Public Library System 2009-10 Budget Narratives and 2008 Annual Report Narratives

Brooklyn Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The Child’s Place for Children with Special Needs will spend all of its allocation on salaries for the supervising Librarian in charge of the service and for an Outreach Associate. Working as a team with the Preschool Specialists assigned several neighborhood libraries and the Coordinator of Hospital Storytelling, we will continue to serve Brooklyn’s approximately 70,000 children with disabilities. Building on our record year in 2009 when we served 5,437 children in hospitals, clinics, group homes and residential psychiatric facilities, Hospital Storytelling will add new sites in underserved neighborhoods such as Canarsie, New Lots and Cypress Hills, to accommodate an increase in the number of volunteers. These new sites will substantially increase our presence in Spanish speaking communities. We will continue expanding Spanish and Chinese language outreach and focus new outreach on the Arabic speaking community. We plan to serve special education students in the schools in which we have traditionally worked and add new schools. Our inclusive drop-in programs will continue to be available year round. While maintaining our current partnerships around parenting workshops, we will add Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled and P231 and, through P231, District 75 as partners. In this way we will be able to provide more workshops on more topics. Working with Don Meyer, TCPSN will begin offering sibling services, including Sibshops training in Brooklyn, a comprehensive collection on this topic and a wikki. We hope to expand our work with children in the foster care system, maintaining existing relationships while developing an opportunity with the new coordinator for children with disabilities at New York City’s Children’s Services, formerly the Administration for Children’s Services. We will continue our service to homeless children and their families. The Kidsmobile will continue to serve isolated children in homeless shelters, juvenile detention facilities, and residential psychiatric facilities, among other places. TCPSN will get involved with the new Metro Area Prison SIG in order to serve individuals in the juvenile justice system.

Brooklyn Public Library/Service to the Aging (SAGE) continues to play an important role in the lives of older adults, including Baby Boomers and those that are homebound due to disabilities or chronic illness. Through various programs administered by Service to the Aging, we are able to ensure that Brooklyn Public Library continues to meet the increasing library needs of older adults as effectively as possible on a system-wide basis. We will continue:

building new and stronger partnerships with community organizations
collaborative efforts between branch staff and Service to the Aging
to develop new programs to meet the needs of our ethnically diverse growing senior population
existing programs such as Free Events for Older Adults and Words & Memories, etc.
outreach participation--encouraging people of all ethnic backgrounds to view the library as a place providing information, recreation and cultural enrichment
hire and train new Senior Assistants as program and community assistants
“Books by Mail” and “Books to Go” making this program a bridge connecting library services to older adults who would otherwise be unable to access services in a traditional library setting
Presently SAGE serves over 250 Books By Mail patrons and approximately 170 Books to Go sites throughout Brooklyn. Increased demand for these services continues to grow stronger.
Funds from the Grant will be allocated in the following manner:
Purchase additional Large Print Books, DVD’s, and Audio materials in English and in various World Languages to meet the needs of our patrons
Hire a diverse group of performers to perform at different locations throughout Brooklyn
To support the work of the office, salaries will be allocated for staff

Service to County Jails Aid

Funds will be used for Library Materials.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Goal: BPL's Literacy Program will create a learning environment where adults develop a foundation of basic skills needed to maneuver through a print-oriented, technology rich society in order to position them to achieve their personal, family and work goals. These skills include reading, writing, information literacy, problem solving and technology:

BPL continues to offer computer classes to customers in BPL's 5 Learning Centers.
ESOL classes are offered at 16 locations and focus on providing students with practical life skills using basic English language II.
BPL offers language conversations groups to enhance English language skills of attendees.

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

As stated in Section 5 Element 3 (b) of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Five Year Plan, B&ECPL will continue to provide services to senior citizens provide a welcoming atmosphere at all libraries for persons with disabilities and continue to develop a staff trained to work with diverse populations. The System has established outreach services through service to the residents at the Erie County Home and at eight City branches. The focus of outreach is senior citizens with limited mobility, persons with disabilities, and children at risk.

Collections and resources are used effectively to serve special client populations as noted in Section 5 Element 3 (a) (b) and (d). BiFolkal kits created for use at the Erie County Home, local schools and libraries provide a resource that entertains and engages those who participate. The Teen Room at the Central Library, in addition to various programs held at the City branches provide an opportunity for children and teens to discover the many resources available to them at the Library. Staff has also been trained to offer equal access to the Library’s services by meeting the needs of persons with disabilities through use of computers and other technology. Staff will continue to develop programs that entertain and educate the diverse population of Buffalo and Erie County, while promoting the resources and services available for their use at B&ECPL.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) will continue to provide library service to New York State Correctional facility inmates, as stated in the goals of B&ECPL’s Five Year Plan Element 5.3(c). During this project year, the Collins, Gowanda, and Wende State Correctional Facilities will contract with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library for a variety of public libraries services and programs including: interlibrary loan and delivery, reference and consultant services, membership in the Western New York Library Resources Council, and the purchase and delivery of new books and other materials. Usage statistics will be monitored.

Service to County Jails Aid

As stated in Section 5 Element 3 (c) of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (B&ECPL) Five Year Plan, B&ECPL will continue to provide comprehensive and innovative service to all penal-connected facilities operated by Erie County – the Erie County Holding Center and the Erie County Correctional Facility. Library services in these facilities encompass a variety of materials in print and non-print formats which engage the population and provide educational opportunities. This aid will assist B&ECPL to offer access to information for the individuals housed in Erie County’s penal-connected facilities.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Embarked upon developing comprehensive, system wide library literacy initiative

Coordinated Outreach

Announced initiative to make promoting and showcasing the Library Systems’ Special Collections a major focus for the in coming years; including a Central Library facility study
Computer use across the system has increased 60% over last year. Logged 666,000 sessions by year end.
Sundays@Central Poetry series
Participated in multimedia booktalk program called Storytubes
Children’s programming at the Family Court in partnership with the YMCA
The system wide Summer Reading Program and Read Down Your Fines initiative drew thousands of participants and enabled hundreds of children to use their cards once again
The Big Read one-book program, focused on The Maltese Falcon is the first system-wide programming effort aimed at reaching all age groups and residents; a $20,000 grant was secured for this project
Get Graphic, a two-year family literacy initiative focusing on graphic novels and teens, garners national attention for innovative programming
Partnered with WBFO and The Library Foundation to offer four sessions of a new
Library Lunchtime Meet the Author Event series
Partnered with WBFO to host mobile StoryCorps sound studio
Collaborated with the Buffalo Museum of Science to create the Branched Out library series as well as Science Spot locations in libraries throughout the County.
Partnered with the Explore and More Museum to host science programming in County library locations.
Worked with the Parachute Group to host networking and informational sessions for displaced, laid-off and underemployed community residents at several libraries throughout the system.
The East Delavan Branch Library was the recipient of a three-year grant from the
Josephine Goodyear Foundation, made possible with help from Good Schools For All/Read to Succeed Buffalo; enabling enhanced furnishing and programs for improving family literacy projects.
The Uncrowned Queens/Uncrowned Community Builders announce the first Affiliate partner site at the Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library.

Correctional facilities (State and Local)

Establish Sirsi Acquisitions ordering locations for Erie County Correctional Facility and Erie County Holding Center

Youth Services

The Teen Room at the Central Library was opened, and drew hundreds of teens each day to do homework, work on computers, try out gaming applications or get help with projects.
Participated in multimedia booktalk program called Storytubes
Children’s programming at the Family Court in partnership with the YMCA
Continued Youth Services Planning Committee
Conducted 2 workshops for youth services providers
Instituted programming kits for board and computer gaming for branch and contract libraries to borrow
Continued year 2 of Get Graphic – a NYS Family Literacy Library Services grant for connecting teens and graphic novels
Coordinated a scavenger “bug” hunt in the Central Library as part of the Summer Reading program.
Coordinated a system wide trivia contest based on The Malted Falcon during The Big Read.

Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Goal for Coordinated Outreach: To provide direct library service to System residents living in areas unserved by a library or living in special communities, and to those with special needs, such as the educationally disadvantaged, ethnic groups, blind, physically handicapped, aged and unemployed;

CCLS Outreach librarian will supervise and assist 2 full-time staff members and 1 part-time driver 22 stops: 6 rural communities without libraries; 8 schools with limited libraries; 3 inner-city housing developments; 2 housing developments for the elderly; 2 residential centers for incarcerated youth; 1 resource center for developmentally disabled.
Bookmobile service will end in June, 2009 because of lack of funding. The current vehicle is 10 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. A replacement would cost $250,000 and annual operating costs are $225,000. The System cannot afford either.
The Outreach Librarian selects materials for the bookmobile, for deposits of large print materials placed in member libraries, and for special collections that support the needs of inmates at both county jails, the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Institution and county-wide human service programs.
Outreach Librarian conducts two annual meetings of the Outreach Advisory Council
Dissemination of Outreach promotional materials, and
Updates to Outreach web pages.
To assist residents with vision and hearing loss, the librarian promotes and facilitates service for blind patrons through the New York State Talking Book and Braille Library
Promotes and trains residents on the use of both ZoomText and assistive hearing devices.
The Outreach support staff member regularly performs both circulation and reference responsibilities for the Bookmobile,
Manages deposit collections of large print materials loaned as deposits to six member libraries and 22 nursing and senior homes,
Circulation of 21 Bifolkal kits,
Selection and processing of all serials and juvenile materials purchased for the Bookmobile.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Goal: The System’s Five Year Plan of Service’s goal for the Lakeview Shock Incarceration and Correctional Facility is to provide both the staff and inmates with library materials.

Materials will be provided through weekly delivery service to the facility.
Materials selected by prison personnel will be purchased by the System for the facility.
Reference and interlibrary loan service will be available to the inmates and staff.
Prison staff are able to place holds and renew any borrowed items online through the System’s ILS.
CCLS informs prison staff of any workshops, training opportunities, and activities the System is sponsoring that might be helpful.
The System’s librarian has responsibility for supervising the Corrections program and visits the facility at least once a year and communicates regularly with the prison librarian to establish needs and provide library support.

Service to County Jails Aid

Goal: To provide library services to inmates and jail staff.

Outreach Librarian will visit each facility at least once during the year.
Outreach Librarian will communicate regularly with jail staff contacts to establish needs and provide service support.
Requested serials, books, and other materials will be purchased and delivered.
Reference services, supervised deposit collections, interlibrary loan service and a weekly delivery will be provided to each jail.
Book donations will be given to each as available.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Goal: Promote the development of collaborative literacy programs in member libraries and support those libraries with established literacy programs.

Results: All residents of the System’s service area seeking adult literacy services were connected with existing or newly established literacy programs and had access to literacy materials.

All member libraries were informed of existing literacy programs in the System’s service area and appropriate materials were provided to adult literacy students.

Coordinated Outreach

Goal: Provide appropriate and accessible library services to System residents with special needs such as the educationally disadvantaged, ethnic/minority groups, blind, physically disabled, aged, and unemployed/underemployed, developmentally or learning disabled and institutionalized through direct service and collaborative efforts with member libraries and relevant community agencies.

Results: System residents with special needs were successfully linked to a comprehensive program of library services.

System staff continuously assess information needs of the target populations and select, order, and make available appropriate materials in a variety of formats. The System operated a bookmobile which served the physically disabled, educationally disadvantaged and other institutionalized individuals. Deposits of large print and non-book materials were provided to 43 institutions including member libraries for use in serving the elderly and institutionalized. The System was a sub-lending agency of the New York State Library for the Blind. The Outreach Advisory Council met twice during the year.

The System completed a lengthy review of Bookmobile service during the year. The current vehicle will be 10 years old in February, 2009 and given its current physical condition will need to be replaced soon at an estimated cost of $250,000. It was determined that as there have been no statutory increases in State aid since 1998, the System could no longer afford to provide Bookmobile service. Bookmobile service costs $156.90 per user as compared to a member library cost of $36.31 per user. In 2000, when the current vehicle was purchased fuel cost $.7915 per gallon; in June, 2008, it cost $4.0117 - a 400+% increase! No Bookmobile stop is more than 12 miles from a stationary library - and most are much closer. At least 40% of current Bookmobile users also have cards at one or more of our 36 member libraries, where Internet access and other services the Bookmobile cannot provide are available. The Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to end Bookmobile service in June, 2009.

Correctional Facilities (State and Local)

Goal: Provide the staff and inmates of the Lakeview Shock Incarceration and Correctional Facility and the Cattaraugus and Chautauqua County Jails with library service.

Results: Correctional facilities and jail inmates had access to library services.

Deposit collections, interlibrary loan, and delivery services were provided to the two county jails and the one correctional facility located within the System’s service area. Materials were purchased, processed and delivered to the three facilities for use by inmates. Each facility was visited and jail and prison staffs were interviewed to determine any needed service changes. Each facility received the System’s newsletter and staffs were invited to attend System workshops and meetings.

Youth Services

Goal: Provide professional support to member libraries’ services to children and youth of the System area.

Results: The children and youth of the System area had access to a comprehensive program of library services at their local library.

Print and non-print selection lists were provided to member libraries. An annual Summer Reading Club workshop was conducted and the System coordinated the distribution of Summer Reading Club materials, programs, and mini-grant funding to participating members. 1,184 contacts were made by System staff with member libraries on services to children and youth.

Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

To meet the various information concerns of the various target groups, large print books, spoken word materials (books on CD, downloadable audio), and assistive devices (such as radio receivers) will be purchased throughout the year as funds allow. These materials are made available to the public through member libraries, reading centers, correctional facilities, through direct loan, and on the bookmobile. The Coordinated Outreach Advisory Council meets during the year as required by law to advise outreach staff on projects and activities relating to the target groups. A current priority of the Outreach Council is adult literacy services, which is reflected in the System’s approved Plan of Service under Element 3-Special Client Groups Q. 5.9 as a priority for 2009. Activities and purchases undertaken and or made with Coordinated Outreach State Aid funds will help CEFLS to accomplish the 2009 Priorities set out in Elements 1,3, and 4 of the Plan of Service.

CEFLS will continue to use Outreach funds to partially cover the cost of the Outreach Coordinator’s salary, and a portion of the Outreach clerk’s salary, plus associated benefits. These two staff members will carry out and/or coordinate related work as described in the System Plan of Service, Element Three, in order to meet defined System service priorities for 2009. Grant-seeking from state aid and non-state aid sources will again be one primary focus in order to provide basic library services to various “target groups” and to keep up with demand. The Summer Reading, Adult Literacy and Bookmobile pages of the CEFLS web site (www.cefls.org) will be updated by the Outreach Coordinator and Technology Services Librarian as a stated service priority of 2009. CE Training for CEF staff as outlined in Element 4 of the CEFLS Plan of Service relates to these outreach activities.

The CEFLS van delivery service will continue to deliver requested materials and special collections to member libraries, nursing homes, senior residence facilities, and correctional facilities throughout our service area. In 2008, CEF instituted a fourth van delivery day in order to deliver the ever-increasing volume of requested materials to facilities in a timely manner. We plan to continue this service in 2009 with funds from the CEFLS operating budget (Element 1: delivery supervision/scheduling by Outreach Coordinator)

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Under the objectives of our correctional libraries program plan of service, which is negotiated each year with facility staff, we will continue to provide library services to facility libraries in five broad areas that will help us specifically to meet the 2009 priorities described in Elements 1, 3 and 4 of the CEFLS Plan of Service. These include: educational programs for inmates and facility library staff, rotating book collections and audiovisual loan, reference and interlibrary loan, a shared McNaughton lease plan, and consultant services. (Elements 1,3,4 and 5). In 2008, CEF instituted a fourth van delivery day in order to deliver the ever-increasing volume of requested materials to facilities in a timely manner. We plan to continue this service in 2009 with funds from the CEFLS operating budget (Element 1).

