In accordance with statute, the library has posted its 2009 budget proposal on the public bulletin boards in the library's lobby. A copy is also available at the front desk.
Perhaps the most exciting element of next year's budget is the board's committment to supporting the community's efforts toward sustainability. Together with The New Community Coalition, the library will be implementing a solar energy educational program. The first step is a $100,000 allocation of capital reserve funds toward installation of solar panels on the library's roof. Kris Holstrom will be working with our programming staff to develop displays that explain how the new system works and allow the public to see first hand the energy savings our solar panels generate. We are delighted to fulfill our role as a center for lifelong learning through this new initiative.
Questions concerning the 2009 budget proposal are welcome and should be directed to my attention: bbrattin@telluridelibrary.org. You are also invited to call me at 728-4519 x12, or drop in and chat with me during library hours.
BUDGET PRIORITIES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
In 2006, the community identified Youth Services as the primary service emphasis for the 2007-2009 Long Range Plan.
The 2009 Budget supports this community directive through
· Funding for an additional full time youth services staff member.
· Generous funding for youth programs and collections.
· Funding for training leading to a children’s specialist position.
· The first annual Children’s Literature Festival.
In 2006, the community identified Computer Center as one of three top service responses.
The 2009 Budget supports this community directive through
· Increase in funding for computer software to bring all staff and public machines up to Microsoft 2007 products
· Addition of a Creation station for teens
· Increase in funding for computer consulting as the LAN grows
· Additional eight hours per week for a network assistant
· Consistent capital support for computer additions and replacements
· Shift of funds from print to electronic reference
In 2006, the community identified General Information as one of three top service responses.
The 2009 Budget supports this community directive through
· Consistent funding for staff training in reference and readers advisory skills
· Support of the service specialist position
· Support of a new children’s specialist position
· Tuition support for three library staff members
· Funding library materials above Colorado Public Library Standards’ 95th percentile level. ($25.40 per person served)
In 2008, Wilkinson Public Library demonstrated dramatic strides in staff development:
· WPL was awarded $8,000 in grant support for MLS training from the Public Library Association.
· Sarah Lawton was named one of 120 national “Emerging Leaders” by the American Library Association.
· Barb Brattin finished three of seven required classes toward certification as a Public Library Administrator through the Public Library Association.
· Daphne Davis was selected for the Colorado Association of Libraries Leadership Institute.
· Amy Bradley and Sarah Lawton will both finish their Masters in Library Science degrees in 2009.
The 2009 Budget supports the administrative goal of staff development by
· Providing travel expenses for regional and national conferences and trainings.
· Providing tuition support for three staff members toward their MLS degrees.
· Funding MLS staff positions for our graduating students.
· Funding memberships in professional organizations for MLS librarians and department managers.
· Funding staff recognition and rewards
· Supporting the cost of an updated wage study conducted by an outside consultant.
· Funding the cost of staff training on effective performance appraisals.
· Funding the cost of a staff satisfaction survey conducted by an outside consultant.
In September 2008, the library reorganized staffing to focus resources toward its goal of superior customer service. Two new departments emerged: Public Services and Materials Management. Existing staff were reallocated and provided with advanced training to accomplish this goal.
The 2009 Budget supports the administrative goal of superior customer service by
· Funding ongoing customer service, readers advisory, and general reference staff training.
· Funding two annual staff development days.
· Creating a training program leading to a children’s specialist position.
· Supporting recruitment by raising the baseline hourly wage to $14 per hour.
· Supporting retention by granting a 4% across the board salary increase and additional merit bonuses to selected managers.
