexual orientation.
He began cutting himself, carving
"FAG" and "1 118 YOIJ" into his
chest.
The church leaders who
counseled him said the cutting was
0 sign he was fighting his desires.
'limy urged him to continue to do
30, 01011 as the began to discover the
1' It healthier away Prom the"nx-
gay" support group.
The book also includes stories by
two mothers who lost their children
mm to suicide nd 0110 to a
brutal attack. Ther sobering stories
illustrate the fm' end of a spectrum
that includes nine -calling, bullying
and internalized) shame.
'The Sin Question'
Is homosexuality a sin? That
is the core of the issue for many
Christians who believe that it is.
Church leaders point to a handful
of Bile verses to justify that view.
'1'lhey include several references
from the et1 f Paul and
several Old Testament veses.
Yet some churchleaders run
rethinking their vievs.'110y
behevetheta 'xual conduct
Paul l :1 oke abamst relived 00
the exploitation of young men
and boys then 00/011100 in the
Roman world, not the committed,
loving relationship between two
01110nljng n10110.
Likewise. God's judgment against
Sodom has more to do with rape
than homosexuality, according to
the flee. t L Stephen Shoemaker
of Myers Park Baptist Church
in Charlotte, N.C. Shoemaker
contributed an essay to Gold's book
titled "Llomosexuali1X the Bible
and Us:'
The often -cited verses of
Leviticus 18:22:011(1 20:13, which
call homosexual conduct an
"abomination;" are part of the much
larger holiness code, Shoemaker
writes.'1'his code includes
hundreds of fides about cleanliness
and uncleanliness. Some are now
considered morally neutral, such
as having sex during menstruation.
Others the completely accepted
by 1110 Christian community. Pork,
anyone?
Other Old Testament verses
decree death for a son who
disobeys his parents or a nun
who picks up sticks on the
FFBIF NUMBER;
GAY YOUTH AT RISK
'Suicide is life lhedleafling cause of
death among ISlo 24.year-olds; for
every young person who takes his or
her file 20 more Ips.
' Gay 0<0>5 :010 four times more
likely toatte mpt suicide than their
Iheterosexualpeews.
f Fotyhve percent of gay men and
20 percunof lesbians surveyed
had been r'd'ns of veinal aced
physical OSSaliltS`t SCCOIldilly school
specifically becauseoftheir sexual
orientation
•G2y Youth are al higher risk of
being kicked out of their homes
NH lining to file on the streets ler
anvivaL They are mote likely than
their heleiosnxuol peers lo 010,1 using
tobacco, alcoholandillegaldrugsal
an cadierage.
0Terenlyeb9111 percent of gay
studentsdrop out of school — mote
than three bales the national avenge.
Seuo: "oohs/ mesa or Minae Gnu
VO Muor Bxual¢
Sabbath. -The challenge is to
make our moral disecrnmenls
about these laws thoughtfully
and as consistently as possible,'
Shoemaker writes.
"I use two main criteria in my
own interpretation of Scripture.
The forst is from Augustine Docs
my interpretation increase the
lave, of Godand neighbor, or
decrease it The saconcl 01 m uac
toms, the Word made posh, as
key to interprctationi What scents
co0si010111 with who he Wall, how
he lived, and what he taught?"
SATURDAY, JAN. 30, 2010
NEWS
Fayetteville Library Series
)iscusses Financing Retirement
SPtcmLTO rcomnwFSr.APHANSrs NLwSPAP;:es
FAYEiTEVILEE -The Fayette-
ville Public Library will
continue its series of free
workshops about financing
retirement at 6:30 p.m. Feb.
Il in the library's Walker
Community Room.
The program will be
repeated at 10 a.m. Feb.13.
"How Can 1 Afford Retire-
ment?" offers investor educa-
tion tips to take the mystery
out of retirement planning.
Participants will receive a
free book on the subject of
retirement playing and other
materials.
The series continues in
March and is provided by
Garrison Financial Institute at
the University of Arkansas's
Sam. M. Walton College of
Business in partnership with
the Investor Protection Trust
Foundation, the Fayetteville
Public Library and the Arkan-
sas Security Department.
The session is based
on an investor education
program developed by the
Poston Public Library and
the investor Protection
'flust Foundation.
The Investor Protection
"frust is a nonprofit organi-
zation devoted to investor
education. Since 1993, the
trust has worked with states
to provide independent,
objective investor education
needed by all Americans to
make informed investor deci-
sions.
The talk is free and open
to the public. Registration is
required and is available at
www.gfi.uark.edu.
For information, call
856-7250.
STAFF PHOTO ANDY SHUPE
An all -terrain vehicle heads east up East Spring Street on Friday in Fayetteville.
FUN Some Residents Went To Work As Usual
CONTINUED FROM PAGE IA
the hill near J.B. Hunt in
Lowell. It was a great spot,
but probably not the safest
place to sled."
Some doubled up and took
their time, while others took
the plunge with abandon -
I
STAFF PHOTO DAVID FRANK DEMPSEY
Farrah Russo, 9, makes a 6 -foot jump to the sand below the playground equipment at Lake Bella Vista in Bentonville Parents
on Monday. A sunny day with 56 -degree weather brought families and trail walkers to the lake. L Fayettevil
f /9 / have three
Study: Teens Need ore
LIBRARY'S YOUNG ADULT SECTION COULD MO
By Skip Descant
SDESCANT@NWAONLINECOM
FAYETTEVILLE — Teens at
the Fayetteville Public Library
could get their own expanded
section �— this time on the
first floor where newspapers
and magazines are currently
held.