Presentations by local visiting speakers will be coordinated by CEFLS, based upon input from facility staff. Programs planned for 2009 include: video discussions on personal development (transitional services), basic financial planning, written communication for inmates with varying literacy skills, Kwanzaa and other holidays, and family reading. The McNaughton general interest lease plan will be continued and evaluated by system and state correctional library staff. Materials obtained through these plans will be collaboratively selected by CEFLS and state correctional library staff. Rotating collections of books will be provided upon request to facility libraries. Collections will include books from CEFLS general collection, best sellers as they become available, ethnic and special interest titles. Videos and DVD's purchased for loan through the CEF Audiovisual Department will also be available. Reference and interlibrary loan services will be provided according to the interlibrary loan policy that was adopted by the CEF Board of Trustees in February 2006. CEFLS staff will work throughout the year with local facility librarians and the office of the DOCS Supervising Librarian to respond to the online access newly acquired by facility libraries. Resources from the System's member libraries, the New York State Library, and the NNYLN region will be loaned to all facilities that have designated a staff person to coordinate this activity and can give CEFLS the assurance of the safe and timely return of these materials. One DVD based "resource sharing package" produced by the NNYLN will be purchased with program funds for each facility that participates in interlibrary loan. Consultant services will be provided by CEFLS staff on variety of topics. These may include library skills training for inmates and continuing education opportunities for facility staff. In 2009, program funds have been budgeted to pay the registration fee (usually $15.00) for correctional facility library staff who would like to attend CE workshops offered by the Northern NY Library Network. (Elements 1,3,4, and 5)

Partial salary costs and a portion of associated benefits will be paid with State Correctional program funds for the following CEFLS personnel: the Outreach Coordinator who will oversee all aspects of this program; a Technical Services Clerk who processes correctional facility requests. (Elements 1,3,4, and 5)

Service to County Jails Aid

The Clinton Essex Franklin Library System’s Five Year Plan of Service Element 3: Special Client Services, Goal Statement #1 supports the budget application goals for 2009. During 2009 CEFLS will renew EBSCO subscriptions for magazines selected by facility representatives for the reading rooms of each of the county jails. CEFLS staff will also provide consultant services, by telephone and in person. Informational materials from Literacy volunteers, GRASP (Giving Rural Adults a Study Program), the Rural Law Center of New York, and other local human service agencies will be forwarded to each county facility as appropriate. Information on outreach materials (assistive devices, materials in large print and other special formats) will be provided twice during the project year. We will also continue to deliver used paper back and other books to the county jail as they become available from member library book sales and other sources. At the request of the Undersheriff, over 200 paperback books have been provide to the Essex County Jail since January 2009 to meet the reading interests of federal and female inmates

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Goal: Expanded relationships with local adult literacy organizations.

Results:

12 agency contacts were made in 2008.Both LVA (Literacy Volunteers of America) Clinton County and LVA of Essex/Franklin Counties receive CEFLS Trailblazer (4 issues received by them in 2008). We receive their newsletters and publicize their events to member libraries, bookmobile patrons and correctional facility staff.
Norma Menard, Director of LVA Clinton County, serves on the Coordinated Outreach Advisory Council, which met twice in 2008. Joint grant projects are being planned for 2009 (Adult Literacy application year is 2009, not 2008).
Norma Menard also presented a program on Citizenship at the NYLA Conference 2008; CEFLS staff helped to arrange Norma’s participation.
There were 20 “Written Communication” skills workshops offered for over 2,500 inmates of local correctional facilities with State Correctional program funds. Over 1,000 adult new readers, and ESL inmates participated in family reading activities during visiting day programs at area correctional facilities.
Member libraries report that they continue to offer tutoring space and materials support for local adult new learner/tutor pairs

Bookmobile

Goal: To serve geographically isolated residents of our service area and those who are unable to use traditional library services for any reason.

Results:

Bookmobile circulation totaled 27,932 – an increase of 23% over 2007 circulation (22,544). 50 individual stop promotion posters were prepared and distributed twice during the year (100 posters.)
Bookmobile staff made 5 community/school visits.
Bookmobile staff changed layout of onboard collection during the year in response to patron comments (ease of access, more visibility for visually impaired).
User feedback re: collection layout, materials purchase was continuously solicited via patron “comment box.”Over 100 personal/word of mouth contacts were made by bookmobile/outreach staff.

Coordinated Outreach

Goal: Expand system services and collections, member library staff training and support to provide equal access to needed information by residents with special needs. Emphasis will be placed on information for underemployed and unemployed residents of the area.

Results:

Circulation of large print books totaled 9,670 in 2008. This includes 5,378 large print titles that were borrowed by bookmobile patrons, and 4,292 books that were sent in rotating collections to member libraries.
2,354 “spoken word” titles (audio cassette, CDs) circulated on the bookmobile and in rotating collections in 2008.
20 referrals were made to the NY State Talking Book and Braille library – service was promoted continuously throughout the year to member libraries and bookmobile patrons
Bookmobile patrons reported that they are very pleased with the Playaway digital audio titles that we are experimenting with on the bookmobile, and asked us to buy more.
Over 50 contacts were made with human service agencies such as Clinton County Seniors, Pyramids, the Center for Independence, Clinton County Health Department and Child Care Coordinating Council.

Corrections and Jails

Goal: Inmates at all state correctional institutions served by CEFLS will receive materials to support their educational and recreational needs, with special emphasis on adult education and library services to adult new readers.

Results:
Anecdotal feedback from inmate workshop participants, as relayed by hosting facility staff, was solicited continuously throughout the year. Reaction to all CEFLS sponsored sessions was very positive and points to a definite need for CEFLS to seek additional funding to offer more “transitional” and “personal development” workshops.

Our 2008 Plan of Service was negotiated with Correctional Facility library and education staff in May. All participants reported that they were very pleased with the quality and range of services provided by CEFLS. Key services were indentified and include interlibrary loan, the McNaughton plans, educational programs and workshops, and van delivery.

In order to plan for services CEFLS obtained reading proficiency results from DOCS Central Office. They show: 1235 inmates with reading / math scores below 6.0; 624 inmates between 6.0 - 8.9;180 inmates above 9.0, but with no GED; 276 Spanish dominant;3085 have verified degrees on the system.

Youth Services

Goal: To increase the number of member library programs and resources to best serve families with children from birth through teens.

Results:

Member libraries reported that they offered a total 921 summer reading and story hour programs for children and 229 special programs for teens.
23 member libraries received summer reading “mini-grants” of $100 each from CEFLS and provided anecdotal/statistical feedback on the user results.
Fourteen member libraries continue to participate in “What’s the BIG Idea?” science grant for children through the Vermont Center for the Book. Over 25 member library representatives attended Year Three Training on how to carry out project activities in November 2008. Each participating library has received over $3,500 in support materials from this project (exclusive of books).
Fourteen member libraries participated in TABOB “(Take a Bite out of Books) Battle of the Books competition in Spring-Summer 2008. CEFLS helped to promote project activities.
22 member libraries reported that they participated in one or more special activities for youth (Take a Bite out of Books, What's the BIG Idea science program, Summer Reading Program) in 2008 and that “the activities helped to enhance services to youth”.
75 % of libraries that receive juvenile rotating book collections report that “the age appropriate books they receive in juvenile collections from CEFLS complement their library collection and help meet the needs of young readers. 1 library answered “no”; 21% (6) choose not to receive a juvenile collection.

Services to Seniors

Goal: Improved computer and technology skills for seniors using the Bookmobile

Results:

System staff distributed “how to” guide for downloadable audio books to bookmobile patrons, including seniors. One-on-one assistance with downloadable audio books and the online catalog was routinely provided by bookmobile staff.
CEFLS obtained an “E-senior” LSTA grant to train seniors in basic computer skills. Two consultants were hired and a curriculum is being developed. Training will start in 2009.

Finger Lakes Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid for 2009 will fund a portion of salaries and benefits for three staff members who will work to address the goals and objectives of the Outreach Department as delineated in the Plan of Service. Our Mail It program provides library service by mail to those who are unable to visit their local libraries including the loan of library materials owned by FLLS and by member libraries through interlibrary loan. Library materials, information and consulting services relative to Outreach Department goals, are also offered to member libraries, nursing homes and other agencies in our service area. The department has been reorganized under the oversight of the new Outreach Coordinator, and the number of staff has been reduced due to budgetary concerns. Procedures will now be streamlined, departmental activities reexamined and services reevaluated. In spite of the reduction of FTE staff assigned to Outreach services, New York State Outreach funds are insufficient to fund the program beyond salaries. Other expenses related to purchase of library materials, supplies, and postage; and to the delivery of materials to agencies and member libraries are paid from FLLS basic state aid, by funds received from the five counties in our service area, and by a generous grant from the Friends of the Tompkins County Public Library. (Goals 5.10 A and 5.10 B, Coordinated Outreach, Element 3, Special Client Groups. Expenditure Codes 15, 16 and 80.)

State Correctional Facilities Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid for 2009 will enable the Finger Lakes Library System to continue to provide library services to inmates of the three state correctional facility libraries in our service area as delineated in the Plan of Service. These staff-supported system services include interlibrary loan; weekly delivery; communications regarding monthly continuing education workshops and other news; consultant services on various issues as needed by the state correctional facility librarians; deposit collections of library materials to expand available collections for inmates; audio-visual services as requested by the state correctional facility librarians; and distribution of discard donations to the three state correctional facility libraries. Facilities are free to avail themselves of any of these above named services. Occasionally, upon request, system professional staff may present special programs for the facility libraries. The System Union Catalog in CD format will be updated twice in 2009 and installed by system staff on state correctional facility library computers to facilitate interlibrary loan. Now that limited Internet access is available in the facilities, the librarians will find it easier to locate and request materials through ILL. (Goal 5.11, Correctional Facilities, Element 3, Special Client Groups. Expenditure Codes15, 16, 80, Staff Salary and Benefits, Code 40 Purchased Services, and Code 45, Supplies and Materials.)

Service to County Jails Aid

Service to County Jails (Inter-institutional) Aid for 2009 will enable the Finger Lakes Library System to purchase library materials for each county jail library, based on the general literacy needs of jail inmates and the GED instructors’ curriculum for each jail’s literacy program. Tasks related to selection and distribution of materials is performed by staff in the FLLS Outreach Department. (Goal 5.11, Correctional Facilities, Element 3, Special Client Groups. Expenditure Code 45, Supplies and Materials.)

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Promoted high interest/low vocabulary readers and large type books for teens who are incarcerated or living in group homes.

Coordinated Outreach

Continued to serve disadvantaged populations through Mail-It program and materials deposit collections in local nursing homes and other agencies.
Continued to serve as liaison service to the NYS Talking Book and Braille Library.
Increased the number of COSAC members from five to 10, gaining a more balanced representation of all five counties.
Outreach Coordinator participated in the EqualAccess Institute to learn ideas for outreach to seniors and youth as well as providing health information to the community.
Produced and distributed the first Outreach newsletter to member libraries and agencies.
Provided free books through the First Books program to the children on free or reduced lunch programs served by the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to promote library use in an underserved population.

Correctional Facilities

Continued to provide system services to three NYS Correctional Facilities in our service area in the form of ILL, deposit collections, system workshops and consultant services.
Purchased Spanish McNaughton Collections for three NYS Facilities.
Provided twice a year updated CD Roms that include FLLS union catalog and Correctional Facilities’ collections.
Provided library materials collections to five County Jails in service area.

Youth Services

Added Tumblebooks to our early literacy resources to reach young readers at home.
Expanded storytime boxes to include a Braille read-to-me box, two sign language boxes, 10 baby storytime boxes, and 3 early literacy boxes.
See also youth services activities under other elements.

Four County Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

4CLS will provide and promote library services to people of all ages who do not have access to a public library. The Cybermobile will provide access to the Internet as well as traditional library services. 4CLS will service people of all ages and ethnicities who may be visually handicapped, physically handicapped, aged, institutionalized, educationally disadvantages, unemployed/underemployed, and geographically isolated. The major outreach activity is the delivery of materials by our Cybermobile or system van to users of all ages. We will explore partnerships with community organizations whose goals run parallel to our own.

On the road: Cybermobile operation requires a driver/library assistant who drives and maintains the Cybermobile mechanically. The driver is responsible for establishing the satellite connection at each stop. In addition, he assists disabled patrons into the wheelchair on the lift and transports them on and off the vehicle. He also discharges returned material and shelves incoming items. A library assistant or librarian charges out materials, handles reserves, assists with material selection, provides reference and reader's advisory service, and registers new borrowers. At six stops, it is necessary for the driver and the technician or librarian to carry the books and laptops into the congregate living complexes for disabled and/or aged populations.
At the system: The outreach manager performs administrative duties, reviews scheduling, oversees and initiates public relations, prepares and presents demonstrations for community groups, confers with correctional facilities, selects materials for juveniles and young adults, and conducts staff meetings. The library assistant maintains the registration, circulation and statistical files, selects adult materials for purchase, restocks the bookmobile, processes patron reserves (averages about 200 a month), and sends out routine publicity and overdue reminders. The driver/library assistant maintains the vehicle and selects materials to be carried into senior facilities.
At member libraries:
- We continue to encourage member libraries to take materials to shut-ins and provide service to their diverse populations; and when feasible, institute new programs and maintain on-going programs.
- Member libraries also distribute applications for Talking Books.
- Your Home Public Library in Johnson City continues as a literacy center where materials and a computer are available for tutors and literacy students.

Program Expansion: With the Cybermobile, we have many opportunities for service.

Youth Services:

During 2009 we will continue to reach out to children and families through other agencies and schools with an emphasis on Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego counties.
Youth Services will continue to work with the Discovery Center, Head Start, Roberson Museum, and Building Brighter Futures for Broome.
The Summer Reading Program, a favorite, will continue to be featured on the Cybermobile.
In addition, the Four County Library System will apply for aid from the BOOKS Program to provide programming to children and their families.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Camp Pharsalia closed early in July with very little notice. In accordance with the Four County Library System Plan of Service, 3.c, SCF funds had already been spent prior to its closing to:

Provide an extensive collection of magazine subscriptions that were chosen in collaboration with CP and 4CLS staff. When we received notice of the closing, it was too late to cancel the subscriptions so they were redirected to the Chenango County Jail for the duration of the year.
Purchase an extensive collection of books based on the needs and interests of the inmate population. Many of these titles will remain in the 4CLS collection and are used by the juvenile inmates of the Youth Leadership Academy that we visit via bookmobile each month in Delaware County. The titles are also available through interlibrary loan to our 42 member libraries for use in their programs or to their service populations.
Pay for the salary, fuel and upkeep for monthly bookmobile stops at the facility. Inmates’ reference and reading needs were met through monthly visits by the 4CLS Cybermobile. Materials were available for circulation and special requests for information were filled through interlibrary loan or materials purchased specifically for this population.

