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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-22 - Agendas - FinalFAYETCEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Brenda Boudreaux
Hershey Garner
Kim Agee
We inspire imagination and foster learning.
Millage Exploratory Committee
September 22, 2015 5-7 pm
Ann Henry Board Room
AGENDA
Jack Butt
Don Marr
Ann Rosso
I. Call to order
II. Appoint committee chair
III. Historical Background
A. Master Plan Summary
B. City Hospital property history
C. Retreat Takeaways
D. Expansion Options
IV. Budget Forecast
V. Long Term Revenue Committee Report
VI. Election Calendar
VII. Public Comment
VIII. Adjourn
Janine Parry
Attachments:
Historical background
Statement of City Public Works Department 2000 goals — (see item 19)
Certificate of Washington Co. declaring results of a special election in 2000 on a temporary sales tax
Results of election in 2002 that removed Fayetteville Public Library from the Washington County Library System
Takeaways from Library and Foundation Boards retreat in May, 2014
Long -Term Revenue Committee Report
2016 — 2023 Millage Parameters
Budget Forecast
Local Library Millage Assessments—Arkansas
Millage elections in Arkansas — 2008-2014
Millage election significant dates to consider
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Memo
To: Millage Committee
From: David Johnson, Executive Director
Date: September 9, 2015
Re: Historical Background
Thank you for agreeing to participate in the Millage Committee appointed by the Board of
Trustees during their August meeting.
Staff prepared this memo to provide background information for the discussions the
Committee will have when it meets on September 22.
These committee meetings are public.
Historical Background
The timeline that has led FPL to this point begins in 1916 when a group of Fayetteville citizens
established a city library on June 7. On July 27, 1959 the library officially became the City of
Fayetteville Library. The table below lists several of the key milestones beginning when voters
approved the first library millage and has continued through today.
Current Status
The table below is a listing of events and dates:
Event
Date Authorized/Initiated
Library Founded
June, 1916
First Operating Millage Approved (part of Washington County)
November, 1948
Reorganized as a city library
July, 1959
Bonds issued to build Fulbright Library (G. O. Bonds)
November, 1959
Initial Master Plan Authorized
August, 1998
Special City Sales Tax to Construct New Library: passed 2895 for:
987 against
August, 2000
FPL Millage Ask (1.0 mil) from County Library Mil to City:
passed 1277 for: 248 against
October, 2002
FPL Millage Ask (2.3 mils) April 2006, Failed 1943 against: 1725
for
February, 2006
Event
Date Authorized/Initiated
Master Plan Update RFQ
November, 2012
Board of Trustees authorizing 2030 Master Plan Update
February, 2013
City Hospital Property Becomes Available (RFP closing date)
April, 2013
Preliminary 2030 Master Plan Update findings
August, 2013
Board of Trustees authorizes bid on property
July, 2013
Washington Regional accepts FPL bid
October, 2013
Operations & Maintenance Impact of Expansion
April, 2014
FPL Mini Retreat
May, 2014
FPL Blair Library Budget Forecast
October, 2014
2015 Budget Discussions
November, 2014
Long-Tenn Revenue Committee Formation
December, 2014
Long-Tenn Revenue Committee Report & Recommendations
June, 2015
Millage Committee Formation
June, 2015
FPL Expansion Options on current site
September, 2015
Millage Committee Recommendation to Board
• Page 2
Public Works Department
2000 Goals & Results (continued)
Goals
12. To continue to provide assistance, guidance, and
requirements to associations operating programs at
park facilities to ensure the quality of programs
offered.
13. To amend maintenance programs developed in 1999
to incorporate new park facilities and new park land
acquisitions.
14. To complete and develop programs and policies for
the Gary Hampton Softball Complex.
15. To develop a Parks and Recreation master plan by a
professional firm utilizing input from citizens at
public meetings, park staff, and national park and
recreational trends.
16. To continue working with the Arkansas Game and
Fish Commission on stocking and regulating Lake
Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah.
17. To increase book circulation of the library by 6%
through improvements to the collection.
18. To develop on-going young adult activities at the
Fayetteville Public Library.
19. To design a new main library building, to hold a
referendum, and begin a capital campaign.
20. To install two traffic signals next year. Locations to
be determined by a MUTCO study.
Results
12. Provided field maintenance for the Fayetteville
Youth Baseball, White River Baseball and all soccer
leagues. Staff continued research and developed
facility agreement drafts for all associations.
13. To provide more preventive maintenance the
maintenance programs for building, ballfield, and
mowing were expanded.
14. With the addition of this new ballpark, Parks and
Recreation was able to offer fastpitch youth softball.
This program had 31 teams registered for the
summer and fall seasons.
15. Lose & Associates Inc. was awarded the contract for
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The firm has
conducted the steering commission meeting and ten
public meetings, interviewed City staff and
community leaders, and developed and mailed 6,000
surveys to citizens. Completion of the master plan
is estimated mid -year 2001.
16. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has re-
stocked both Lake Fayetteville and Lake Sequoyah
to maintain both as prosperous fishing lakes.
17. Circulation increased from 337,600 in 1999 to a
projected 410,000 in 2000, an estimated 18%
increase.
18. Created a Young Adult Advisory Board consisting
of about 20 students from grades seven through
twelve. This board was involved in 16 programs,
projects, and events for the year.
19. Completed a pre -funding design with final design
underway, a temporary sales tax was passed in
August to finance the new building, and a $12
million capital and endowment campaign was
launched in the fall.
20. Plans have been submitted to AHTD for traffic
signal installations at the intersections of Sunbridge
and Gregg and Highway 180 and Hollywood. The
City is on hold until approval is received.
21. To assist in developing a traffic count layer for the 21. The data base is in process with estimated
online GIS data base. completion to be mid -year 2001.
142
0S/09/2015 sac) 3:50
x 4794441994
®001/001.
CERTIFICATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF
ELECTION COMMISSIONERS ASCERTAINING
AND DECLARING RESULTS OF SPECIAL ELECTION HELD
IN THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ON
AUGUST 15, 2000
STATE OF ARKANSAS
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON )
We duly commissioned and acting Election Commissioners of Washington
County, Arkansas, do hereby certify that the following is a true and correct abstract of
votes cast in the Special Election held in the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, on August
15, 2000, on the question of a 1% Sales tax, as defined and described in Fayetteville City
Ordinance Na, 4256.
Co
-Ad CD AR
47
The results of the vote on the question submitted are as follows:
FOR 2895
AGAINST 987
Dana Willuuns, Member
PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE RESULTS OF ELECTION
I, the undersigned Mayor of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, after examining the
election returns and the Certificate of the Washington County Board of Election
Commissioners certifying the vote FOR and AGAINST the question of levying a one
mill city tax on real and personal property within the City of Fayetteville to be used for
maintenance and operation of the Fayetteville Public Library, a public city library. If the
one (1) mill city tax is approved, the one (1) mill county tax on real and personal property
used for maintenance and operation of a county library system will cease to be levied
within Fayetteville city limits. If the one (1) mill city tax is not approved, the one (1) mill
county tax on real and personal property used for maintenance and operation of a county
library system will continue to be levied within Fayetteville city limits.
