• Spring

Fall 2001

• President's Memo: You're A Community Leader
• Editorial: Let's Develop Some Workable Solutions!
• From Senator Hugh Farley
• Legislative Update
• Letters Make A Difference
• Comments To My NYSALB Colleagues
• NYLA Supporting Letters
• New Century Libaries Web Site
• Advocacy Tool Kits
• Advocacy Workshops
• Investment Policy: Asset Allocation For Libraries
• The Fundraising Feasibility Study
• A Community In Canada
• The Library Circuit: Massapequa Public Library
• NYSALB Board & TRUSTEE Ownership

By Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, NYSALB President

Each of us who is a library trustee is well aware of our fiduciary responsibilities and our critical role in choosing a library director.  Every board meeting we go over the financial reports and ask the library director for a report on the state of the library.  At this point, we are often ready to leave, except for the relatively rare discussion about a policy issue, like Internet usage.  I wonder how often another important role of library trustees is forgotten -- community leadership.

As lay people, we are all on the boards of libraries to represent the interest of the patrons and general public in the operation of the library and to build support for the library among community members.

In part, this is one reason that the Regents Commission on Libraries has put such emphasis on the transition from association and other forms of libraries to library districts.  In such districts, not only would the budget be voted upon by a presumably generous public, but trustees would also be elected.  Whatever you might think of the quality of elections and how this might impact trusteeship, there is no doubt that it raises the community leadership role of trustees.  Whether elected or not, you do represent the community and should be prepared to lead them.

I'm thinking about more than the usual "political action" we are asked to participate in annually.   Lobbying certainly helps as does the sheer numbers represented by library users. But when politicians evaluate our lobbying efforts they think about whether we are effective community leaders -- Do we really represent those large numbers of patrons?  How much of the public really knows us?  If necessary, can we mobilize the public? If the answer is a strong yes to these kinds of questions, then the answer will more likely be yes to our requests for libraries.

It turns out that many of us are involved in our communities in varying roles, and have a range of important contacts in our communities.  It shouldn't be too difficult to think of ways of building upon and mobilizing this base for libraries.  Consider the following possibilities:

• Make sure that these community colleagues and other friends know of your library involvement.  Speak to them about library issues when the opportunity presents itself.
• Bring along other community leaders and people to meet locally in the offices of your state legislative and local municipal officials, or invite them for meetings in the library. (You'll probably be able to get more people to come to these meetings than ones in Albany.)
• Be the trustee who suggests devoting part of each library board meeting to these questions, and the strategies which might work best to help mobilize the public in your community that we believe we represent.

I don't claim to have all the ideas on this page. I hope we can start a dialog on how we can meet our leadership roles and responsibilities.  Please write to me care of NYSALB's offices or email me at norm@jacknis.com.

Back to Top

by Edwin M. Field, TRUSTEE  Editor, NYSALB Director

A fellow board member recently penned an e-mail to members of our board.  He was annoyed and rightly disturbed about the poor response to a System wide invitation to a rather important annual meeting that also included a luncheon. My friend sent the following e-mail to members of the board who were equally upset about the low attendance numbers: "It is," he said, "a puzzlement! We provide good speakers, good food, a smashing view and venue and good parking. We subsidize the cost of the luncheon, and in spite of all that, we end up with a so-so turnout."

Experience has shown that it's not that unusual to see the same scenario played out at trustee learning and informational programs that are offered. This example is merely a symptom requiring a remedy. Consider for a moment the old adage: "You can bring a horse to water but you can't make it drink."  This time-tested saying apparently may still have relevance, at least with some library trustees. When, for example, a great deal of time, energy and funding goes into planning a program or a vital learning experience and the attendance, or interest response regularly doesn't meet expectations, a problem exists.

Now, many will fault the program planners. Some will place the blame on personal time constraints.  Others will lay the problem off to poor date selection and possibly dozens of other similar excuses. The fact is we knew when we took on the board responsibility that it came with certain obligations.

Like many of you, I've been involved with the world of libraries and library trustees for quite awhile, and at various interesting levels.  My local library, the regional Library System and the New York State Association of Library Boards. Perhaps we should place a portion of the blame on a lack of strong fellowship or bonding on the part of many trustees. This, however, may be too broad a brush stroke. The problem requires a great deal of additional thought, investigation and discussion.