Service to County Jails Aid

In accordance with its Plan of Service, 3.a and 3.b, 4CLS program funds are used to:

Purchase magazine subscriptions for inmates in each of the four county jails in our service area.
Books that serve the recreational and informational needs of the inmate population are purchased for each county jail facility and delivered to the libraries within.
Outreach staff is available for consultation with the facility librarian.
We have an agreement with the Binghamton Post Office whereby we pick magazines that were unable to be delivered, remove identifying information, and distribute them to the Broome County Correctional Facility, which has the largest inmate population of facilities in our service area.
We also provide consultant services to the facility librarians.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

GOAL: Collaborate with established agencies (LVA, etc.), and other social service agencies (school districts, immigrant programs), and member libraries to dovetail services. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Identify and contact appropriate agencies.

Results: Expanded services to families through participation on the Early Childhood Education Council; disseminated library information via Parents and Children Together caseworker home visits; distributed literacy information at 2 community-wide events; collaborated with Adult Learning Partners to develop proposal for establishment of Literacy Zone in Delaware County; partnered with Vision Credit Union on community literacy event

GOAL: Develop collections (print and virtual) in member libraries to assist adult new readers (if funding allows). (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Evaluate current materials and recommend appropriate available resources

Results: Collection budgets do not currently allow for expanding expenditures.

GOAL: Promote library services to agencies listed above and to potential students (if funding allows). (Annual)

ACTIVITIES: Identify and contact appropriate agencies; Prepare presentations and promotion pieces; Conduct programs, disseminate information.

Results: Presented 2 programs for educators to showcase services available to adult learners and their families.

Coordinated Outreach

GOAL: Provide/expand Cybermobile service to un-served populations as funding allows. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Evaluate current Cybermobile stops and restructure schedule to better accommodate patron base

Results: Current funding does not allow for expanding service

ACTIVITY: Contact other public agencies to inform of and complement services.

Results: Worked with the Binghamton Area Reading Council and agencies within Building Brighter Futures for Broome to promote services to their clientele. Worked with area schools and school library media specialists on programs. Collaborated with Adult Learning partners to publicize and incorporate services.

GOAL: Work with other social service agencies for mutual support of programs without duplication. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Contact agencies and survey services.

Results: Worked with the Binghamton Area Reading Council and agencies within Building Brighter Futures for Broome to promote services to their clientele. Orchestrated community events to disseminate information on literacy, libraries and community services to families.

ACTIVITY: Provide presentations and promotional materials to publicize library services and to be disseminated to their clientele.

Results:

Maintained web based calendar to promote programs to families throughout 4CLS region.
Conducted two community wide events to publicize and promote importance of reading within families.
Participated in additional community events to promote library services.
Conducted 12 story programs for families to publicize library opportunities.

ACTIVITY: Research and establish database, gather, organize and input information from agencies

Results:

Maintained wiki to gather and organize information on NYS authors and Illustrators.
Initiated state-wide wiki to support observation of NYS history Staffing and technology cannot support accurate community database at this time.

Correctional Facilities

GOAL: Provide materials and service to inmate population with Cybermobile. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Work with CF staff to assess needs; Collect materials and conduct programs/trainings according to above.

Results: Met with Youth Leadership Academy staff to discuss services institutionalized youth.

Youth Services

GOAL: Assist member libraries in serving children and families. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Quality training and continuing education for member library staff on YS related topics.
Results:

Conducted system wide workshop on SRP.
Conducted workshops at statewide conference for SLMS.
Collaborated on regional literature evaluation conference for YS staff.
Worked with SCOOLS group to include public libraries in BOCES CE opportunities

ACTIVITY: Include a youth component to any training conducted on a System level.

Results: Opportunity did not present itself this past year, see above.

ACTIVITY: Regular site visits to address specific issues.

Results: 11 meetings with YS staff on site to discuss weeding, collection development, teen services, programming, etc.

ACTIVITY: Facilitated collection development through preview collections and recommended title ordering lists.

Results: 10 preview collections/lists were generated, in addition to one awards list and 6 Starr’s Picks recommended lists

ACTIVITY: Consolidated dissemination of info on programs/services relating to children, young adults and families if funding allows.

Results:

Maintained web based calendar to promote programs to families throughout 4CLS region.
Worked with other outlets to promote and link to this resource.

GOAL: Enhanced Cybermobile service to families and youth groups/agencies/organizations. (Annual)

ACTIVITY: Increase direct contact with families and youth in remote areas while partnering with other agencies.

Results: Conducted Summer Reading program at community stops and preschool.

Mid-Hudson Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The expenditures, as follows, help support activities to attain the goals and intended results described in the MHLS 2007-2011 POS for Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid, to insure library services for all area residents including groups traditionally underserved by libraries.

The intended result is that member libraries will have the training and resources to recognize, connect with, attract and provide services for outreach target groups at the local level, and to develop community contacts and relevant local partnerships.

Code 15: Professional Salaries for Outreach Coordinator who works as part of the MHLS senior staff to integrate the mission of outreach into the system’s offerings.

Code 16: Other Staff Salaries for staff who provide support services to member libraries and community groups to assist libraries’ ability to attract patrons from underserved populations.

The staff of the Outreach Department provides the following services, along with filling member library requests for support and consultation on additional outreach issues:

The NYS Talking Book service
Access to videotapes with descriptive narration
TTY machines for loan
Referrals to libraries for books and online resources supporting literacy, including materials for new adult readers
MHLS Professional Collection materials that promote an increased awareness of diversity and other outreach issues
Recommendations of resources in languages other than English
Selection and rotation of Large Print book collections
Selection and rotation of collections of adult Spanish materials and children’s Spanish materials
Consultation on ADA building and access issues
Consultation on universal accessibility for library web pages
Targeted marketing/advocacy to specific outreach target groups
Employment support through member libraries as well as corrections and jail facilities
Customized demographic information and analysis for member libraries
Individualized consultations with member libraries regarding their changing communities and how to provide library services for their specific community
Train-the-trainer programs for library staff to teach computer skills to new users
Track regional trends, including issues that affect target populations
Consultations on The New Planning for Results method of planning
Consultations of providing service to the Spanish-speaking community
Create universally accessible web sites for the thirty-six member libraries who have their web pages maintained by MHLS
Upkeep of Quick Answers for you! site to provide information to patrons on healthy living, personal finance, smart buying and how to find a job.

Code 45: Supplies and Materials include new Professional Collection materials, printing and distribution of Hudson Valley Connections (a resource guide for ex-offenders returning to Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam or Ulster counties in New York State), promotional materials targeted to for Spanish-speakers and resources designed to help develop targeted services and build partnerships.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The expenditures help support activities to attain the goals and intended results described in the MHLS 2007-2011 POS for Service to State Correctional Facilities, as follows: (to augment their collections, technology and reference services and other support based on annual committee recommendations) as follows:

Code 15: Professional Salaries to provide correctional facility librarians with: opportunities for continuing education, downloads from the MHLS database of holdings to CD-ROM, consultation in the areas of collection development and technology, consultation for reference materials in English and Spanish, information about speakers/performers with programs of topical interest.

Code 16: Other staff salaries for MHLS ILL staff to provide the interlibrary loan of books, periodicals, videos and books-on-tape to correctional facility libraries, comparable to that of member public libraries.

Code 40: Delivery expenditures to insure smooth flow of interlibrary loan and access to System information including weekly distribution of the MHLS Bulletin.

Code 45: Funds provided to CF libraries for materials / services provide each facility with the opportunity to choose from the following options (funds for this are distributed based on facility population):

Purchase of hardcover reference materials
McNaughton plans
Payment of fees for lost ILL books
Computer equipment or software
Honorariums for facility programs
Payment of OCLC search fees and postage
Professional development costs (Ex: NYLA, ALA, computer training, professional subscriptions)

Service to County Jails Aid

The expenditures help support activities to attain the goals and intended results described in the MHLS 2007-2011 POS for Service to County Jails, as follows:

Code 45, Supplies & Materials: Paperback books are bought for the jails, concentrating on the following types of materials: self-help, inspirational materials, relevant biographies, job information, low literacy resources, materials in Spanish. Hudson Valley Connections (a resource guide for ex-offenders returning to Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam or Ulster counties in New York State) is printed and distributed. Postage pays for the items to be delivered to the jails during the year.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Goal: Library staff will be able to respond to literacy related issues.

Results:

Added contact information for literacy support agencies in each county to MHLS produced Hudson Valley Connections and MHLS web site.
MHLS staff participation with Hudson Valley / Catskill Partnership (regional adult education network).
Outreach Coordinators from four area public library systems presented to nearly thirty adult program managers representing literacy programs , “Public Libraries - Resources for You and Your Students”, hosted by MHLS to develop and promote new methods and outreach programs to make literacy accessible to all. Participants were excited to hear about library resources and are eager to make connections with the public libraries in their communities for themselves and their adult literacy students.
Provided training on public library resources to Adult Educators through Ulster County BOCES.

Coordinated Outreach

Goal: Insure library services for all area residents including those traditionally underserved by libraries.

Results:

MHLS staff participation with regional community Hispanic Outreach Advisory Committee.
Expanded membership of MHLS Outreach Advisory Committee to include community representation from Community Centers & Services, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Offices of the Aging, Arts Council, Developmental Centers, VESID, Dept. of Labor, United Way.
Designed and distributed Libraries…Here to Help bilingual (English/Spanish) bookmark to promote library outreach to Spanish-speaking community.
Produced updated version of Hudson Valley Connections - a 40 page bilingual (English/Spanish) resource guide for ex-offenders.
Surveyed library directors, staff and trustees to collect information regarding outreach efforts of member libraries.

Correctional Facilities

Goal: Services will be provided to state and county correctional facility libraries.

Results:

State Facilities: 7 facilities serving 8607 inmates. Filled over 6,000 ILL requests. Provided consultation for collection development and reference materials in English and Spanish, information about speakers/performers with programs of topical interest and technology consultation. Conducted programs on personal security, programming and best practices. Participated in 2 inmate pre-release job fairs.
County Facilities: 5 facilities serving 1066 inmates. Provided self-help books, Spanish materials, job information and transitional support materials.

Youth Services

Goal: Insure professional library services for the full age continuum of youth.

Results:

Conducted 11 Youth Services training sessions.
Surveyed library directors, staff and trustees to collect information regarding the measurement of quality youth programming in member libraries.
Supported the integration of developmental literacy practices into library programs, Serving Homeschool Families, “Connecting Boys With Books”, Summer Reading Programs, Battle of the Books.
Provided training and resources for members to develop local school contacts and collaborations, including county-based Notable Book Banquets.
Increased School-Public library cooperation by supporting “Fall into Books -Children’s and Teens Literature Conference”

Adult Programming

Goal: Build more diverse offering of Adult programming.

Launched Adult Programmers Users Group to facilitate sharing of program ideas and successes.
Surveyed library directors, staff and trustees to collect information regarding measuring quality adult programming in member libraries.
Promoted methods to reach targeted varying segments of adult groups through programming, using techniques researched and compiled in Building Your Base Project.

Expanded EZ Library Program Database - now has over 700 items

Mid-York Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Under Resource Sharing: Outreach monies will support the purchase, processing, cataloging, and delivery of large print collections to 33 libraries and 51 agencies in Herkimer, Oneida and Madison counties. Under Special Client Groups: Mid-York will use Coordinated Outreach grant money to provide library service to resident of nursing homes and senior care facilities.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Technology Services: Mid-York will provide 2 full catalog updates and a monthly list of new materials to 5 correctional facilities.

Resource Sharing: Correctional monies will be used to:

Add titles to the Mid-York catalog.
Inmates will receive preferred request status on these titles.
Each correctional facility will receive once a week delivery.

Special Client Groups: Mid-York will provide library services to the 5 state correctional facility libraries:

Inter Library Loan
Reference
Access to continuing education workshops for facility librarians

Service to County Jails Aid

Mid-York will provide library services to the 3 county correctional facilities:

Resource Sharing
Country Jail money will be used for the purchase, processing, cataloging and delivery of paperback book and magazine collections available to the county jails.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Provided reference service to inmates at 5 state correctional facilities.
Produced 2 full catalog updates and monthly lists of new materials to the correctional facilities.
Participating in collaborative Literacy Zones initiative.
Revised story boxes to reflect early literacy content and update materials. Increased summer reading participation.
Increased technology training to correctional facilities librarians.

Mohawk Valley Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Budget application supports the following Mohawk Valley Library System Plan of Service Elements.

Resource Sharing:

Daily delivery.

Special Client Groups:

Staff supports library efforts to reach targeted community groups, including planning, developing and implementing local services and grant assistance.
Funds Outreach mini-grants for members.
Supports purchase of laptop computer for presentations to outreach groups and member libraries.
Supports staff collaboration with local agencies and providers of special services.

Continuing education:

Supports education to members enhancing service to outreach populations, and
Travel/conference attendance by Outreach Consultant.

Consulting and Technical Assistance:

Outreach consultant funded to provide assistance to members on services to outreach populations.

Coordinated Services:

Rotating collections of large print materials.

Cooperative Efforts with Other Systems:

Regional continuing education efforts.

Construction:

Consultant support for construction efforts including grant assistance.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Expenditures support the MVLS Plan of Service Goal for Correctional facility by providing Hale Creek A.S.A.T.C.A. and Summit Shock Incarceration Facility with: materials,

Continuing education,
Consultant services, and
Interlibrary loan services to meet the needs of inmate populations

Service to County Jails Aid

Budgeted expenditures support the MVLS Plan of Service Goal for Correctional Facilities by:

Providing materials for the four county jails
Consultant services

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Community Connections grants awarded to Sharon Springs Free Library for intergenerational programs for older adults and at risk teens utilizing Nintendo Wii in library, nursing homes, senior housing and senior meal site (52 participants); Schenectady County Public Library- Rotterdam Branch for series of programs for seniors on nutrition and technology (150 attendees); Schenectady County Public Library for Afghan Cultural Festival (400+ attendance)
Assisted Katherine Jetter, WMHT, with presentation to Literacy Volunteers tutors on educational resources
Large Print collections utilized at 2 senior centers and one hospital (23 collections, circulation 414)
Lip reading software purchased, circulated 5 times
Provided 224 books, 45 English, 7 Spanish periodicals for correctional facilities.
Provided 4 writing workshops for inmates at Hale Creek Correctional Facility.
Funded 322 interlibrary loan requests for Hale Creek Correctional Facility.
Provided 40 items for book repair, display and bookmarks for Hale Creek Correctional Facility.
Provided 11 large print books to Schenectady County Jail
26 Online Book Discussion guides provided online
Supported, organized, and implemented 8 Science in the Winter, Spring and Summer programs (254 children, 157 parent/caregivers and 11 teen helpers participating) at local libraries presented by GE Volunteers, retired GE scientists, funded through “GE Volunteers: A Global Organization of General Electric Volunteers”
Coordinated and promoted Summer Reading Program activities, working with UHLS on full day Planning Workshop
Provided summer reading materials, workshop and programs to member libraries and branches through state Summer Reading Program Grant
Provided children’s and teen books for Summer Reading Program Raffle at member libraries
Provided 19 programs focused on Wii programming for Seniors through senior outreach sites and at five member libraries with 215 participants through LSTA Wii Programming for Aging and Older Adults Grant, as well as training 34 member library staff and volunteers in Wii gaming technology.
NEH grant Picturing America submitted and received on behalf of member libraries.

