combined school/city libraries: everyone wins
DESCRIPTION
Presented by Lindsey Hansen & Linda Holmberg as part of the Big Talk From Small Libraries conference on 28 February 2012. http://nlcblogs.nebraska.gov/bigtalk/TRANSCRIPT
Combined School/City Libraries:
Benefits of having a School/ City Library under one roof and how to make it work for your community.
Everyone Wins
Lindsey Hansen City LibrarianLinda Holmberg School Librarian
Community Meeting -Public Library recognized as a community weakness
How it all Evolved!
School State Review -Recognizes the school library as inadequate
-City searching for a different building for the Public Library
Community Takes Action!
-Parents from School District discuss condition of current School Library
-Suggestion made to build a new city/school library
Idea is now out there to form a Community Library
People Are Talking!
Who’s going to pay for
this!
It’ll be too noisy in
there with all those kids!!!
I don’t want to walk through the school to
get to the library!
Where will everybody
park?Our
Library is just fine!!
Now the library will have room
to host SPECIAL
PROGRAMS!
There would be two
budgets to buy more materials!
There will be MORE SPACE
to access material and resources!
No need to duplicate materials anymore!
Just think the Library will be
able to be open MORE Hours!
Won’t it be GREAT to bring adults &
students together!
I hope there will be a place
for organizations
to meet!
Others Are Talking!
Is this RIGHT for your COMMUNITY?-Service population
-Review Strategic Plan-Is your library sustainable?-School/City Librarians open to the idea?-School Board/ City Council provide support, staff, and funding?-Consensus of community that a combined library is the best way to meet everyone’s needs? -Enough interested to form a committee to do the research?
-City Council Members
Combo Library Research Committee
-School Board Members
- Public Librarian & School Librarian
-School Administrators
-Community Members (with/without children)
Coming together :Getting the word out, asking the community
-Community input, surveys, town meetings, mailers, internet -Let the community know the benefits of a combination library for the public & school
-Do the research, find other combo libraries in communities that are about that same size, visit them.
-City Council and School Board on the same page.
Community “Buy in”
-Receive financial support from area businesses, local organizations, donations from members of the community & alumni.-The more the community gets involved the more successful the library will be.
What do the people want? -Build a new building onto the School
-Separate public entrance & handicap access into the Library
-Separate adult section
-A meeting room available for organizations
-Public restrooms available/not schools
-Expanded Hours
What the school needs!
-Centrally located Library
-Recreational & Resource Materials
-Library Skills Offered
-Exposure to Library Atmosphere
-Prepare students for college
-Access to Technology
-Memorials & Donations/Community
Where would the $$$$ come from!
-Federal Grant/City
-Capital Outlay Certificates/School
You need your school board and city council to work out budget details in a
written contract
Written Contract-Need to have a written contract!!!
-Two full time librarians one city employed/one school employed
-Money/Budgeting
-Contract states the need for a library board
-Lawyer write up legal document
Cooperation & Commitment!
How we make it work!
-We have a community, “one program” approach, not two separate programs that share the same building.
-We created an environment that, young children, teenagers, young adults and older adults feel comfortable in.
-We understand our roles as both the school and public library
-We share the role of library director, no “Mine vs. Yours” mentality
-We have the support of our library patrons, city council and school board. -Financial support comes from all three of the groups mentioned above
Our Community
Library Board should have a board that is not the city council and that is not the school board.
-Representatives from the City Council
-Representatives from the School Board
-Representatives from the Community
-The City and School Librarian should be present for the meetings
For the YOUNG,The OLD,
And everyone in BETWEEN!!!!
All Together, Everyone
Wins!
Questions? Comments?
Every town has unique issues
Be in contact with your state library, they are an excellent
resource!
We have a shared purpose!We believe that having a combined
library, has more benefits for our
community members and students
Contact InformationCenterville Community Library
421 Florida St. Centerville, SD 57014(605) 563-2540
[email protected]@k12.sd.us