College Hill Branch on a school day

Last Friday I happened to be at the College Hill Branch just before school let out.  With its proximity to an elementary school, it’s no surprise that the students fill the branch when school lets out.  This is true not just for College Hill but for many, if not most, of our branch libraries.  This is both a wonderful opportunity and a tremendous challenge.  A large influx of kids, fresh out of school, can quickly get noisy and disruptive without a firm hand.  We arrived at College Hill around 1:30 to find the branch already quite busy.  Every computer was in use and people were browsing, both adults on their own and those with preschool children.  Branch Manager Arnice reminded us that school would be out at 2:15 and that the branch would be really busy then.  Looking around at the already crowded branch I thought “Where will the kids go?”  I was about to find out.

At about 2:10 Miss Arnice, as the kids call her, went to stand outside the front doors of the branch.  Within minutes of the end of the school day the kids began to arrive.  I didn’t even try to count but there were lots of them.  Miss Arnice stood at the door – in charge, greeting the kids as they arrived.  While she welcomed them into the branch she also made it clear that she was in charge and the kids better know it.  The pace at the branch picked up.  Staff were all busy assisting with checkouts and computers.  The students dispersed throughout the branch finding empty seats and making quick trips to the bathroom.  While crowded and busy there was no chaos.  The students were well-behaved and listening to the directions of the staff.  The Security Guard walked through the branch making sure everything was under control while Miss Arnice continued at her post at the door. 

Shortly after the students arrived, Children’s Librarian Lisa walked through the branch announcing that Hooks and Needles, an afterschool knitting and crocheting program was about to begin.  The students excitedly went into the meeting room and I learned that they have as many boys as girls participating in this program. 

As we left Miss Arnice was telling three students to move their bikes, they were blocking the sidewalk while also telling another to pick up his jacket.  No yelling, no backtalk just calm directions said with an expectation that these instructions would be followed.  And they were. 

The Library is a great place for students after school.  From homework assistance to computer access to special programs like Hooks and Needles, these kids are getting a chance to learn, do their homework, interact with their friends and try something new.  All under the watchful eye of our staff.   

I greatly enjoyed the chance to see the College Hll Branch staff in action as they faced the daily deluge of students who use the branch.  They managed the needs of these students who were excited to be done with the school day and the prospect of the upcoming three day weekend while continuing to serve everyone else using the branch.  I hope the students also enjoyed their visit to the Branch.  We want to make our Library lcoations welcoming to all by balancing the needs of the diverse community we serve at each and every branch library.

A busy summer

A lot has happened since I last sat down to write.    I’ve been out and about with lots of branch and department visits, we’ve had the summer reading program and work on a new strategic plan continues. 

Summer reading was a huge success.  More than 34,000 children, teens and adults particpated and found the new online tracking software, purchased by the Friends, to be easy to use and a huge help.  While many kids and teens enjoy reading and earning prizes for their efforts, including a book for those who reach the top tier reading level, the real benefit of the summer reading program is best seen in the reading skills of those who participate.   A study by Dominican University entitled “Public Library Summer Reading Programs Close the Reading Gap” talks about the many advantages of participation in a public library summer reading program.  From improved reading test scores to more enjoyment of reading and reading beyond required reading, children who participate in a summer reading program benefit in many different ways.  While we in public libraries have believed this to be true, this study proves this to be the case.  Everyone who helps to make a summer reading program possible from children’s librarians to donors who provide the funding to make a good summer reading program possible need to know that this program makes a real difference to the children who participate.  Our staff team is already hard at work on next year’s program and I’m also working hard on ways to get even more of our community’s children to participate.  We need every child to be taking advantage of this free, fun program that provides so many educational benefits.  Send me your thoughts on how we can do more to reach out so that every child joins next year’s program.  I’d love to hear your suggestions.  Following is the link to the full report:

http://www.dom.edu/academics/gslis/downloads/DOM_IMLS_book_2010_FINAL_web.pdf

Work on the strategic plan continues and we’ve found out some really fascinating information about our cardholders and how they use the Library.  Through online surveys, in-person surveys, observation of people using the Library and interviews, we learned that by far the primary use of the Library is to browse and borrow books for adults.  When we looked at what formats of materials were being checked out we found that of the nearly 600,000 items in cardholders hands on a given day, the vast majority, nearly 400,000 were boooks.  We’ve looked at the age of our cardholders and found that our range of services for all ages are keeping cardholdersof all ages active Library users.  A cardholder snapshot showed that 43% of our cardholders had something checked out on a given day – far more than we expected.  The customer satisfaction portion of our surveys ranked the friendliness and helpfulness of staff higher than any other factors.  A question about what would increase use of the Library told us we needed more copies of new materials, so we’re making changes to our collection development to meet this need.  We’re still on track to have the new plan completed later this year.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to participate in a survey for us.  We appreciate the feedback!

