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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-16 - Agendas - FinalFAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Board of Trustees & Foundation Board of Directors June 16, 4 pin AGENDA Regular Meeting Ann Henry Board Room Kim Agee, President Mayon Rice, Treasurer Susan Graham We inspire imagination and foster learning. Charles Adams Brenda Boudreaux Suzanne Clark Hershey Garner I. Call to order II. Opening Remarks by Jim Blair III. Minutes A. Approval of minutes 1. April 2.1, 2014 regular meeting — page 2-3 B. Signed minutes 1. February 17, 2014 regular meeting — page 4-5 IV. Reports — for informational purposes only, will not be discussed A. Management reports 1. Key upcoming events — page 6 2. April -May 2014 Strategic Plan progress — page 7-9 3. May 2014 Performance Measures — page 10 B. Financial reports 1. Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2014— to be distributed, if available 2. Budget to Actual as of January 31, 2014 — to be distributed, if available C. Notes from board retreat on May 6, 2014 V. Old business: A. Report of Nominating Committee B. Update on purchase of City Hospital C. Expansion: Next steps VI. Adjournment FPL press Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting April 21, 2014, 4 pm Minutes Prepared by S. Daniel, Office Manager Board members present: K. Agee, S. Clark, C. Adams, S. Graham, M. Rice and H. Garner. Board Members Absent: B. Boudreaux. Staff present: D. Johnson, S. Davis, B. Holt, W. Fitzgibbon, S. Daniel, C. Moody, L. Greenwood, S. Foley and S. Palmer. Others: Elizabeth Jordan — retiring trustee, Jake Lamkins of Friends of the Fayetteville Public Library, Gretchen Gearhart, Judge David Stewart, and Cynthia Burns of BKD. Press: Rose Ann Pearce. The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:02 pm by K. Agee. 11. Presentation to Elizabeth Jordan on the occasion of her retirement. III. Presentation to Gretchen Gearhart for writing the history of the Friends of FPL. IV. Swearing in of Hershey Garner as newest board member. Judge David Stewart administered the oath. V. Audit: Completed earlier than in previous years, the library received an unmodified opinion - the best possible. M. Rice moved to accept the audit; C. Adams seconded. All voted AYE. VI. Minutes of February 17, 2014: S. Clark moved to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2014 regular meeting; M. Rice seconded. All voted AYE. VII. Reports A. Management Reports 1. Key upcoming events: D. Johnson noted Astronomy for Everyone was well received. A song -writing panel discussion is scheduled for this week. May 315' kicks off the Summer Reading Program. 2. February 2014- March 2014 Strategic Plan progress: Newbery Award winning author Christopher Paul Curtis drew over 500 people. FPL hosted the Farmington High School Research Day. First Thursdays have begun representing another way FPL takes the library to the community. IT installed super -fast Wi-Fi and moved 34 servers to new hardware. The Bank of Oklahoma introduced staff to its revised website which helps users assess if they are on track to retire. Facilities installed a large umbrella in the children's yard made possible by money received in memory of Rita Davis. Other libraries around the state want to emulate FPL's initiative that distributed Internet only cards to all Fayetteville public school students. FPL received grants from the AR Economic Development District, AR Heritage and AUTIS. 3. March Performance Measures: Circulation is up; programs and attendance held steady in spite of inclement weather. 4. Alyson Low, featured book reviewer: L. Greenwood distributed copies of a review written by staff member Alyson Low for School Library Journal. B. Financial Reports 1. Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2014: The balance sheet shows $3.6 million in cash and investments. 2. Budget to Actual as of March 31, 2014: The state turn back is $35,500 (up over 2013) and fines and fees down $5000 because we forgave so many during the bad weather. The designated funds generated almost $12,000 in income. We have realized some losses on our bond investments. Transfers from the Foundation will cease for 7 years to help restore Foundation coffers tapped to pay for City Hospital. Library reserves will replace the Foundation transfer. Personnel services are down slightly over 2013 when the board authorized an accumulated PTO buyout. Benefits expenses are higher than in 2013, in part because new hires are automatically enrolled in the retirement plan. Materials are being purchased in a timely manner, rather than hurriedly at year's end. VIII. Old Business A. FINRA update: W. Fitzgibbon distributed booklets made by children participating in the Save, Spend, Protect programming. To date Smart Investing programming has reached over 400 participants and the large majority reported both the teachers and materials were helpful or very helpful. The finance collection has been expanded resulting in a 158% increase in circulation. For year 2 of the grant, the AR Securities Department will provide investment basics education. Most public libraries that have received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service from the IMLS have also received a FINRA grant. B. Board Retreat — Rescheduled for May 9, it will be held in Millar Hall of Mount Sequoyah Retreat Center. Jeff Scherer will be present. C. City Hospital Update: Vince Chadick has met with Tom Olmstead, Washington Regional's attorney, to explore options on moving the purchase forward. The library has lost income on 2 cash parked to purchase the property, salvage value as the building degrades due to vandalism and weather, and opportunities to partner with community groups. Options may include Washington Regional underwriting some demolition before FPL has title in hand. D. Summer Reading Program: Adult Services and Youth Services have worked together to develop the largest program to date. Sign-up goes live May 1; kickoff is May 31. Youth staff will visit all elementary schools to promote the event. Mountain Street Stage will go twice as long. Joe Crookston, the signature speaker, will do a multitude of events for children, teens and adults. IX. New Business A. Audit: moved to earlier in the agenda; see item V. B. I3K0 Recommendations/Suggestions — not discussed. C. Appointment of a Nominating Committee: Committee to be S. Clark and C. Adams. D. Budget Adjustment — Copiers: Staff recommends leasing copiers as a better alternative to purchasing. While there is a slight increase in cost, it is offset by eliminating the costs and time associated with disposing of public assets. As important, it will be easier to keep current with technology. H. Garner moved to approve the staff recommendation to lease rather than purchase; C. Adams seconded. All voted AYE. F. Budget Adjustment - Grants and AT&T Credit: FPL has received several grants and an AT&T credit in excess of what was anticipated. Staff would like to commit $4000 of the AT&T credit to a document scanning station. H. Garner moved to approve the agenda item as presented; C. Adams seconded. All voted AYE. F. Approval of Devon Fell's application for scholarship funds: M. Rice moved to approve D. Fell's application for scholarship funds. H. Garner seconded. All voted AVE. It is noted that FPL has 6 students on scholarship in an MLS program. G. Replacement of servers and public PCs: On Feb 28, the blade chassis began to fail, the servers shut down at random, and the network totally failed. IT stabilized the environment temporarily, but concluded new server hardware was needed immediately. A 6-12 month project planned for the next couple years was completed in a month. This event highlighted the need to plan for the unexpected, hence the value of the library's designated funds and the importance of Capital Improvement Planning — currently under way at both the library and the city. X. Adjournment: H. Garner moved to adjourn; M. Rice seconded. All voted AYE. Meeting adjourned at 5:23 p.m. Brenda Boudreaux, Secretary 3 Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Meeting February 17, 2014, 4 pm Minutes Prepared by S. Daniel, Office Manager Board members present: K. Agee, B. Boudreaux, S. Clark, C. Adams, S. Graham, and E. Jordan, Board Members Absent: M. Rice. Staff present: D. Johnson, B. Holt, L. Mandell, 0. Jelinek, S. Palmer, L. Greenwood, S. Foley, S. Walker. Others: Margie McGuire, Vince Chadick. Press: Rose Ann Pearce. The Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by K. Agee. H. Minutes S. Clark moved to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2013 regular meeting; B. Boudreaux seconded. All voted AYE. III. Reports A. Management Reports 1. Key upcoming events: D. Johnson highlighted the diversity of programming for adults, teens and youth. The Arkansas Arts Center ARTMOBILE (an art gallery on wheels) wit be here for a week in March. Newbery Award winning author Christopher Paul Curtis speaks March 20. An evening with Maya Angelou is April 11; invitations have been extended to Governor Beebe, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Chancellor David Gearhart, and President Bill Clinton. The library will seat 700 people in the mag/media area and an additional 600 guests will view the presentation via simulcast in other areas of the building. FPL will also simulcast to the UA Hillside Auditorium which seats 700. Tickets are free, limited to two per request, and are available beginning March 3. 2. December 2013 -January 2014 Strategic Plan progress: D. Johnson noted the library's partnership with KUAF on a haiku contest to celebrate National Poetry Month. The first year of Smart Investing concluded with an event that attracted over 50 participants. Yoga and qigong continue to be popular. In response to requests, allowable holds were increased so that patrons may now request up to 15 books and 10 DVDs. The newest outreach effort provides a story book to all new moms at Washington Regional Medical Center. Planning continues on the second annual literary festival. Following the success of the Internet only cards for all Fayetteville students, other libraries have contacted FPL for information on emulating this program. Starr Island has been upgraded and a new mural installed in the Wal-Mart Story Time Room. The due diligence process on the City Hospital property is on schedule. An ad campaign, "What do you do with your card?" has been successful. 