Monroe County Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The MCLS Outreach Department:

Maintains regular, bi-monthly delivery of bulk collections of materials to agencies as stated in our Plan of Service.
Agency personnel are encouraged to periodically contact us to further tailor reading requests. This target population consists primarily of elderly individuals, along with physically and mentally handicapped persons.
We will continue to meet this aspect of our Plan of Service in 2009 in a limited capacity due to a reduction in state aid.

Homebound Services

We continue to provide library materials to the homebound members of our community as stated in our Plan of Service. This highly individualized service provides specific customer requests. A significant segment of this target population is elderly and legally blind and/or physically handicapped.
We will continue to serve this population in 2009-10 but in a reduced capacity due to a reduction in state aid.

Job Search Classes

In 2007, the outreach coordinator instituted job search classes at community agencies serving this target population.
This service will be limited in 2009-10 due to reductions in state aid.

Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Committee (COSAC)

The Outreach Department will continue to chair COSAC in 2009.
Youth services, library Internet policies, GRAPE affiliation, and the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired’s book club were the primary topics of the committee in 2007.
COSAC will continue to meet a minimum of two times in 2009 as mandated by NYCRR Title 8-Education and the system's plan of service.

The Outreach Department along with the library’s duplicating service continued to produce our re-entry publication Making Moves: A Handbook for Ex-Offenders Returning to the Rochester, NY and Monroe County Area. We will continue this service in 2009 only due to volunteer assistance from an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer. If not for the volunteer, this service would have been discontinued due to reductions in state aid.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The Outreach Department will continue to select and acquire informational and recreational print materials for the facility residents as stated in our Plan of Service.

For 2009-10 we will continue to provide periodical subscriptions for delivery to the correctional facility and we will continue to meet this aspect of our Plan of Service in a reduced capacity due to reductions in state aid.
As per the Monroe County Library System/Rochester Public Library Service Agreement, funds from the State Correctional Facilities Aid are transferred to the Rochester Public Library for services provided directly to the state correctional facility library. The Rochester Public Library is designated as the official Central Library of MCLS and provides countywide services on behalf of the Monroe County Library System.

Service to County Jails Aid

The outreach coordinator conducted classes at the Monroe Correctional Facility in 2008 for male and female inmates enrolled in the GED and Work Readiness programs.
With each site visit, the outreach coordinator educates the inmates about library services in general and showcases specific resources contained in the Central Library's Job Information Center (JIC) that can be utilized by the inmates upon release.
The Outreach Coordinator will continue to provide services to the County Jail but in a limited capacity due to anticipated reductions in state aid.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

No grants were received to support special client needs in 2008. The MCLS Outreach Department continued to provide station collections to 28 adult living facilities serving primarily elderly and physically & mentally disabled adults. Service to homebound residents continued, as did service to correctional facilities as funded by state aid.

Due to reductions in state aid for 2000/2010, the system is pursuing private funding that will allow us to continue providing this necessary service to special client populations.

Nassau Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

NLS provides Talking Books services to Nassau residents through a contract for service with the Suffolk Cooperative Library System. Coordinated Outreach Aid is used to cover the cost to NLS for the contracted service.
Coordinated Outreach Aid also covers part of the salary and benefits of our full-time outreach coordinator (aka Manager of Outreach Services) and an Administrative Assistant who devotes 40% of her time to outreach work.
Our Manager of Outreach Services is a certified librarian with outreach expertise who is responsible for all goals in our System Plan of Service related to the state-defined target populations for Coordinated Outreach. She plans and provides (or coordinates) continuing education opportunities, assists member libraries with their applications for grants related to the target populations, visits member libraries to consult with them regarding services for the target populations, and encourages and facilitates valuable connections between community service agencies and our member libraries. She also selects outreach-related materials for the NLS professional collection.
The Manager of Outreach Manager also oversees our Senior Connections project (which is separately funded through the State Office for the Aging) and our services to the County Jail.
In order to keep current professionally, the Manager of Outreach Services attends local, state, and national conferences. Participation in these professional organizations enables her to be better able to inform our member library staff about outreach issues, trends, best practices as well as identify appropriate and high-quality continuing education opportunities and presenters for replication here in Nassau.
Unfortunately, our current outreach allocation is not sufficient to cover the entire cost of salaries and benefits for either outreach staff member. Nor is it sufficient to cover any the costs of outreach-associated travel, conference attendance, and participation in continuing education, outreach materials for our professional, or any of the supplies used by Outreach Services staff. NLS’ general operating funds are used to make up the difference in the cost salary and benefits plus all other Outreach-related expenses.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

N/A

Service to County Jails Aid

The goal for services to the Nassau County Correctional Facility (NCCF), as stated in the NLS Five Year Plan of Service, is to enhance library services at the Nassau County Correctional Facility.

The aid which we receive for this purpose ($9,583) is used to purchase materials for the libraries that are a part of this three-unit facility.

Our Manager of Outreach Services, who has experience in collection development and reader’s advisory services, meets with inmates periodically to make sure that the materials purchase address their interests and needs. The officers in each jail library also call or e-mail the Manager of Outreach Services with specific inmate requests.
The Manager of Outreach Services maintains our relationship with the staff of the facility through semi-annual visits to the facility and inclusion of NCCF staff on our Coordinated Outreach Advisory Council. Currently, the Sergeant in charge of the jail libraries is a member.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Eligible Nassau residents borrowed more than 60,000 items from the Long Island Talking Book Library, which is jointly sponsored and funded by NLS and SCLS.
We successfully re-structured our Senior Connections program to focus more on discussion groups and informational programs. These needs were articulated by participants in a “Senior Summit” which attracted over 60 seniors and staff to an all-day workshop. 2 Senior Fairs showcasing social services and life skills were held and attended by more than 200 seniors. Based on this success, more are planned.
We continued to support a deposit collection in the waiting room of the County Department of Social Services. It has been heavily used by those waiting for services.
Our Outreach Specialist continues to make assistive technology known and available to the staff of member libraries. The goal is to increase staff comfort levels in assisting persons with disabilities.
We continued to encourage and support member library activities recognizing Nassau’s growing diversity, especially the growing Hispanic population. Our Outreach Specialist worked with the public library systems in the metro NYC area on the development of a web locator for Spanish language resources, hosted by WLS.
Our Outreach Specialist helped 3 member libraries with planning, especially community needs assessment.
NLS continued to support the libraries in 3 units of the Nassau County Correctional Facility, updating their collections with self-help and GED preparation materials and urban fiction.
We continued to provide Born to Read kits to the parents of newborns at the Nassau University Medical Center. These families are usually at or below the poverty level and their children are considered to be at-risk. This literacy development program was begun with an LSTA grant but is now being continued by NLS without grant funding.
We encourage and support the participation of our member libraries in the Summer Reading Program. A wiki for the sharing of program ideas was created. NLS and SCLS jointly partnered with Newsday to develop a 16-page publication which was distributed to elementary and middle schools as well as to our member libraries to encourage reading and promote greater participation in program. We also provide information about the program in weekly newspapers and two special papers which focus on African-American and Spanish-speaking residents and also in selected movie theatres.
Our Youth Services Specialist worked with a member task force to update and enhance the appearance and appeal of the graded booklists (Early Literacy through Grade 6) ‘published’ by NLS. 15,000 booklists were distributed to member libraries; masters are also available online.
Our Youth Services office continues to circulate video gaming equipment and video games to member libraries in order for them to offer video game programs in their libraries. (Circulated 47 times this year.)
Services to teens have become a focus of Youth Services in the member libraries, as more of them carve out dedicated areas. Our Youth Services Specials has assisted member libraries in planning new or enhanced YA spaces and developing teen advisory groups.
The Manager of Youth Services is active in ALA and meets regularly with publishers. As a result she receives many new children’s and young adult books as review copies. Member libraries are given the opportunity to select copies of the titles available for their collections at an annual “Great Book Give-Away.” This year the staff of 36 member libraries participated.

The New York Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid will support the goals in Section III, Special Client Groups, items III.1 through III.11 of The New York Public Library’s (NYPL) Plan of Service in 2009. Staff supported by this Aid will provide and coordinate library outreach services throughout the NYPL system service areas, comprising the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

Goals, activities and expected outcomes are similar to those of previous years, and the extent to which they can be presented are dependent upon full funding. Literacy activities will include developing instruction that incorporates research-based methodology and associated materials necessary to respond to the NYS Department of Education mandates for low-level literacy students and students with learning disabilities. Improve English proficiency of patrons by providing materials appropriate for adult new readers and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students. Literacy activities will also include increased use of technology-assisted instruction to provide independent learning opportunities as well as improve management of ESOL and adult new reader instruction and records. As funding allows, ESOL classes will continue to be offered at libraries throughout the NYPL system to improve English language proficiency of students. Print and non-print materials will be identified and purchased for use by adult new readers and ESOL students. Outreach to underserved groups will be conducted by the outreach staff and staff in branches. As in past years, these activities may include reading aloud programs at nursing homes; developing partnerships with senior centers and local libraries; summer reading programs for children living in shelters, and networking with organizations serving immigrant groups. Cultural, educational, and informational programs will be offered to attract the city's diverse communities to libraries. People with disabilities will have access to library resources through assistive technology such as personal readers and closed circuit television enlargers at selected branches, JAWS and Magic software in all branch computers to assist the blind and visually impaired navigate the Library's web pages and the Internet.

Video relay service for the deaf community will be made available at selected libraries. Large print books, digital collections of audio books, movies, and sound recordings will also be available for public use. NYPL will also reach out to and offer enhanced collections, programs, and services for small business owners, the underemployed and unemployed. Circulating print and non-print collection on economic development and business information, and career and job information will be available. Workshops on resume writing, job search strategies, and career exploration will be provided in branch libraries.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Expenditures in this budget application will support Goals lll.13-14 in the Library’s approved Plan of Service. Grant funds will support the printing and distribution of the New York Public Library re-entry directory “Connections and The Job Search” which assists inmates and ex-inmates preparing for their return to New York City. “Connections 2009” was shipped to 69 New York State Department of Correctional Services (DOCS) in March 2009.

State Aid funds will support staff that visit Medium Security and Work-Release Prisons in the Library’s service areas and adjoining areas to provide interactive presentations on issues shared by inmates returning to the community following incarceration. These presentations may include a focus on computer skills, job searching, and library resources, among other topics. If available, funding may also support a facilitator who will visit Medium Security and Work-Release Prisons in the service area to present programs about parenting, addiction recovery, domestic violence, and self-esteem issues.
Funds will be used to purchase books for general and leisure libraries in the Medium Security facilities in the service areas. These books will include fiction and non-fiction in English, Spanish, and other languages as requested, high-interest/low-difficulty materials. Non-fiction books and materials will focus on topics like health, the job search, history, religion, economics, and poetry. Fiction titles will include popular fiction and genres such as westerns, fantasy, and ‘urban lit’ novels.

Service to County Jails Aid

Expenditures in this budget application will support Goal III.12 in The New York Public Library’s approved Plan of Service. Grant funding will continue to support weekly outreach book cart service to all five facilities on Rikers Island. Additional library programming will include NYPL Re-entry presentations and workshops offering resources geared to the special needs of persons who have been incarcerated. Assistance will be offered to Island Academy, Rikers Island School Libraries, and the incarcerated teen population.

Pending full funding and the number of staff available, these services will be provided by the Correctional Services Librarian, and a Library Information Assistant provided by The New York Public Library, with occasional assistance from other NYPL and Brooklyn Public Library staff. Existing books and materials will be supplemented by NYPL donations of non-fiction books and materials in English, Spanish, and additional languages as requested. High-interest/low-difficulty materials will also be supplemented for beginning readers.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

The New York Public Library, The Branch Libraries

All ESOL students were registered for a Library card and received an orientation to the diverse range of collections, programs, and services that support English language acquisition, lifelong learning, literacy, cultural interests, job information, and much more. Teachers and library staff report that students borrow materials from the Life-Long Learning collections to support the class curriculum as well as independent learning.
The existing Dynix system does not accurately reflect use of the Life-Long Learning collections. Often items intended for the Life-Long Learning collections are interfiled with the general adult collections, making it difficult for ESOL learners to locate. It is anticipated the new ILS system might improve the acquisition and cataloging process and circulation statistics retrieval. In moving forward, the new Office of Collections Strategy would need to seek a better way in identify these materials for ESOL learners.

The Centers for Reading and Writing (CRWs) were selected to participate in a State-wide staff development initiative aimed at infusing research-based reading instruction into programming. The STAR (Student Achievement in Reading) training program began October 16 and 17, 2008, and continued through December 16 and 17, 2008, and will continue until April 22 and 23, 2009. The Program Director and 5 additional staff participate in these intensive institutes. A revised tutor training was developed specifically for methodology appropriate for emergent readers. Thirty tutors have been trained under this program.
Evaluation methods: NYS Dept. of Education has since awarded NYPL a five-year contract to continue adult literacy services based on the demonstrated research-based instruction that we have adopted and expanded to all CRW sites. Intended results: NYPL has met and exceeded all NRS goals for educational gains.

Through a special grant, 15 new wireless laptops were purchased for Wakefield Branch Library’s CRW, additional student capacity was added, allowing 460 low-level learners access to instruction (HEC Reading Horizons online software) both onsite and through the Internet. A standard software menu has been created for the CRWs that is managed centrally by NYPL’s IT services. This has eliminated the need for the storage and distribution of CD ROMs, extending the life of the software and ensuring continued access to all software programs in all CRW sites.
Prepared curriculum for and presented two classes for ESOL students at Mid-Manhattan Library; each introduced participants to relevant website and NYPL databases: Teach Yourself Using Online Resources (7 sessions, 88 participants) and Learn ESOL Using Online Resources (6 sessions, 45 participants)

2,912 students enrolled for the winter, spring, fall 2008 semesters for a total number of 124 classes
The library’s ESOL program was enhanced by integrating civics instruction into the curriculum in 32 classes at 8 ESOL library sites during winter and spring 2008. These classes were supported by Title II, section 231(e) of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) (funding was not continued in FY09). In addition, 3 classes of Integrated Technology Assisted ESOL Instruction were offered during winter, spring and fall 2008. Using software designed to help students to learn English and integrating traditional instruction, students learned at their own pace using the software independently even by those with only basic computer skills.

Thousands of informational, educational, and multicultural programs were presented throughout the branch libraries in 2008. These ranged from resume writing, music, dance, and author programs; NYC Immigrant History Week (April 14-20), programs for children, young adults, adults and families. A total of 144 individuals received assistance through a Diversity Visa Lottery 2010 at three libraries.
NYPL offered ESOL Civics Instruction during the winter and spring 2008 cycles: ESOL/EL Civics classes were offered at 8 sites (4 Manhattan, 2 Bronx, 2 Staten Island); 665 students were registered that, on average, came from 19 different countries, speaking 9 different languages. By incorporating history and civics into language lessons, students of the WIA-funded project learned to articulate in English their needs and aspirations related to citizenship and to their new country. Students often brought in questions or comments about current events, such as upcoming presidential elections, and teachers developed classes related to their interest.
Anecdotal ESOL Teacher report:

“Some students have been in America for over 5 years and still have little knowledge of the language. This class provides them with one place in their life that they can learn and practice English and a non- threatening environment. Learning English is sure to improve their future and the future of their families. During the class course, 3 students took and passed their citizenship test. In addition, 2 students obtained employment and 1 student obtained a higher paying job. Without these classes they may not have achieved these goals.”