If we were to do a survey, we would probably determine that the majority of attendees at many of our events and learning experiences are repeats with a limited number in the way of new participants or learners.  The former are the individuals who volunteer when asked and can be counted on to attend vital programs.

In response to the original attendance question some e-mails received suggested various "incentives" to build up the attendance numbers.   I don't believe, for example, that we should be in the position of feeling that we have to bribe people just to develop an audience, especially to an annual luncheon or a learning experience.  Bribe them with words that promise their participation in an outstanding, respected community organization.  Bribe them with required trustee training programs like former NYSALB president Parry Teasdale has suggested. Forget about a full range of perks like an extra large number of desserts served with the meal, free transportation to the event or cut rate charges for guests.

My take on the subject is that many of our library trustees in leadership positions, statewide, suffer from similar attendance maladies. A number of us would appreciate some sound suggestions with potential solutions to this participation problem.  It doesn't matter how far out or different the suggested solution. It may work and it's worth the investigative effort. We will be happy to make room in TRUSTEE for your letters with ideas on this subject.

Back to Top

As a library trustee, are you setting a good example?  Do you use your library -- really use your library -- for the information you need in your business or profession?

The Friends of the New York State Library recently reminded State legislators of some of the legal and legislative resources available at the State Library.  Using an example of legislation being discussed in the Senate and Assembly, the article in the State Library News identified sources of information in support of, and in opposition to, the bill.

The article then described a comprehensive new online service from the State Library.  "State Capital Universe" provides access to bills, laws, and regulations in all 50 states, enabling users to analyze trends and to compare laws in the different states.  Available 24 hours a day to registered borrowers of the State Library, this is an example of a library resource which we in the Legislature should be using.

Here's another example of the use of library resources in my job as a legislator.  New York State recently outlawed the use of handheld wireless telephones while driving.  Many legislators who voted in favor of the law did so based on a survey indicating that 85 percent of voters support such a ban.

I voted against the proposal, in part because of general civil liberties concerns, but in part because of my research on the topic.  My survey of the literature showed that there is little definitive science on the subject.  Most work to date suggests that wireless telephone use is likely no more dangerous than other driver distractions.  It is also quite possible that the distraction arises from the process of talking, not from the dexterity issue of holding both the telephone and the steering wheel. The law, however, permits the use of speakerphones or headsets.

Hence, someone who has done the research -- be it a legislator who voted for the bill or a citizen who was among the 85 percent polled in support of the ban -- should have serious questions about the value of the new law.

Our libraries are treasure troves of information for businesses and professions.  Some libraries have developed specialized collections to meet the research needs of local industries.  Others have built services which leverage library resources to meet a specific community need.  The Schenectady County Library's job-hunting program, which includes help with resume writing and interviewing skills, grew out of the dark days of corporate layoffs.  In today's booming economy, employers and employees alike continue to benefit from the library's services.

Trustees, and those of us who consider ourselves library supporters, need to be among the most active users of library services.  That way, we can speak from positive experience when we say: "Here is what the library has done for me."

Back to Top

By Mable Robertson, NYSALB Trustee, Legislative Chair

This has been a long, hot summer in Albany as we wait for a budget. Long past the mandated April 1st passage deadline, State legislative leaders and Governor Pataki wrangled over every aspect of the Fiscal Year 2002 budget.

Libraries were caught up in the mess as a bare bones budget passed in August failed to include an additional $5 million allocated in Fiscal Year 2001.  As of right now, State Library funding has actually been cut from the prior year. There is plenty of responsibility to go around this year. Both legislative houses and the Governor need to sit down and deal with the serious budget needs of all New Yorkers. A promised "Supplemental Budget" which would address acute needs has been promised, but we can't sit on our hands and just hope.

Meanwhile, there is an exciting silver lining in this dark cloud hovering over Albany. The New Century Libraries plan, crafted with input from a wide array of library advocates and endorsed by the New York State Board of Regents is very comprehensive. It is a funding investment in school libraries, public libraries, academic and research institutions and services to communities with special needs. This $95 million plan has gained bipartisan support in the legislature -- it's primary sponsors are Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow (D) and State Senator Hugh Farley (R).

In an August 24th letter to Governor Pataki,Speaker Silver and Senate Majority Leader Bruno several prominent business leaders urged support for the New Century plan, noting that the poor physical condition of many libraries across the state harm our state's economic development in general and our youth in particular.