3. January Performance Measures: Though inclement weather depressed some statistics, digital circulation continues to increase sharply. Cardholders number above 68,000 - a number that does not include accounts that have been inactive for 3 years. Though the library has some delinquent accounts, the number is not excessive. Let the record show Forest Agee has paid his fines after a discussion with his father. B. Financial Reports 1. The library has approximately $318,000 remaining unspent at the close of 2013. Commitments made in 2013 yet to be paid total $106,841 and critical items cut from the 2.014 budget (Master Plan - Phase 2, distinguished speaker fee, professional development, floor maintenance, and the summer reading program) total $221,225. Note: The distinguished speaker fee was formerly paid with NEH bridge money. Pending clarification from the Foundation and actual receipt of income from the NEI -I, the library will pay for this series. Staff recommends a 2014 budget adjustment of $328,066. B. Boudreaux moved to approve the staff recommendation; S. Clark seconded. All voted AYE. 2. S. Davis absent; January financials not available. IV. Old Business A. Reschedule Board retreat: D. Johnson will post a Doodle schedule to find a meeting date suitable for all board members and speakers. V. New Business A. Contract with MS&R for Master Plan, Amendment 2: S. Clark moved to approve the contract; C. Adams seconded. All voted AYE. B. Inclement Weather Policy: Library staff reviewed the inclement weather policy and recommended, as a matter of fairness, paying all staff members scheduled to work when the 4 library is ctosed due to inclement weather. S. Clark moved to approve the proposed amendment to policy PA -31; 13. Boudreaux seconded. An voted AYE. C. Quiet Title Process: V. Chadick reported the quiet title action has not yet been filed. it remains Washington Regional Medical Center's obligation to complete this effort that invokes working with the original donors to ensure the hospital fully acknowledges the Stone family's gift some 100 years ago. D. Gwyneth Jelinek, Assistant Manager of Circulation Services, has been admitted to the Florida State University's master's program in Information Studies. She has applied for a scholarship from the Arkansas State Library. The money comes to the library, and the library agrees to award the scholarship to the recipient and to reimburse the Arkansas State Library if the applicant does not meat the conditions of the scholarship- B. Boudreaux moved to support the application; S. Clark seconded. All voted AYE. Note: the library irs made this agreement a number of times in the past. E. Update on Friends. The 2014 officers an the Friends Board are President Kim Ratliff, Vice.. President Georgena Duncan, Treasurer Janet Gorman and Secretary Suzie Jenkins. Gretchen Gearhart has written a 27 page history of the Friends. In appreciation, €3. Boudreaux moved to present her ;with a framed photograph of Fayetteville € ublic Library; S. Clark seconded. All voted AYE. F. Streaming board meetings: D. Johnson noted the F1 team has purchased equipment to simulcast Maya Angelou's performance. This same technology could've used to stream library board meetings, story times, and other performances. G. Appointment of new board member: 0. Johnson thanked E. Jordan who is retiring effective April 1. Deadline for applications to the city is February 28'. 31. Adjournment: S. Clark moved to adjourn; 8. Boudreaux seconded. Ail voted AYE. Meeting adjourned at 4:49 pm. Brenda i3oudreaux, Selretary 5 • FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY Key Upcoming Events June & July 2014 Meet the Funders Wed, June 18 from 9am to 11:30am Regional and state foundation members will discuss grant writing strategies with local nonprofit representatives. Teen 101 Series Digital Photography — Tuesday, June 24 — 2pm Didgeridoo Down Under Wed, June 25 at 1 & 2pm A musical experience for the whole family like no other all the way from Down Under. Opera in the Ozarks Sat, June 28 at 2pm Members of the 2014 troupe will singing selections from this season's operas in this special performance. FOLK SINGER JOE CROOKSTON In Residence at FPL — Wed, July 9 through Fri, July 11 • Kids Concert — Wed, July 9 at 1 & 2pm • Kids Songwriting Workshop — Wed & Thur, July 9 & 10 at 4:30pm • Creativity & the Song Inside You, Adult Songwriting Workshop — Wed, July 9 at 6pm • Family Concert — Thur, July 10 at 10:30am • Teen Songwriting Workshop — Thur, July 10 from 1 to 3pm • Songwriting Workshop Concert — Thur, July 10 at 6:30pm • Joe Crookston — Live at FPL — Fri, July 11 at 7pm 6 FAYEV1 VP, PUBLIC LIBRARY Strategic Plan Progress Report April 2014 — May 2014 Purpose: We inspire imagination and foster learning. 1. Programs & Services: We offer inspiring and relevant programs and services that engage the community's curiosity, provide opportunities for education and self-improvement, and serve as the gateway to the library by addressing the diverse needs and interests of our community. a. Programs Hosted National Poetry Month including workshops for all ages, a songwriting panel and haiku contest. ii. Concluded 4 month Chinese Language and Culture classes; an intermediate series is being planned. Hosted flavors of the Ozarks with a panel discussion, Dutch oven cooking, and e -cookbook. N. Offered 5 classes on Excel and Facebook led by Arkansas Connect - some targeted to City employees. v. Hosted Working with the Media for nonprofits featuring NWA Times reporters and photographers. vi. Hosted Astronomy for Everyone featuring astronomer and former NASA consultant. vii. Hosted Retiring Green: Sustainable Living in Retirement. viii. Hosted Harmonia Mother's Day concert. ix. Finalized One Book One Community author Karl Marlantes, a partnership with University of Arkansas. x. Continued hosting 3 monthly library book clubs. xi. Kicked off 2014 summer reading with our largest festival ever (approximately 2,000 attended). xii. Hosted the Fayetteville Public Schools Battle of the Books for 4"' and 5"' grade students. xiii. Hosted informational programs and tours for a Rogers middle school and a Springdale middle school. xiv. Hosted Arkansas Children's Theatre, Free Comic Book Day, Teen Minecraft tournament and Free Flix. xv. Concluded Homework 1lelpers, After School Workshops and Math Club. xvi. Presented an informational program on library programs to a group of international teachers. b. Services Researched 38 genealogy requests, consulted with 4 individual nonprofits and proctored 2 tests. c. Quality d. Relevance II. Collections: We will build and support collections that inspire the community with the resources they need to explore topics of personal interest and continue to learn throughout their lives. a. Satisfy your curiosity i. Began ordering financial books and media for year 2 FINRA grant project. Checked collections against review sources, special attention travel, World War I, and craft collections. Checked film collection against Cannes Film Festival notables. iv. Evaluating streaming movie service IndieFlix and digital magazine service Flipser. v. Evaluating Ingram as a collections vendor. vi. Checked the youth and teen audio collections against the 2014 ALSC and YALSA audio picks. b. Inspire learning/imagination Continued writing monthly Free Weekly articles featuring library programming and resources. Created two booklists featuring programming and library materials. III. Access: We will build and expand the ease and convenience of the library experience through virtual and physical reach to all in the community, reflecting the FPL welcoming, convening and destination culture. a. Browsability Re -located adult non-fiction DVDs and shifted remaining film collections b. Outreach partnerships. Partnered with Kappa Delta Pi and to host Reading with the Razorbacks event. ii. Served on the City Potluck committee7and assisted with events. Booked the First Thursday Kids Stage events; FPL will host a table at each First Thursday. iv. Planning year 2 FINRA programming with Head Start, Jules Taylor of Shaky Bugs and Rita Littrell of UA. v. Presented summer reading promotional programs at all Fayetteville elementary and middle schools. vi. Continued planning 2014 True Lit Festival in partnership with numerous community partners. vii. Donated 27 boxes of books to the Vilonia Intermediate School that was destroyed by a tornado. viii. Donated FPL pencils for the Root Rocket Run. ix. Concluded Reading Roadshow outreach with a book giveaway to all participants. x. Concluded the weekly Letter of the Week kindergarten readiness tutoring at 3 Head Start centers. xi. Teen Advisory Board distributed flowers to residents at Butterfield Trail Village Health Care unit. xii. Offered monthly preschool programs in partnership with Trike Theatre's Dramatic Book Club. c. Virtual Migrated to new Readers Advisory newsletter product, LibraryAware. d. Physical IV. People: We create and maintain a culture of excellence by supporting and inspiring our staff, boards, and volunteers. a. Staff Hired 2 library associates and 3 pages for summer help; trained one volunteer on holds. Training 4 circulation staff to work in reference department during K. Haley's maternity leave. Reference and youth staff trained on Learning Express Library and Library Aware. iv. Four staff attended Library Paraprofessional conference. v. Videotaped BOT retreat for viewing by staff not in attendance. b. Boards c. Volunteers Concluded volunteer led kindergarten tours for all FPS kindergarteners (868 toured). Hosted volunteer appreciation party - 62 attendees. V. Facility: Our consumer -friendly, sustainable facility will be safe, accessible, and clean and support the requirements for quality programs, services and collections. a. Maintenance Weeded the grounds and added plantings to the landscape. ii. Replace elevator cameras and 4 compressors in AC 82. iii. Set up and tore down all the facilities needed for the summer reading kick off. b. Technology Installed new wireless network controller that will provide higher performance WiFi. Deployed new Windows 7 to staff computer workstations. Deployed MS Office 2013 (upgrade from 2007) to all staff stations. iv. Upgraded firewall and network core software. v. Migrated building alarm system software and wiring to server room. c. Safety/Security Repaired elevator cameras and provided security training for staff. VI. Communication: We maximize ongoing communication to increase awareness of the library and understanding of its value and impact on the community. a. Marketing Plan Implemented Summer Reading marketing plan: web and print calendar, school flyers, and NWAT flyers. Created art layout for Mt. Street Stage flyers, adult programing signage, and prize signage. Co -wrote radio advertisements for Summer Reading kickoff and signups for KUAF. b. Public awareness campaign Created "What will you do with your card?" media campaign for Cityscapes magazine. ii. Created evite for playwright, Karen Zacarias in partnership with TheatreSquared and KUAF. c. Operationalize brand i. Created FPL Summer brand with DOXA for summer programming. 