More than 37,000 copies of adult books in Spanish, Russian and Chinese were purchased; juvenile titles were purchased in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and French; young adult Spanish and Chinese titles were also purchased; more than 12,000 adult copies of music CDs and video DVDs were purchased in many languages. As a Reader’s Advisory tool, new additions to the Spanish and Russian collection were highlighted in monthly Novedades and Novinki book lists.

The Library updated its inventory of existing assistive technology in the branch libraries, in order to weed out technology that had been removed or was not operable from its records.
The Services for Persons with Disabilities Planning Committee convened twice during the year.
The Library participated in the Mayor’s Office to Persons with Disabilities “Disabilities Mentoring Day.”
An open house event was hosted for persons with disabilities at the Mid-Manhattan Library

Branch staff and outreach librarians visited nursing homes, senior centers, and shelters for persons without homes to provide read-aloud programs and library orientations about library programs and services.
Branch staff were trained in reading aloud.
Deposit collections of books were selected and distributed to nursing homes and shelters.
Statistics: Read-aloud programs at 10 nursing homes, 93 programs, 1379 attendance; Read-to- Me shelter programs at 9 libraries, 80 programs, 1,800 attendance; Summer “Storytime” programs at 4 shelters, 27 programs, 674 attendance; Offsite presentations about NYPL to shelters and service agencies, 7 presentations, 291 attendance.
Deposit collections of books to 5 nursing homes, total circ of donated materials: 1,164.
Senior centers library card drive: registered more than 2,000.
Initiated a “50 Plus” blog for older adults

2008 Attendance at the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library: 45,664
Circulation: National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) Items: 258,690, NYPL Items: 28,111
Total Circulated Items in 2008: 286,801
Programs: 160, Attendance: 1567
Audio Book Studio recorded 32 books to supplement the national collection.
Open for walk-in service 6 days per week (35 hours). Open hours include 2 evenings weekly until 7 PM, plus Saturday.
Reference and readers advisory service conducted by phone Monday-Saturday from 10 AM until closing (39 hours).
On-site circulation conducted Monday-Saturday.
Circulation through US Mail conducted Monday – Friday
Inter-library loan serviced provided Monday-Saturday
Museum trips, music programs, class visits, lectures, book discussions in English and Spanish, craft programs, activities for children and teens were provided.
Free public internet access is provided during open hours through library PCs, library laptop computers, and WiFi.

NLS has not yet begun distribution of digital talking book players or copies of digital books on flash drives. Initially the Library will receive: 544 digital talking book players; 37 copies of each of 54 digital books comprising a sample collection to test the initial run of players.
The Library will be one of eight libraries nationally to conduct such a test before digital books and players are launched through the entire NLS network. The Library is identifying intensively active patrons to be our testers.

10.

Virtual reference has been mainstreamed into ASK NYPL, the library-wide reference system. Separate statistics for this population are no longer available.
Eligible patrons with high-speed internet access and who own an NLS-compatible digital player can now download NLS talking books. 67 patrons who registered for download in 2008; 4,334 books and magazines were downloaded
Patrons can also borrow from NYPL digital collections. Separate download statistics for this population are not available.

11.

In FY09, popular print and nonprint titles on job hunting, resume writing, career exploration and small business development were selected monthly for all circulating adult collections.
In fall 2008, the Library began a major outreach initiative for job seekers which includes building partnerships with other New York city agencies to provide information about small business services; organizing job expos for a variety of job seekers; and training library staff on the provision of employment-related materials.

12.

Through the use of book cart services and recruitment of volunteer staff from NYPL and Brooklyn Public Library, Correctional Services has created an increased opportunity for inmates housed in Rikers Island facilities to select and read books of interest. Titles include popular fiction, urban novels, African-American and Latino history, and popular magazines.
Book donations from NYPL branches have allowed Correctional Services to offer broader selections of titles of interest, at different reading levels and in additional languages, such as Spanish, and Chinese. Prioritized service is offered to inmates housed in 23-hour lock-down facilities with little or no access to outside services.

13.

The 2009 edition of Connections and the Job Search was published and shipped to 70 New York State Correctional Facilities.
Information on city agencies assisting with housing, health, job seeking, education, LGBT issues, and other needs are updated each year. Permission to publish agreement with Rikers Island allows Rikers to publish and distribute to all Rikers inmates requesting copies. Rikers provides Connections to every inmate being released back to the community.
NYPL answered requests for Connections from individual incarcerated patrons.

14.

NYPL library card accounts opened for state and federal correctional facilities allows increased access to materials by inmates. Shipment of books reflected on monthly reports.
Inmates using State prison libraries benefit from supplemental books shipped from NYPL.
Presentation to inmates on services and programs available at NYPL, including library card sign-up.
Site visits to state and federal facilities by Correctional Services Librarian, to provide assistance with weeding and collection development, resulting improved prison library collections.
There is a continuing request for programs at all State and federal facilities. Past programs include poetry and self-improvement workshops.

15.

A 2008 survey of parents and caregivers of young children showed that 8l.7% of participants strongly agreed with the statement that “The library plays an important role in preparing young children to enter school with the skills they need to succeed.”
Staff is currently working on updated web content for parents and caregivers of young children.
Use of NYPL’s On-Lion parents’ page has increased

Nioga Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

As stated in the goals of the Plan of Service the System will support efforts of member libraries in providing library service to members of ethnic and minority groups in need of library services, unemployed persons and those in need of job placement assistance, persons living in areas underserved by a library, the blind and visually impaired, the physically challenged and the aged.

Nioga employs a full time Outreach Coordinator ($39,620). The Outreach Librarian oversees the Outreach function. She is responsible for maintaining contacts with and developing cooperative and collaborative projects among libraries and agencies. Responsibilities include assisting libraries in developing programs for specific client groups, developing partnerships and writing collaborative grants in support of literacy programs.

Nioga employees a Senior Library Clerk ($27,650) .8 FTE handles the daily work routines of the Outreach Department. Among her duties are loans of large print loans, audio books, videos, and talking book machines and audio visual equipment.

Large Print Books ($9,500) are purchased with Outreach funds.

Travel Expenditures ($250) are used to pay for the travel of the Outreach Coordinator.

Employee Benefits: a portion of the health insurance and social security costs for the Outreach Coordination and Senior Library Clerk are paid from Outreach funds ($16,950)

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The Plan of Service for the Nioga Library System indicates that the Nioga Library System will continue to support the information needs of the two state correctional facilities. Nioga has a contract with each facility.

Support Staff ($13,660) .4FTE Senior Library Clerk provides support to the correctional facilities. Interlibrary loans are searched and verified on the Integrated Computer system, borrowed from the owning library and prepared for delivery to the correctional facility.

Service to County Jails Aid

The Plan of Service of the Nioga Library System indicates that the Outreach Librarian will coordinate library service to the three county jails.

Nioga staff will notify the amount of funds eligible to receive for library materials. In consultation with jail personnel, Nioga’s Outreach Librarian will select and place orders for magazines, paperback books or other library supplies ($3,484). When the materials are received at Nioga they will be delivered to each jail.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Intended Result(s)
Member libraries will have an increased awareness of the literacy providers and the literacy providers will have an increased awareness of the libraries and their resources. (2007-2011)

Results:
- Outreach Librarian has made several contacts with the literacy organizations of the three counties. She serves on the Governing Board of the Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County.
- Outreach Librarian completed training as a Literacy Volunteer tutor
- Outreach Librarian is an officer on the Genesee County and Orleans County Interagency Councils.
Coordinated Outreach
Intended Result(s)
- Member Libraries will have an increased awareness of the outreach populations within their service areas and the other organizations and agencies that serve outreach populations will have an increased awareness of the materials and services available through the member libraries and the Nioga Library System. (2007-2011)
- Assist member libraries with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (2007-2011)
- Submit one grant application bi-annually that would serve the Outreach populations. (2007, 2009 and 2011)
Results:
- Outreach serves on the Niagara Interagency Council.
- Outreach Librarian is an officer on the Genesee County and Orleans County Interagency Councils.
- Held one workshop entitled “Aids for Visually Impaired Patrons”.
- Held one workshop entitled “Regional Services for the Elderly”
- Nioga advertises and processes applications for the New York State Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
- Presentation of annual “Board of Trustees of the Nioga Library Outreach Award” winner. Presentation is made at Annual dinner meeting.
Correctional Facilities (State and Local)
Intended Results:
- The contracts between the two state correctional facilities will be signed in a timely fashion and services will be rendered satisfactorily. (2007-2011)
- Purchases will be made and materials added to the state facility libraries in a timely fashion. (2007-2011)
- Purchases will be made and materials added to the county jail libraries in a timely fashion. (2007-2011)
Results:
- Contracts between Nioga and the two state correctional facilities were signed in a timely manner.
- The Outreach Librarian (in consultation with the facility librarians) coordinated the purchase of materials for the correctional facility libraries.
- The Outreach Librarian ordered library materials for the three county jails (Orleans, Niagara and Genesee).
Youth Services
Intended Results:
- At least 64% of member libraries will attend System supported workshops on Children/Young Adult related topics. (2007-2011)
- At least 62% of member libraries will attend in-service training sessions each year. (2007-2011)
- Assist at least one library per year in preparing a juvenile or young adult related grant application. (2007-2011)
Results:
- 17 member libraries attended System supported workshops on Children and Young Adult related topics in 2008.
- 19 member libraries attended in-service training sessions (technology training) in 2008.
- A grant to support the summer reading program was applied for and approved in 2008.

North Country Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The expenditures in this proposed budget application will allow NCLS to attain the goals outlined in the Outreach Section of the Plan of Service for the funding year by:

Covering salary and expenses of professional and other System staff that are essential in meeting the following goals:
1. Provide vital direct services to over 600 residents with special needs within the system service area, who are blind/visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, physically handicapped, elderly, learning disabled, residents of institutions, or who are unable to utilize their local public library.
2. Respond to requests for materials made by Outreach patrons.
3. Purchase as many materials as possible to fill requests made by Outreach patron as well as maintain a collection of library materials of various media and genres.
4. Promote the New York State Talking Book & Braille Library Program by providing applications and referrals as well as placing a link to the New York State Talking Book & Braille Library Web Page right on the NCLS Outreach Web Page.
Covering the cost of purchased services, such as:
1. Printing of materials and publicity for the Outreach Department
2. Fees for the promotion of Outreach Services, collaboration programs with other organizations, and speaker fees
3. Fees for System and Staff membership in professional organizations (NYLA/NYLINE) or for informational sources that allow staff to stay informed of issues and methods of service
4. Telecommunication expenses for Internet and Phone Service that allows patrons to phone in requests, access the NCLS CATALOG, place requests from home, and view the Outreach Web Page.
  In order to meet the needs of Outreach patrons, System staff must educate and promote Outreach Services to the Member Libraries. Covering the cost of purchased services allows for the sharing of information, promotion of services, and an increased possibility of meeting patron needs.
Covering the cost of supplies and materials:

Printing of materials and publicity for the Outreach Department (“Inside Outreach” Newsletter, updated lists of materials, etc.)
Cost of materials purchased to fill requests made by Outreach patrons as well as to maintain a collection of library materials of various media and genres.
Postage for Patron Mailings – Outreach patrons are able to request, receive, and return titles by mail at no cost to them. Patrons are also regularly supplied with various updated listings of current and new materials available from within the Outreach Collection.
Covering the cost of supplies and materials allows for a wide variety of media types to be available for Outreach patrons and the ability to fill more of their requests. In addition, NCLS can provide increased services to residents of the North Country Library System who are blind/visually impaired, deaf/hearing impaired, physically handicapped, elderly, learning, disabled, or residents of institutions.

Covering the cost of travel expenses:

Mileage reimbursement of System staff when using personal vehicle to conduct system business (i.e. library visits, travel to meetings/workshops, conferences, and other relevant events).
Meal and Hotel expenses for System staff attending conferences, workshops, and other relevant events.
Covering travel expenses enables the Outreach Coordinator to attend all pertinent local and statewide meetings, workshops, and conferences. It also allows the Outreach Coordinator and staff to continue to seek opportunities to expand the scope and reach of services by visits and referrals to agencies such as the County Offices for the Aging and by making presentations to potential patrons at nutrition sites and other senior housing facilities within the four-county area.
The NCLS Outreach Program also is able to serve as a model for member libraries by promoting and assisting member library staff in offering materials, services, and setting up and evaluating outreach programs for their local patrons held within their libraries and as they reach out within their own respective communities.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The expenditures in this proposed budget application will allow NCLS to attain the goals outlined in the State Corrections Section of the Plan of Service for the funding year by:

Covering salary and expenses of professional and other System staff that:
1. Provide vital direct services to inmates of State Correctional Facilities
2. Respond to requests for materials made by inmates of State Correctional Facilities using automated acquisitions with specially modified software.
3. Purchase as many materials as possible to fill requests made by inmates of State Correctional Facilities as well as maintain a collection of library materials of various media and genres.
4. Keep CF holdings current in the System’s database and provide MARC format cataloging and processing for correctional facility.
5. Provide interlibrary loan and delivery of requested materials.
6. Coordinate, prepare, and submit the annual grant application for state correctional funding by providing opportunities for the sharing of common concerns and by facilitating open discussions, input gathering, and by hosting planning meetings.
Covering the cost of purchased services, such as:

Fees for Cultural and Ethnic programs
Workshops and training sessions
In order to meet the needs of inmates at State Correctional Facilities, System staff must provide a variety of professional services such as Consultant services, assistance with planning special cultural programs that will contribute to meeting the library-related needs of inmates in these 5 correctional facilities.

Covering the cost of supplies and materials:

Printing of materials for the State Correctional Facilities (Bi-weekly Acquisitions List
Hardware and software purchases
Cost of materials purchased to fill requests made by inmates as well as to maintain a collection of popular paperback books for use by inmates.
Postage for Patron Mailings – Outreach patrons are able to request, receive, and return titles by mail at no cost to them. Patrons are also regularly supplied with various updated listings of current and new materials available from within the Outreach Collection.
Covering the cost of supplies and materials raises awareness of the services and also increases the ability to fill more inmate requests.

Covering the cost of travel expenses:

Mileage reimbursement of System staff when using personal vehicle to conduct system business (i.e. library visits, travel to meetings/workshops, conferences, and other relevant events).
Meal and Hotel expenses for System staff attending conferences, workshops, and other relevant events.
Expenses associated with hosting CF Planning Meetings at the NCLS Service Center to plan and prepare the State Budget Application, share common concerns and meet with NCLS staff as needed.