The results of the surveys and other data collected during the strategic plan help us to understand how our Library achieved a remarkable accomplishment in 2009.  I’m so very proud to announce that our Library is the only Library in the country to appear on three top 10 lists.  First, we were ranked number 7 in Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings for libraries serving a population of 500,000 or more.  A review of 2009 circulation statistics for public libraries showed that our Library ranked number 10 for overall circulation (the number of items borrowed in a year) and finally, in a list compiled by the American Library Association our Library ranked in the top 10 for overall collection size for all library types.  With a collection of 9.2 million items we were one of only three  public libraries to be included in the list.  The other two were Boston and New York Public.  So for 2009 our Library was ranked among the top 10 for best libraries, busiest libraries and biggest libraries, and was the only Library in the country to be on all three top 10 lists.    

I won’t even try to talk about each visit individually but I’ve been to so many branches and departments over the last few months.  I’ve also been out to organizations with whom we partner to just keep in touch.  I recently visited three of our library colleagues, the Lloyd, the Mercantile and the Cincinnati Historical Society Library.  I traveled with others from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh as part of the Chamber’s Leadership Exchange – a great experience.  I came back with both new contacts in the community and some great ideas to try out.  I also visited the Taft Museum, we’re cataloging their collection, and enjoyed a lunch and brief gallery talk with the new Director.    

No blog would be complete without a mention of the Wired article on the Library’s famous 1848 daguerreotype of the Cincinnati riverfront.  This article talks about a project long underway to preserve and display this unique photographic treasure.  In 1993, I became Assistant to the Deputy Librarian – Main Library.  My first task was to assist conservators from the Eastman House with photographing the daguerreotype.  This assignment involved first manuevering the daguerreotype out of the stacks – no small feat given it’s length.  We had to remove shelves to do it.  It was then removed from its storage unit, original frame and matting and photographed, then returned to the stacks.  Several years later I had moved to Director and utlizing a bequest we again began work on preserving and preparing for the display of the daguerreotype.   The Wired article discusses a portion of the work done.  Here’s a link to the article and to the article that later appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/07/ff_daguerrotype_panorama/

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100807/NEWS01/8080334/162-years-later-famous-photos-restored

It is amazing to see how much detail is visible form that long ago day.  A Library Services and Technology Act grant pending at the State Library of Ohio would provide the remaining funding needed to construct a case to display the daguerreotype in the Main Library’s Cincinnati Room and a web page that takes advantage of the detailed photographs taken as part of the preservation project.  We expect to hear by the end of September whether or not our grant will be funded.  When the daguerreotype does go on display it will be the first time in more than 50 years the daguerreotype has been on public display.

Why reading matters

in today’s Cincinnati Enquirer I saw a small column about a recently released special report entitled Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters, a KIDS COUNT Special Report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  Of course any report that talks about the importance of reading catches my attention so I quickly looked up the report online to get more infomration.  You may want to take a look too.  Here’s the link to the Summary:

http://www.aecf.org/~/media/Pubs/Initiatives/KIDS%20COUNT/123/2010KCSpecReport/Special%20Report%20Executive%20Summary.pdf

This fascinating study reports that 67% of 4th graders who take the  National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) score below proficient.  That number jumps to 83% for low income students.  The Summary states that several factors contribute to low reading proficiency including children not prepared to succeed when they enter school, absenteeism, and the lack of high-quality learning opportunities beginning at birth and continuing in school and including summers and other out-of-school time.  To address these issues the report makes four recommendations including one that mentions libraries.  Recommendation number 4 states:

“Find, develop, and deploy practical and scalable solutions for two of the most significant contributors to the under-achievement of children from low income families – chronic absence from school and summer learning loss. ”  It goes on to say “We may need to recruit schools, libraries, and community-based program to help more children and their families combat summer learning loss”.

Libraries should absolutely be a part of the solution to this terrible problem.  This report comes just as we are preparing to launch our annual Summer Reading Program.  We know that participation in a Summer Reading Program helps stop summer learning loss.  This program is fun and entertaining but it’s also a crucila part of retaining reading ability over the summer.  With online registration available for the first time this year, it’s easier than ever to participate.  We must all encourage the children and parents visiting our branches this summer to participate in summer reading.  Here’s the link to sign up and learn more:

http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/SummerRead/src2010/default.aspx

The fun programs, exciting theme and great prizes make summer reading appealing.  Not just for kids, preschool children, teens and adults can also participate. 

This summer we’re also offering Brain Camps.  These programs are usually offered only at the Main Library but this year four branch libraries will also be hosting Brain Camps.  During Brain Camp, students will enjoy books, group lessons, computer activities, outdoor play, and crafts centered on a weekly theme. Students are encouraged to bring their summer homework if they have any. For more information, visit the website at:

http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/news/2010/braincamp.html

 Thanks to the generosity of the Library Foundation, the Dater Foundation and the Anderson Township Library Association, the Main Library and 13 branch libraries will be adding a new resource for young learners.  Early Literacy Stations, standalone computers loaded with 46 educational software programs have been purchased and will soon become available.   Designed for children as young as toddlers and extending through early elementary grades the software spans 7 curricular areas and is correlated to major educational standards.  We want to thank the many generous donors who made the purchase of the Early Literacy Stations possible.  We know the children of our community will put them to good use.