1277 For a one (1) mill city tax on real and personal property within
the City of Fayetteville to be used for maintenance and
operation of the Fayetteville Public Library, a public city
library. If the one (1) mill city tax is approved, the one (1) mill
county tax on real and personal property used for maintenance
and operation of a county library system will cease to be levied
within Fayetteville city limits.
248 Against a one (1) mill city tax on real and personal property
within the City of Fayetteville to be used for maintenance and
operation of the Fayetteville Public Library, a public city
library. If the one (1) mill city tax is not approved, the one (1)
mill county tax on real and personal property used for
maintenance and operation of a county library system will
continue to be levied within Fayetteville city limits."
All persons are hereby notified that the results of the election on question of levying a
one mill city tax on real and personal property within the City of Fayetteville to be used
for maintenance and operation of the Fayetteville Public Library shall be conclusive
unless attacked by the Circuit Court of Washington County within thirty (30) days after
the publication hereof.
GIVEN this 4th day of October, 2002.
By:
Dan Coody, Mayor
Take Aways from Board Retreat — May 9, 2014
Mayor Jordan: Libraries open life-long learning to every individual and level the playing field of life.
Full support for the expansion.
The main sources of revenue that fund the library's $4.26 million budget: city transfer from sales tax
revenue and money generated by a one mil levy on real and personal property. Neither source of revenue
has increased over the years.
Annual revenue/current sources: With no expansion, the budget gap will grow from $1.76 million this
year to $2.52 million in 2020 and $3.05 million in 2023. FPL cannot continue all the services it provides
without a budget increase.
The reality is that we're in a 10 year old facility that needs maintenance, more space for programming,
and additional funds to purchase eBooks (increasingly popular and more expensive than print books).
Blair Library, built for 65,000 patrons, was expected to accommodate community growth through 2018.
However, the area grew faster than anticipated.
Bobby Roberts: It's easier to pass a bond issue than a millage because people understand them better. If
the millage is associated with a new building, people understand the need for operational millage money.
A millage on an existing building is a difficult sell. FPL should target frequent voters with postcards,
calls and educational materials. De-emphasize precincts that vote no.
Dr. Stephen Smith: The 2006 library millage campaign didn't fail because there was an anti -tax mood
(has there ever been a pro -tax mood?). It failed because it didn't get enough votes. Only 3668 people
voted. In the last 5 special elections the largest number of votes against anything was 2265, so the library
expansion needs 2500-3000 yes votes. Figure out what you want and ask for everything you need!
Passage will be decided on big issues, not whether the request is 2.3 or 2.4 mils. August is a good date
for a special election — patrons have used the library heavily during the summer and are back from
vacation. Do not contact people likely to be opposed.
Bill Mitchell: Fundraising is 90% homework and 10% solicitation. - 75% to 95% of the contributions
will come from 50-100 donors. Fundraising is built on personal relationships and links between individual
people. Individuals give to organizations in which they are engaged. The library must structure ways
people can be involved.
Jeff Scherer: Need to reset FPL to be more current. Newer libraries are doubling meeting spaces,
adding maker spaces, reducing print collections and increasing technology. Blair Library was designed to
be 100,000 sq. ft. Budget constraints resulted in a 12,000 sq. ft. reduction which is why the building is
bursting at the seams. To educate and encourage voting, fact sheets explaining the library's needs and
voter registration materials should be everywhere.
Questions to ask:
1. What scale should the expansion be?
2. Will there be phases?
3. Will there be future needs such as branches?
4. Time required (Every year delay costs $1.5 million more in inflationary costs)
5. Disposition of remaining is a revenue question, service question and land bank question.
Long Term Revenue Committee
Fayetteville Public Library
Memo
To: Fayetteville Library Board of Trustees
From: Long Term Revenue Committee
Date: May 13, 2015
Re: Committee Report
Introduction
The Long Term Revenue Committee (LTRC) was charged with the development of possible
funding actions to close a predicted budget gap beginning in calendar year 2016. This memo
includes eighteen (18) revenue generation and/or expense reduction options discussed — some of
which are being recommended for consideration by the FPL Board of Trustees (Trustees) for
implementation.
The LTRC's was tasked with addressing the fact that although operational funding revenue for
Blair Library is growing just under 2% per year, expenses (due to exponential increase in user
demand) are growing at 3.5% on average. In 2015, the library is operating with a balanced
operational budget and all critical capital needs are funded with the exception of library materials.
This balanced budget for 2015 was possible after $502,000 was removed from the Library's 2015
plan. Attachment 1 is a recap of the budget reductions implemented for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Table A presents an excerpt from a nine (9) year budget summary that forecasts revenue needs
from 2015 through 2023 based on current operating strategy with no increase in total employee
headcount. Predicted additional revenue needs in 2016 total $619,300 and are expected to reach
$1,543,500 in 2023. This increased revenue need is to keep the library functioning as it does
today without any increase in total employee headcount.
The LTRC discussion of current Blair Library funding needs also considered future library funding
needs: the need for expansion of the current Blair Library based on the 2030 Master Plan, the City
Hospital land purchase, and the current legal status of the City Hospital property sale, for which a
resolution is not expected until mid-to-late 2016. The LTRC's recommendations do not address
these long-term funding needs.
The LTRC discussions point to several short-term actions that will provide budgetary relief, but a
long-term sustainable solution will need to include a voter approved millage levy. The LTRC
emphasized the amount of millage and the election timing should be determined by the Board of
Trustees, based on the short-term action recommendations outlined in this memo, as well as
longer-term considerations. The latter would require a millage level above the current 1 mil.
The LTRC considered a wide array of cost-saving and revenue -generation options. We used, to
quote committee member George Faucette, "a sharp pen." Table B presents all considered
options and the LTRC viability assessment of each option. Each option was categorized by the
committee as a "Non -Starter" or "Possible" action. A "non-starter" action was a possible revenue
generator or expense reducer, but could result in negative customer satisfaction and/or
unacceptable reduction in customer services. "Possible" actions could generate revenue or reduce
expenses with minimal impact on library services or patron satisfaction.
1
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
Please note: these added revenues and/or expense savings are "soft" numbers based on
our best guess with the information available.
Table A— FPL Budget Summary 2016 — 2023 with Additional Revenue Needs
Fayetteville Public Library
Additional Revenue Needs Forecast 2016-2023
Budget year
Primary Government
Operations Transfer
Book Transfer
Property Taxes
Transfer from Foundation
Other Revenue (All Other Sources)
2015 2016 2017 2018 2023
2,083,400 2,102,400 2,166,400 2,183,400 2,277,400
1,677,400 1,677,400 1,677,400 1,677,400 1,677,400
406,000 425,000 489,000 506,000 600,000
1,342,000
119,130
362,980
1,374,000
122,000
323,000
1,401,000
124,000
323,000
1,429,000
126,000
323,000
1,576,000
141,000
323,000
Total Revenue - Current Sources ' 3,907,510 3,921,400 4,014,400' 4,061,400' 4,317,400
Supplement from Savings 158,000 158,000 158,000 158,000 0
Total Resources
• 4,065,510 4,079,400 4,172,400 4,219,400' 4,317,400
Annual Expenditures - Current Facilities 4,065,283 4,208,000 4,355,000 4,507,000 5,353,000
Restore 2014/2015 Cuts 0 0 0 0 0
E Book cost difference 0 175,000 128,000 129,000 133,000
Equipment and Facility Updates 0 315,700 362,700 361,700 374,900
Total Revised Annual Expenditures
• 4,065,283 4,698,700 4,845,700' 4,997,700 5,860,900
Additional Revenue Needs ' 227 • (619,300) • (673,300) • (778,300)(1,543,500)
Current Mil Rate 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
The impact on Additional Revenue Needs Forecast of removing: Supplement from Savings, E
Book Cost Difference and Equipment and Facility Updates for 2015 through 2018 is depicted in
Table C1 later in this report.