Trustees have a major role to play in realizing the New Century Libraries vision. As leaders and concerned citizens (real voters!) living in communities from Suffolk to Syracuse, from Brooklyn to Buffalo, we have a responsibility to make our voices heard to our State legislators and the Governor. Fall is a crucial time in this process. During this time the Governor is preparing his budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2003 and this year's Supplemental Budget will be under discussion. It's time for us to let our elected officials know the importance of a true investment in libraries for the New Century.

For a full update on how you can help achieve the New Century vision, visit www.ncl.nysed.gov.  Also, visit your local library!  NYLA has begun to enlist library users in support of the plan. Visit a library and pick up a postcard or sample letter. Let's get going on this important issue!

Meanwhile, the thorny issue of how to deal with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA) continues to challenge trustees across the state and around the nation. A legal challenge by the Federal government to dismiss the American Library Association's suit against CIPA was struck down in July. This means that active litigation against CIPA continues. Yet, public libraries must still demonstrate by October 2001 that they are taking steps to implement filtering in order to retain eligibility for the valuable E-rate and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) programs. Men and women of good will can disagree on how to best deal with the challenge CIPA presents. But deal we must -- this is definitely an issue to be continued.

Back to Top

Letters can make a difference when communicating with  your legislator. This is especially true if they concern an issue current to the legislator's agenda or focus. The following are suggestions when writing to your legislator:

• The letter should be no longer than a page. If your story cannot be summarized in a page, include a summary or set of talking points to the letter.
• Summarize your argument and identify the issue in the first sentences.
• State your case with a human face. When the message is personal and heartfelt, it is more likely to paint a picture that the legislator can remember.
• Make the letter local. On either a state or federal issue, develop facts on the local impact.
• Address the letter to the representative's Capitol office. Also send a copy to the legislator's local office. That office is more likely to know your affiliation, and this may improve your ability to have an impact.
• Whenever possible, type your correspondence so that the message is clear and easy to read.
• Include your address, (e-mail and regular) and telephone number with your letter. It not only identifies you as a constituent, but also facilitates any follow-up the staff may want to perform.

 (Courtesy:  The Healthcare Association of New York State)

Back to Top

by Susan Lehman Keitel, NYLA Executive Director

These lovely late summer days have only one disadvantage:  one would prefer not to work at one's  desk.  The garden, the yard, the pool, the beach, the mountains ... all resound with an appeal that outshines being inside and struggling to make sense of the Legislature, the budget, the courts, and the First Amendment.

The Governor and the Legislature have not yet finished the State's 2001 budget. As of this writing, the Governor has taken to the courts to try to derail the bare bones budget passed by the Legislature.  So we wait ... and wait.  Simultaneously, a Supplemental Budget is being developed for hope-for passage this September.  Rumor has it that libraries might receive increases in the Supplemental, or at least be given again the additional $5 million that was tacked on last year as a one-time appropriation.  We'll see.

The Governor is about to begin another budget cycle even though there is no resolution on the current budget situation.  For 2002-03, the Governor and his staff will be preparing his budget proposal in October and November for introduction to the Legislature next January.  Since 2002 is an election year, NYLA has every hope that increased state aid to libraries and systems will become a reality.

All your public libraries have by now received NYLA's Tool Kit for New Century Libraries. Each tool kit contains directions, information, and tools for you, your staff, and your patrons to use in advocating for New Century Libraries.  Starting immediately, and progressing through next year's budget period, NYLA needs trustees to take actions in support of the NCL proposal and to lead their libraries in activities that will show our elected officials that we need New Century Libraries to become a reality. Although the tool kits contain directions and all the material you will need, please feel free to contact me if I can be of help to you.

As a participant in the now-famous CIPA case which is being argued under the direction of ALA  through the Washington firm of Jenner and Block, NYLA is working to supply the lawyers with all the Internet filtering information and library policies they need.  NYLA is opposed to filtering public access computers, and abhors the threat made by the federal government to reduce federal aid to libraries that refuse to filter. However, our  larger goal is to see that public library trustees continue to have the power and the authority to determine the best policies for each of their libraries, no matter what the issue.  There is no excuse for any level of government to intervene in the policies of a local public library and to mandate what specific policies must be.