National Library Worker’s Day and more

A belated happy National Library Worker’s Day (April 13) to everyone working in all types of libraries.  Where would our society be without you?  To get a look at the many different types of jobs it takes to keep a large public library up and running visit our website:

http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/news/2010/libraryworkersday.html

You’ll see it takes lots of people doing everything from payroll to truck driving to make our Library work.  Thanks to each and every one of you.

Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits for Internet Access at U. S. Libraries

Newspapers across the country including the Cincinnati Enquirer, reported on the findings of a recent study looking at the ways people use Internet access in public libraries.  The study, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and conducted by the University of Washington Information School gathered information through a telephone survey, in-person interviews with Library patrons at four public libraries and an online survey completed by 45,000 people who had logged on to use a public library computer.  The study found that Internet access is now one of the most sought after public library services and was used by 45% of the 169 million public library visitors over the past year.  More than three-quarters of those using a public library’s Internet access had Internet access at home, work or elsewhere.  77 million people age 14 or older used the Internet at a public library or 32% of the US population.  Although the report found that people of all ages, races, incomes and educational levels were using library computers for a variety of reasons, use was highest among those living below the poverty line with 44% of people living in households below the poverty line turning to the Library for Internet access and the percentage climbed to 61% for young adults (14-24) living in households below the poverty line.  The study ranked key uses of library computers with social connections highest at 60%.  Education was close behind at 42%, employment 40%, health and wellness 37%, government and legal 34%, community engagement 33%, managing finances 25% and entrepreneurship 7%.  The report includes a number of recommendations primarily urging inclusion of public libraries in a range of initiatives from broadband deployment to economic and workforce development strategies.  The full report and a much shorter executive summary can be found online at:

www.gatesfoundation.org.

The Friends of the Public Library held another booksale, this time at the Pleasant Ridge Branch Library.  No word yet on how the sale did, we’ll find out tomorrow.  Late Friday afternoon when I stopped by the sale, quite a few shoopers were browsing and buying, so I expect the sale to have done well.  The Annual Meeting for the Friends of the Public Library is Friday April 23 at 1:00 at the Main Library.  All Friends members are invited to attend. 

I was also at Pleasant Ridge on Monday just to visit with the staff.  Lots of great questions as they prepare to join other branches in adding self service checkout equipment and additional computers through a grant from the Gates Foundation.  Both changes will be coming to Pleasant Ridge in the next month or two.  The staff there is also hard at work on implementing floating collections.  So far, several formats are floating and it’s working as planned.  Once the book collection starts to float we’ll see the biggest change.  I left just as the branch was opening.  As always, a crowd was outside waiting for the branch to open. 

The same was true at Norwood, where I stopped on my way back downtown.  The branch was already busy after being open for only a few minutes.  No chance to talk with staff on that visit – they were all hard at work!

Monday evening, two Library Trustees, Bill Moran and Bob Hendon, Clifton Branch Manager Jenny and I attended the Clifton Town Meeting to present a proposed relocation of the Clifton Branch from its current rental location to Parkview Manor, the former home of George (Boss) Cox.  This amazing house, located just a few blocks from the current branch Library was built in 1896 by noted Cincinnati architect Samuel Hannaford.  At 10,000 square feet it is four times the size of the current Clifton Branch, offering a unique opportunity to provide a larger branch library to a community that heavily uses its Library, Clifton ranks 15th in circulation among our branch libraries depite having only 2,500 square feet of space,  and preserve an important part of Cincinnati’s history.  The folks at the presentation were very supportive of this relocation, one even wrote a check for $500 to help with the estimated $3 million renovation costs. 

The Friends were instrumental in putting together an exhibit of pop up books at the Main Library.  Carolyn Hughs, a Friends member and volunteer shared her outstanding collection of pop up books with the whole community by allowing the books to be displayed in the Cincinnati Room.  The exhibit will be up until June 27.  Mrs. Hughes also brought paper engineer Bruce Foster to the Main Library last week.  Mr. Foster was at a special reception for Friends members then did a talk for everyone.  Hundreds were in attendance.  We thank Mrs. Hughes for sharing her love of pop up books with all of us.

Speaking of author talks, did you miss Rick Steves when he was at the Main Library on March 27?  The Atrium was filled to absolute capacity with an estimated 1,500 people in attendance.  Mr. Steves did an interesting and informative talk holding the audience rapt for more than 2 hours.  He signed books and allowed photos before heading off on another trip.   A fundraiser benfiting the Library Foundation included an international lunch, was held right before the talk.  Mr. Steves joined the 50 supporters in attendance, presenting an informal more persoanlized talk to this much smaller audience.  What a great turnout for this author’s talk.