8 ii. Created Teen Summer e -newsletter to promote Teen events. d. Public relations e. Website Created Summer Reading webpages for kids, teens, and adults. ii. Launched new Responsive Web Design for faylib.org on May 14, 2014. Deployed 2014 SRC signup kiosk in Youth Services. VII Funding: As good stewards of the public trust, we will pursue diverse, sustainable funding. a. Met with previous Capital Campaign donors and potential future donors to introduce ED and tall< about next steps. b. Coordinated board retreat location and meeting setup. c. Met with NEI -I pledge donor about finalizing their donation by December 2014. d. Met with Gravette Public Library Executive Director about strategic fundraising plans. e. Solicited door prizes for Volunteer Appreciation Brunch. 9 10 Fayetteville Public Library Board of Trustees Retreat May 9, 2014, 8:30 am Minutes Prepared by S. Daniel, Office Manager Library Board present: K. Agee, B. Boudreaux, S. Clark, C. Adams, S. Graham, M. Rice and H. Garner. Foundation Board present: S. Overbey, N. Olmstead, J. Butt, M. Sharkey. Library staff present: D. Johnson, B. Holt, C. Moody, S. Foley S. Davis, L. Yandell, and S. Daniel Others: Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Dr. Bobby Roberts, Dr. Stephen Smith, Jeffrey Scherer, John Allison, 1321 Mitchell, Matthew Taylor, Rose Ann Pearce, Lindsley Smith, Vince Chadick Mayor Jordan opened the retreat noting libraries provide life-long learning to every individual and level the playing field of life. He expressed full and complete support for the expansion -- calling it necessary and high time to move forward. D. Johnson spoke of the need for a consistent message, and for people other than library staff to make the case for expansion. J. Scherer recommended staff forward every comment/question they hear to David. Need to completely understand what community needs before we can sell it. History of Blair Library 1998: strategic plan completed Spring 1999: site selected Winter 1999: 20 year master plan determined a need for 90,000 square feet of space Summer 2000: Conceptual design completed August 2000: Temporary sales tax approved by voters Sept 2000: Capital campaign begins Mar 2002: Bids opened Apr 2002: Groundbreaking June 2002: Construction begins Sept 2003: Topping out Oct 2004: Library doors opened A feasibility study on fundraising built support. FPL currently collects 1 mil that generates $1.3 million. State law limits libraries to 5 mils for operating expenses and 3 mils for capital expenses. Millage receipts account for 31% of the library's $4.26 million budget. The other largest portion is the city transfer which provides 39%. Yearly, millage receipts have increased about 1.9%. However, the CIP transfer for books and computers has not increased annually. Assuming no expansion, FPL will see a $1.76 million gap next year between revenues and expenses. By 2020, the gap will increase to $2.52 million and by 2023 to $3.05 million, FPL cannot continue to operate at existing levels without additional funding. These funds are necessary to maintain a 10 year old facility with equipment reaching the end of its design life, provide programming the community expects, and purchase eBooks which cost more than traditional books. The financial gap is also being driven by faster population growth than expected and increasing demands for technology. The library was built anticipating 65,000 patrons by 2018; today the library has more than 69,000 cardholders. The more traffic through a building, the more maintenance is necessary. All programming and technology is free; staff size has remained constant since opening day in 2007. Fayetteville is a print centric community, though patrons often read the same book in both electronic and paper format. Though DVDs will eventually become obsolete, they currently drive circulation numbers. Circulation of paper books is actually declining. Streaming videos will create issues similar to those with purchasing/renting eBooks. It is important to look at different scenarios for projecting operational costs. The full expansion (including an auditorium) - $8.6 million. The digital bridge (no auditorium) - $7.3 million. Expansion on Blair campus only - $6.7 million. Current operational budget - $4.26 million Need to fully understand the different scenarios, keeping in mind the money needed to keep the existing library open and operating. 11 Need to decide if the full build is needed now and need to be very clear on what the community wants. A common comment in Fayetteville is "Our library is new and beautiful; why do we need an expansion?" The master plan is not based solely on what the public said in meetings. Rather, it is based on peer communities, usage trends, and facts. During the discussion that led to Blair Library, the public initially wanted to just expand the Roberta Fulbright building. Going to a voter base for support is very different from reaching the people who already love the library, Dr. Bobby Roberts: Little Rock serves 320,000 people with 14 branches and a variety of other facilities. Property taxes fund everything; cities donate nothing. Roberts has run 17 millage operations as wet as bond issues (easier to pass). In any election, look for the yes votes; don't spend time on the precincts that vote no. In Little Rock, some of the bond money is set aside to buy books and computers; state statute allows a 10% set aside. Roberts uses a number of different architects and contractors. Contractors are selected under an inter -local agreement. Expansions below $5 million are sometimes bid. Fayetteville will solicit more public input than Little Rock. The architect should design what is needed; others raise the money. Don't let the budget trap you into bad decisions. One person (not a committee) should have the authority to deal with the architect, Operational costs, not building costs, are the most expensive. Do not build without operational millage. Recommendations: get the lighting right, design the mechanical space for access as sooner or later everything will break, and make sure the private space is well done and large. A library has to build what the community needs. For this reason, LR spends more money on libraries in less affluent areas even though the people who need libraries the most, use them the least and vice versa. Libraries in disadvantaged areas are more valuable to a community. It is easier to pass a bond issue than it is to pass a millage - people understand them better. Millage campaigns sound like bureaucracy and salaries. Citizens understand the need for operational money if the millage is associated with a new building. An operational millage on an existing building is a difficult sell. Children sell elections: display them prominently in any campaign asking for operational funds. LR pledged fines and fees for 20 years to finance revenue bonds. Once paid off, the fines and fees came back to the library system. About 7000 people voted in the last bond election. Target post cards to those who are frequent voters. Call a list of voters asking if they support the expansion. Send educational material to those who are undecided. Send vote reminders to those who respond "yes." Special elections are the way to go, though there is a move to do away with them. Schedule the special election as far from the general election as possible. A general election is a more expensive proposition Iowa has 15,000 libraries because there is a per capita requirement for library spending. There are onIy120, 000 libraries in the whole country. Dr. Stephen Smith: (Former FPL Trustee). 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. On the Yes -Yes -Yes campaign, 4315 voted and 666 voted against. Though there are 48,000 registered voters, fewer than 6000 vote in special elections. Determine what you want and ask for everything you need. The issue won't be decided on a fine point such as 2.3 vs 2.4 mils. Appoint a committee with only one library trustee. FOl the library for a list of library patrons with their contact information; then get the list of voters from the county clerk and compare the two. Find card holders not registered and get them registered. Get data on where cardholders live. Have voter registration and educational materials available all the time at the library. Pop-up screens on the website could encourage patrons to register to vote. Survey patrons (perhaps online). Ask 3 things they like and 3 they dislike. Then ask if they'd be willing to support an expansion. Educate them, and learn what people are opposed to. The goal is to identify those people who are undecided or pro library. Do not contact the people opposed to the project. This shouldn't be a media campaign. Spending money on TV and radio will bring out those against. Persuasion should be done by telephone, email, and direct mail. Might spend about $10/vote. Knock on the doors of people who vote in special elections. The northwest section of Fayetteville doesn't vote. Re social media, send individual messages rather than using Facebook. Get a professional (Mary Dillard) to visit the best prospects and, if pro -expansion, ask "Would you like to help spread the message?" Be consistent in the information you provide; there should be a concise flyer. You can't flip a no vote so don't' spend energy there. 