Service to County Jails Aid

The expenditures in this proposed budget application will allow NCLS to attain the goals outlined in the County Jails Section of the Plan of Service for the funding year by:

Covering salary and expenses of professional and other System staff that:
1. Provide vital direct services to inmates of County Jails.
2. Purchase popular paperback books for use by inmates of County Jails.
3. Coordinate, prepare, and submit the annual grant application for state correctional funding by providing opportunities for the sharing of common concerns and by facilitating open discussions, input gathering, and by hosting planning meetings.
Covering the cost of supplies and materials:
1. Cost of materials purchased to fill requests made by inmates as well as to maintain a collection of popular paperback books for use by inmates.
  Covering the cost of supplies and materials allows NCLS to provide services to inmates of County Jails who would not otherwise have access to these services.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Maintained regular communication with regional adult literacy providers.
Assisted Member Libraries and Adult Literacy providers in the development of cyclical draft applications for literacy related grants.
Visited Member Libraries to discuss programs and grant opportunities.
Encouraged partnering with literacy focused organizations.
The Outreach Coordinator attended all pertinent local and statewide meetings, workshops, and conferences as deemed appropriate.
The Outreach Coordinator spoke at meetings, workshops, and participated in local events to promote Outreach Services.
The Outreach Coordinator facilitated two meetings this year of the Outreach Advisory Council.
The Outreach Department responded to requests for materials made by Outreach patrons and attempted to purchase as many of the requested items as possible.
The Outreach Department promoted the service to Member Libraries and provided catalogs and lists as well as materials in large print and audio formats.
The Outreach Department filled patron requests placed by mail or telephone and had the items mailed directly to the patron’s residence or sent to a member library for delivery by the librarian or for pickup by a friend, volunteer or family member.
Communication was maintained with Outreach patrons through a monthly newsletter, updated lists of materials, and an Outreach webpage.
NCLS staff maintained open oral and written communication with the CF librarians as needs arose during the year.
NCLS hosted CF Planning Meetings at the NCLS Service Center to plan and prepare the Budget application and report for the 5 state correctional facilities as well as to allow them the opportunity to share common concerns and meet with NCLS staff as needed.
NCLS continues to prepare and submit the annual state aid application and report for the four county correctional institutions in our service area.
NCLS Professional Staff continued to provide assistance in planning and scheduling special cultural and informational programs funded through the grant program.
NCLS Professional Staff continued to provide CF libraries with Consultants services including assistance with collection development through the System’s bi-weekly acquisition list.
NCLS continued to keep CF holdings current in the System’s database.
NCLS continued to strive to fill inmates’ special requests for titles.
NCLS purchased popular paperback books for use by County Jail inmates.
Assisted Member Libraries in forming community-based partnerships for youth services and activities.
Pursued system-wide grants to promote and enrich children’s and young adult activities.
Encouraged Member Library Staff to join and participate in the Youth Services Section (YSS) of the New York Library Association (NYLA).
Offered a variety of continuing education workshops.
Offered a series of collection development lists to assist Member Libraries in the selection of materials.
Coordinated the NYS Summer Reading Program, providing supporting materials and held a preparatory workshop to assist Member Libraries with this important activity.
Kept the Member Libraries and the NCLS IT staff informed of opportunities to integrate technology into library services for children.

Onondaga County Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Salary & benefits continue to take most of the funds allocated for outreach activities. OCPL employs a full-time librarian who provides services to the blind & otherwise physically disabled patrons who utilize services. He acquires, installs, & promotes adaptive equipment at the Central, several branch & member libraries, & trains patrons on their use. He also assists users who are eligible for Talking Book service by making referrals & supporting their needs.

He is supported by a half time page who pulls materials to fill holds & who manages some of the record-keeping. Funds for materials are used to purchase described DVD’s, Braille titles for children & adults, & software for use in the STAR center. Supplies cover processing materials & Braille paper.

This set of services addresses the plan of service goals in 3.a: “Persons with blindness or visual impairment will use library resources” & “Persons with physical disabilities will use library resources;” & intended results: “STAR (Special Technologies & Adaptive Resources) clients use library resources independently or with support from staff, as needed; [provide] improved access to library resources through new technologies; all eligible & interested participants are registered with Talking Books & Braille Lib. Program at NYS Lib.”

Other personnel costs cover a half-time librarian assistant who manages a satellite library at the County correctional facility, & a part-time page who assists in collection management. This addresses the plan of service goal in 3.a: “Incarcerated individuals will use library resources at Jamesville Correctional facility,” with the intended results: “Inmates use recreational & informational materials, & reference service through the onsite library & staff provided by OCPL.”

We continue to develop the large print collection & provide bulk loans to libraries and institutions that request them, in fulfillment of the plan of service goal in 3.a: “Older adults will use library resources.”

Coordinated outreach funds also contribute to adult literacy instructional material collection development, to address the plan of service goal in 3.a: “To play a leadership role in promoting and facilitating adult literacy.” The Adult Literacy Program has been having a very active year [due in part to a NYS Adult Literacy grant], and has far exceeded an intended result of increasing circulation of adult literacy materials by 20%. Awareness and suggested uses for these materials has been shared with staff system-wide, which is another of NCLS’ intended results: “Coordinated Literacy Workgroup is established and proliferates literacy services among libraries throughout the County.” Since the majority of adult learners who use library resources are speakers of languages other than English, this addresses another plan of service goal in 3.a: “Members of ethnic or minority groups in need of special library services will use library resources.”

A small amount of Outreach funds are applied to supplies for processing related materials and for travel to cover mileage reimbursement for outreach staff.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

N/A

Service to County Jails Aid

Print materials are purchased for use by the inmates of Jamesville Correctional Facility & the residents of Hillbrook Juvenile Detention Center. A small amount of print material is purchased for the Syracuse Justice Center's population. Usage at each of these sites remains high. These purchases address the plan of service goals in 3.a: “Incarcerated individuals will use library resources at Jamesville Correctional Facility, Hillbrook Detention Center & Syracuse Justice Center,” with the intended results: “Inmates use recreational & informational materials [all 3 sites,] & reference service through the onsite library & staff provided by OCPL [Jamesville only.]”

2008 Annual Report Narrative

STAR (Special Technologies & Adaptive Resources) librarian began implementing the expansion of some services to branch & member libraries.
STAR librarian began participation in the National Library for the Blind’s pilot project to evaluate their downloadable audiobooks.
Literacy Coordinator position was made full-time. She continued outreach project to tutors & learners in 5 member & 3 branch libraries.
A branch recognized the racial tensions in their community between new immigrants from Africa & African Americans & partnered with Community Wide Dialog to End Racism to offer 24 dialog sessions for adults & children.
A branch librarian was recognized by the YWCA’s Academy of Diversity Achievers for her programming efforts to promote diversity, including the Sankofa Awards, created to recognize the volunteer efforts of the Southside community; A Gathering of Women, created to bring together women from different backgrounds to talk about women who inspired them; & her efforts to reach out to teens & children in the community as she organized a group of African American women to support the Summer Reading Program at the library.
Staff promoted library resources at the Juneteenth, Downtown Arts, Latino & Southeast Asian Festivals.
Up On Health collaboration between Upstate Medical University & OCPL continued providing health-related programs in libraries.
Over 33,000 books & magazines circulated from Jamesville Correctional Facility’s OCPL satellite library to inmates. Books & magazines were provided to Hillbrook Juvenile Facility & Onondaga County Justice Center.
2008 Summer Reading Club: OCPL children’s program saw a 21% increase in registration & 51% increase in attendance; the YA program registration was up 44% & attendance increased 74%.

Pioneer Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

As outlined in the Pioneer Library System Plan of Service the following goals for 2009 Coordinated Outreach Services will be initiated to improve collaboration, library services and outreach to Special Populations:

As part of goal 3B.3:

Pioneer Library System Outreach staff will participate in agency meetings within each county served, taking a lead role in providing presentations, serving on committees or as part of elected advisory councils, and keeping members informed of services and resources they could provide that would meet agency client needs.
PLS will play an active role in the Genesee Valley Health and Wellness Partnership for Livingston County; provide presentations on NOVELny, electronic health databases and build awareness of local library collections on fitness, health, and self help materials available via local libraries for residents.
Outreach staff will evaluate PLS’ 177 circulating theme kits by reviewing agency surveys and comment sheets. Staff will identify kits in need of replacement materials or updated formats such as VHS replaced by DVD. Outreach will actively work with agencies to identify themes desired, scheduling of kits, and delivery of kits.
Pioneer will provide an outreach toolkit to be used by member libraries at local agency fairs and presentations. The toolkit will include a PowerPoint overview of services, brochures and display boards along with suggestions of library materials and databases to highlight to the special populations represented.
Pioneer will provide training in grant writing and encourage member libraries to partner with community agencies to explore foundation funding to build new programs connecting special populations with library and partner agency services. For example, partnerships will be encouraged and explored with Office of the Aging, Workforce Development, Literacy Volunteers and the Child Advocacy Center (for autistic spectrum and learning disabilities outreach).
Create content and prominence of Outreach information on the owwl.org and pls-net.org websites.

As part of goal 3A.1

Pioneer Library System’s Outreach Department will actively promote Adult Literacy grant applications and encourage member libraries to partner with their local literacy agencies. The Outreach Department will field grant application questions and provide support to member library projects.
PLS Outreach staff will explore grant opportunities to build partnerships, develop collections and to provide outreach to low literacy adults. System staff will assist member libraries in understanding the components of writing a grant application and encourage partnerships and grant writing to assist in developing successful local programs.
PLS Outreach staff will work to improve access to Adult Literacy collections in Wayne County via collection development, partnerships, and developing web resources for tutors and learners. <http://owwl.org/Outreach/read.html>

As part of goal 3B.1

Pioneer Library System’s Outreach Department will collaborate with member libraries to host workshops for job seekers.
The Outreach Department will develop a Job Seeker resource web page http://owwl.org/Outreach/jobs.html
The Outreach Department will assist three member libraries in the development of community planning committees, identifying community need and developing service responses to better understand demographics and needs within their community.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Pioneer Library System provides collection development, materials and information support to six correctional facilities in Wayne (Butler Correctional Facility, Butler ASACTC), Wyoming (Attica Correctional Facility, Wyoming Correctional Facility) and Livingston (Groveland Correctional Facility and Livingston Correctional Facility) Counties. The following key goals were identified as part of Pioneer's Plan of Service and an agreement between the facility librarians and Pioneer Library System for 2009-2010:

Improved Access to Materials: OWWL and OCLC

• Due to inmates having no internet access, Pioneer Library System will extract in January and June system-wide holdings found in Pioneer Library System's OWWL library catalog. These holdings will be sent to TLC for the creation of a CD-ROM that provides a static DOS version of the Pioneer Library System on-line catalog. Correctional patrons can search the CD-ROM to locate information via title, author or subject owned by PLS member libraries. Correctional library staff then print hold request slips that are forwarded to PLS Outreach staff via delivery to place holds on OWWL titles.
• The PLS Outreach Coordinator will work with Computer and Network Services staff to create remote facility accounts for each correctional librarian. Each facility librarian is being provided with limited internet access via Department of Corrections. The Outreach Coordinator will provide training to Correctional librarians and facility library staff in search strategy, holds placement and agency account management in the use of the OWWL library catalog. In addition, Pioneer will partner with the Rochester Regional Library Council for Correctional Librarian training in using the NOVEL Databases and CLIC-on-Health regional website.
• Butler Correctional facilities, in lieu of increased special loan monies for collection development, opted for an increase in access to out-of-system inter-library loan. Outreach staff will research, request and monitor OCLC requests placed on behalf of the two facilities.

Improved Collections and Support of Local Programming

Each facility will receive special loan monies to purchase materials, equipment and/or to support programming to meet local needs. Facility librarians will develop purchasing lists and consult with the PLS Outreach Coordinator to locate quality materials and vendors. Purchases on behalf of the libraries will be ordered and spending lines monitored by the PLS Outreach Assistant.
The PLS Outreach Coordinator will provide facility librarians with articles of interest, programming ideas, and share community resources to support guest authors, writing programs and speakers.
Correctional librarians and staff will present at a System meeting an overview of their libraries and services to improve awareness and understanding of needs.
Improved Access to Continuing Education and Technology Trends
The PLS Outreach Coordinator will alert facility librarians about continuing education opportunities, promote attendance at workshops, and survey continuing education needs.
Facility librarians will be encouraged to attend NYLA conferences.

Service to County Jails Aid

Pioneer Library System provides consulting, information referral and collection development support to four county jail facilities located in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming and Livingston Counties. Key initiatives for 2009-2010:

In order to meet the goals of C.1 of Pioneer Library Systems Long range plan:

Community Connections Ontario/Wayne Counties and Community Connections Livingston/Wyoming Counties- Pioneer Library System will update and publish information and referral guides for incarcerated inmates returning to the community. Contact and agency information on housing, support services, counseling, etc. are highlighted. Booklets are distributed to inmates within the four counties served who are returning to the community. A PDF version of the booklet will also be made available via the OWWL.org website. <http://www.owwl.org/Outreach/community.html>
Local Collection Development – The PLS Outreach Coordinator in consultation with facility representatives will research and suggest materials, software, and equipment to meet local jail inmates needs for lifelong learning, educational and recreational needs.
Jail Advisory Participation – The PLS Outreach Coordinator and PLS Outreach Assistant will attend Wayne (monthly) and Ontario (bi-monthly) Jail Advisory meetings. The meetings provide an opportunity to share library services and information as well as offering opportunities to explore collection, program and presentation support that could be offered via outreach services for the population. Wyoming and Livingston County Jails do not offer advisory meetings, the PLS Outreach Department works with the education coordinators at the two facilities to select materials and support services needed. In addition Pioneer Library System will meet two times per year with the Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council (COSAC) to explore special population needs and outreach library services to assist in meeting current needs in our region.
Presentations on The Power of an OWWL Card - The PLS Outreach Coordinator and PLS Outreach Assistant will provide jail day reporting clients an overview on library resources and services available with their Pioneer Library System borrower card. Classes will be offered on demand to connect inmates with library services and materials.
Book discussion kits – Pioneer Library System Outreach will promote Book Discussion kits for jail programming and group discussion.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Adult literacy services LSTA grant completed: Website improvement
New LSTA adult literacy grant begun: Literacy Volunteers collaboration
18 libraries (43%) promote Adult Literacy (target 50%)
9 libraries (21%) have active relationships with local literacy organizations (target 50%)

Coordinated Outreach

76% of libraries used PLS Outreach collections; 100% satisfied
63% rarely or never asked for consulting advice on ADA, outreach to Spanish speakers or other special outreach services
79% rarely or never borrowed PLS assistive equipment

Correctional Facilities

The 6 correctional facility libraries received 2 updates to the CD-ROM catalog of OWWL holdings and 162 consultations.
4 county jail visits.

Youth Services

Offered 7 workshops (target 4), 76 consultations, 12 monthly online selection lists of new youth books, examination copies
55% of libraries used teen services consulting frequently or sometimes; 88% satisfied
57% of libraries used children’s services consulting frequently or sometimes; 93% satisfied
76% use monthly J/YA selection list; 100% satisfied
100% satisfied with summer reading assistance
1 early literacy workshop presented
Promoting library services to the geographically isolated
87% of libraries satisfied with promotional efforts (publications, press releases, mini-grants)

Queens Borough Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Funding for the Coordinated Outreach Services Program funds programs and projects of the Special Services department for customers with special needs, the Special Services Satellite at the Peninsula Branch and supplements the Job Information Center.

The Coordinated Outreach Team for 2009 consists of a Assistant Coordinator for Special Services, two Outreach Librarians, partial funding for a Chinese Collections Manager (New Americans Program) serving immigrants, a Principal Administrative Associate and one part-time Office Aide. We are continuing to produce and oversee programs and projects of the Special Services department for customers with special needs.

The Central Library and Flushing Branch Job Information Centers are working hand in hand, sharing information sources as well as supervising and supplementing the Job Information Center, along with the Special Services Satellite at the Peninsula Branch.

We will continue to work with the Queensborough Correctional Facility and reevaluate the needs of the inmate population regarding the book and periodical collection.