In addition to visiting branch libraries I also visit with the departments at the Main Library.  I recently visited with two, Magazines and Newspapers and Genealogy and Local History.  I enjoyed talking with both groups of staff although our meetings have to be brief.  With the Main Library opening at 9:00 we try to get right to any questions or concerns before the doors open and the crowds start pouring in.  I was happy to let the staff in Genealogy know that we have applied for an LSTA grant to get the Fontayne and Porter 1848 Cincinnati Panorama daguerreotype on display.  The grant would make it possible to put the daguerreotype on display for the first time in more than 50 years.  

On Tuesday the Success By 6 Steering Council, of which I am a member, held its meeting at the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency.  Our Bond Hill Branch is in that same facility so I was pleased to invite the Council members to arrive a few minutes early to tour the branch.  Several did and we were delighted to have the chance to talk about this collaborative project.  The Bond Hill branch is the only branch library in the country to share a facility with a community action agency.  This allows the hundreds of children in the Head Start program on site to visit the library regularly, resulting in Bond Hill having the highest program attendance of any of our branches.  When Bond Hill opened at this site, we merged the Bond Hill and Roselawn branches into one facility.  It’s worked very well serving both communities from this much larger facility without raising our operating costs – crucial in these times of declining State funding for public libraries. 

Since I last wrote I’ve also visited the Westwood, St. Bernard and College Hill branch libraries. At both Westwood and College Hill we talked about self service checkout, upgrading computers, the strategic plan and lots of other things.   College Hill is not eligible for new equipment from the Gates grant, providing new equipment for so many of our branch libraries.   We have applied for a grant that would update computer equipment at branches like College Hill that won’t be getting new equipment through the Gates grants.  We should know later this summer whether or not our grant will be funded.   Through the generosity of the Dater Foundation, Westwood is upgrading its computers in the children’s room.   My stop at St. Bernard was brief and since the branch was open I only had time to talk quickly with staff that afternoon.

Branch and Department visits, more booksales, legislative day

The last couple of weeks have been extra busy.  I visited Hyde Park, Greenhills, Delhi, Green Township and Blue Ash branch libraries, spent all day in Columbus for the Ohio Library Council’s legislative day, attended our Staff Recognition Breakfast and our Board meeting, plus my usual daily work. 

At the end of February two long time staff members retired from the Library.  Lisa, Branch Manager at Greenhills and Susan, Branch Manager at Delhi both decided to enjoy their retirement years after being with the Library for 30 years.  We have new managers for both branch libraries but it’s still hard to see staff members so devoted to the Library leaving.  At tiny Greenhills Branch there was barely room to get inside with so many poeple from the community there to wish Lisa well.  Her staff had planned a lovely party with a fun display showing the many positiins Lisa’s held over the years.  Susan’s party at the much larger Delhi Branch was just as well-attended.  We’ll miss them both and wish Mary Beth and Tom much success as the new managers at these branch libraries.

The Friends held a booksale at Green Township this month.  It was a huge success with gross sales of nearly $7,000.  I was there late on Friday afternoon and the sale was still crowded.  In addition to picking up a couple of books at the sale, I had time to talk with several of the staff there and look around the branch.  The staff at Green Township had done a great job of promoting the sale and getting neighborhood volunteers to help out.  In addition, a digital photo fram at the desk showed images of the On the Same Page title Hunger Games in a very eye-catching way.  What a great idea! 

I visited both Hyde Park and Blue Ash as the first two visits this year to all the branches and departments.  Hyde Park is thinking ahead to their 100th anniversary coming in 2012.  The staff there had several questions about the Strategic Plan process and other initiatives underway but all seemed to be going well at the branch.  

At Blue Ash I was abloe to present the Manager Bob with his 40 year service pin.  He wasn’t able to attend the Staff Recognition breakfast and I was glad I could give him his pin in person instead of sending it to him with a letter.  40 years is a long time to be with one employer!  Even more interesting is knowing that even with 40 years Bob isn’t the most senior member of our staff.  Our Human Resources Department tells me there are 6 people ahead of him in seniority.  Sorry, I didn’t ask who they were.  There we talked about the many grants for which the Library is applying including a grant with the State Library of Ohio and Connect Ohio to purchase new computer equipment for the branch libraries that were not eligible for new equipment under the Gates Grant.  The Board approved applying for this grant on March 9.  If we’re successful our Library will receive nearly $400,000 in grant funds.  We also applied for a grant through IBM for KidSmart computers.  These computers come with educational software and in furniture so they can withstand the heavy use kids give computers.  We hope to receive both which would significantly upgrade our computer equipment across the Library.  By the time the grant funds are received the equipment being replaced will be between 5 and 9 years old.  Our Computer Services staff is already very busy installing self-check equipment and computers purchased with the first year of Gates grant funding.  With this additional equipment they’ll be working at top speed to get everything installed within the grant timeframes.  As with Hyde Park, things seem to be working well at Blue Ash.  Congrats to Bob on 40 years with the Library.  I look forward to visiting both branches again soon. 