A study to examine how'
the BIairtLibrary can better
use its existing space was'
conducted by Jeffrey' Scherer'
of the Meyer, Scherer &
Rockcastle Architecture firm
in Minneapolis, the same
firm that designed the 2004
library.
In recent years, library
officials have sears
for
its young, adult section grow
significantly, prompting a
look at how this section can
be moved or reconfigured.
"Their interest in reading,
Tm so happy, is growing,"
said Shawna Thorup, direc-
Historians
By Tabatha Hunter
THUNTER@NWAONUNE.COM
BENTONVILLE — Historians
from the Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program will
be in Siloam Springs on Jan.
26 to examine two'build-
ings.
Hn
close look at s buildings in
the city compoundwill attake thea
corner of q
Hill streetsTahle, as well lasuah the
city's downtown fire station,
to determine if the build-
ings merit being placed on
the National Register of
Historic Places, said Ralph
Wilcox, National Register
and survey coordinatorfor
the program.
The tour is part `of a
national study of the devel-
AT A GLANCE
OTHER FINDINGS BY THE SPACE STUDY
* Enlarge computer room
Nonprint collection (DVDs and CDs) should be consolidated and
more compact
r Self -check stations need more space
$ Outdoor terrace needs permanent shading
Stairs to garage need to be "rethought" and "enlivened with new
lighting"
SOURCE: STA tT REPORT
tor of the Fayetteville' Public
Library.
The space study also found
that since young people are
asked to work collaboratively
at school, the library should
respond accordingly to create
spaces for teens to work on
group projects, said Michele
Raine, interim director of
operations at the Fayetteville
Public Library.
The library was built for a
300,000 -piece collection.
"And we're almost there,"
Thorup told the board.
Any reconfiguration will
go through a public review
process, Thorup said.
"No architectural changes
can be made without (Fayette-
ville Public Library) board
approval," Thorup noted,
"And this may not fly,"
Thorup added of the idea to
move the young adult section
Space
week to loi
on propos
options fo)
Fayetteville
The fir
6 p.m.tode
VE DOWNSTAIRS Architects
overall visi
down to the area of the build- and the tw
ing with the sweeping south- facilities
ern views of the Boston
Mountains. "We might get to �I Lily
the point of public input and J
they say, no way."
"One of the hallmarks of Aft
the library are the views out Aft
to the south," said Dan Ferri -
tor, a member of the library s"
Board of Trustees. 'And when
you change that, you're going FAYETTEV
to get some more response." ville City
Design and renovations Williams is
would be funded through the is expected
$250,000 Dr. and Mrs. Harry week, said
C. Otwell Public Library his wife.
Fund. The library board did William
not make a decision to move emergency
forward until it reviews a last Tuesd.
library policy that requires hospital sta
the original architect to be "He's doi
commissioned for changes Emily Will
to the building. evening. "T
"I'm not opposed to going
out for an REP (request for
proposals)," Thorup said. "1ff
w Id I d `h t"
To Tour Siloam Springs
opm; y rvices,
Wilcoxent said.of'
"The qualitycitofselife of
many of our Arkansas` towns
is directly aprssociated-with
services
municipal 'governovidedmbyourents,"
said Frances McSwain,
director of the Arkan-
sas Historic Preservation
Program.
"We plant0 document
such resources y h,
fire and police stations,
jails, community centers
and swimming pools dating
from 1960 and before."'
Don Warden, direc-,
for of the Siloam Springs
Museum, is `happy to see
the city's history getting
attention.
The buildings that the
Arkansas I3istoiic Preser-
vation Program is coming to
examine "are buildings that
I have been admiring for a
lot of years and I certainly
hope they would receive
some recognition," Warden
said.
Warden said he was not
sure of the exact age of the
buildings, but he felt like
they were built sometime in
the 1960s if not before.
"They are just some great
old buildings and they have
served in various ways for
the city over the years,"
Warden said.
"A lot of people probably
see thein and do not even
think twice about them,"
Mark Christ, community
outreach director for the
Arkansas Historic Preser-
vation Program, said histo
Buildings`
rians are al o looking for
input from the community
about which buildings in
Benton County should be
placed on the National
Register of Historic
Places.
Anyone who knows of
other buildings in Benton
County that should be
examined by the historians
is encouraged to call Wilcox
at 501-324-9880. Wilcox can
also be reached via e-mail
at ralph@arkansasheritage:
org.
The Arkansas Historic
Preservation Program is
the agency of the Depart-
ment of Arkansas Heritage
responsible for identify-
ing, evaluating, registering
and preserving cultural
resources in the state.
Or.
ST
ROGERS —
sions to a tra
discussed M<
officials.
Counci ma
chairman of
Public Work:
Jim Clark, as:
ney, review,
contract and
some idea'
improvement
A five -yea
Inland Servic
at the end of
Townzen s'
to many re
adding new
contract.
"1 think pec
cle more if w
cart rather tl
have now,"
following the