• Page 2
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
Table B — All Revenue and Expense Options Discussed and Categorized by LTRC. (Note: LTRC
meeting minutes are attached to provide additional context for categorizations and discussions.)
Table B: Item/Topic Listing
Non Starter
Possible
1. Close on Sundays and/or Mondays
1
$50,000
2. Furlough employees
✓
0
3. Do not replace departing employees
1
4. Reduce the collection
/
5. Charge for parking in deck
✓
6. Revise building policy to remove "keep in like new condition"
✓
7. Reduce the number of DVDs that can be checked out (to
decrease losses)
✓
8. Eliminate special events and author events
✓
9. Reduce/eliminate programs
✓
10. Reduce lawn care contract/hired services
/
11. Millage increase (two elements: increased valuation and
increased millage rate) (this analysis on addresses increased
valuations)
✓
12. Charge for library cards
1
13. Charge for meeting room use/ charge room rentals
1
14. Increase fines and fees
1
15. Increase Coffee Shop (Arsaga's) rent
✓
16. Charge for events
✓
17. Reinstate operating transfer from unrestricted endowment
1
18. Restrict Long Term Reserve to capital replacement
✓
The LTRC then evaluated the ten (10) options members considered "possible." Table C presents
the projected budget impact for 2016 of each. The "net impact" of adopting all of the suggestions is
$539,700. The Board of Trustees may choose to adopt any/all or none of the suggestions. If the
Board adopts all of the suggestions then FPL still has a budget deficit of $79,600 to address in
developing the 2016 budget.
Table C
Table C presents actions forwarded by the LTRC as "possible" as well as the estimated revenue
generation or cost savings. The net impact — if all options were implemented at the recommended
levels — would be $539,700.
Table C:
Possible Item/Topic Listing
Summary Conclusion
Predicted Dollars
Saved or Increased
Revenue in 18' Year
1. Do not replace departing employees
Potential saving estimate is $50,000
annually based on recent patterns.
$50,000
2. Revise building policy to remove "keep in
like new condition"
Also see Item 10 and Table C1 for
additional information as Item 2 and Item
10 are related and Table 01 accumulates
the budget impact of both items.
Care of the building is paramount. Long -
Term Reserve coupled with reserves for
Technology, Facilities and Furniture &
Equipment should provide adequate
money for capital reinvestment through
2018. This would remove the $158,000
currently being transferred to the library's
operating budget.
0
• Page 3
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
Table C:
Possible Item/Topic Listing
Summary Conclusion
Predicted Dollars
Saved or Increased
Revenue in PI Year
3. Reduce the number of DVDs that can be
checked out (to decrease losses)
No direct dollar impact except for the
potential of postponing some added
purchases.
$0
4. Millage increase (two elements:
increased valuation and increased
millage rate)
Existing property values are anticipated to
grow 2.4% from 2014 to 2015. (This
addresses increased valuation only)
$40,000
5. Charge for meeting room use/charge for
room rentals
The meeting room rates should be
adjusted, especially those that are
assessed to for-profit organizations.
$28,000
6. Increase fines and fees
A minor increase in fine rate is proposed
coupled with adoption of no tolerance
policy in that all fines & fees must be paid
before additional materials can be
checked out.
$19,000
7. Increase Coffee Shop (Arsaga's Rent)
Good business practice says FPL should
periodically review rental rates but should
do so in a manner that seeks to build on
existing relationships
$0
8. Charge for Events
Continue to hold these events if
sponsorships and/or fees can make them
self-supporting.
$10,000
9. Reinstate operating transfer from
unrestricted endowment
Release the $2.0 million for re -investment
and restart the annual distribution to FPL.
$60,000
10. Restrict Long Term Reserve to capital
replacement/ Supplement from savings
This designation will provide funding for
capital replacements for a few years but
will reduce operating revenues through
2020. The net impact is shown in this
table.
332,700
Total "Net Impact"
$539,700
Net Deficit to Close for 2016
479,600
• Page 4
Table C1
Fayetteville Public Library
Additional Revenue Needs Forecast 2016-2018
Budget year
Primary Government
Operations Transfer
Book Transfer
IT Transfer
Property Taxes
Transfer from Foundation
Other Revenue (All Other Sources)
Total Revenue - Current Sources
Transfer from IT& Facilities Reserve
Supplement from Savings
Total Resources
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
mil growth 2012 to 2013
2015 2016 2017 2018
1.98%
2,083,400
1,677,400
406,000
0
1,342,000
119,130
362,980
2,102,400
1,677,400
425,000
0
1,374,000
122,000
323,000
2,166, 400
1,677,400
489,000
0
1,401,000
124,000
323,000
2,183,400
1,677,400
506,000
0
1,429,000
126,000
323,000
Annual Expenditures - Current Facilities (2014 Adopted Budget adjuster
E Book cost difference compared to Hardback Books
Equipment and Facility Updates to keep FPL inviting & energy efficient
Total Revised Annual Expenditures - Current Facilities
Additional Revenue Needs
3,907,510' 3,921,400' 4,014,400' 4,061,400
158,000 158,000 158,000 158,000
4,065,510' 4,079,400' 4,172,400' 4,219,400
4,065,283 4,208,000 4,355,000 4,507,000
0 175,000 128,000 129,000
315,700 362,700 361,700
•
4,065,283 4,698,700' 4,845,700' 4,997,700
227' (619,300)' (673,300)' (778,300)
Impact of Options:
Table C Items 1 through 9 207,000 207,000 207,000
Table C Item 10 (next 3 items taken together)
Supplement from Savings (158,000) (158,000) (158,000)
E Book cost difference compared to Hardback Books 175,000 128,000 129,000
Equipment and Facility Updates to keep FPL inviting & energy efficient 315,700 362,700 361,700
Revised Annual Revenue Needs
• Page 5
227 (79,600) (133,600) (238,600)
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
ATTACHMENT 1 2013 2014 2015
Fayetteville PUblic=Library Budget Reductions 2013-2015 Budget Budget Budget
Added Revenue to Balance Annual Budget
FINRA Grant Revenue 28,835
Recognize Wal-Mart/Sam's Grant for Brainfuze Database 9,000
Obtain Board approval to use FPL endowment managed by Foundation 35,000
Add NEH Funding 36,000
Internal Transfers from Designated Savings Accounts 79,500
Added Resources r 188,335
Expenditure Reductions to Balance Annual Budget
Reduce Program Supplies/Performances 19,675 60,156 19,766
Reduce Library Materials 0 0 84,500
Reduce Marketing & Community Relations 6,750 16,227 18,369
Increase Salary Contingency (8,000)
Reduce Salary Contingency 62,000
Reduce PTO Buy -Back 10,000
Reduce Administration - Personnel Services 28,000
Reduce Facilities - Personnel Services 12,317 22,065
Reduce Administration Supplies 5,700
Reduce Marketing Supplies 560
Reduce Computer Software - Application 17,000
Reduce Public Notification 2,250
Reduce Postage 6,000
Reduce Electricity 3,000
Reduce Municipal Water 600
Reduce Contract Services 25,800 19,220
Reduce Dropbox Pickup 2,500
Reduce Other Professional Services 8,000
Reduce Memberships 768
Reduce Travel, Lodging & Meals 22,325
Reduce Training & Professional Develop 22,675
Reduce Bank Service Charges 300
Reduce Building Maintenance 36,450 99,500
Reduce Furniture & Equipment 35,000
Reduce Building Improvements 24,500
Reduce Computer & Technological Equipment 10,440
Total Reductions for Operational Expenses 18,425 313,128 362,860
Reduction for Master Plan Phase 2 140,000
Total Expenditure Budget Reductions to Balance Budget on an Annual Basi: 18,425 313,128 502,860
• Page 6
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
ADDENDUM
Designated Reserves
FPL has four (4) designated reserves: Long Term, Facilities, Technology, and Furniture &
Equipment. The following is a recap of the original source used to establish each of the
designated reserves along with a discussion of the original purpose for each. These reserves are
controlled by FPL Board of Trustees and are completely separate from the endowments managed
by the Foundation. Please note: these designated reserves are scheduled to be fully utilized
by 2020.
