Read on: Vote "Yes" for your library on Articles 37 and 38
By Robert Waldman
Library Director
Extend services, optimize satisfaction and we will gain the support of the town."
We've kept our part of the bargain. And now, to sustain our hours and excellent library services, we need your vote in support of Article 37, our operating budget, and Article 38, an additional staff position.
Library service to the community has increased dramatically this past year. The number of registered borrowers was up 12 percent; circulation rose 27 percent; inter-library borrowing soared 182 percent, and computer sessions and website visits were up 51 percent. Our number of programs increased 54 percent and the attendance at those programs 46 percent. And we have added thousands of books to the collection, over 500 DVDs and CDs and more than 25 new magazines and newspapers. This year's programs, events and meetings - including lectures, concerts, performances, holiday events, art exhibits and town and civic meetings - have been enjoyed by thousands of children and adults.
This is the first time the library has requested an additional position in over six years, though our days, hours and services have continued to increase. The Budget Committee, the town manager and the Board of Selectmen have recognized the accomplishments of the library and support our need for an additional staff position. Compared to other libraries in towns our size, we remain one of the least well staffed, ranking 23rd of 28 comparable libraries.
Statistics, however, tell only part of the story. What really counts is how well you feel the library is serving our citizens. The following e-mail, which came in response to our "Talk to Us" initiative, and letter to the editor published in the newspapers, are representative of many of the comments we have and continue to receive:
"I am an active library patron and want to say that I think you are all doing a fabulous job. Every visit to the library is a positive one. I get excited to have such a choice of books. I have utilized Minerva for requesting books from my home and think that it is a great service. I am in a book club and have not had to purchase a book in quite a while. It's also convenient to be able to check my record from home and renew books if necessary. Keep up the great work."
"As a family with young children, we have greatly appreciated the expanded hours and wonderful programs offered by the York Public Library during the last year. In particular we've appreciated how the children's section adds more attractions and resources all the time. We have also been impressed with the library as a whole - from the computers to the comfortable seating. There are simply very few places like it, where a family can spend a whole afternoon and not spend any money."
All the accomplishments of the library have been made possible by your support, for which we are deeply grateful. Now, however, we need an additional full-time librarian in order to sustain our expanded services and extended hours and days of operation. Adding one person to the staff will make a tremendous difference in the fairness of the burden we place on our current professional staff and enable us to serve you more effectively.
Thank you.