Albany is the site of this October's annual NYLA convention from October 17 through 20.  It is a perfect setting for attending programs and for seeing the Capitol, the Legislative Office Building, the State Library, the State Museum, the Albany Institute of History and Art, and our very own Albany Public Library, which will be the setting for our grand Vitality Event.  I do hope you are planning to join us for the convention this fall and for the programs tailored just to trustees.  Do not forget that Albany has wonderful parks, restaurants, shops, and concerts, too.

Together, NYLA and NYSALB can make a difference to New York's library community. Together we can influence the Governor and the Legislature to see the value of libraries, and to fund them.  Together we can achieve any goal we set for ourselves.  Let's start now, working together.

Back to Top

Help to create a groundswell of support for improved state funding for New York's public libraries.  Cut out the attached note (it's the same as the post card that was included in the advocacy tool kit), add your own comments, and send it to The Honorable George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, Executive Chamber, The Capital, Albany, NY 12224.

Dear Governor Pataki,

As a library user and a registered voter, I am writing to urge you to support more state funding for New York's libraries.  The issue of state aid to libraries is a priority and will be important to me when evaluating candidates for the next election.

The new century brings challenges to our public libraries.  Funding has not kept pace, and local budgets are stretched to the limits.  New York needs to make a statewide investment in our libraries.  Please restore New York as a library leader among the states.

(Personal message )

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Sincerely,

(Name)     __________________________________________________

(Address) __________________________________________________

                __________________________________________________

                __________________________________________________

Back to Top

Information and materials on "New Century Libraries" are now available on a new web site at www.ncl.nysed.gov.  The $95 million initiative to improve New York's libraries is now a bill (A.7349, S.3714) cosponsored by Senator Hugh Farley and Assemblywoman Naomi Matusow and is currently before the Legislature.

Fact sheets, bill language, press materials, charts, and maps are among the materials that can be accessed on the new web site. The web site features informational pieces from the New York State Library that were included in the public library advocacy tool kit distributed by the New York Library Association (NYLA) this summer.  Users can also access a letter of support for "New Century Libraries" from New York's business leaders to Governor George Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Libraries and systems can download a direct link from the "New Century Libraries" web site to their own and provide easy access to their users. For more information on the "New Century Libraries" web site, contact Jim Demeo at the New York State Library at jdemeo@mail.nysed.gov.

Back to Top

Every public library and neighborhood branch in New York State had an opportunity to participate in an experiment to involve library users in the effort to increase library support. The opportunity came with an advocacy tool kit from the New York Library Association.

The public library advocacy tool kits contain materials on "New Century Libraries," the $95 million initiative to improve New York's libraries, along with advocacy materials from NYLA that can be used by trustees, library staff, and patrons to advocate for improved library services. They were mailed the week of August 8 to every public library and neighborhood branch in New York.  Kits were also sent to the directors of each public library system; reference and research library resources system; and school library system.

The tool kits are one part of a larger program to create support for the "New Century Libraries" bill and increased funding for libraries. Trustees and library and system directors are encouraged to share feedback on the kits and their materials with NYLA and the State Library.

"New Century Libraries" information materials from the tool kits are accessible on the "New Century Libraries" web site at www.ncl.nysed.gov. NYLA advocacy materials are accessible on the NYLA at www.nyla.org.

Additional copies of tool kit materials are available from the Suffolk Cooperative Library System.  Contact Jerry Nichols by phone at 631-286-1600 ext.1304, by fax at 631-286-1647, or via e-mail at jerry@suffolk.lib.ny.us.

Comments on the tool kit materials may be sent to Susan Keitel at the New York Library Association, 252 Hudson Avenue, Albany, NY 12210-1802  (email nyladirector@pobox.com) or to Valerie Chevrette at the New York State Library, Room 10D45 CEC, Albany, NY 12230 (email vchevrette@mail.nysed.gov.)

Back to Top

Trustees, library administrators, and friends will learn how to generate public support and work with community and government leaders at two workshops at the New York Library Association's Fall Conference. Sponsored by the New York State Library and Libraries For the Future, the workshops kick off a series of advocacy training sessions.

The workshops take place on Wednesday, October 17. The first takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will teach participants how to get public support for building projects and bond issues.  The afternoon workshop from 2 to 5 p.m. will show participants the ins and outs of winning interest (and funding!) from officials.