Long Term
A review of the financial records reveals that the Long Term Reserve was established in 2003 with
an initial deposit of $99,780. The next significant deposit, $992,425, was in October 2004 from the
sale of the Fulbright Library Building on Dickson Street. The funds were used to pay for remaining
cost associated with completion and furnishing of Blair Library. The table below lists the major
actions taken with regard to the Long Term Reserve.
Date
Description
Transfer In (Out)
Amount
7/31/2003
Initial Deposit
99,780
10/31/2004
Sale of Fulbright building
992,425
8/5/2005
Transfer for Building Payments
(457,726)
6/22/2006
Deposit
50,000
12/14/2006
Transfer from Merrill Lynch Accounts
600,000
9/5/2007
Establish Facilities Restricted Investment
(206,129)
9/5/2007
Establish Furniture & Equipment Restricted Investment
(206,129)
9/5/2007
Establish Technology Restricted Investment
(206,129
4/11/2011
Transfer from Merrill Lynch Accounts
780,000
11/28/2011
Transfer To Arvest for Operations
(100,000)
6/2015
Transfer to Operating Investment
(79,000)
10/2015
Transfer to Operating investment
(79,000)
The balance in the Long Term Reserve Restricted investment as of April 30, 2015 is
approximately $1,172,000.
Facilities
The Facilities Restricted investment was established in September 2007 with an initial deposit of
$206,129 from Long Term Reserve and has been funded with unexpended operational budget
money from Facility budget line items. This transfer was not made for 2013 and 2014 in order to
allow the remaining budgeted money to flow back into Operational Reserves. Investment
earnings on Facilities Reserve are added to the balance on a monthly basis. There was a transfer
to Operating Investment of $16,500 in February 2014 to reimburse for some facility improvements
paid from Operating Investments.
The balance in the Facilities Restricted investment as of April 30, 2015 is approximately $535,000.
Technology
The Technology Restricted investment was established in September 2007 with an initial deposit
from Long Term Reserve in the amount of $206,129 and has been funded with unexpended
operational budget money from IT budget line items. This transfer was not made for 2013 and
2014 in order to allow the remaining budgeted money to flow back into Operational Reserves.
• Page 7
Long Term Revenue Committee Report
Investment earnings are added to the balance on a monthly basis. There was a transfer from
Technology Reserves of $13,000 in February 2014 to Operating Investments to reimburse for
some technology improvements paid from Operating Investments.
The balance in the Technology Restricted investment as of April 30, 2015 is approximately
$270,000.
Furniture & Equipment
The Furniture & Equipment Restricted investment was established in September 2007 with an
initial deposit from Long Term Reserve of $206,129.
The balance in the Furniture & Equipment Restricted investment as of April 30, 2015 is
approximately $189,000. Investment eamings are added to the balance on a monthly basis. There
was a transfer from Fumiture & Equipment Reserves of $50,000 in February 2014 to Operating
Investments to reimburse for some furniture & equipment improvements paid from Operating
Investments.
• Page 8
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Memo
To: Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees
From: David Johnson, Executive Director
Date:
Re: 2016 -2023 Millage Parameters
Introduction
This memo seeks to communicate the critical decisions facing the Board of Trustees as it considers
various options to implement the recommendations of the 2030 Master Plan update. Many of the
concepts and priorities contained in this memo will be repeated in the official budget memo. This
compilation is provided to give the Board additional time to contemplate the issues and opportunities
for 2016 and forward through 2023.The focus of this memo is to address FPL's long-term needs for
service and space starting with the 2016 budget. Blair Library is listed as a "gem of Fayetteville" and as
the city continues its growth toward a predicted 115,000 in 2030, Blair Library must meet the service
demands that 115,000 citizens will expect.
The enormous popularity and use of Blair Library from its 2005 opening through today led the Board
of Trustees, in the i`' quarter 2013, to authorize a 2030 Master Plan update. Based on detailed data
analysis, the 2030 Master Plan concluded that an additional 80,000 square feet of library space will
be needed by 2030 to meet patron service expectations. The most current estimate is that Fayetteville
has over 80,000 residents. FPL's library card holders have grown from 60,714 in 2005 when Blair
Library was completed to 80,896 as of July 2015.
The key decisions that need to be addressed in the coming weeks and months are:
• Determine the path to expansion
• Determine the funding mechanism for the expansion
• Secure operational revenue to fully fund Blair Library and the future expansion
Next year, 2016, is a pivotal year in the history of Fayetteville Public Library. However, it is not the
first decisive year. Perhaps the most critical year was 1916 when a few visionary citizens created a reading
room for a growing frontier city that comprised a few city blocks and was home to the state's land grant
university. The next major move came in 1957 with the construction of the Fulbright Library on
Dickson Street which served Fayetteville citizens until October 2004 when Blair Library opened.
1
Our citizens have, for over the past 100 years, grown to rely on free access to library materials and
programs of all types and formats. Library services continue to evolve as historical formats to dispense
written words migrate to new digital formats. The Library has been able to provide engaging and
stimulating materials and programming that address patrons' interests and needs. These materials and
programs continue to evolve into more hands-on, experience -based library services.
Blair Library is now ten (to) years old and entering the replacement phase for equipment &
furnishings. With the increase in traffic (almost 1500 patrons a day in 2014), Blair Library is
beginning to show wear. Library resources - be they materials, program space, study rooms or meeting
rooms - are requiring closer monitoring than ever before. The stewardship of past and current
Trustees is paying off in that, through 2015, FPL has had the resources needed to replace equipment
that wore out, ceased to be supported by the manufacturer or no longer met the needs of our patrons.
This is changing.