12 At the library, new card applicants should be offered voter registration forms. Parents leaving programs should be offered educational flyers. Talking about the project at Rotary and the Chamber is good in the beginning of the process. The PAC should be as large as possible; try to get all those who worked on Yes -Yes -Yes. All board members should be on the PAC as it is not F01 -able. The PACs letterhead will have 50 well-known names on it. There is no limit on the donations that can be given to the PAC. Board members can (maybe) solicit voters at the library - staff members cannot, 801 1\6.110a: Elements of successful fundraising: Compelling case Confidence Constituency of donors: When planning began for the first capital campaign, the library had no donors as it was closely associated with the city; no one gives money to a city. With the city's blessing, the library distanced itself. Leadership with time, access, and/or power, for example, the ability to get phone calls returned. Organizational fundraising capacity Fundraising is 90% homework and 10% solicitation. Determine the best timing and the hest strategy to cultivate interest so that the right person is asking the right prospect. People give to people they know and trust. Fundraising is built on personal relationships and links between individual people. Never ask a stranger for money. Talk about the NEEDS of FPL, not the exact amount of money needed. Ask for advice on how to raise money - it makes folks feel involved and valued Note: 75% to 95% of contributions will come from 50400 donors. However, if there is only one huge donor, it may result in less general support due to lack of buy in. Passion bends reality. Individuals give to organizations in which they are engaged so give a potential donor something specific to do; structure ways people can be involved. Donors want their money/time/energy used wet and they want to be appreciated and thanked. Offer opportunities where donors can benefit directly and where being involved will be personally enriching, for example a naming opportunity or early access to an event. Speak to the needs of the donor (not the needs of FPL). Start fundraising efforts with your Board and other key volunteer leaders. Ask board members to be advocates rather than fundraisers because the best advocate is someone who has given, what is for them, an important gift. Sophisticated donors and foundations ask what percent of the board has given to the cause. Work with people at the top, quietly. Don't open lower level doors until the upper level doors have been closed. This period of time can be about 18 months to 2 years. In summary, solicit inside first, and then top down. The Board must have a compelling vision, long range plan, sufficient staff resources, fundraising software, hardware, space and an expectation that all board members will give and, in some way, work on fundraising including: Identifying high potential donors Updating prospect/donorinfo Facilitating interface with government and foundation Cultivating those with high potential Thanking donors, volunteers A fundraising feasibility study will help develop a compelling case. It will cultivate key potential donors and community leaders willing to provide direction for a successful campaign. Fundraising feasibility timeline (should coincide with the millage campaign): Staff presents architectural plans to board Board, staff and consultants develop case positioning project in relation to total financial need Board and staff develop game plan to recruit task force and other interviewees Consultants present case to staff, board and task force Consultants conduct one on one confidential interviews Consultants deliver final planning study report to staff, board, and task force Public campaign is short compared to the quiet pre -public campaign. The first question is do you want to raise public money or private money or both? In building the $24 million Blair Library, the 18 month sales tax raised $18 million and private money made up the $6 million difference. Because the public had been assured the remainder of the money would be raised by private donors, had it not been raised, the building would have been scaled back. The sales tax was a continuation of what was already on the books; its use was turned from streets and roads to the library. You are never f rtain you are going to get the goal established for public money, but the pitch to the public is, "You vote for the millage/bond, we'll make up the difference with a capital campaign." The sales tax being temporary was a big selling point with the public. We do need ongoing millage for operations. More and more nonprofits are putting operational dollars into their capital campaigns. Paying off debt is hardest to do, endowments next, operating next, bricks and mortar are easiest. Having money in the bank will not work against FPL in a capital campaign. Donors will see that as responsible and stable. The argument should be, "Look what we did with your money last time. We made a world class, well -loved building. You can trust us to spend your money wisely." Jeff Scherer: Need to reset FPL to be more current. Newer libraries have doubled their meeting spaces, created maker spaces, reduced collections, and increased technology. Blair Library was originally programmed to be 100,000 square feet, but the budget dictated 88,000. One of the areas cut was the meeting room — a decision being felt now. Total visits are declining as the building is perceived as too crowded. Our print collection is starting to decline while non - print is increasing — a trend seen across the country. 5 Factors are in play: Intensity of use is putting wear and tear on building Diversity of users Multiplicity of formats Dedication of staff Community that cares Program Elements: Collections - more highly curated collection rather than deep historical collection Building size — scheduled to be 168,384 square feet with collection about 25% of this space. The collection size is based on 60,000 more people behaving as they do now. If they are likely to behave differently, then the space allotted to collection may change. Meeting room space - may increase from 10% scheduled now Libraries are not trying to be all things to all people. So, some libraries have large genealogy collections, for instance. In FPL's redesign, there will be collections devoted to local interests. Staying on current block could add 36,000 square feet and 54 parking spaces for a total area of 124,115 sq. ft. and 261 parking spaces. Using the hospital property allows for a second parking deck. Scherer suggests the first level be flat and convertible to another purpose — perhaps a farmers' market or apartments. The next level is designed for the digital bridge with a roof that could support vertical expansion. The expansion could be as much as 182,378 sq. ft. However, Scherer is recommending 168,000 sq. ft. Expansion dollars would also be used to fix what has aged and worn out. Blair expansion represents 29% of total cost, expansion south of Rock St. 63%, and Blair enhancements and upgrades 8%. Library Expansion Building Area Level Square Feet Existing Library All Levels 88,000 Expand Existing Library 300 16805 Expand on City Hospital Property 300 28198 Expand Existing Library 400 19310 Expand on City Hospital Property 400 30065 Grand Total 182378 Recommended Space 168000 Questions: What scale of project do you want? Ask for what you need. Will there be phases? Will there be future needs such as branches? What is the time frame? (Every year not built counts for $1.5 million more in inflationary costs) If built today, Blair library would cost $42 million. What will be the disposition of the remaining land? Is it a revenue question, a service question, or a land bank question? Do you want to add the capital costs of the books? 14 Scherer will have a close estimate of the total cost within a month. It will be between $40 million and $50 million. The coffee shop is a revenue generator. Revenue generation should not be the initial conversation. But, it can be an important component. Next steps: Define what "it" is. What library expansion do we want? Brenda Boudreaux, Secretary 15 Fort Smith Library To Seek Millage Hike 1 Times Record Page 1 of 1 swtilnes.com htlp'.l/svtinrosco 1/newel(on-smith-libfary-seok-m111ege-hike Fort Smith Library To Seek Millage Hike By Chan Hunter mos riecoro • chunlor@swlnnes corn Dec¢embar 13- 2013 - 930, Policy -makers at the Fort Smith Public Library agreed Tuesday to seek voter approval for a millage increase as early as August 2014. The library's Board of Trustees unanimously voted to pursue a 2 -mill increase for a total of 3 mills after also considering 1.5 and 1.75 mills. "1 don't see a huge difference for the average taxpayer from 1.5 mills and 2 mills quite frankly," board member Brian DeLung said. 'The difference for the library is huge." The library has two major sources of revenue — a 6 percent share of the city's podlon of a 1 percent Sebastian County sales tax that equaled $916,000 in 2012, and a 1 -mill tax on personal and real properly that brought in $1.3 million. According to Library Director Jennifer Goodson, a 2 -mill hike will double the library's $2.6 million annual budget. The library has not received a millage increase since 1957. 'We're at the point now that if we don't do something significant in terms of increased funds, we're going to fall behind fairly rapidly,' board member Ben Shipley said. "The finance committee really felt strong that we were failing behind on library materials and technology. We told (Goodson), you're going to have to take money out of reserves. "But that's not a good way to run a business." Goodson said the library is using reserve funds this year and next. "We can't keep doing that," she said. 