You can register in advance for the preconference by contacting the NYLA office at 1-800-252-6952 extension 22.

Three regional workshops are also being organized for October and November. The goals of the workshops include helping trustees learn how to become advocates for their libraries and enabling them to become more proactive in seeking funding and other support.  For more information about the workshops contact Valerie Chevrette at the New York State Library at 518/474-5961 or by email at vchevret@mail.nysed.gov.

Back to Top

By Richard Strauss, NYSALB Trustee-Treasurer

(Continued from the last issue of Trustee: Click here)

Last time we talked about:

• Policy Objectives
• Investment Types
• Manager Selection Criteria
• Investment Goals

This time we will detail:

• Asset Allocation
• Risk / Reward Criteria
• Restrictions
• Implementation Plan
• Resources Available For Use
• Policy Review And Change Procedure

Simply put asset allocation is the percentage (%) of each investment type allocated for each fund managed.  For example, short term funds will be 100% in cash equivalents, reserve savings, perhaps, 50% cash equivalent and 50% CDs, and endowment funds may be allocated 50% bond mutual funds and 50% in equity mutual funds.

The allocation for each fund managed is dependent upon the library objectives, investment restrictions, and risk tolerance. The allocation is documented specifically in the investment policy.  Where the allocation is split between multiple investment types a specific timetable needs to be documented for reallocation in order to maintain the original allocation. For example, if the endowment fund is split 50% bond mutual funds and 50% equity mutual funds, reallocation to maintain the 50-50 split may be conducted annually at a specified time of the year.  Again this timetable should be fixed and done on schedule regardless of financial markets.  N.B. Reallocation in a consistent timely manner enables you to sell high and buy low without emotion.

Investment Goals: Consider inflation in your measurements.  The biggest and often most ignored aspect is inflation.  The spending power (or the "real") of yourinvestments can be severally eroded over the long haul by the effects of inflation. Each fund should have a goal or measure.  For example the short-term funds need to preserve the principle and earn current savings or money market rates. Endowments allocated to bonds and equities should be measured over a longer period of time 3 or 5 years for example.  Bonds have a lower yield than equities over the long term.  Your net returns should be measured annually and changes considered in a longer time frame.  The daily fluctuation financial markets need not be a concern of investment policy. Remember the infinite lifetime.

Risk/Reward Criteria: Managing risk can be accomplished in many ways.  A variety of investment types bonds vs. equities is one way to mitigate risk.  Within each category of investment type limits need to be defined. For example, bonds or bond mutual funds should have a rating of AA or better (a measure of the ability of the bond to be repaid) is a way of defining the types of bonds (or bond mutual funds) the board in which the board will invest. Consider U.S. bonds vs. corporate bonds to help manage the risk.

Within equities, value, growth, large companies, small companies, domestic, international are each categories of companies.  How much if any investment in these types of companies (or mutual funds) will be tolerated within the portfolio.  Define clearly which types and a percentage of the holding.  Reallocate periodically to maintain the balance.

Restrictions:  Define clearly the types of investments in which your library will or will not invest.  For example, libraries should not be investing in tax-free or tax exempt securities, since libraries generally are not subject to income taxes.  Many investments have to high a risk to be considered.  Specify which ones will be excluded.

Implementation Plan:  Define the steps, time frames, and individuals responsible for implementing the policy.  The use of an investment or finance committee will greatly speed up the process.

Endowed Resources Available for Use: Specify the amount of your funds are available for use.  Try to avoid the notion of investing and living off the interest.  Invest don't save. Reinvest dividends and interest.  Value the portfolio at a particular time (probably at budget time) and establish a percent of that total to be used for ongoing operations the following year. Obviously this percentage is lower than your goals for the endowment.

Policy Review and Change Procedure:  Define a timeframe in which the Investment Policy should be reviewed or fine-tuned.  Additionally, the change procedure should be difficult but not impossible.  If the investment policy is being changed easily and often then it may not provide the appropriate framework for the long-term goals of the library.

Investment policies are required for every library.  Each board member need not be a financial expert.  With a good policy each board member can be comfortable that the investments are being prudently managed. Above all common sense must prevail.