The Board of Trustees continues to focus on both the annual budget and the long-term future for
Blair Library. During the 2015 budget discussions, the Board appointed a Long -Term Revenue
Committee to assess the sources and uses of operating funds. The Committee's recommendations will
be discussed in the next section of this memo. An additional advisory committee has been formed; the
Millage Advisory Committee will develop recommendations for the Board to consider concerning the
size and timing of a millage election. The size of the millage ask will depend on which expansion option
the Board selects:
(i) Expand Blair Library on this campus by 30,000 square feet (SF)
(2) Expand Blair Library on this campus by 56,000 SF
(3) Expand Blair Library by the 80,000 SF recommended in the 2030 Master Plan Update
Library Operating Budgets 2005-2015
To briefly recap our recent history, FPL had adequate resources to provide library services that met or
exceeded patron expectations until the recession of 2008 to 2010.The net effect of the recession was
flattened revenue as operational costs continued to grow at the normalized rate of inflation. And, even
while the local economy began to stabilize and grow after 2010, growth of the library revenue sources
remained - and continue to remain - below pre -recession levels. After 2010, FPL showed operational
deficits for 20II through 2013. The budgets for 2014 and 2015 were balanced by reducing planned
activities by $313,000 in 2014 and $503,000 in 2015. The following graph provides an overview of
the past few years.
• Page 2
4500000
4000000
3500000
3000000
2500000
2000000
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, EXPENSES &
REVENUES 2005-2015
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• Revenues • Expenses
Budget cuts for 2015 included, but were not limited to:
1. Reduced maintenance funding - $118,000
2. Reduced book purchases - $84,500
3. Elimination of staff raises - $62,000
4. Reduced IT budget for software and equipment - $27,400
5. Reduced programming materials - $19,44.0
The $84,500 in reduced book purchases affects both print books and e -books. The reduction is
exacerbated by e -books' popularity and their significantly higher price. Patron preference for e -books
coupled with stagnant revenue and routine inflation have reduced FPL's ability to respond to patron
needs. The following table lists the average cost paid for a print book compared to the average cost of
an e -book from 20I2 through July 2015.
• Page 3
Year
Average Print
Book Cost
Average E -book
Cost
2012
$14.26
$24.67
2013
$14.31
$22.29
2014
$14.40
$25.92
Through July
2015
$1442
$34.03
The table below compares print and e -book circulation for the time periods (2005, and 2012 through
July 2015).
Through July 2015, FPL is experiencing a 5. i% decline in print book circulation and a 12.8% increase
in e -book circulation. E -book circulation has increased from 55,035 in 2012 to 125,438 in 2014. In
order for FPL's collection to remain relevant to our patrons additional resources are needed. Our
library materials budget for 2015 is less than 2014, a likely contributor to declining circulation
numbers.
• Page 4
Calendar
Year
2005
Calendar
Year
2012
Calendar
Year
2013
Calendar
Year
2014
Year -to -
Date
Through
July 2015
Circulation numbers
Print
830,693
1,205,206
1,213,684
1,214,747
437,064
Digital and Freegal
Not
applicable
55,035
101,910
125,438
79,828
Circulation % change from prior
year
Print
15.7%
o.5%
o.7%
o.i%
-5.Io%
Digital and Freegal
Not
applicable
67.9%
85.2%
23.I%
12.8%
Through July 2015, FPL is experiencing a 5. i% decline in print book circulation and a 12.8% increase
in e -book circulation. E -book circulation has increased from 55,035 in 2012 to 125,438 in 2014. In
order for FPL's collection to remain relevant to our patrons additional resources are needed. Our
library materials budget for 2015 is less than 2014, a likely contributor to declining circulation
numbers.
• Page 4
An additional data point is building use as measured by program attendance from 2005 through July
2015. The following table illustrates patron usage
We have set forth some key elements that have driven FPL's budget framework over the past few years.
As we examine the future we need to:
(1) Continue to provide excellent library services for our existing population and
(2) Plan the facilities and materials needed for Fayetteville citizens through 2030.
These dual goals require that we find additional funding both for current operations and the inevitable
expansion.
2016 to 2917 Needs with the Forecast to 2023
During the budget process for 2015, staff prepared a multi-year forecast that examined predicted
resources and anticipated needs from 2015 through 2023. See chart next page. In 2014, the Board
appointed a Long -Term Revenue Committee which ultimately determined that additional taxpayer
support is needed to meet FPL's operating needs over the next eight to ten (8-10) years.
Further exacerbating budget concerns, the Arkansas General Assembly in 2015 reduced state -aid to
public libraries by over $1.0 million. FPL's part of the reduction is over $30,000. Expected future
reductions in state aid will further erode FPL's financial resources. Future reductions are largely
unknowable at this time.
FPL has determined that approximately $315,000 to $375,000 is needed annually to fund an account
restricted to the replacement of furniture and equipment. This will ensure that FPL has enough money
to pay for major repairs to the roof, conveyor system, and elevators as well as the next network upgrade
scheduled for 2025. Currently, FPL does not have the annual revenue to replenish these savings
accounts for the eventual equipment/facility repair/replacements. The Board has set aside cash in a
long-term reserve account that could provide the funds for replacement until voters are given an
opportunity to determine FPL's future source of funds. This short term option can only last for a few
years.
The table below presents this information in summary format. It also incorporates recommendations
made by the Long -Term Revenue Committee that have been adopted by the Board.
• Page 5
Fayetteville Public Library
Additional Revenue Needs Forecas
& 2023
Budget year
Current Mil Rate
City of Fayetteville Transfers
Operations Transfer
Book Transfer
Property Taxes
Property taxes - Reassessment Impact
Transfer from Foundation
Other Revenue (All Other Sources)
Total Revenue - Current Sources
Supplement from Savings
Mil growth 2013-2014
Mil growth from 2015 to 2016
2015 2016 2017
1.00 I.00 1.00.
1,677,400 1,677,400
406,000 425,000
1,342,000
119,130
362,980
1,342,000
63,000
182,000
427,000
1,677,400
489,000
1,369,000
64,000
186, 000
412,000
1.74.
4.69%
2023
I.00
1,677,400
600,000
1,541,000
70,000
21 0, 000
412,000
3,907,510 4,116,400
158,000 0
4497,400
O
4,510,400
O
Total Resources 4,065,510 4,116,400 4,197,400
4,510,400
Annual Expenditures - Current Facilities 1,473,902 1,474,000 1,500,000 I,939,000
Annual Expenditures - Personnel Services 2,591,381 2,630,000 2,709,000 3,234,000
Annual Expenditures - Health Insurance Increase 12,000 12,000 12,000
E Book cost difference 175,000 128,000 133,000
Designated Reserves: Equipment and Facility Updates 315,700 362,700 374,900
Total Revised Annual Expenditures 4,065,283 4,606,700 4,711,700 5,692,900
Additional Revenue Needs
• Page 6
227 (490,300) (514,300)
(1,182,500)
Long Term Revenue Committee Recommendations
• Use increased millage revenue from the 2015 property tax reassessment to shore -up FPL's
budget. This is reflected in the table above in the amount of $63,000 for 2016.
The next three revenue items are incorporated into Other Revenue in the following table.
• Increase meeting room fees - $9,000 in additional revenue annually.