A couple of weeks ago Jason and I spent part of our afternoon working in the TechCenter at Main Library.  What a fun experience!  Donn, Kateri and Nate were at the desk and showed us how the department handles the incredible volume of work efficiently and with excellent customer service.  Department Manager Christian stopped by to say hello.  While we were there the pace was steady with customers regularly requesting guest passes and assistance with making a reservation.  We had time to talk with the staff about the many training classes they offer.  The number was doubled late last year to meet the demand for basic computer classes.  When we were there publicity about the classes had just gone out and the next several classes were already full.  Providing these kinds of services when they’re needed most really helps the community see why libraries are still needed today.  Thanks to eveyrone in the TechCenter for showing us the ropes.  I really enjoyed my visit.

Earlier this week the Ohio Library Council held its anual legislative day.  As we have in the past we set appointments with each of our 3 Senators and 8 Representatives.  We took with us small gifts of candy and our new cloth Library bags as well as information about the Library and its many services.  We took copies of our 2009 Report to the Community but we also took information sheets about each district and information about services including early childhood, school age and small business services and programs.  To get appointments with 11 legislators is difficult but we did manage to meet with a staff member in each office even if we couldn’t meet with the legislators in person.  We are prepared for next year to be challenging for the General Assembly since the new budget will have to be passed by next July.  With State revenues continuing to drop and so much of the current budget made up of one-time funds, we expect next year’s budget to be even tighter.  We want our legislators to know how much the community needs and values our services.

In a recent interview I was asked about the need for libraries with so much information on the Internet.  This is a frequent question and one to which I’ve given quite a bit of thought.  In answering the question this time I focused on the value staff adds to the information seeking process.  Specifically, I talked about the skills librarians have and how these skills are useful today.  First, I mentioned the need to construct a good search.  As anyone who’s used Google knows, a search can easily bring back millions of results.  By constructing a good search you can greatly reduce the time you spend looking through the results for the information you need.  Librarians know how to do this.  Librarians also know that an Internet search may not be the best choice.  Sometimes a print resource will provide the best information.  Sometimes it’s an online resource but one that’s not free.  Libraries purchase full-text online resources that are reputable and reliable sources.  A Librarian knows about these resources and is skilled at using them.  Librarians can also help you review your search results when you do an online free search.  Many sites online are based on opinion not fact.  Librarians know how to distinguish between opinion and fact and can help searchers do the same thing.  Unlike an online source you can talk to a Librarian.  You can call or go into a Library location and talk with a Librarian in person to get the information you need.  You can also submit your questions by text or email if you prefer.  We even still answer letters!  Librarians also offer Reader’s Advisory assistance.  This service is great for avid readers looking for a good book.  Ask a Librarian and they can recommend authors who write mysteries, science fiction, romance, and westerns.  They con recommend books from different time periods and different settings.  Whatever you like to read, our Librarians can recommend books you’ll enjoy.  These services are also offered for children and teens.  No online search tool can replace the experience of a toddler attending a storytime at one of our libraries.  Not only is it fun but the children at the program are learning pre-literacy skills needed for academic success.  It’s easy for me to see how librarians are needed today more tha ever.

Library News, Booksales and a New State Librarian (coming soon)

The search is underway for a new Ohio State Librarian following the reisgnation of Jo Budler who is accepting the State Librarian’s position in Kansas.  The five members of the State Library Board have the responsibility of choosing the State Librarian and the application window has already closed.  No word, at least not to me, on how many applicants there were but I have heard that the interview process is about to begin and that a new State Librarian will soon be announced.  Whoever is selected is coming in at a tough time.  In the last few years the State Library’s budget has been reduced to the extent that its staff has been cut by more than 50%.  Programs like professional development have been discontinued and the State Library has reduced the space it occupies to further save money.  The State Library’s budget includes funding for many services like OPLIN, Regional Library Systems, and the Ohio Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped plus the State Library administers the Library Services and Technology Act grants, a federally funded program, for Ohio’s libraries.  I’m looking forward to learning who has been selected for this challenging position and wish Jo much success in her new position.

This Friday and Saturday the Friends of the Public Library had the first of their 2010 branch sales at the Sharonville Branch Library.  I stopped in around 5:30 Friday afternoon to see how the sale was going.  It was busy.  As I was walking into the sale a woman walked past me with an armload of books purchased at the sale.  She smiled and said “You’ll have a wonderful time”.  This was such a neat experience.  She not only bought a few books but enjoyed the whole experience.  So did I.  I had a chance to talk with a few volunteers and browse the sale.  No word yet on sale proceeds.  For a complete list of upcoming Friends booksales click here: http://friends.cincinnatilibrary.org/

Speaking of the Friends, the Friends Board held its quarterly meeting in late January.  At that meeting the Friends Board approved its budget for the 2011 fiscal year.  The Friends fiscal year runs April 1 to March 31.  Included in this budget is $225,000 in Library support – the highest level ever.  Thank you, Friends. 

The Friends are also trying to save money by switching to email notices to members.  If you haven’t taken the time to provide your email to the Friends, please do so now.  Not only do the Friends save money but using email lets the Friends communicate with members more often.  So you can learn about special offers like priority seating at author talks and get reminders of upcoming booksales.  All Friends members were sent a letter with details on how to add your email. 