Some additional reference materials for investing and investments include:

• "Personal Finance for Dummies"
• "Mutual Funds for Dummies"
• "Investing for Dummies"
• Any of the Mutual Fund and Retirement articles in Consumer Reports (they do one at least once a year)

Back to Top

By Rebekkah Smith, Coordinator of Community Relations, Mid-Hudson Library System and Editor of the MHLS Fundraising Newsletter (Contact information at the end of the article.)

You've decided to expand your library building, the architectural plans are ready - now how are you going to raise the funds? As with most things in life the first step is to plan!

You may find yourself asking -  Should we really do this? Will our community support us if we decide to go ahead with the project? The fundraising feasibility study can provide the answers to your questions.

A fundraising feasibility study is an objective survey of your community that assesses your library's readiness to conduct a successful campaign and the readiness of the community to support it.

The study is conducted through interviews by a fundraising consultant. A consultant is less likely to bring emotions to the process then a board member or volunteer of the library might. The study can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. So interview at least three consultants before signing a contract. The consultant you hire should have a verified track record, be someone who honors confidentiality, is discreet and is someone you feel comfortable with. (A list of fundraising consultants that have worked with libraries is available at http://midhudson.org/resources/fundraising/consultants.htm.)

The consultant will first meet with the board and library administrative staff. You'll go over the particulars of the building project, your past fundraising history and identify individuals in your community to be interviewed. Most consultants interview between 35 and 40 people, this normally includes board members, staff, past donors, and other major gift prospects.

A well-designed, thorough feasibility study should tell you the board's real and supposed strengths and weaknesses in fundraising:

• Perceptions of the library in the community
• When the fundraising campaign should be launched
• Who will supply effective leadership during a campaign
• Names of potential major donors, and their giving motivation
• Possible funding alternatives
• What other major fundraising campaigns are launching that might compete for the same donors in your community
• Who your allies are and who might be in opposition to the project or the campaign

Upon the completion of the study you will have three options:

1. Proceed with the campaign at the proposed amount
2. Proceed, but at a lower amount than originally proposed
3. Postpone the campaign until the library has addressed certain issues such as becoming better at telling the story of the library or cultivation of the board.

Regardless of the outcome you have greatly increased your chance for a successful fundraising campaign. You've addressed your legitimate concerns about this process and are on your way to continuing your track record as fiscally responsible board members, something a big donor will be looking for when deciding to make a major gift to your campaign.

For additional information, contact:
Rebekkah Smith
Coordinator of Community Relations
Mid-Hudson Library System
103 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Phone: 845.471.6060 x39
Fax: 845.454.5940
Email: rsmith@midhudson.org (or click on her name here)
URL: http://midhudson.org

Back to Top

by Dr. William Taber, NYSALB Trustee

On a summer trip out West from which I have recently returned, the coincidence of a similar name meant that I had to stop for a few minutes in Taber, Alberta, to take a photograph of their library just for the fun of it. Here  are a few samples and paraphrases of the town's self description.

The Town of Taber is conveniently located in Southern Alberta, Canada. Taber's population exceeds 7,000 with an approximate trading area of 20,000 people. Taber is only an hour's drive from the United States Border and is in close proximity to Calgary, Banff and the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

It is mainly made up of early homestead pioneer stock; of Central European, Polish, Japanese, Dutch and various other racial backgrounds.

Taber has most of the amenities of a larger city but without the stress and many of the hassles of a large city.  Qualities such as, low tax rate, quality health and educational facilities, safe neighbourhoods, a strong retail sector and abundant recreational activities make Taber the ideal community to raise a family.  Taber residents enjoy a very high quality of life compared to other North American communities.

That sounds pretty appealing, but for those of us who live in upstate New York, the following might have a special appeal as we face the soon-to-come winter.

Taber is able to enjoy the benefits of a moderate, continental climate. The Taber area gets more hours of sunshine from cloud-free azure skies in a year, than any other part of Canada, and Taber's motto is the "Land of the Long Sun" as we are known for our many hours of sunshine.  Taber also routinely receives the warm Chinook Winds which blow off the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains; this allows for a generally mild winter compared to other places in Canada.  It also means Taber is a great place to retire with milder winters and a lot less snow shoveling to be done.

Okay, now something about the Taber Public Library. Compare your library's loan policy with the a sample of another country's policy. Here is a portion of their policy. Probably basically similar, but is there a little difference in emphasis?

