ideas • inspiration • information

8 ANNUAL REPORT

201 PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE Supporting Public Libraries Statewide Contents

Executive Board 03

Director’s Welcome 04

FY2018 at a Glance 05

Our Services 06

Library Development 08

Information Technology 09

Reference Services 10

Blind & Physically Handicapped Services 11

Federal Grants Information 13

LSTA Library Grants 15

FY2018 State Aid 20 The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) was created in 1939 to serve the needs of Alabama’s public libraries. The agency is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library information services. The agency’s five divisions (Administration, Library Development, Information Technology, Reference, and the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) are responsible for carrying out this charge.

Executive Board 2017-18 District 1. Ronald A. Snider District 2. Angelia Stokes District 3. Adam Thompson District 4. Bobbie Lou Leigh District 5. J. Elbert Peters District 6. Virginia Doyle District 7. Nancy G. Sewell

APLS is the state agency that serves all citizens of Alabama through more than 220 public libraries in all 67 counties and provides direct services to state employees and persons with disabilities through the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. 3 Letter from the Director

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to present the Alabama Public Library Service’s 2018 annual report to the citizens of Alabama and to our elected state officials. This is a most-enjoyable task for me because it allows me to review, re-live, and share with you our many successes in providing a strong foundation for quality library services statewide. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the personal dedication of our staff and our community partners who share our mission.

Public libraries are often recognized as hub of their communities. They serve as gathering places and offer programming for individuals of all ages.Many libraries offer educational Makerspaces. Others will have Alabama Bicentennial exhibits and book club groups. Whatever you discover by visiting this state’s public libraries, one thing they all have in common is Alabama Public Library Service. APLS provides support to more than 220 public libraries statewide. APLS offers a statewide summer reading program and trains on use of the materials. APLS library consultants visit libraries to learn about their resources, find out what is happening in the real world of our libraries, and brainstorm for creative solutions to difficult problems libraries face in serving their communities.

Alabama’s public libraries continue to be a beacon of trust within their communities and are frequently seen as the place to visit to obtain accurate information. When became an epidemic across America, our public libraries took the lead in showing patrons how to filter genuine stories from bogus articles. APLS dispatched training and informational webinar alerts to adequately arm public library staff on the front lines in this fight.

Another national issue impacting Alabama’s libraries is net neutrality. I joined Sen. Doug Jones in April 2018 to present on the topic at a program sponsored by the ’s SGA. The audience realized the important role net neutrality plays in aiding libraries to deliver accurate and timely information for its patrons. Sen. Doug Jones with APLS Director Nancy C. Pack in April 2018 Last year’s annual report laid out the goals for APLS for the next five years. Working as a team, our staff accomplished these goals:

1. Strengthen the capacity, staff expertise, and board effectiveness of Alabama public libraries and result in positive outcomes for the citizens of the state.

2. Support library programs, services, collections and partnerships that promote learning and literacy; including under-served populations, and enhance civic engagement.

3. Provide information access to all populations through the provision of statewide access to electronic resources.

The accomplishments of APLS would not be successful without the support of the Alabama Legislature, APLS staff, libraries in the state and our many partnerships—the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, Gov. ’s Alabama Grade-Level Reading Campaign, the Alabama Department of Education Reading Summit, AlaVetNet, Alabama Census 2020 Alabama Counts, Alabama Humanities Foundation, Alabama Chapter of Federation for the Blind, the Alabama Council for the Blind, and others.

The information included in this report is only a glimpse of what APLS does. We invite you to visit our facility at 6030 Monticello Drive and partner with us.

Sincerely,

4 FY2018 at a Glance

Mission The mission of the Alabama Public Library Service is to provide services and leadership necessary to meet the educational, informational, cultural, and economic needs of Alabama’s citizens of all ages by providing leadership, guidance, and support for the development of local public libraries; and through service as an information resource center for state government and state employees. In addition to administering necessary state aid to strengthen Alabama’s public libraries, major accomplishments of APLS include working with the Alabama 200 Bicentennial Commission on a number of projects, completely updating the agency’s website, designing an all-new department brochure, and hosting a successful reading/discussion group for U.S. veterans.