'There will come a point next year or the year after where we will have to make some difficult decisions about what we can offer to the community in the absence of new money." Long-range library wishes include more digital resources, print materials, technology, infrastructure and community outreach. Board member Anita Paddock said she's prepared to educate voters on the library's vision for the future. "I'm excited," she said. 'I'm ready to go out and knock on doors." In 2002, voters rejected the library's request for an additional 2 mills. The Fort Smith Public Library system includes a 67,000 -square -foot main library on Rogers Avenue and three 11,000 -square -foot neighborhood branches. Copyright 0 Stephens Media LLC 2014. All rights reserved. • Privacy Policy http://swtimes.com/news/fort-smith-library-seek-millage-hike 6/9/2014 Fort Smith Library Leaders Talk Millage Education I Times Record Page 1 of 1 nun:asrmlmes.comfnewston-smnn-iroraly Fort Smith Library Leaders Talk Millage Education By Chad Hunter Times Record - cnunler0swlimes coal 0 21 2014 05 With plans to ask voters for a millage increase in less than three months, leaders with the Fort Smith Public Library are spreading their Inessage to civic organizations and other local groups. "Then they're equipped to make a decision that's right for them," Library Director Jennifer Goodson said Tuesday during a Board of Trustees meeting at the main library on Rogers Avenue. The library intends to ask voters for a 2 -mill increase Aug. 12 to expand services and resources. The rate since 1957 has been 1 mill. Goodson said she is meeting with various groups to explain the library's plan for additional revenue. "Once people know what's going to be done, they're really excited," Board of Trustees member Ben Shipley said. A long list of library wishes includes more traditional print materials along with digital resources, like eb0oks. New offerings could include live online tutoring and homework help, resume assistance, a newspaper archive service, streaming movies and "Redbox-style kiosks" for books and DVDs around the community. The goal, Goodson said, is "to take the library further out into the community instead of sitting here waiting for them to come to us." "For us right now, that means we've got songs, online magazines, ebooks and downloadable audio books," she added. "With additional funding, it would mean that we could also have streaming video and Redbox-style kiosks. We would have a storybook bus that would be taking early literacy activities out into the community." The library is funded by two major sources of revenue — a 6 percent share of the city's portion of a 1 percent Sebastian County sales tax and a 1 -mill taxon personal and real properly. The library anticipates $925,000 this year from the county 190, 900 91.4 million from the properly tax. A 2 -mill hike would double the library's annual budget, according to library leaders. The library estimates the average Fort Smith homeowner pays about $1,66 a month in property tax to support the library. If approved, the new millage rate would cost the average homeowner about $5 a month, or 960 a year. In 2002, the library asked voters for an additional 2 mills, but was rejected 6,809-2,443. Statistics from April show overall circulation, at 36,366 for the month, was down 8.4 percent when compared to April 2013. Digital media, however, saw ''healthy gains" of 24 percent, Goodson said, with more than 2,300 downloads. Customer visits were down from 37,401 to 33,083. "Those are still good numbers," Goodson said. "There are still 33,000 folks in and out the doors." The library system includes a 67,000 -square -foot main library on Rogers Avenue and three 11,000 -square -foot neighborhood branches. Copyright 0 Stephens Media LLC 2014. All rights reserved. • Privacy Policy http://swtimes.com/news/fort-smith-library-leaders-talk-millage-education 6/9/2014 Library seeks 1st raise in 57 years Page 1 of 2 Publication: Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette;Date: Jun 9, 2014;Section: Northwest Arkansas;Page: 1B ActivoPao Library seeks 1st raise in 57 years DAVE HUGHES ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT -GAZETTE FORT SMITH — Fort Smith library officials are asking for what would be the first library millage increase in 57 years to develop new materials, resources and services available through advances in technology. The city directors are scheduled to vote in a special meeting at noon Tuesday on an ordinance setting an Aug. 12 special election for voters to decide whether to increase the library's property tax rate from one to three mills. Library director Jennifer Goodson said the millage increase will allow the city's four libraries to expand current services and offer new ones that will take advantage of digital and wireless technology. "We are ready to see what the library can do in the next generation," she told city directors last week. The city's library system, which is not a city government department, comprises a main library and three branches. It is funded by the single property tax mill, which generates $1.4 million per year, and by 6 percent of Fort Smith's share of the countywide 1 percent sales tax, which is expected to bring in $1 million this year, she said. The increase of two mills would earn the library system an additional $2.8 million per year. A mill is a unit of taxation equal to one-tenth of a cent. Each mill is charged against each dollar of assessed value and would produce $1 of tax for each $1,000 of valuation. The library board has been working on the expansion plan about 18 months. Board member Ben Shipley said it was apparent to the board that the technological world has changed dramatically in recent years and it wanted the library to catch up with the times. "The library offers more services and could offer even more if given the chance," he said. Expansion of library services also could improve the quality of life of all residents and make the city more attractive to businesses and industries looking for a new location, Shipley said. Plans to expand the library's materials, resources and services cannot be realized without the millage increase, board chairman Robert Kelly said. It has also been difficult to maintain current services under the current level of funding, he said, and the board has had to dip into its reserves for the last three years. Goodson said the revenue problem has been with the sales tax, which rises and falls with the health of the economy. The property tax revenue, she said, has remained stable through the years. Kelly said Fort Smith citizens made the decision in the 1990s to take on the tax burden and rebuild the library system. "As I see it, the current board stands in their shadow asking the citizens to take the opportunity to do for themselves in building an even greater public library," Kelly said. Voters were asked in 2002 to vote on increasing the library millage from 1 to 2 mills but rejected the proposal by a vote of 6,809 to 2,443, according to city election records. Goodson said the additional services, materials and resources that could be made available to anyone with a library card would be worth the additional taxes they would have to pay. She said a Fort Smith citizen with a $100,000 home now pays $1.66 per month, or $19.92 per year, in property tax for the library. With 3 mills, that citizen would pay $5 per month or $60 per year. The library has been well used by citizens, Goodson said. Demand remains strong for traditional library fare, like books, magazines, audiobooks and music CDs. But digital services also have been growing in demand, including Internet access, e -books and audiobooks for Kindle, iPad and http://epaper.ardemgaz.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=Ol iveXLib: LowLevelEntityToP... 6/9/2014 Library seeks 1st raise in 57 years Page 2 of 2 smartphones, she said. Digital downloads increased by 33 percent in 2013. Some of the features in the expansion plan would allow the library to offer its resources outside the library buildings. Goodson said there are plans to develop a mobile application to connect mobile users with library resources. She said Redbox-style kiosks would be set up across town for people to get books and DVDs and that the library's old bookmobile would be revived to become a "storybook bus' to serve preschools and daycare centers. Some city directors expressed concern when Goodson asked them last week to call a special election, noting that the election could cost $35,000. They suggested waiting until November and putting the question on the general election ballot. But Goodson said she feared the single question millage increase would be lost on the ballot crowded with candidates in national, state and local races. Having the special election would allow voters to focus on the single issue, she said. According to the Sebastian County Election Commission, the library board would have to pay for the special election. But the cost could come out to as low as $10,000, retiring election coordinator Jerry Huff said last week. He said costs could be cut by reducing the number of polling places from 21 to four, one in each city ward. Also, he said, the election could be run using only electronic voting machines, although some paper ballots would have to he printed for absentee and provisional voting. Goodson said a private donor has agreed to bear the election cost. Goodson said the election plan Huff outlined would have to be approved by the library board, which meets again June 17. What Fort Smith public library can do with a 2 -mill increase Develop mobile app to connect users with library resources Live online tutoring and homework help Job hunting help and business plan development Corporate intelligence and marketing research Stock and investment research NewsBank with hundreds of newspapers online Movie streaming Redbox-style kiosks around town for books and DVDs Microfilm/print-to-digital conversion SOURCE: Fort Smith Public Library Arkansas Democrat -Gazette http://epaper.ardemgaz.com/Repository/getFiles.asp?Style=OliveXLib: LowLevelEntityToP... 