• Increase fines and fees - $19,000 annually. This revenue source will slowly decline as e -book
circulation grows. E -books, by their nature, cannot fall into a delinquent status because access
to the materials is shut off once the expiration date has been attained.
• Reinstate operating transfer from Foundation's Unrestricted Endowment - $6o,000. This
transfer will temporarily reduce the ability of the Foundation to provide funding for other
library needs.
Two additional recommendations were made by the Long -Term Revenue Committee that have not
been incorporated into the 2016 budget.
• Do not replace departing employees - projected saving $50,000 annually. This
recommendation can only be implemented if an employee leaves and is not replaced. Over the
last 24 months, FPL has not had any employees leave from a position that could remain vacant
making this potential savings less assured than other recommendations.
• Charge for events - this item is under consideration by the FPL Board.
A final recommendation of the Long -Term Revenue Committee is to redirect the annual transfer from
Long -Term Reserves to the Equipment and Facility Fund. Historically, this transfer has been used to
fill gaps in the operating budget. The Long -Term Reserve has sufficient investments to meet this need
for three (3) years at which time the reserve will be gone.
The following table builds on the table from page 6 and reflects the impact of implementing the Board
accepted recommendations from the Long -Term Revenue Committee.
• Page 7
Fayetteville Public Library
Additional Revenue Needs For
Budget year
Additional Revenue Needs
ecast 2016-20 7 & 2023 Mil growth 2013-2014
Mil growth from 2015 to 2016
2015 2016 2017
227(490,300) (514,300)
.71%
4.69%
2023
(1,182,500)
Impact of Removing:
E Book cost difference compared to Hardback Books
Equipment and Facility Updates
Total Value Removed
Net Additional Revenue Needs
175,000 128,000
315,700 362,700
0
0
490,700 490,700 0
400 (23,600) (1,182,500)
The budget gap for 2016 has been closed by a combination of additional transfer from the Foundation
and holding other expenses flat with 2015. The budget gap for 2017 maybe more difficult to close.
Future Impacts of Budget Reductions Made in 201. and 20IK
Based on statistical data, FPL has a growing need for additional programming space as well as library
materials. Solving the additional space needs is a topic outside of the annual budget process. This
budget addresses some of the issues that could occur if operational funding reductions are not
reinstated and/or additional funding secured.
Library materials reductions made in 2015 are unlikely to be restored for a few years. We can already
see the beginning of the impact: e -books circulation grew rapidly from 55,000 checkouts in 2012 to
over 125,000 in 2014. We anticipate continued growth in the "e" platform. Electronic books cost at
Least twice as much as print books and with all of our circulation growth occurring in e books we are at
risk of having a stagnant collection with fewer check outs in future years a distinct probability. The
reduction in library materials budget of $77,500 for 2015 equates to 5,375 print books or 2,278 e -
books. Carrying this library material reduction a second year means FPL will not have 4,556 of the
most current e -books or 10,750 copies of the most current print books.
Maintenance materials reductions mean that FPL will no longer be able to be maintained in like" new
condition and the age of the building will become increasing more apparent.
Reductions in IT funding for software and equipment will eventually impact the reliability of the
platforms by which we provide library services.
FPL, throughout its history, has been in catch-up mode where library employees are given raises only
to fall behind the following year(s). The Library conducted a salary survey in 2013 that brought our
• Page 8
pay -ranges up to our peer libraries. We did not have the funds for a salary adjustment in 2015 so we
are again beginning to fall behind. This can have a direct impact on employee morale and retention.
It is my recommendation that secure funding be identified to fund these critical areas and ensure FPL
continues to meet the expectations of our patrons.
Accomplishments — 2012 throw h 2olS
The next few pages provide a listing of accomplishments during the past twelve (12) months as well a
work -plan for 2016. This work -plan is based on the assumption that FPL services will be structured
to attain equilibrium between quality library services and the availability of materials and existing staff
time. It should be noted that FPL has the same employee count today that existed in 2004. with the
opening of Blair Library.
Each of these accomplishments was made possible by having an engaged staff that actively sought out
programs and projects that resonate with FPL patrons. It goes without saying that staff retention is
critical to an organization like ours. It also goes without saying that having the resources to meet patron
interests is equally important. Without adequate funding it is unlikely that FPL can continue to be the
jewel it has become over the past one hundred (100) years.
• Books and Bites targets low income, academically at -risk students who have also been identified
as food deprived. In partnership with Feed Fayetteville, Farmer's Table Restaurant, and First
Security Bank, the library brings summer campers from the Yvonne Richardson Center to the
library for a hot meal, an educational and motivational program, hands-on food crafts, food
preparation ideas and a take home bag filled with recipes, fresh produce and books. Plans are
underway to broaden this program to include Life Source International summer campers and
students at Asbell Elementary School. These additional locations have been identified as the
program's target audience. Total number served would be 50 campers from Yvonne Richardson,
75 campers from Life Source and 480 students at Asbell.
• Saving Money Makes tents - This program is FPL's financial literacy initiative funded through
Smart Investing@Your Library®, a partnership with the FINRA Investor Education Foundation
and American Library Association. Partnering with Credit Counseling of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Public Schools, University of Arkansas Bessie Moore Center for Economic Education, Washington
County Extension Services, and Head Start in Fayetteville, the library organized workshops using
a whole -family approach to building sound financial literacy, with the ultimate goal of increasing
the overall financial knowledge of participants. Outreach and library events targeted
multigenerational families among Fayetteville's vulnerable populations, empowering them to take
active roles in their standard of living. The grant funded program started in October 2013 and
concluded in April 2015. During this time period, FPL provided 29 courses to 1,359
attendees. The FPL financial resource collection grew by 5o% and circulation increased by 158%
After the first year, 92% of participants reported that they found the sessions helpful or very
helpful. Junior high students reported a knowledge increase of 35 percentage points, with 90%
feeling financially knowledgeable and capable at the end of the course. Attendee evaluations also
demonstrated that, because of what they learned in the workshop, more than 8o% of all participants
• Page 9
were "likely" to set financial goals, not use credit to extend income, discuss personal finances with
their family, and save for an emergency fund.
Attendees described the events as providing "concrete and practical information that can be used
every day." Further success of the classes was attributed to the instructors who were described as
"eager to help" and "motivating without judgment." Participants reported the impact of the
sessions, including "opening a college savings plan," "working on a mutual funds account,"
"making more concrete goals," and "changing my family's finances."
During the 2" year Saving Money Makes tents continued its mission by offering more sessions at
outreach locations such as the Fayetteville Senior Activity and Wellness Center, providing more
whole family programs, and teaching classes for elementary finance and math instructors.
• Nonprofit Resource Center - This resource is a part of the Funding Information Network of the
Foundation Center, a New York based nonprofit considered the leading authority on
philanthropic giving. Our library became a member of the Funding Information Network in 2007
and, since then, has provided strong and effective support to the nonprofits in Northwest Arkansas
(NWA). The Nonprofit Resource Center is a single access point to materials and resources that
help nonprofit organizations grow, develop leadership and improve performance. Its strengths
are its book collection, free programming, research help and grant -seeking databases. Staff add
new titles to the collection regularly - many of which are expensive and not readily available
elsewhere. The books in this collection can be checked out, and individuals who work for
nonprofits in Northwest Arkansas, even those outside FPL's service area, are eligible for free
library cards to access these collections. Approximately 400 people representing 300 regional
nonprofits attend free workshops and events annually. The grant databases see, on average, 250
searches a month. Librarians even provide one-on-one consultations that provide personalized
instruction on the Center's resources.