The Library Foundation is also busy.  The Foundation Board is undertaking a Development Initative with a goal of increasing the Foundation’s assets to $2 million by 2011.  Several Foundation Directors have stepped forward to lend their expertise in a variety of ways including design work and heading different fundraising initiatives.  The Directors of the Foundation are working hard to achieve this goal.  One of the first initiatives is a fundraiser in conjunction with Rick Steve’s visit to the Library on March 27.  Details on how to attend the Passport Event with Rick Steves are in February’s eLinks:

http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/pubs/eLinks/201002/

Also announced in this month’s eLinks are this year’s On the Same Page program and Fifty Five + a new website for Library customers 55 and older.  On the Same Page 2010 features one title Hunger Games for both teens and adults.  Here’s the link for all the details:  http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/samepage/2010/aboutBook.aspx  After you read the Hunger Games read the second book in the trilogy Catching Fire and be watching for the release of the final book later this year.  On the Same Page will conclude with  Hunger Games Day at the Main Library March 20 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Fifty Five + is a great new resource for adults 55 and older.  Here’s the link:  http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/fiftyfiveplus/  Fifty Five + includes all kinds of resources specifically selected to meet the needs and interests of adults 55 and older including retirement information, health and wellness, volunteering, grandparents, genealogy research and more.    Take a look at the site and let us know if you have any suggestions for new content.

Success by 6 having an impact on our community

Way back in 2005 our Library first became involved in the Shared Reading Initiative.  This new program was a pilot literacy program to teach adults to interact successfully with preschool children using books and structured questions.  Success by 6, an early childhood support coalition convened and funded by United Way of Greater Cincinnati, provided major funding and management support for the Shared Reading Initiative.  The Library and the other program partners, Every Child Succeeds (a collaboration that includes Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Head Start, and United Way) and 4C (a nonprofit which focuses on early childhood education in Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky), provided in-kind program support by training staff in the shared reading model; those staff will in turn work directly with 150 parents of preschool children. 

This experience changed how we approach children’s services not only at our public library but at public libraries across Ohio.  As a member of the Success by 6 Steering Council I learned that children in our community were entering kindergarten without the basis pre-literacy skills they need to read.  I also learned that most of the children who fall behind in kindergarten never catch up to their peers.  Never.  This was unacceptable to me. 

Our Library received grants to visit in-home child care providers, continued to offer Shared Reading Training for parents and caregivers and took the lead in encouraging our colleagues in all Ohio public libraries to start similar programs.

The purpose of Success by 6 is quite simple – to improve kindergarten readiness for young children in our region.  But how do we know if the work Success by 6 is doing is making a difference?  One way is through the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment – Literacy (KRA-L).  This assessment is required for all new kindergarten students.  Our children’s librarians help administer this assessment at Cincinnati Public Schools.

Success by 6 recently announced that at Cincinnati Public Schools, the scores on the KRA-L have improved since progams like the Shared Reading Initiative began.  The KRA-L assessment is not a pass/fail type of test.  It simply determines where on the assessment a particular student falls.  So, Success by 6 set a goal of having 59% of kindergarten students score a 19 or higher by the 2010 school year.  The assessment for 2009-2010 school year shows that 53.4% of incoming kindergarten students reached that goal.  Up from 48.1% in 2008-2009 and from 44 in 2006-2007.  The assessment divides students into three perfomance bands and the percent of Cincinnati Public School students in the highest performance band, score of 24-29,  has increased to 32.6% up from 28.7% for the 2008-2009 school year.

The Library is proud to have played even a small part in this remarkable accomplishment.  As a result of the hard work of Success by 6, headed by Stephanie Byrd, and many organizations in our community, more students than ever are entering kindergarten ready to read.  But there’s still work to be done.  Here at the Library we plan to continue our efforts to get books into the hands of children and to help parents and caregivers use these books to teach children the essential pre-literacy skills so they too are ready to read when they start kindergarten.

Congratulations Success by 6 on this outstanding accomplishment.  With your work you are truly improving the lives of children in our community.

Here are a couple of websites you should visit:

http://www.sb6uwgc.org/

http://www.ohreadytoread.org/

Cincinnati and literacy

An interesting study started in 2003 and updated regularly looks at literacy rates in America’s largest cities – those with populations of 250,000 or more. In the most recent rankings Cincinnati ranks 9th out of the 75 cities included in the study.   Here’s a link to the full study, America’s Most Literate Cities, on the website of Central Connecticut State University:

http://www.ccsu.edu/page.cfm?p=5391

To develop the top ten rankings the study’s author looks at several factors including newpaper readership, educational attainment, public libraries, booksellers, magazine publications and Internet resource access.  Here’s how Cincinnati ranked in each of these categories (out of 75 cities ranked):

Booksellers: ranking developed using the following criteria

1. Number of retail bookstores per 10,000 population
2. Number of rare and used bookstores per 10,000 population
3. Number of members of the American Booksellers Association per 10,000 population

Cincinnati’s ranking – 3.5 (tied with Minneapolis)