6/9/2014 Fort Smith Board discusses legal billing issue, library millage election Page 1 of 4 =CITY WIRD Published on Business, Political, and Cultural News in Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas (htto://www.thecitvwire.com) Home > Fort Smith Board discusses legal billing issue, library millage election Fort Smith Board discusses legal billing issue, library millage election Submitted by The City Wire Staff on Tue, 06/03/2014 - 9:17pm story by Ryan Saylor rsaylor@thecitvwire.com [1] The Fort Smith Board of Directors will hear the city's side of recent allegations by attorney Matt Campbell that the city was billed for legal services never provided [2] in its defense of a lawsuit brought by Campbell. Campbell, a Little Rock -based attorney and counsel for a group of police officers engaged in a whistleblower lawsuit against the city, made the claims on his Blue Hog Report blog. City Director Philip Merry brought the issue to the forefront at the end of Tuesday's (June 3) Board meeting, where he asked for a certified public accountant (CPA) to do a review of the Daily and Woods Law Firm's billing to the city. He had also proposed forming a five - member council to evaluate whether the city should continue paying an outside law firm to represent the city on a contract basis or whether the city should employ its own staff attorney(s). In announcing his desire to see an accounting firm review the billing by Daily and Woods, Merry said it was not based on an assumption of guilt. "No wrong doing is assumed in any way on this motion," he said. "As stewards of other people's money — that being the taxpayer's money — we must assure an open air, objective full review of the process to our taxpayers." As Merry was making his proposal for the independent committee to review the city's employment or contracting with attorneys for services, Mayor Sandy Sanders cut Merry off and said since he had not presented the items at the beginning of the meeting when directors were asked whether they had items to add to the agenda, it was not a proper motion. http://www.thecitywire.com/print/33353 6/9/2014 Fort Smith Board discusses legal billing issue, library millage election Page 2 of 4 Instead, it was decided that the city's contract with Daily and Woods, as well as the firm's billing of the city, would be reviewed at a June 10 study session of the Board. LIBRARY MILLAGE ELECTION in other business, the Board set a special meeting for June 10 prior to the study session to consider a special election in August for a millage increase for the library. According to state law, the city must authorize the library's ability to hold an election to raise its millage. According to Fort Smith Public Library Executive Director Jennifer Goodson, the library has not had a millage increase in more than 50 years. The library's board of directors is seeking a two mil increase, which would raise the rate on Fort Smith landowners to three mils, or what she said was about $60 per year on a $100,000 home. The Board balked at holding a special election when no other elections would be held in conjunction to the library vote. "You know Jennifer, I think the timing is bad," said City Director George Catsavis. "You know how the economy is around here and how people are struggling to pay their bills, including me. I've had to raise the deductible on my insurance to keep my escrow in balance. Two mils doesn't sound like much, but this is a bad time for it." In response, Goodson said the library wanted to add services, including streaming video, and could not without the millage increase. In addition to the point of adding services, Goodson said the library has had to dip into strategic reserves during the last two years at a time when it was serving a larger number of patrons, another reason why the library wanted to ask for a millage increase. City Director Mike Lorenz asked why the library could not wait to hold the election until November in order to save money. Goodson said such a delay could mean the millage vote would get overlooked by the partisan elections locally and at a state level that would be on November's ballot. In all, she said the cost of an election would be $30,000 and would be paid for out of library funding, meaning the city would not be out any money on the election, nor would the county election commission. The special Board meeting will take place June 10 at noon in the library, with the study session on Daily and Woods to follow. SUSTAINABILITY PUSHBACK The Board also tabled a resolution expressing support for a sustainability initiative proposed by the University of Arkansas at a study session last week. X31 Advertisement: The Board tabled the resolution following outcry from citizens who fear the resolution was part of a United Nations act that pushed for more sustainable growth on a global level. Attorney Joey McCutchen told the Board that the resolution would also put unnecessary regulation on Fort Smith citizens. http://www.thecitywire.com/print/33353 6/9/2014 Fort Smith Board discusses legal billing issue, library millage election Page 3 of 4 The resolution will be investigated in more detail at a later study session as a result of Tuesday's tabling. The Board also failed to make a motion to adopt a new governing policy, with the proposed governance policy dying due to a lack of a motion. City Clerk Sherri Gard said as a result, the item would not be brought up for another vote. Five Star Votes: Average: 5 (9 votes) Like This Article? Share It! Like 0 ] Tweet :' 0 Related Content +1 0 Fort Smith Administrator: Law firm 'hasn't improperly billed the city' [5] Only one Fort Smith Board position draws opponents for November election [6] Fort Smith officials to review allegations of improper legal billing [7 Fort Smith officials urged to loin municipal sustainability program [3] Fort Smith officials respond to claims of improper legal billing [2] Search • RSS • Sitemap • Advertise • About Us • Newsletter • Employment • TCW 101 • Advertiser Index • Policies & Terms • Register • login �.1 Source URL: http:llwww.thecitywire.cominode133353 Links: [1] mailto:rsaylor@thecitywire.com [21 http:llwww.thecitywire.cominode133234 http://www.thecitywire.com/print/33353 6/9/2014 swtimes.com http://swkimes.cominews/library-tax-election-gets-green-sight Library Tax Election Gets Green Light June 11, 2014 - 5 06am A request from the Fort Smith Public Library for an August tax election was granted Tuesday by city leaders. In special session, the Fort Smith Board of Directors voted 5-1 in favor of the special election, which is planned for Aug. 12. The library's Board of Trustees is seeking voter approval for a 2 -mill increase for a total of 3 mills. According to library director Jennifer Goodson, a 2 -mill hike will double the library's $2.6 million annual budget. 'The Fort Smith Public Library has been at 1 mill for 57 years," Goodson told directors. "Libraries have changed a lot in 57 years. Our library in particular has changed a lot in 57 years." Goodson described the library's plan for additional funding as "ambitious and progressive." A long list of library wishes includes more traditional print materials along with digital resources, like ebooks. New offerings could include live online tutoring and homework help, resume assistance, a newspaper archive service, streaming movies and "Redbox-style kiosks" for books and DVDs around the community. "Our libraries are a point of pride in our community," Goodson said. "They are a busy and vibrant part of Fort Smith. Last year, more than 434,000 people visited one of our four public library locations. They checked out almost half a million items." She added that the library's Board of Trustees has "identified sources of private money" to pay for the election, which could cost upwards of $35,000, according to the city. "Sc. in order to finance the election, there will be no expenditure of public money," Goodson said. Ward 4 Director George Catsavis cast the lone dissenting vote against the August election. "t think any tax issue should be voted on in a general election, not a staged, special election," he said after the meeting. In 2002, voters rejected the library's request for an additional 2 mills. The Fort Smith Public Library system includes a 67,000 -square -foot main library on Rogers Avenue and three 11,000 -square -foot neighborhood branches. Copyright CO Stephens Media LLC 2014. All rights reserved. • Privacy Policy t Championship PAGL 9A I, MAY 10,2014 nterenc pAGL 9A A Play Published By Stephens Media EDN'ION Or TH ARKANSAS DEMOCRKKGA2CRI: I(t4H 14. '1N 'UP) oy STAFF PHOTO DAVID GOTTSCHALK Takeley with )Mlg America (above) by part places ceramic tile 0/4,1the wall of the entrance to JAI Park Pool in Fayetteville. ivation is made possible by approved by the City Council udes a fish tail shaped 3y, individual shower stalls Library Plans Expansion TRUSTEES, MEMBERS BEGIN TO LAY OUT FUTURE By RoseAnn Pearce ROTI01I', 10@;RA'.00Ly.