• Summer Reading Program - Since its inception in 1998, the library's Summer Reading Club
(SRC) goal has been to provide programs and materials that stimulate imaginations, inspire
students of all ages, and address the learning losses that occur over the summer when school is not
in session. To that end, SRC targets four levels of participants - listeners, youth readers, teens
and, as of 2007, adults. Attendance has grown from 1,907 in 1998 to 18,176 this year, an 853%
increase. As part of the promotion of SRC, librarians visited all elementary schools in Fayetteville
personally reaching 5,536 kids. Almost 75% of those children signed up in 2014. This summer
SRC offered 206 story times, programs, workshops, camps and speakers. With the addition of the
adult program, parents who come to the library with their children find it's both fun and effective
to lead by example and enroll the entire family in the program. In a community where illiteracy
levels hover dangerously high, the Summer Reading Club helps lay the foundation for successful
reading skills.
• Robotics have been proven to enhance the problem solving abilities of children. The number of
jobs in the tech field is growing and Fayetteville Public Library wants to provide our young people
with the opportunity to enhance their technological skills. Since starting classes in November of
2014, we have had over 85 participants with two more classes scheduled for fall of 2015.
• Page 10
• Teen Expansion - On June 3, 2011, the Otwell Teen Library opened to address the ever-changing
needs of Fayetteville's growing teen population. Before the opening, only five computers were
dedicated for teens which often meant teens were unable to use a computer during peak after school
hours. Nor were space needs being met as there were few places for teens to sit or congregate.
The renovation was funded by a generous bequest from Dr. Harry C. and Lela M. Otwell, a
$75,000 technology grant from Cox Communications, and sponsorships from Best Buy and Sam's
Club of Fayetteville. The Teen Mac Lab is now home to 13 iMac workstations available exclusively
for teen use and 15 lap tops for check out. If a teen should prefer to use a PC rather than a Mac,
there are three collaborative Dell touchscreen workstations located in the teen library for that
purpose. Teens helped choose design cues such as colors and furniture. They also gave insight into
elements which would help increase use among teens, such as a dedicated gaming area, a commons
area with abundant seating, and modular furniture so that tables and chairs could be moved
together for collaborative study. The goal was to give the intended users of the teen library
ownership of their new space, and area teens rose to the occasion.
• Sit, Stay, Read! pairs struggling and/or emerging readers with Library volunteers who have
certified therapy dogs. The library program encourages students to improve their literacy and
reading skills by reading aloud to the dogs in a relaxed environment with a nonjudgmental
audience. This program, in existence since 2002, serves approximately 30 students per year at six
Fayetteville elementary schools.
• Cat Tales, the Kitty Litter-acy Program, is designed to give kids an opportunity to practice their
literacy and reading skills in a positive, relaxed environment by reading aloud to cats at the
Fayetteville Animal Shelter. The participants commit to six reading sessions with the cats. They
improve their reading skills while the cats become more socialized, thereby improving their chances
for adoption. Since the program began in April, 2014, forty seven kids have completed the
program.
• Reading Roadshow is a volunteer driven, theme -based outreach story time for preschoolers who
are unable to attend story time at the library. Each month, and often twice a month, library
volunteers visit three Head Start Centers, all of the Pre -kindergarten classes in the Fayetteville
School District and the Elizabeth Richardson Center to promote literacy through stories, songs,
music and puppets. Over 275 students are served each month through this program. At the end
of each school year, each student receives a new, hard back picture book for their home library.
• Books for Borrowing is a small, on-site collection placed in each of the three Fayetteville Head
Start locations. Books are available for check out and are rotated on a monthly basis. This program
encourages library borrowing and serves those families who are unable to come to the library.
• Letter of the Week is offered at two Fayetteville Head Start centers. Library volunteers go weekly
throughout the school year to work one-on-one with those students identified as trailing in their
kindergarten readiness skills. Head Start testing scores show significant improvement as a result
of this program.
• Page 11
• Lending Hands and Words on Wheels serve the homebound and senior populations of the
community who are unable to come to the library. For 20 years, the Lending Hands program has
enlisted the help of' library volunteers to deliver library materials to residents who are
homebound. Residents sign up to receive this service and are visited regularly by the
volunteer. Words on Wheels is a new program beginning this fall at Morningside Assisted
Living. Again, library volunteers will visit the facility weekly to meet with residents and provide
readings of poetry and short stories.
• Network Upgrade - Prior to the upgrade, the library's network core was running on (100 Megabit)
Ethernet technologies developed in the 1990s. The network infrastructure was very outdated given
the demand of today's internet usage and bandwidth hungry digital content streaming applications.
Planning for the upgrade started in the spring of 2014 and final selections of leading edge network
technologies were chosen by December. In March, FPL IT staff, along with local Cisco engineers,
upgraded the entire network core to the latest 10 Gigabit switches in one evening, and in some
cases, increasing performance between systems by a factor of 1000. Patrons realized a 100 times
increase in the public network performance and a 5 fold increase in internet download speeds.
• Mifi Project - In the spring of 2015, Fayetteville Public Library began offering mobile WiFi (MiFi)
devices for checkout to patrons. Patrons are able to tap into AT&T's nationwide 40 LTE network
using an AT&T Unite mobile hotspots for fast browsing, email, and downloads using the mobile
devices from anywhere. Ten devices with unlimited data plans, five of which are paired with new
HP laptops, were sponsored by Library supporters, Hayden Mcllroy and Dash Goff. The MiFi
checkout project has been a huge success and FPL hopes to expand the offering as budget allows.
• Internet Only I -cards - With free and equal access to knowledge being one of the guiding missions
of the library, FPL issued Internet only I -cards to over 9,000 students in the Fayetteville school
system in the 2013-2014 school year. Not a borrowing card, this I -card enables any student to
access the FPL website, educational databases and live homework helpers from home or from school
24/7, regardless of outstanding fines. It also provides teachers and educators with additional tools
to supplement their lesson plans and the common core curriculum. In addition to a reissue of I -
cards for the current school year, plans are underway to expand the program to Fayetteville's 1,500
charter and private schools students.
• True Lit: Fayetteville Literary Festival - The Fayetteville community strongly supports the
cultivation of writers and artists. As a vibrant and creative regional hub, many organizations,
including the Fayetteville Public Library, have hosted events and festivals to spotlight regional talent
over the years. In 2012, FPL spearheaded efforts to unite these many smaller efforts into a larger,
more focused festival. The multi -day True Lit: Fayetteville Literary Festival emerged from these
efforts in 2013.
• True Lit built upon FPL's successful Ozark Writers Live!, a one -day literary event designed to
spotlight regional authors and encourage budding new writers to pursue their talents. FPL
welcomed authors Donald Harington, Daniel Woodrell, Miller Williams, Clare Vanderpool,
Richard A. Knaak, and Suzette Haden Elgin as featured speakers. With the growing success of the
event, FPL started looking for ways to take the event to a higher level. Library staff recognized
• Page 12
other local organizations had similar goals/programs and invited them to planning meetings
creating synergy through everyone's shared love of literature.