Education:  ranking developed using the following criteria

 1. Percentage of the adult population with a high school diploma or higher
2. Percentage of the adult population with a bachelor’s degree or higher

Cincinnati’s ranking 40

Internet: ranking developed using the following criteria

1. Number of Internet book orders per capita
2. Number of unique visitors per capita to a city’s internet version newspaper
3. Number of webpage views per capita to a city’s internet version newspaper

Cincinnati’s ranking 32.5 (tied with Indianapolis)

Libraries: ranking developed using the following criteria

1. Number of branch libraries per 10,000 library service population
2. Volumes held in the library per capita of library service population
3. Number of circulations per capita of library service population
4. Number of library professional staff per 10,000 library service population

Cincinnati’s ranking 5

Newspapers: ranking developed using the following criteria

1. Weekday total circulation
2. Sunday total circulation

Cincinnati’s ranking 14

Publications: ranking developed using the following criteria

1. Number of magazine publishers with circulation over 2,500 per 100,000 population
2. Number of journals published with circulation over 500 per 100,000 population

Cincinnati’s ranking 8 

We’re very proud of the Library’s number 5 ranking in this study.  It emphasizes the important role of public libraries  in a literate society.   Unlike many other studies of literacy rates which look at how many people can’t read, this study looks at how many people do read.   Happily for those of us who believe in the value of reading, people in Cincinnati do read.  A lot. 

Let’s take a look at our Library’s circulation for 2009.  We’ve had a very busy year.  But what’s bee so amazing is the huge growth we’ve seen in book circulation.  Through November 2009, we’ve checked out nearly 10% more books than we did in 2008.  This means our patrons borrowed 8.7 million books through November of this year, an increase of more than 750,000!  And as this study shows people in Cincinnati also have a wealth of bookstores to visit, read their local paper more than their peers in other cities and a number of local magazine publishers.  These strengths helped to keep Cincinnati among America’s most literate cities. 

Let’s keep it this way for years to come.  Keep reading.  Keep your Library card current.  Read the newspaper. Visit local bookstores.   We must continue to encourage literacy by making books, magazines and newspapers available and accessible locally.  At the Library we will continue efforts initiated this year to encourge reading – they obviously worked.  We’re expanding our Featured Book of the Month in 2010 to include titles for kids and teens as well as adults.  We’re also continuing the On the Same Page community wide reading program with 2010′s title The Hunger Games already announced.  Summer reading will be again offered for all ages.  Donwloadable digital books, both print and audio, are also available to borrow from the Library.  If you haven’t tried these yet, take a look at the Virtual Library section of our website.  Titles are also accessible through our catalog.  Here’s the link to the Virtual Library:

http://virtuallibrary.cincinnatilibrary.org/VirtualLibrary/

Happy Reading!

Just an Update

Happy 100th anniversary to the Price Hill Branch!  Did you get to attend this special celebration on November 28?  Andrew Carnegie was there.  Representative Steve Driehaus was also there and gave the opening remarks.  As a lifelong resident of Price Hill, Mr. Driehaus has been familiar with the Price Hill Branch since childhood.  His remarks were based on his personal experiences at the Branch and truly showed how much he values public libraries.  He reminded us that when the branch was built in 1909 William Howard Taft, a Cincinnatian, was President and his seat in Congress was held by Nicholas Longworth who later served for many years as Speaker of the House.  Denise Driehaus is the State Representative for the district that includes Price Hill and she too was there to celebrate this important occasion.  

If you haven’t visited the Price Hill Branch recently now would be the perfect time to stop in for a visit. 

Of our Library’s 9 Carnegie branches only 7 are still in use.  Price Hill was the 5th with Walnut Hills, Corryville, Northside and Norwood celebrating centennials beginning in 1906 with Walnut Hills.  The next branch to celebrate a centennial will be Hyde Park in 2012.  Avondale will be the last of the remaining 7 celebrating its’ 100th anniversary  in 2013.  The original West End Branch at the corner of 8th and Glenwaywas demolished after closing in 1947 and the former East End Branch ceased operating as a library branch in 1959 and is now owned by the Columbia-Tusculum Neighborhood Association and is used as a community center.  If you’re interested in seeing it, the building is located at the northwest corner of Eastern and Donham Avenues. 

The OLC virtual conference presentations mentioned in my previous posting are now on the OLC webpage.  Here’s the link to all the talks for you to enjoy:

http://www.olc.org/unconvention.asp

I learned at a recent presentation by Arne Almquist, Associate Provost for Library Services at Northern Kentucky University about a new program the Bachelor of Science in Library Informatics.  Here’s the link to the full degree information on NKU’s website:

http://nkuonline.nku.edu/undergraduate/libraryinformatics/index.php

This program which is completely online offers a much-needed bridge between a high school diploma or an Associate’s Degree and the Master’s of Library Science degree required by many libraries to hold a position as a librarian. 