(p01100001ANNI' FAYETTEVILLE — The Library Board has a big deci- sion to make on the scope and cost of a major expan- sion to the 10 -year-old public library. During an all -day meet- ing Friday at the Mount Sequoyah Retreat and Conference Center, trustees and members of the library's foundation board heard several speakers talk about millage elections and fund- raising campaigns to help in the decision-making process. "We have a lot of wort: to do," said Kim Agree, pres- ident of the library board. "We, as a board, have to decide what can we ask for. The library is a crown jewel of Fayetteville. We have a fantastically supportive community and that's a good problem to have." Several expansion propos- als are on the table, includ- ing 0110 adding an 800 -seat auditorium. Other plans are smaller in scope and propose more meeting space and more technology for public use and additional park- ing.'1'he library foundation recently spent $2 million to buy adjoining property. "We didn't buy the City Hospital property to leave it sCt. MEETING PAct15 2A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS TIMES NE MEETING: Discussion Will Continue In June CONTINUED FROM PAGE IA as is," said Maylon Rice, a library board member. The proposal that includes the auditorium would add some 80,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of the facility. Jeffrey Scherer, an archi- tect who designed the library and is working on the new project, said the largest expansion plan could cost between $40 million and $50 million although specific plans and cost esti- mates aren't complete. - Scherer urged the board to keep in mind that in 1998, when planning for the library began, the popu- lation of Fayetteville was 45,000. The population is about 76,000. "This is for 50,000 more people, not today's popula- tion," Scherer said. Bobby Roberts, direc- tor of the Central Arkansas Library System, discussed library expansions he's been involved in; Stephen Smith, University of Arkan- sas communications profes- sor discussed Iocal millage campaigns; and 13111 Mitch - AT A GLA_N_CE SIX-YEAR JOURNEY David Johnson, executive director of the Fayetteville Public Library, recounted the six years prior to opening the $28 million building in October 2004. A strategic plan was approved 41 1998. Voters approved a three-quarters of a cent temporary sales tax that produced $19.3 million. The $8 million capital campaign received three notable contributions: $3 million from James Blair; $2 million from Barbara Tyson; and $500,000 from the Willard and Pat Walker Charitable Foundation. SOURCE: STAFF REPORT ell, of MitchellWorks, talked about capital campaigns. David Johnson, library director, said the board would need to decide the scope of the project and how to pay for it, likely from private donations and a millage or sales tax put before voters in August 2015. Smith said a millage increase for the library expansion would need at least 3,000 favorable votes to approve the measure. He suggested the board concen- trate on getting those 3,000 votes rather than mounting a marketing and advertising campaign to attract more voters to the polls. ELECTION: No Early Voting Issues Have Been Reported CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A year, we're behind." O'Brien said there were 2,240 votes cast in the first four days of early voting in 2010 and 1,931 in the same period of 2012 early voting. She said local issues may have driven voter turnout in 2010. "In 2010 we did have fire dues on the ballot in Avoca, Garfield and Gateway," she said. "Two of them passed and one failed. That might have been why there were more neon] e vntino" est day," Lewallen said. "It's been pretty slow in the evenings. We had about 2,700 in early voting two years ago. I think we're right on track." Lewallen said there have been no problems in the early voting period in Wash- ington County, and Benton County election officials reported the same. John Brown Jr, chair- man of the Benton County Election Commission, said he is concerned at the low voter turnout. The Election "Look where the yes votes are," Smith said. Johnson and board i members have said on r numerous occasions the i library has grown beyond I initial expectations and has nearly 70,000 cardholders and has become a cotnnm- t nity meeting place. "We need to get some- a thing from the architect as r. a starting point," Agee said. a "Then we decide if this c meets with what we have identified as needs and we o need to think about the time C line and financing," 1 The board and founda- ' tion board are expected to 1 meet in June to continue the s discussion. LEADERS: Area CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A local lunch-time breakout session that spotlighted faith in the workplace. Leadercast is a daylong, secular leadership event held in Atlanta and simul- cast to more than 750 sites in 35 countries. Roth said the Northwest Arkansas event has become one of the largest satellite sites for event. "That really says some- thing about Northwest Arkansas. We have compa- nies that want their people to grow," Roth said. John Colbert, • superintendent }3n11 t ei t 1 I t f SlAltud PHOTOS Holcomb Cement ary! School as they sing a song Friday to thank the Fayetteville s v Ili Public Schools , hs students of began nb Elementary assembly at Holcomb Elementary School in Fayetteville. read "Goodnight, Foyefteville" during an afternoon Book Excites .Students 'GOODNIGHT, FAYETTEVILLE' GETS FIRST PUBLIC READING By ReseAno Pearce FAYETTEVILLE (talents gathered around Mayor Lionel(' Jordan when he entered Holcomb Elementary School on Friday like they were greeting a rock star. Jordan was one of 13 business, government and education leaders at the school fcr the unveiling and first public reading ofa new book, "Goodnight, Fayetteville;" written by Jennifer lain and published by the Fayetteville Chamber of Conunerec. Irwin is the director of leadership and external < ications at the chamber. mater, Jordan read two lines from the new book that follows the felauat of the children's hok, "Goodnight Moon." Each page is a two -sentence narrative about sonic part of life in Fayetteville that makes it a great place to live, work and play, 0aid Steve Clark, 1110Om(ra6t)n Steve Clark, president of the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce, reads a line friday from the new book "Goodnight, Fayetteville." The illustrations in the book were done by art teachers in the Fayetteville School District. BOOK: Art Teachers Did Illustrations C0NTINU(D1A0010A0E IA executive director of the chamber. 'The illustrations in the book were done by art teach- ers Leslie Drake, Amelia Duong, Amber Ebbtecht, James Ktmzchnann, Charity McCartney, Landon Mont- gomery, Mata Parker, Katie Russell and Mary Smith. They all are in the Fayetteville School District. 01d Main at the Univer- sity of Arkansas; the Purple Dogs at the Fayetteville High School; Dickson Street; the Fayetteville Square and the l,va nexs Market; the cross on Mount Sequoyah; city parks and trails; and the Clinton House Museum are among the landmarks featured in the book. Joining Jordan as read- rs were Marilyn Hefner of the Advertising and Promo- tion Bureau, Terry Fox (thin Washington Regional Hospi- tal; David Johnson, executive director of the Fayetteville Public Library; Jamie Banks, University of Arkansas; Leai.ea VanWinkle-Gisler of the Chancellor Hotel; Fayetteville Superintendent Vicki Thomas; businessmen Billy Wade and Hugh Brewer; Rhonda Breme11 of the North- west Arkansas Mall; and Chris Thornton from Arvest Bank. The book is on sale at the chamber office. The proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit leadership .and educa- tion programs attic chamber organization. 8C clay in Arkansas' Newspaper, and, last heard frons, all the principals were trying to hash out their differenc- es. Why not? When there's this much money to be made in administration (Bishop Woosley pulls in $165,000 a year), there's considerable incentive for the lottery execs and commissioners to get along. Like one big happy family of bosses, underbosses, consiglieres, capon and foot soldies. So far, the lottery's commissioners have rubber-stamped one recommen- dation from The Bishop after another. There's that keno stuff. And letting the suckers buy lottery tickets with debit cards. Like folks wouldn't lose enough money using just plain, old-fashioned, fuddy-duddy cash. And to really pull in the suckers, there's that half -a -million - dollar increase in the lottery's advertis- DniDoaras armouncmg uns nronrns est scratch -off ticket promotion. It's bad enough the kids get in their cars and have to listen to the smiley -voiced wom- an in those awful lottery ads. Should our colleges' libraries also be hawking Duck Dynasty scratch -offs? Are the dorms go- ing to have keno monitors? Every time this state's lottery makes the news, the news gets worse—and a little bit harder to swalloww. And more and more depressing. What's next, a Friday Night Delight instant ticket featuring high school football teams from around the state? Buy one at your high school's home- coming game, located in the concession stand for your convenience! Enough. Those hotshots at the lot- tery could be taking notes. And they get enough bad ideas all on their own. OTHERS SAY Maya Angelou DALLAS M0eNNG News ife's richest experiences rarely come without a price. Maya An- dgelou paid upfront and often but reaped as many bittersweet rewards as she possibly could from a single lifetime. Though renowned as a poet, Ange- lou, who died Wednesday at 86, also gained fame as a singer, dancer, lectur- er, professor, bestselling author, editor and civil rights leaden. Her poem and book, IKnow Why the Caged Bird Sings, count among the most recognizable of her more than 30 best-selling titles and three Grammy Awards. Angelou drew from a deep well of experiences to convey in her writing an empathy with fellow strugglers. For her, adversi- ty was something to he embraced, not shunned, with the confidence that right and good ulthnately would prevail. After her parents split when she was 3 years old, Angelou was reared by her grandmother in Stamps, Ark., at a time when Southern racism was as ubiqui- ous as grits. Her mother's boyfriend raped her around age 7. She informed relatives, then the boyfriend was beaten to death. Horrified, Angelou refused to speak for years afterward. The 1950s brought her a role in a Eu- ropean touring performance of Porgy and Bess, followed by television danc- ing performances with famed chore- ographer Alvin Ailey. In the 1960s, she worked as a newspaper and magazine editor in Egypt and Ghana. She mas- tered multiple languages, including French, Spanish, Italian and Arabic. In Ghana, she met and began work- ing with Black Muslin activist Malcolm X, then took up the civil rights cause alongside the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Her 40th birthday fell on the same day as King's assassination. Social turmoil and violence didn't whittle her down. Rather, Angelou seemed to relish the texture these expe- riences added to life, particularly as an African-American woman. After a lifetime of sweet songs, the bird is now freed of her earthly cage. Arkansas Democrat ,ArIuui_3as ;6(!iazette Established 1878 Established 1819 Arkansas Democrat ,mss