Friends of The Library Newsletter April 2006
Friends of the Ocean Shores Library had its 2nd Monday 2 PM April 10, 2006 meeting. New treasurer Gene Swygard is organizing records and financial reports. Book sales were up 5% over last month at a $55 per volunteer hour rate. Betty Smith passed out the present by-laws, a talking copy of proposed by-law changes, a Library Bill of Rights and a sample legal indemnification for officers. The Library is facing an ever-increasing rate of usage this year as usual with the coming summer season. Anneka is appointed vice-president in charge of membership.
The 6279 materials or 272 per day circulated in March 2006 is a 4.5% increase over 2005. The monthly patron count was 4281 or 158 per day. 51 meetings with 459 citizens were held, almost 2/day of 9 per meeting. 173 items were added to the collection.
Next book sale is at the Permit Center from 9 AM to 2 PM on Saturday May 13, 2006. People are often so delighted with what they find there they will pay more than what is asked in order to advance the cause of the Library's expansion. After you buy your book you can scoot over to the Lion's Club and along with a cup of coffee get your spring tree, flower or seeds to put next to you while you read your book. The Master Gardeners will be there if you are indecisive. The time for this great deal is from 10 AM to 3 PM. Helpers are needed as well as a truck or van to move young donated trees and plants.
Such interesting things can be found in the library and it's computers. For example this fact is there:
In every human brain, there are as many neurons as there are galaxies in the known universe - about 100 billion, drawn from 10,000 different cell types and woven into a three-dimensional tapestry, with threads of neural interconnections that number in the trillions.
Each one is tinder for the spark-of-life experience.
Memories are made of this gray matter. So are inspiration and imagination.
Electrochemical currents of intellect and emotion race though living labyrinths of neurons at 200 mph. When they are blocked, diverted or damaged, abilities atrophy. Personality disintegrates.
By exploring the life and death of these cells, researchers hope to learn how biochemistry becomes thought.
Because of this you will understand why after listening to the Library's Book on Disk (The Wisdom of Crowds) a large, diverse group of people of any education and experience will always come closer to the truth than any one expensive consultant or expert. The individual freedom of a crowd's members allows independent action and communication. This provides perspectives so numerous a problem's solution is spotlighted without any one individual member hitting on the solution.
How does everything fit together?
LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Has legal responsibility to the appointing body-Has moral responsibility to the community-Employs the head Librarian-Sets policies-Prepares the budget-Active in library/community relations-Aware of community needs-Has two way communications with both the LIBRARIAN AND THE FRIENDS.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Are autonomous groups organized to support the Library and its services-Create public support for the library-Sponsor programs that add to the culture and quality of life in the community-Offer direct financial assistance by purchasing special items not provided for in the library's budget-Offer assistance in the library-Has two way communications with both the LIBRARIAN AND THE TRUSTEES.
LIBRARIAN
Administers the library-Is technical advisor to the Board-Recommends needed policies-Prepares budget recommendations-Carries out the policies set by the Board-Plans library programs (services and goals)-Maintains an active public relations program-Acts as an advisor to the Friends and as a liaison between the Friends and the Board-Has two way communications with both the FRIENDS AND THE TRUSTEES.
The Friends of the Library, the Librarian, and the Board of Trustees were all represented at the Workshop in Library Leadership, which was held September 15-16, 2005 in Olympia Washington. All Libraries throughout the state try to send representatives to this educational conference, which occurs every two years and is sponsored by the Federal and State governments. The following topics were split among the Ocean Shores attendees to get as much coverage as possible.
Legislative update and issues facing Washington libraries: Leaving sacred cows behind, How can small libraries be successful? Primer for new trustees, Confidentiality of Records, Walking the tightrope with the Public Disclosure Commission, Basic budgeting for new trustees, Future of libraries, Library boards as teams in the midst of crises, Staying in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, Tough Talk, How can I advocate? Isn't that a job for the staff? What to do when the FBI comes? Advocating for your library, Working successfully with foundations and Friends, Planning to meet your community's needs, Advocating and marketing your library.
Lots of good ideas to try. Just not enough time in the day or people to try them all. Maybe we should describe some of these ideas in future newsletters. We could show how the library services can save money. All city functions consume money but only the library can save a patron money. The Library is the only city service that serves you through knowledge, self-education and barrowed materials. If you need the police and fire department and if litter and unleashed dogs are bothering you, your life's quality is going down but if you are using the library your life's quality can't go anywhere but up.
If there are errors in your address, telephone or email let us know at the following PO Box and corrections will be made. A future portal email for the Friends might make communications easier except for the non-computer users. There is still a place for snail mail.
If you want to join and vote for new officers in 2005 just send back the following or drop in the FOL box at the Library:
Name:
Mailing Address: Telephone: Email:
Please make checks ($10.00/year) per person) out to Friends of the Library and mail to PO Box 669, Ocean Shores, WA 98569 or $100.00 for a lifetime membership.