The degree was also designed to meet a pressing need at many smaller libraries nationwide.  Research conducted by NKU found that many libraries in Kentucky (and many other states as well), have no staff with any college degree.  By offering this degree as an online only program, the staff at these libraries can enhance their knowledge of the Library profession and prepare them to pursue a master’s in library science degree.  The original program intiated in Kentucky is called “Bridging the Gap” and is funded by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The grant targets Kentucky’s high-poverty rural areas and offered scholarships and technology stipends to 50 library staff members already working in Kentucky libraries. 

I was very impressed with the approach taken by this grant to truly change the level of library service provided to some of the poorest areas of Kentucky.  The stipends can be used to cover nearly any cost that would keep a student from being able to complete the coursework.  And, the fact that the entire Bachelor’s degree can be completed online in only 2 years is a real motivator for those who think they cannot make the multi-year investment required to complete a Bachelor’s degree in the traditional college setting.

Kudos to Arne and everyone at NKU for this innovative and exciting program.  I hope other areas of the country, including Ohio, will take advantage of this unique program to grow the library profession and make it possible for more library staff to advance their education.

After a long break…

I know it’s been awhile since I posted anything new but after the hectic (should I say frantic) days both before and after the levy vote I really needed a break.  First, a huge and heartfelt thank you to Hamilton County for voting to give our Library local funds to keep our services available.   We really appreciate the vote of confidence and the financial support!  It’s a huge relief to know that we’ll have this additional income to help with the operation of the Library.  While we can’t predict whether or not our State funding will continue to drop, we do know that without the local funds, our Library’s services would have been significantly reduced.  So, thank you for hearing us and thank you for voting. 

Thanks also to all the volunteers and donors who made this levy campaign happen.  The many volunteers involved in this effort called voters, went door to door, planned fundraisers, delivered yard signs, thanked donors and did the many tasks required to succeed with a new, countywide levy.  Our donors provided the funds needed to print materials, mail them out, purchase yard signs, develop television ads and pay to run them, and so many other daily expenses of a levy campaign.

The hard work of so many volunteers really paid off when Hamilton County voters approved our 1 mill levy with a 73% for vote, far exceeding our wildest imaginings. 

Now we have to move ahead with our next work, but before we leave the topic of the levy altogether I want to mention something about the articles in the newspaper.  You can’t believe everything you read in the paper.  Reporters make mistakes and mistakes were made in the article concerning the branches with more DVD circulation than book circulation.  First the headline, “Library War: Videos top Books”  is just plain wrong.  At our Library, book circulation still exceeds DVD or video, in fact it exceeds all forms of audiovisual circulation added together.  And, it’s growing.  So far this year the number of items borrowed has grown by 758,406.  Of this number print has grown 708,888 leaving only 40,211 increase in all audiovisaul combined and the remainder of the increase, about 9,000 for digital books – which is still books.  These nunbers are correct, our Library checked out so far this year 700,000+ more books than in the same period in 2008!  The article then goes on to list 11 branches that circulate more DVDs than books.  The branches are identified in two places, a list at the end of the article and a map that lets the reader see the branches circulating more DVDs than books.  This map lists only 9 locations but includes three that aren’t in the list in the article.  Both are wrong.  First, there are only 10 branch libraries that check out more DVDs than books.  Bond Hill, included in the list, and St. Bernard, Westwood and Norwood, numbered on the map, all check out more books than DVDs.  Using the data center provided with the map confirms this but a reader would have to look at each branch library’s information indivdually to find this out.  Just setting the record straight.

As an FYI, the publication of this article spurred some DVDs borrowers to let us know how much they appreciate this service.

In late October Anne Keller, Executive Director of the Friends of the Public Library and I did a presentation for the Ohio Library Council’s Unconventional Convention.  This was a virtual conference with attendees watching our powerpoint and listening to our talk remotely.  This is a great idea and a great time and money saver for conference attendees.  But it was disconcerting as a presenter to stand in a completely empty auditorium and give a talk.  Until we did this I had no idea how much I rely on the audience reaction to determine how the talk is being received overall.  When we finished we had questions, which at least let us know someone was listening.  The behind the scenes people would read out the question so there was a disembodied voice reading out questions to me and Anne in our completely empty, and dark, auditorium which we would then answer.  Altogether a strange and interesting experience.  If you’d like to watch and listen OLC will be posting all six talks on their website but theya re not yet available.

The Library’s last strategic plan was developed in 2003-2004 and covered the five-year period that ended in 2008.  Because of our uncertain financial picture, the plan for 40 branches is vastly different from the plan for 20, we decided to wait until after the election to update our plan.  The election’s over and it’s now time to begin updating our strategic plan.  When we developed the last plan we did extensive focus groups, surveys, and interviews with community leaders.  We expect to have at least as much, if not more, community involvement in developing this plan.  The process is just getting underway and will take several months to complete.  Our last plan was very useful in deciding what needed to be done to best serve our community and we made many improvements as a result of the feedback we received during the planning process.  We truly did use the plan to set priorities for the Library.  We’re looking forward to seeing what’s changed since our last plan and finding out how to make more changes to continue improving our services.