The Coordinated Outreach budget supports Queens Library's Plans of Service, Element 3 - Section 5.10, as follows: Through a partnership with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Queens Library receives funding from the National Cancer Institute for HealthLink, a health literacy program for the disadvantaged. Two Public Health professionals are employed through the grant and report to the Outreach Coordinator. Health screenings, street interviews and the establishment of twenty Cancer Action Councils are some of the results of the project. Through a partnership with the Lexington School for the Deaf, two students are employed summers in the Coordinated Outreach Services Office. This linkage has helped promote use of assistive software for the deaf which we are piloting in our Jackson Heights library. Outreach staff continues to focus on serving the unemployed and underemployed in the Central Library's Job Information Center as well as providing part time coverage in the Queens One Stop. Presentations were given this year to literacy students including those in the youth literacy program for high school dropouts. Outreach staff is responsible for informing all libraries and updating our website about Summer Youth Employment registrations forms.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid provides funding to enhance the current collections which were developed to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of the correctional facility inmates. Library programs are offered in English and Spanish and are designed to help inmates re-enter the workforce. Collections include books, books on tape, periodicals, and DVDs.

Long Island City is the only state correctional facility in Queens. Most inmates housed there are in pre release status, meaning they have less than six months remaining in the facility. Queens Library supports Queens Library's Plans of Service, Element 3 - Section 5.11, by supplying the inmates with programs and materials to help them make the transition, specifically job information materials and workshops. In addition the library provides books, DVDs and books on CD to meet individual interests.

Service to County Jails Aid

N/A

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult Literacy

Goal: Improve and expand services offered to Adult Learners in all the Adult Learner Program components: the ALCs, Family Literacy and ESOL.

Results: Youth Literacy classes started at 3 locations. Intermediate Health Literacy Curriculum written and Intermediate Health Literacy classes started. Created Health Literacy workshops for ABE learners in the ALC’s. A unit of Health Literacy added to Family literacy classes. ESOL program drafted a new curriculum for both beginning and intermediate learners. Digital storytelling projects run at all centers. ESOL piloted “Right to Work” Understanding Immigrant Employment Rights. Created new wireless labs at Long Island City and Rochdale ALC’s.

Goal: Expand the Adult Learning Centers in Long Island City and Elmhurst.

Results: Elmhurst Wireless Lab hosted 2 Beginning computer classes, and 2 Intermediate computer classes. Long Island City served 425 people, and hosted 12 ESOL Classes, 35 ESOL Conversation Groups, 15 ABE groups, 3 Health Literacy classes (3 intermediate, 1 beginner), and 9 Computer Classes (6 beginning and 3 intermediate.)

Goal: Provide new learning opportunities through online courses.

Results: Flushing ALC presented 68 Internet Usage Workshops/700 Total participants. Steinway ALC, Students read the “News for You” newspaper online and wrote/discussed questions; this group was held for 3 consecutive quarters. Reading Horizons implemented at PRC/ALC. Reading Plus implemented at Rochdale ALC and LIC/ALC with the Youth Literacy Class. Students at PRC/ALC learned how to create their own email accounts and learned to use the internet search engines such as Google and Yahoo to help meet some of their basic needs like job search, filling out job applications, Immigration forms and the driver’s license practice test. Computer Literacy students learned to use California Distance Learning Project and ESL-café online courses. Health Literacy had 4 online sessions learning to use the internet to find health information. An annotated list of health literacy resources for educators was created and posted: http://www.qlhealthlit.blogspot.com and presented it at the Health Literacy Conference for Adult Educators.

Coordinated Outreach

Goal: Increase health literacy for low-income, low literate, and non English speaking senior populations.

Results: Via Queens Library HealthLink, 36 institutions were served and 17 programs were presented, one of them in Spanish.

Goal: Expand assistive technology for deaf customers.

Result: Two locations continue to provide service to the deaf via a dedicated computer and a videophone. A partnership with the Lexington School for the Deaf allowed summer youth staff to work at the library and use the devices. A Train the Trainers workshop for professionals serving persons with disabilities attracted 26 representatives from various organizations. The event will be presented annually.

Goal: Work with public schools to provide employment information and college requirements tests for YA population.

Results: Community libraries coordinate talks for students and visits to the library with local public school as needed to provide job and college information.

Correctional Facilities

Goal: Expand service to incarcerated populations.

Results:
A Job Skills program in Spanish was introduced. Four programs presented by an outside speaker

Youth Services

Goal: Teens have greater input on library services dedicated to and for them.

Results: Teen Center opens 5 days per week from 2:30 to 6:00 pm. Around 75 teenagers use the library per day. Pre-GED classes offered four times per week serving 85 people per month

Goal: Best Out of School Time (BOOST) and other OST programming permanently funded.

Results: The Youth Empowerment Initiative was expanded to five new locations. 15 youth counselors were trained. Attendance surveys revealed that customers between 6-15 years old participate of the after school program during 4-5 days per week.

Ramapo Catskill Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The Coordinated Outreach budget supports the RCLS Plan of Service as follows:

RCLS will provide several programs targeting adult literacy and adult education providers on the resources available from RCLS and member libraries.
A report will be made to member library staff (3.a.1; 3.a.2). RCLS continues to support the New York State Talking Book & Braille Library program by providing applications and referrals (3.b.1). RCLS will facilitate programs in a “Help for You” series, hosted by member libraries, to reach out to the unemployed/underemployed, active older adult and the immigrant populations, and will serve as model demonstrations for member library staff. The RCLS Resource Guide for 55+ will be updated. A new resource for the unemployed will be produced: RCLS Employment Resource Guide. Both resources will be made available on the RCLS website and in a print version. In addition, RCLS will be participating with other systems to upgrade a Spanish Language database hosted by the Westchester Library System. The coordinated project will allow RCLS to brand the database to its website (3.b.2).

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The State Correctional Facilities Aid budget supports the RCLS Plan of Service as follows: RCLS will bring about forums for the correctional staff and provide consultation to address issues, concerns and projects; RCLS makes possible interlibrary loan of books between the facilities and RCLS member libraries, the Southeastern Library Resources Council, member libraries, and the New York State Library (3.c.2). RCLS facilitates the purchase of materials, supplies, computer equipment as well as programs on “How To Start Your Own Business,” Poetry, and other cultural programs for the correctional facilities ( 3.c.3).

Service to County Jails Aid

The Service to County Jails (Interinstitutional) Aid budget supports the RCLS Plan of Service as follows: RCLS facilitates the acquisition of materials of current law books, magazine and newspaper subscriptions for the facilities (3.c.3).

2008 Annual Report Narrative

We continue to facilitate interlibrary loan (ILL) for correctional institutions within the RCLS service area.
Our investigations into expanding Radio Vision services to all of the RCLS service area indicated that the cost would be prohibitive. In addition, mounting costs of operating the existing level of service forced us to seek agencies which might partner with us or be prepared to take over Radio Vision were unsuccessful. After two years of attempting to find a partner the RCLS Board decided to terminate Radio Vision and redirect our Outreach efforts. (See item below.)
Working in partnership with our member libraries we offered a series of workshops targeted to older active adults on using on-line health resources to improve their access to and knowledge about the wide range of health resources available to them.
We also targeted a series of workshops to the unemployed and under-employed population on looking for jobs, preparing resumes and developing interview skills.
We continued to make efforts to expand the membership of the Outreach Council with representatives of groups and organizations which provide services and support to Outreach populations.
We continued to offer a range of services to the correctional institutions within our service area including ILL.
Our Youth Services Consultant continued to offer staff at member libraries a broad range of programs and services to support their children and teen programs and services. One of the biggest efforts in this area relates to the Summer Reading Program. We offered workshops, training sessions and information about trends in children and teen librarianship.

Southern Adirondack Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

SALS Plan of Service states that SALS will maintain its outreach services to the eight target groups in this program. SALS cooperates with agencies in our service area, promotes member library collaboration with local organizations, and seeks the input of the Outreach Advisory Council in serving the eight target groups for outreach services.

Code 15-Professional Salaries: The Outreach Coordinator (.60 FTE, $57,618) oversees the operation of outreach services programs and is responsible for maintaining contacts with and developing cooperative and collaborative projects among libraries and agencies. Responsibilities include assisting libraries in assessing community needs, facilitating partnerships for programs and funding, developing effective marketing strategies, and writing collaborative grants in support of literacy.

Code 16-Other Staff Salaries: The Outreach clerk (.40 FTE, $14,592) is in charge of the daily operation of loans of materials to outreach patrons and organizations, either directly or through their member libraries. Loans include large type books, audio books, described videos, nonfiction videos, talking book machines, TTY machines, and equipment for video and computer projection. All 34 member libraries and three correctional facilities use this service.

Code 80-Employee Benefits: A portion of the health insurance and social security costs ($13,737) for the Outreach Coordinator and Outreach clerk that are paid with coordinated outreach funds.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

The SALS Plan of Service states that SALS will continue to support the information needs of the three state correctional facilities under agreements with those facilities.

Code 15- Professional Salaries: SALS will also provide a full range of public library services ($17,704) to the staff and inmates of each facility. Services will include interlibrary loans of materials in all media, consulting services, and access to all continuing education programs offered to SALS member library directors.

Code 40- Purchased Services: Weekly delivery of interlibrary loan materials to each correctional facility ($2,620)

Code 45-Supplies and Materials: SALS will provide a materials and equipment grant ($10,015) to the three facility libraries proportioned according to their population as of July 1, 2008 [51% to Great Meadow, 17% to Mount McGregor, 32% to Washington Correctional].

Service to County Jails Aid

SALS Plan of Service states that SALS will maintain its outreach services to the eight target groups in the Outreach Services Program. Our county jails house one of the target groups, the institutionalized.

Code 45: Supplies & Materials: SALS will inform correctional facilities of amount of money their facility is eligible to receive for library materials. In consultation with jail personnel, SALS outreach librarian will select and place orders for magazines, paperback books, or other library supplies $2,852 which reflect the subject interests of the residents. When the materials are received at SALS they will be delivered to each jail.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Adult new learners found the resources and services they needed in their local libraries. Member libraries networked with other community groups and organizations that support Adult Literacy. People residing in Hamilton, Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties had equal access to library materials and services. Member library staff partnered with community groups and organizations in order to provide people with the information and materials they need. The inmate populations had access to materials to meet their recreational and lifelong learning interests. Library staff received the training needed to provide services to the youth in their communities. Libraries received additional funds available through grants in order to provide services to youth in their communities.

Southern Tier Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid will be used to attain STLS goals to work with member libraries to serve

Persons who are aging, or have visual, hearing, or physical disabilities,
Persons who are members of ethnic or minority groups, educationally disadvantaged, unemployed or underemployed
Patrons who are in institutions (adult care facilities, community residencies, other)

Funds will be used to provide materials such as TTYs, adaptive computer equipment, talking book equipment and materials, rotating collections, multi-media kits, large print, descriptive and closed-captioned videos/DVDs, and audio books to libraries, reading centers, and adult care facilities. Provide libraries with access to collection development aids, materials, training and assistance in development of partnerships with other agencies to strengthen and support services for adults with low literacy levels. Work with members to provide outreach service to residents unable to make use of traditional library services by providing training, awarding outreach mini-grants to fund library pilot projects; supplement local library collections, and provide access to specialized materials and equipment. Encourage partnerships with area agencies and organizations to publicize and promote outreach services to shared clients. Support and assist members to improve service through new, expanded, or remodeled buildings which meet ADA requirements or make provisions to ensure services are fully accessible for persons with disabilities. Purchase and publicize Spanish language materials. In conjunction with Gates grant educate library staff on how to make computer equipment more accessible. Promote downloadable audios to persons with disabilities, including ear bud loops to enable persons who are hard of hearing to use these audios.

Intended results: Persons who are aging and/or have disabilities will obtain appropriate materials through their local library. Persons residing in facilities will receive access to library materials and services.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid will fund the STLS goal to provide library services to state correctional facility general libraries. STLS will provide interlibrary loan, ready reference assistance, consultant assistance in keeping library skills and practices current, and regularly scheduled delivery service. Provide cataloging and processing of materials and add bibliographic records to the STLS regional catalog STARCat. STLS will provide facility libraries with System materials such as rotating collections, special format materials, multi-media kits, professional collection titles, downloadable audios, and online databases. In addition STLS will assist facility librarians to make use of access to the Internet by providing special training on searching for items in the STARCat database and placing holds. Invite facility librarians to continuing education workshops, advisory committees, and trainings.

Intended results: Correctional facility libraries will participate as member libraries in System workshops, programs, and services. Because facility library materials are entered into the regional catalog, area residents will have access to a broader range of materials, including African American, Hispanic and Spanish language materials.

Service to County Jails Aid

Service to County Jails Aid supports the STLS goal of working with libraries to serve patrons who are in institutions. Funds are used to purchase recreational paperback reading materials for long-term loan to the five county facilities in the STLS service area. Outreach staff work with member libraries to provide library outreach services to residents through the provision of special formats such as large print materials and audio books. STLS also assists with the solicitation and selection of donated periodicals and paperback books. The System works with member libraries, local school district GED teachers, volunteers, and jail staff to strengthen and support member library services for adults with low literacy levels. STLS assists with the purchase, processing, loan and delivery of GED and literacy materials to the jails for use by jail residents.

Intended results: Persons residing in jails receive access to library materials and services which enable them to improve literacy skills.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Strengthen and support services in member libraries for adults with low literacy levels:

Partnered with Allegany LVA and member libraries to provide services to community residents with low literacy levels.
Allegany LVA staffer serves on STLS Coordinated Outreach Services Advisory Council.
Partner with member libraries to provide library services to coordinated outreach populations:
Provided outreach collections of large print books to libraries to expand selection for persons with visual disabilities and to adult care facilities to provide facility browsing collection of materials.
Provided captioned videos/DVDs and audio books for persons with hearing disabilities; descriptive videos/DVDS, talking book machines and materials, sign language materials, TTY, adaptive computer equipment, bi-folkal and multi-media kits, foreign language DVDs and Spanish language books.
Supported Corning Parent Child Resource Center in application for a Brookdale Relatives As Parents grant and purchased materials to assist parents in raising grandchildren.
Provided mini-grants to assist members to be more community inclusive through services to older adults at a nutrition site and through Meals On Wheels,
Developing a multi-generational Water Color kit for loan, and expanding a local library’s outreach to adult care facilities.
Provide state correctional facilities with services and programs provided to public libraries, as possible
Provided interlibrary loan, rotating collections, and purchase of long-term loan materials housed in the facilities.
Assisted facility librarians to order materials for general collections.
Cataloged many titles and added to online regional catalog. Public library users received access to Spanish language, Hispanic, and African American books and videos via ILL from Southport Correctional general collection.
Increased resources available to correctional facilities by conducting database searches on topics requested by inmates.
Coordinated meeting with NYS DOC personnel, correctional facility librarians and administration and STLS staff resulting in increased cooperation among agencies
Support member libraries in providing service to children, families and young adults:
Held workshops to explain Dewey Decimal System and how it helps patrons and staff locate materials; demonstrated programs based on Dewey concepts, and discussed collection organization. (Twenty-three libraries were represented by 26 staff members)
Promoted regional calendar of library events and taught staff members to use the software, resulting in more publicity about library events
Assisted members to promote programs by organized sharing of three character costumes for National Library week and other.
Conducted a workshop on summer reading program (SRP) events for families; attended by 38 staffers. One result: more member libraries are offering summer reading programs that are inclusive of the entire community; the number of young adult participants has increased by 86% since 2006.