Guided by the library, True Lit became a collaboration between multiple Fayetteville institutions
interested in celebrating the joy of reading and the art of' writing. Partnerships were forged with
Fayetteville Public Schools, Fayetteville Public Education Foundation, Fayetteville Montessori
School, Ozark Literacy Council, the University of Arkansas Creative Writing Department, KUAF
public radio, and local bookstores with the common goal to create a festival to inspire all ages to
embrace writing and reading and to foster appreciation of literature. True Lit has featured authors
Jack Gantos, Jacqueline Woodson, Kevin Brockmeier, Janis Kearney, Anthony Priest, Anna Loan -
Wilsey, Bryan Borland, Jericho Brown, Geoffrey Winningham, Robert Cochran, and Darcy
Pattison.
The True Lit festival grew to include a strong youth component. To encourage engaging with and
open access to an accomplished author, children's author Jack Gantos was selected not only as the
festival keynote but also as an emissary instructor that met with Fayetteville students and educators
to inspire and encourage their interests in both reading and creative writing. These interactions
proved so successful they were repeated this year with youth author Jacqueline Woodson. True Lit
2015 will welcome Lois Lowry to Fayetteville.
• TRY- FPL is a program series designed to inspire new experiences and social connections in the
community. Building on the success of the 2014 SRC Explore Your Senses classes that featured
beer -making and quilting, the monthly TRY -FPL series highlights different skills and hobbies,
such as coffee roasting, chicken raising, gardening, fly fishing, beekeeping and knitting. To date
(August 2015), 390 people have attended 8 programs. Attendee feedback includes:
• "It was interactive and something I've wanted to try."
■
"Just learning & talking with others - enjoyed the apparent delight of the others."
• "Learning a new skill. It was fun and my skills improved. I was impressed with what I
could do."
• "Its fun to learn a new skill with my daughter."
■ "Always love my visits to FPL - thanks for being an amazing resource."
• LEED Building Management - Over the last ten years the staff at Blair Library has recorded all
building utility usages. The ability to see changes in utility usage at any facility can save thousands
of dollars—and that's where utility monitoring can make a real difference. To begin we set baseline
values, in order to determine those baseline values, an energy simulation of the building was
generated. It models the thermal qualities of the facility and takes into account when the building
is occupied and such details as when lights or equipment are expected to be in use. It adds models
of the heating and cooling systems and reflects the efficiencies of air conditioners, boilers, pumps,
and associated equipment. Most utilities trend with number of visits to the library. Our utility
usage per patron visit has consistently trended downward.
• FPL Author Series - Notable authors featured at the Fayetteville Public Library bringing free,
public author talks and book discussions to the community. Past authors include Tracy Kidder,
• Page 13
Dave Barry, Bob Woodward, and Peter Coyote. These events attract audiences ranging from 300-
600+.
• Mountain Street Stage - Popular concert series featuring local musicians and various genres of
music. The concert is recorded and selected songs are added to the library's Local music digital
archive. The series began in 2009, and has grown so that in 2015, 913 people attended 8 concerts
and commented:
• [That they enjoyed] "The great music and great people."
■ "I love this series!"
• "Delighted library offers variety of music, free to public."
■ "Our FPL offers such excellent summer/concerts on Sundays. Do continue." "Great
venue for families and individuals who want to hear music outside of the local bar
environments. Also allows people on a budget to hear quality concerts."
• "As we near our close in this Ark. thang we'll cherish the gifts & benefits provided most by
the Fayetteville Public Library."
• "Yay! Thanks for a lovely afternoon."
• "Keep doing this!"
• "Have this series again next summer."
• "More! More! More!"
■ "Thank you!"
• Summer Author Series began in 2015 to tie adult SRC contest activities to programming. These
cultural events introduce acclaimed authors and stimulating ideas. When possible, writing
workshops are included as well as general public author discussions. Often the events include
receptions to promote building community among readers and writers. The 2015 Summer Authors
included Robert Jackson Bennett, Roy Reed, and Padma Viswanathan. 371 people attended these
programs and remarked:
• "I appreciate programs with diversity so I can learn about other cultures."
• [What did you like about this program?] `Everything - my first program here at library -
WOW! Thanks."
• "FPL's continued commitment to thought provoking author presentations is one of the
best things about living in Fayetteville."
• "Glad to hear an author whose book I actually wanted to (and did) read."
• "It was very interesting! I'll attend some following events this year."
• Yoga Classes - The inaugural Yoga @ FPL class attracted over 100 people in January 2013. These
sessions continue to bring on average 40 people every Monday to the library. This program attracts
diverse audiences, connecting people of all ages and varied backgrounds. Because of the
community's clear interest in health -inspired programming, additional exercise/movement
themed classes have been offered or are scheduled such as Qigong, Rosen Movement, Barre 3, and
Crossfit.
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• Artist -in -Residence four-week Sumner Residency and four-week Afterschool Residency with
Leilani Law are designed to bring fun, free, and multi -disciplinary arts programs to youth in
Northwest Arkansas. The program includes 30 camps and workshops for pre -kindergarten
through twelfth grade students and covers an array of art forms, including writing, drama, drawing,
painting, ceramics and performance. We are more than half -way through the program and have
reached over 105 students.
• Gathering of the Groups - Now in its iith year, this long-running event to honors loyal readers
and community supporters. Area book clubs are encouraged to read the same book and convene
at the library for a luncheon and special author event. Authors for these events include David
Shipler, Pete Early, Karl Marlantes and Warren St. John.
• One Book, One Community - Since 2009, Gathering of the Groups has worked in conjunction
with the University of Arkansas' One Book, One Community program and through this been able
to feature well known and influential authors a fraction of their speaker fee. This partnership has
enhanced loyal library supporters experience and brought new ideas and conversations into the
library.
• FPL Book Clubs - Three librarian -led book clubs are hosted monthly, and support shared
learning, community conversations, and love for reading. The members of these book clubs are
engaged and loyal to the library, and participate in multiple library services. Through the book
clubs, librarians have first-hand access to learning about the community served and how to best
adapt library services to meet its need. Attendee feedback:
• "Good comments, good questions, made me think of things in new way."
• "Food! Camaraderie! Excellent speaker, easy to follow, very clear & interesting.
Informative and personalized."
• "Good every year - always good speakers"
• "Thank you for this program every year - always informative and enjoyable."
• "Keeps getting better every year! Great gathering - opportunity to get acquainted to Book
Clubs from other towns. Thank you! Staff FPL!!!"
• Minecraft is a valuable program because it teaches creativity and real-world skills such as problem
solving and teamwork. Minecraft has been offered at FPL every semester since the winter of 2014
reaching over 200 students.
• Terrazzo refinishing - FPL's flooring, terrazzo and cork, are part of the sustainable
environmental goals that the library committed to when it became a LEED certified building. The
terrazzo flooring must be deep cleaned and resurfaced periodically to retain its functionality and
appearance.
• Lobby furniture replacement - Space is a precious and finite resource at most Library's and Blair
library is no exception. Facilities has specific guidelines for allocating space, although some of the
individual departments within the library develop their own norms over time, facilities strives to
regard space allocation judiciously, to ensure that new furniture is planned realistically and
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