Gazette David Bailey Managing Editor Susan Scantlin Editor - Northwest Edition Northwest Arkansas' Newspaper Walter E. Hussman, Jr., Publisher Paul Greenberg Editorial Page Editor Sandy Thompspn Director of Finance Todd Nelson V.P. / General Manager Crystal Costa Adverstising and Marketing Director Reading Roadshow visits Fayetteville Panera Bread in Fayetteville will host the Fayetteville Public Library's Reading Roadshow on the first Monday of June, July and August at 9:30 a.m. The first event is planned today. Children can hear a featured reader and take home a fresh cookie, while parents get a freshly baked loaf of bread. The Reading Roadshow is a volunteer outreach program that features a themed storytinle experience for preschoolers and kindergartners. Story times feature books, puppets, music and more. More information is available by calling (479) 459-2038. ARKANSAS 0GMOCRA1=GAZ1:T7 Library to host quilting series The Fayetteville Public Library will host the quilting series Explore Your Senses each Wednesday in June. The series kicks off with Antique Quilts: A Visual Feast of Plain and Fancy at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Waller Community Room. The opening session will focus on quilts dating from 1870 to 1970, Participants will learn about fabric and stitches that help date quilts. Other sessions include Contemporary Quilts: Building on our Past on June 11 in the Henry Board Room; Memory and Scrapbook Quilts: Historical Documents, Personal Mementos 00 June 18 in the Walker Community Room; and Sew Your Own Log Cabin Block: Create with Needle, Thread and Fabric Scraps on June 25 in the Walker Com- munity Room. Each session will be led by quilter and amateur histori- an Paula Mariedaughter. More information is available at faylib.org. -- ARKANSAS DISMOCINVIGAZETTE Visit us on the Web For weather updates and additional Northwest Arkansas news, visit www.nwaonline.com. Weather on the wing Weather forecast for business travelers departing from the Norlhwest Arkansas Regional Airport and for homesick Wal-Mart vendors. Minneapolis Los Ange St. Paul O , Denver Northwest 2eIV Las Vegas 0 Arkansas Chicago O Phoenix Regional .. Cincinnati Washington Mesa Airport O f Dallas Fort WorllliMelmphis O'.00harlotte 0 Atlanta Houston Today Tomorrow City ie W 3 ie. City Atlanta 83 67 ``86 68 TSMemphis Charlotte 84 65 89 69 FA Minneapolis - Chicago inneapolisChicago'. 83 67 82 62 'TS` St. Paul 77 60 72 58 TS Cincinnati 84 67 83 66 TS Newark 80 62 79P64iSH. Dallas -Fon New York 79 63 78 64 SH Worth 91 73 92 73 FA Orlando Fla. 89 70 89 70 FA Denver 81 55 80 54 FA Phoenix-Mesa105 76 104 75 FA Detroit 80 68 :78 63 TS Washington '''33 65 90 68 TS'. Houston 89 72 90 72 TS 0550006.0-81,1-81:::s Fc=ma: 1,ce. Las Vegas 100 72 :197 68 FA Ise oiled NIO,YerS.,no Ia5 rloti y. IS-ralnsnoyra,x Los Angeles 76 60 75 61 88 se=slionms Sl=smm. Snssnarc=e,°°snowe�s: 9w.vnoey, au,en,nwat,nesam Fmhmnhen CrSOUR: The Weather Channel ,Orlando 0 Today Tomorrow d E 73 90.73 7S. 88 S8 the state differed in how evaluated teachers and criteria they set. The committee focuse finding a nnifornr c', alu, 83 500181, Robinson said. committee liked the woo nationally ]mown educa consultant Charlotte Da; son, who developed a fro work regarding practice good teaching. The fra work used with the new s system encompasses 22 c ponents of effective teacl practices that are organize four categories. The cat, ries are planning and prep tion, classroom environ instruction and professi< responsibilities. Legislators relied on committee's work in pas: the law requiring the evil tion system, she said. "1 think it's going to t some time for teachers learn the system," Robin said. "Right now, they're ally uncomfortable with system. The best thing is t Center e Continued from Page 10 project, though an additi, al $7 million will be need Hollingsworth said. T] money will come tlrroq grants and donations, she s; The center will be be on a site at 10th Avenue a Walnut Street in central Pi Bluff. Hollingsworth said t goal was to make 1110 ceni equally accessible" to all o idents. Matthews said bids g be let ]ate this year and ce structioi could begin in ea 2015, though he described f timeline as "fluid." Exact plans for tlw c00 have yet to be decided, said. "That is one thing we 1 leaving up to the public," said. "We want them to let Ballet trot] ARKANSAS DRMOCIU,T-GAZR1 i Western Arkansas Bat a nonprofit ballet compo in Fort Smith, has announi its summer programs: 2014. T'he Lorraine Cranfr Summer Dance Worksh kicks off events on Sund The intensive workshoj for students 11 and older u at least two years ofclassi ballet training. SCIENCE IS BIG THIS SUMMER @ FPS: Arkansils Democrat 41.1J1)Azettt,. tailaallIZEMISTEMBENEEMENSEEMESSARESONSVENW'W WHAT'S 14 A DAME 800 JENNIFER CHRISTMAN Wedding bens ring ka-ching! Wealliall 011,011 ill 1111 1,100111, 018, :111100 Be sure before saying, do." 805 (0 your betrodwd. (Though that is probably a .01111 practice too.) yotw engaged friends. Be co, ident before commit - t ing Lo someom/s bridal brigade or 7101 (0),. We recently saw somo statis. ies that made Waal 10 101,11 dal/ Mu: eyes with and blow mu no, into a 15 -year- old satin bridesmaid dress still hanging in the dos. (because at least then that thing would serve an actIml purpose bcsides ,Inst colle(tion). According to research from European discount outfit • Voucherelood that polled 0,010 U.S. cilia0110 1110 average bridal 1100 1p1081 $5,870 th,a's $733.75 per person for a party of eight (bride and groom not in- cluded) to participate. Respondents spent an 056 - Mated $72 on drinks for the day, .9105.75 on howl/travel costs, $81200 on hair beauty/groof.kk „Sl.lf. on outfit and accessories and $262.50 on the Then/stag do/ (that's slang for bachelor- one/bachelor party; I told you these folks were European). Inter,sting that they spent (600 .1 011 liquor (no op= bar? Why attend, let alone take pari?) as they did 00 their clothes. Drowning their sorrows, perhaps, 26hat was most eyeAmening :11/0111 Elle 111100y 10S1111, 76 per- cent 0 f respondents said they ,lidn't expect to speml so much, and 15 percent 111111.110( 1(5:0, considering the amount spent, they wish they 11.51not been in- volved. The economic impact (11111'1 antitheft, TO 10111. their wedding party posit ion, per00111 Ilaed their say inp while 1.7 percent went into debt. 01(1 1:01 all were e2aetly thrilled to do so about perecm /begrudged or resent- ed" the :111.1111 they had 10 spend. And 21 pewent admitted to finaw cial arguments within the party. (Personally, I Went fill° debt part icipating in several friends' wed,lings. And in just about ev- ery ease, we're either kkot friends anymore. 05 1(110 are iwt married an(more. Or both.) hall the wedding party 111111111151 0'! need to consider 1(11 11111 Me. (.111.111 111(9(0 want to ...evaluate belbre they RSVP. A Awently released All1CriCall Express survey shows the avenge guest spends $502 (up a stagger- ing 75 percent from two years ago) to attend 0 wedding. That includes transportation lodging, clothes. accessories and groom- ing. See DAME on Page 30' Book officer Librarians see pros, cons of imposing penalties for overdue materials VeVAA12X 1101311Y AMITZZAN A10,110,1001000,100601:11 whet, this year, ill Siloam Spring, the city's board of directors discussed an ordi- nance that would 01186 110) returning a libraky book a civil in. fraction punishable by up to $500. One director said the ordi- nance would finally give the li- bray some .leeth." Another dhee.. 101, 51011 Ion., said 118 1110(0 than wed,- an overdue library book isn't 011)00, he pleaded. Eventual/ ly, 011 the third read=g, the motion vAm tabled (put off indefinitely). A. new ordinance — well, 1110 01)00. reall, 1011 0118 that caps the penal- ty at a $350 fine — 1005 11109108011 and again it was tabled, 11018 (11116. City 1181155 111,511001! Dolores Deuel refewed all inquiries re- ally before any inquiry 10,0 111888 --, to die eity's emninonications 11(111108, 1101(018 I•layden. "It is quite the hot topic for some reason,” Hayden sas. 00 readers knOW "III'S iS 1101 going to affect 99 percent of pw- plce she wonders. 'lb be clear, the ordinance stipulates that four email notices '(11, in lieu of entil, a phone call, a postcard, then a letter will be sent before a bill is mailed 10 81) -home after a book is two months overdue. Only th= could a prosecuting attoriwy get involved, and even then, it's the prnse=toes prerogative. "Library .11110 11(68 made it clear ., they need defined authority for dealing' with those rare il1110110C1wben patrons will not cooperate," City Attorney jay C. 66(108011 6101 Ewry now md then Ikeavy-handed punishment is lew eled on some poor sebum who abuses his library privileges, A would.be graduate student from Copperas CAwe, Ibxas, vas arrest- ed in October on =outstanding warrant issued after be held 00 10 a GLD study gale. (1801101188811 out befm beginning a threwyear • 800101101 )00 robbery; he did ulti. • mttely return it.) A Newton. Iowa, man served more 11=1 a 11801( ill jail 00101 110 (ailed to return II library books akAl six CDs totaling • 9770 — 861,0108 librarian told '11i8 Associated Press the story sptwred a pike in returns of over- due matenals. Ordinarily, 11100(011. 110110 of us SCall1l00 concerned about a 10 -cents -per -day 'Tn..' I asked a few dozen 1101(8(0 (1 1110 (1011011) at their local library ,v8!111006! 10 811 their books back on time. Dee 18191 (0,10018) 00 1,8110 Rock represents the con- sensus 001wer:1'01heard that the fine is very probably would not mtivate me to hurry the book back." 60, 018111 pulls at lker con- science is the Golden Rule, and many others sounded a similar ethic. Someone. may be woilim wad this, may need to read (his, anc I catt help. HI% THE FINE In a May 25, 2006, Christi= Sci- ence klonilov story bout library in Dove, Mass., dial had decided to nix fines altogether, the rep‘wter 11)11511.' (0 fine or not to fine? See FINE on Page 6E Brit Floyd still in the pink (AUK W, wt/221 to 1/101/1:11,11/1/11 II: A little nk ore than a year ago, Brit Floyd made, its first -I Ar.nas GEIZO. photo 4,...,160.011N SYKES:JR Mexican guitar mates pay tribute to the past