• Acceptable ID when borrowing items: Home library card and photo ID with current address.
• Loan periods: 3 weeks
• Restrictions: Videos, reference materials and literacy collection unavailable for loan. Borrowing privileges suspended when fines reach or exceed $10.
• Renewals: One renewal per item, in person, by phone or by e-mail.
• Lost items: Considered lost at 100 days after due date.
• Fines and fees for late and/or damaged materials: Adult/YA print 10¢/day; adult/YA cassettes. CDs, books on tape 25¢/day; adult/YA/juvenile videos $2/day
• Billing information: Payment information will appear on notices sent to patrons. Payment may be made in person or by mail to any Chinook Arch library. Failure to pay when charges are at or over $10 results in suspension of privileges.

Back to Top

By Marcella O'Hanlon, NYSALB Trustee

When visiting Massapequa, Long Island, be sure to stop into the Massapequa Public Library at Bar Harbour located at 40 Harbour Lane, Massapequa Park.

This library is part of the Nassau Library System that serves a population of about 48,000 and has a circulation of about 468,000.  It was chartered in 1952 and is a school district library that has two locations, the other is located at Central Avenue in Massapequa.  Mr. William Sereynek is the director of both buildings.  He has been the director for 17 years.  When asked about the library's successes, he reports, "Staff is Key - How the staff treats the public is key to any library service."  He feels that the "library staff is very service minded and that they help the public as much as they can."

The library strives to provide a full range of services and resources to meet the needs of the Massapequa Community.  Their collection includes a wide variety of books, magazines, large print, reference, books on tape, audio cassettes, CD's, videos, and DVD's.  They offer public computers with Internet access at both buildings, as well as a wide variety of online databases which are also available to patrons from their home computer. They offer adult and family programs, bus trips, and a special service called, "Library on Wheels".  This service has benefited the community by providing a fully operational bookmobile that brings library materials to a different location in the area each day of the week.

MPL at  Bar Harbour recently underwent a 2 year renovation project in which the board and staff worked  closely.  They built around the existing building and added some remarkable additions.  A theatre-quality auditorium in the lower level where patrons  enjoy many activities in a performance-like setting.  The Children's Room was moved upstairs and a fully enclosed Storytime Activity Room was added.  This room is unique in that it adorns several concrete animal sculptures in an adjacent garden.

When asked how they decided on the animal sculptures and jungle theme, Constance Smith, Children's Librarian, said, "They were donated by a friend of the library, Mrs. Ophals, whose mother was a Kipling fan, devoted to her grandchildren and reading. The garden boasts a mother and child giraffe, a baby elephant and very soon, they will be installing a hanging monkey that will hang from a tree in the garden.  Mrs. Ophals was instrumental in creating an Adult garden on the other side of the library.  In there, she donated a beautiful waterfall complete with rocks and plantings."

Back to Top

Vol. XII, No. 4, Fall 2001

TRUSTEE is published by the New York State Association of Library Boards, 338 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207, four times a year for $10.00 annually per subscriber. Subscription is a benefit of paid membership; cost of the subscription is covered by membership dues. Second class postage is paid at Rensselaer, NY and an additional mailing office...USPS#010-872, ISSN:1085-3170. Volume XII Issue #4, Postmaster: Please send address changes to NYSALB, 338 Broadway, 4th Floor, Albany, NY 12207.

NYSALB
338 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12207
Phone:518-434-5973 
Fax:518-434-0072

EDITOR: Edwin M. Field, efield@catskill.net
PRESIDENT: Norman J. Jacknis, norm@jacknis.com
1st VICE PRESIDENT: Nancy Simaitis
2nd VICE PRESIDENT: Judy Rosen
TREASURER: Richard Strauss
SECRETARY: Martina Thompson
ASSOCIATION MANAGER: Karen K. Dyer

DIRECTORS:
Edwin M. Field, Monticello
Joan Hurley, Erin
Dr. Norman J. Jacknis, Cortlandt Manor
David Bruce Krogmann, Glens Falls
George Manitzas, Freeport
Marcella O'Hanlon, Lindenhurst
Samuel Patton, Hopewell Junction
Mable Robertson, Brooklyn
Judy Rosen, Albany
Nancy Simaitis, Waverly
Audrey J. Smith, Nunda
Richard Strauss, Memphis
Dr. William Taber, Richfield Springs
Martina Thompson, Pittsford
Dr. Robert Wells, Canton

Back to Top