Suffolk Cooperative Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The Outreach Services/Long Island Talking Book Library provides access to library materials for populations that are traditionally and historically underserved. The cornerstone of the Outreach Services department is the Long Island Talking Book Library (LITBL), a sub-regional library of the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

We recently spent $25,000 to upgrade the circulation system which allows a better flow of materials to special client groups. This helps us continue the program, a goal of our POS.

We continue to serve patrons with visual, physical and learning disabilities living in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The program provides books in alternative formats to individuals who cannot use print materials. LITBL also provides information and referral services to individuals, library administration and staff, organizations and agencies regarding library services to all patrons.

We serve over 4,000 Long Island residents through the LITBL. We are beginning the process of integrating new technology like digital books into the technology which meets a stated goal in our POS.

Outreach Services provides consultation services to library administration and staff, organizations and agencies regarding access to library services, health care services and information, transportation and all matters related to accessibility.

This programming and staff training is an important part of our POS.

Outreach Services participates in community outreach events and works cooperatively with all agencies and organizations to provide access to information in alternative formats.

Outreach Services provides demonstrations and training of assistive technology, to individuals, library administration and staff and outside organizations.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

N/A

Service to County Jails Aid

In 2008 SCLS spent $14,359 to purchse materials to be used and distributed at libraries in correctional facilities in Suffolk County.

SCLS supports the work of the Suffolk County Jails by purchasing materials (books) for use by inmates. We purchased more than 800 books with this funding.

This is a stated goal in our POS.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Usage of the LI Talking Books Library continues to be strong. SCLS is investigating adding digital items to this collection.

Upper Hudson Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

The expenditures in the proposed budget application will enable the Upper Hudson Library System to attain the goals specified under Element 3 - SPECIAL CLIENT GROUPS Section 5.9 (Adult Literacy), 5.10 (Coordinated Outreach), and 5.12 (Youth Services) as follows:

By providing for a full-time Outreach Coordinator, we are able to facilitate the provision of library services by member libraries to persons who are most in need and who often are not regular library users. This includes the purchase of large-print books that circulate among our member libraries, the purchase of supplies and materials for coordinated delivery service to member libraries, and the provision of interpretive services for the hearing impaired.

By providing for the funding of mini-grants to the member libraries, we are able to fund programs that provide services to persons or groups who are in need of non-traditional library services such as the elderly, teens, the unemployed, the disabled, the rural poor, and ethnic groups in need of special services.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

N/A

Service to County Jails Aid

By purchasing special materials for the informational and recreational needs of the residents, we provide library services to the approximately 1,000 inmates of the Albany County Jail and the Rensselaer County Jail. This is done by the purchase of fiction and non-fiction paperbacks for the Albany County Jail and self-help, poems, and meditations, and 12-step guides for the Rensselaer County Jail.

These services enable us to carry out the goals specified under Element 3 - SPECIAL CLIENT GROUPS Section 5.11 (Correctional Facilities).

2008 Annual Report Narrative

UHLS continued to play a leadership role in facilitating and promoting literacy. We strengthened the collaboration between UHLS member libraries and local literacy provider agencies and schools and increased local awareness of UHLS member libraries’ role in promoting adult literacy. We increased the usage of adult literacy materials available at UHLS member libraries. UHLS facilitated the provision of library services by member libraries to persons who are most in need and who often are not regular library users. UHLS provided library services to the inmates of the county correctional facilities. The materials provided met the informational and recreational needs of the facility residents, and the materials provided were heavily used. UHLS facilitated the provision of library services by member libraries to children, teens, and families. The staff working with youth and families had regular opportunities to discuss materials and programs, and the member libraries were highly satisfied with the continuing education, training, and services offered. All librarians serving youth and families were informed about current trends in the provision of library services to these groups, and all member libraries had regular access to creative ideas to bring youth and families into the libraries. All member libraries had opportunities to participate in multi-library projects that increased library effectiveness and visibility, and they all had the knowledge and tools to create appropriate, current collections for youth and families.

Westchester Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Consultant and staff services comprise the largest portion of the outreach budget. WLS personnel create and execute numerous outreach projects and activities in member libraries.

Programming for older adults and ethnic minorities of all ages is a vital part of the library services offered in Westchester County. Programming will be continued with Mainstream Retirement Institute, Hudson River Museum, and Westchester County Office for Hispanic Affairs, as well as other community organizations.

WLS will contract with library professionals to provide innovative training opportunities for member library administrators and staff to help them incorporate outreach policies and practices in their regular service delivery plans.

WLS will also continue to contract with career counselors to provide programs such as resume clinics, individual counseling, and other workshops designed to assist those seeking employment.

Each year WLS produces flyers, notices, announcements and other materials to alert member libraries and the public to the availability of programs and services.

Other expenses include reimbursement of system staff travel to various conferences and meetings.

State Correctional Facilities Aid

WLS will continue to provide collection development support to the general inmate libraries at all three State facilities through the purchase of library materials, and delivery of selected donated items.

Both Department of Corrections (DOC) supervisory staff and inmate clerks at Bedford Hills CF and Taconic CF need professional assistance with day-to-day aspects of ILL, circulation, collection management operations.

Opportunities to conduct or support programs, such as reading or discussion groups and employment readiness workshops will be developed at all three facilities.

Service to County Jails Aid

WLS will provide continuing collection development support to Westchester County Department of Corrections inmates through purchase of library materials, consultation and technical assistance, and management of a donated items program.

WLS will also develop various types of programming support for educational and pre-release purposes. The department head will allocate time for consultation and research to develop other services.

These activities will assist WLS in its goal to build upon its services to the traditionally underserved populations including those served by correctional facilities.

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Teen Services: We welcome our new Teen Specialist/Consultant John Sexton, who comes with a great deal of experience and knowledge.

The Teen Advisory Board indicated that WLS could best serve them by improving the OPAC in ways that could better support teen services, by providing directors of member libraries with a set of professional competencies as a guideline in hiring those who will work with teens, and by providing professional development trainings that will assist all library staff better serve teens. Mr. Sexton is in the process of addressing these issues by having the teen advisory group identify and articulate their main concerns with the OPAC, planning ongoing ‘everybody serves teens’ and other trainings, and developing a version of YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services Association) handbook of Competencies for Librarians Serving Youth, which all directors have but may not view as applicable to their libraries.

Mr. Sexton has initiated a forum for a group of teen services librarians from the larger libraries – New Rochelle, Port Chester, Mount Vernon, White Plains, Yonkers, Ossining and Peekskill. These librarians will have the opportunity to identify and share their common experiences and offer ideas and support as they strive to serve urban youth.

Gaming Programs: Rye, Mount Pleasant, Tarrytown, Greenburgh, White Plains, Pound Ridge, Shrub Oak, Mount Vernon, Yonkers and Bronxville have all used the WLS gaming console for their programs. Other libraries, like Ossining and Irvington, continue to have great participation with more traditional gaming programs like Chess. WLS fall Youth Services Workshops began with a meeting focused on Gaming in Libraries. National Gaming at Your Library Day was celebrated by Ossining Public Library; North Castle Public Library (Armonk); and Mount Vernon. Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library recently concluded their second series of after-school gaming programs.

Learning Ambassadors Program: Ms. Vernon initiated coordination of Summer 2008 Learning Ambassadors Project, which trains young people to be part of summer programming for children in member libraries.

30 young people participated in the Learning Ambassador Project this summer. They received training from professional librarians on how to assist in a variety of children’s activities in libraries and in other settings. The Learning Ambassadors were assigned to the public libraries in Dobbs Ferry, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, Port Chester, Tuckahoe, White Plains, Yonkers Riverfront and Yonkers Will. They also worked at Day Care/Head Start Centers and Day Camps in Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and Tuckahoe.

Summer Junior Researchers Project: What’s the Election Got to Do with ME? is the third publication from an annual summer program that focuses on empowering teens as observers of trends and concerns in their communities. This past summer we chose to focus on the upcoming election. Twelve young people from different areas in Westchester County were chosen to participate in this intensive six-week program. In that brief period they had to familiarize themselves with a variety of topics important to the upcoming election, choose one issue to focus on, formulate questions pertaining to those topics, interview members of their family and community, and finally analyze and organize that information into a written report.

Math Off the Shelf: OCC is working with Math Off the Shelf, an National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored project (administered by TERC in Cambridge) that supports informal learning activities about math in after school settings. Piloted at Port Chester, Ms. Vernon worked with children’s library staff at the Peekskill and White Plains libraries to launch the project.

The N – Word Project: More than 200 teenagers participated in this forum which was co-sponsored by the Mount Vernon Mayor’s office, the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, the Mount Vernon Public Library and WLS. The forum was organized to encourage young people to consider the demeaning and despairing impact of the use of the N-Word and other disrespectful labels not only in music, the media and pop culture, but also in their everyday speech with their peers.

ACT-SO: Ms. Vernon is working to promote the ACT-SO (Afro-Academic/Cultural/Technological and Scientific Olympics) Project in collaboration with Westchester NAACP designed to recruit, stimulate, improve, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among high school students of African descent.

Dare to Be a Doctor: OCC staff coordinated a library presence at the Dare to Be a Doctor event at the County Center in October 18th to introduce minority and disadvantaged students in middle and high school to the medical field and to motivate them to pursue a career in medicine. Over 550 students and 200 parents attended the conference, WLS and member library staff demonstrated different online resources to support a student’s exploration of college and health-related careers.

The Importance of Play: The Learning Child & the Engaged Adult: Over 50 children’s, teen and school librarians attended The Importance of Play Initiative: The Learning Child and The Engaged Adult series, which kicked off the Youth Services collaboration with the Sarah Lawrence College Child Development Institute. This collaboration is both a confirmation of what libraries do best vis-à-vis early childhood services and a corrective and refocusing as regards the importance of unstructured play.

Summer Reading Program: The annual summer reading rally had librarians from around the county sharing ideas, programmers and tactics for this year’s summer reading program—“Catch the Reading Bug!”

The Performers Showcase was held at Ossining Public Library as a joint Children’s, Teen Services and Westchester Library Association (WLA) sponsored event. Children’s Services held a summer reading rally to share ideas and plans for the 2008 summer reading program—Catch the Reading Bug for children and Metamorphosis for Teens. Mini-grant applications were processed. The Journal News Newspapers-in-Education Summer Reading Supplement—with annotated feature of Westchester authors and artists that highlights what is so unique to the literary life of our children and teens—was issued. Many partners and sponsors gave special reading incentives including: Commerce Bank, Playland and Westchester County Parks, Hitachi America, Ltd. and its Community Action Committee.

2008 Statistics totaled: Number of Children Enrolled: 20,950 Children; Number of Programs: 2,590 Programs; Number of Books Read: 554,000 Books; Number of Children Attending: 39,600 Children, with 3,212 teens attending over 600 programs.

El Día: Westchester Libraries participated in EL DÍA DE LOS NIÑOS/EL DÍA DE LOS LIBROS (Children's Day/Book Day) on April 30th. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Fourteen libraries received Día mini-grants of $300 each. Each library is working with at least one community partner in an effort to celebrate the cultural diversity within Westchester. Congratulations go to: Bronxville, Croton, Dobbs Ferry, Harrison, Hastings, Mamaroneck, Montrose, Mount Kisco, Mount Vernon, Ossining, Port Chester, Tarrytown, White Plains and Yonkers-Riverfront.

School/Public Library Cooperation: To re-institute school/public library cooperation day, Youth Services co-sponsored two regional events to revitalize and expand school and public library partnerships. One meeting, held at WLS, was co-sponsored with Southern Westchester BOCES and a second meeting was co-sponsored with Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES, held at their facility in Yorktown Heights.

All Kinds of Readers: The 2008 All Kinds of Readers series included the following: Reading the Election: What Do They REALLY Mean?, featuring Carol Jenkins; The Electric Company: Why We’re Back with Karen Fowler, Executive Producer for The Electric Company; and Reading as a Social Capital: How We Use Text to Engage in the World, with Vanessa J. Morris, Assistant Professor at Drexel University.

Bridges Out of Poverty: OCC coordinated a three workshop presentation for Bridges Out of Poverty. Topics included increasing awareness of the differences in economic cultures, how those differences affect opportunities for success, developing an action plan to improve services to clients and improving retention rates for new hires from poverty, addressing library-specific concerns about unspoken rules, behaviors, etc. that may inhibit people from using libraries.

Learning Express: With half of adults reading at or below basic literacy skills and with only 8% enrolled in programs to improve their skills nationwide, WLS has been exploring ways to address this need. Learning Express is an interactive platform of tutorials and practice tests that are available to residents of these service areas at times and places convenient to the user. A webinar led by Learning Express staff that focused on GED and pre-GED materials was held for the continuing education program at the Yonkers School District, the Educational Opportunity Center, and the Youth Council of the Yonkers Workforce Investment Board.

Learner Web: Learner Web, a national demonstration project led by the University of Portland to help people 16 years and older who need to improve their basic skills, is a web-based application that provides guided support. OCC met various services organizations to discuss ways to use Learner Web. This will be further explored in 2009.

Program for ex-Offenders at Yonkers: OCC has partnered with the Fathers Count Program of Family Services of Westchester to expand the job readiness program for ex-offenders at the Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Library.

Fresh Focus on disAbilities Filmseries: Westchester Disabilities Advocacy Partnership (WDAP), a consortium of agencies seeking to raise awareness of issues relevant to people with disabilities, sponsored a moderated film series about people with disabilities to be held at the White Plains Public Library. The series included the films: Murderball, The Real Helen Keller, Benny & Joon, and Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq.

Spanish Language Records: Cataloging Services welcomes Nancy Coradin, Spanish Language Cataloger, began on February 4, 2008. She is looking forward to applying her skills with the Spanish language materials of the member library collections, and providing the WLS online catalog with enhanced subject access to these materials in both Spanish and English. Ms. Coradin will also be facilitating the WLS partnership with Lectorum Publications by expediting the availability of Spanish catalog records in the database. Ms. Coradin has already made strides in the creation of online authority records in Spanish as well as enhancement of existing Spanish subject headings and cross-references.

La Bibioteca en el Internet Collaboration: OCC is happy to report that the partnership with New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library; Nassau Library System; Suffolk Library System and Ramapo-Catskill Library System completed the update of an online database of Spanish language websites that can be accessed and formatted by each partner to post on its website. The database is hosted on the WLS server.

WEBS Seminars / Individual Counseling: Registration for the fall & winter seminars had a brisk response in light of the difficult economy. The libraries in Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle and Chappaqua will hold these eight-week programs.

WEBS is now conducting two spring seminars at the Ossining and Yonkers Libraries that will run until the end of June. Elaine Ostrowski, a counselor who returned to the WEBS program after a hiatus, is conducting the “Take Charge After 50” seminar.

Last Updated: June 14, 2010 -- asm; for questions or comments, contact Cassandra Artale

Library Development

Public Library System 2009-10 Budget Narratives and 2008 Annual Report Narratives

Brooklyn Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Buffalo and Erie County Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Clinton-Essex-Franklin Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Finger Lakes Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Four County Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Mid-Hudson Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Mid-York Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Mohawk Valley Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Monroe County Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Nassau Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

The New York Public Library

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

Nioga Library System

2009-10 Budget Narrative

Coordinated Outreach Library Services Aid

State Correctional Facilities Aid

Service to County Jails Aid

2008 Annual Report Narrative

North Country Library System