Reflect As part of Alabama’s Bicentennial, APLS Brailled two books that were previously unavailable in the format: The Myth of Water: Poems from the Life of Helen Keller by Jeanie Thompson and 13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey by Kathryn Tucker Windham and Margaret Gillis Figh. APLS also planned a statewide summer reading program for 2019, “Alabama APLS commissioned a poster to be used with the state’s Has a Universe of Stories.” The department commissioned summer reading program in 2019 as part of Alabama’s special artwork by Alabama artist Logan Tanner to mark the Bicentennial celebration. occasion. The 2019 Alabama summer reading program is endorsed by Alabama 200 and is federally funded by the ABOUT APLS Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) was founded in 1939 to serve the needs of Alabama’s public libraries. The agency is charged with improving library services throughout the state to ensure that all citizens have access to quality library and information services. The agency’s five divisions MEETING SPACE (Administration, Library Development, Information Technology, Reference, and the Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) are responsible for carrying out this charge. With the latest technology and space for up to 300 guests, APLS can provide an APLS is the state agency that serves all citizens of Alabama through more than 220 public libraries in all 67 counties excellent place for state agencies to meet and provides direct services to state employees and persons with disabilities through the Regional Library for the Blind in person or virtually. To find out more and Physically Handicapped. Refresh or to reserve a meeting room, call 334.213.3902. In 2017, APLS collaborated with the Alabama Supercomputer OUR OBJECTIVES Authority to design a new logo to be used by the agency. • To provide support for library services to the citizens of Alabama through local public libraries. Since adopting its new logo, APLS has focused efforts on a re-

• To provide library services for those with special 6030 Monticello Drive needs through the Regional Library for the Blind branding strategy with major updatesMontgomery, AL 36117 to the website in May and Physically Handicapped. IDEAS • To provide library services to state employees to 2018 and modern refreshes towww.statelibrary.alabama.gov several APLS publications, meet their work-related information needs. INSPIRATION including the department’s334.213.3900 main brochure, APLSeeds • To assist in establishing cooperative library 1.800.723.8459 services and networks. (newsletter for library directors), Yakety YAK (newsletter for • To provide continuing education opportunities for public librarians and library trustees. youth services librarians), That All May Read (newsletter for INFORMATION • To develop strategic partnerships within the state.

BPH patrons), and a new library director’s handbook. BPH 09/18 www.statelibrary.alabama.gov staff hosted their first library reading/discussion group, APLS brochure rev3.indd 1 11/14/18 10:03 AM which began in September 2018. The grant-funded program In FY2018, APLS redesigned, revised, and for area U.S. veterans was coordinated with additional updated several publications including the support from the Alabama Humanities Foundation. department’s main brochure. 5 Our Services

APLS supports library programs, services, collections, and partnerships that promote learning and literacy to all ages. APLS strives to enhance education, civic engagement, cultural opportunities, and economic vitality of Alabama and its citizens.

IT Services Library Development Reference Services

APLS provides free technical support APLS provides daily assistance and APLS ensures that library staff and to all Alabama public libraries, expertise to more than 220 Alabama patrons have access to current makes hardware and software public libraries on topics including and reliable information. Reference recommendations, and offers free library operations, statistics, offers in-depth research services, web development and hosting. strategic planning grants, building provides training on databases, and projects, and advocacy. answers questions that cannot be handled at the local level.

“Our library is located in an area where 63 percent of the students enrolled in our school system receive free or reduced lunches. For families living paycheck to paycheck, it’s difficult to find anything affordable, and we are often looked at as a place to provide free entertainment. It is important for us to provide a valuable resource our community can look to in their time of need. LSTA funding we received through APLS gave us the opportunity to enhance our collections and be there for our community in a way no other facility can.” — Lynn Burgess, director Boaz Public Library

6 In May 2018, APLS unveiled its newly revamped website which offers quick and easy access to essential information. The website project took approximately two years to complete and was developed in coordination with the Alabama Supercomputer Authority. APLS’ web address is www.statelibrary.alabama.gov/.

Services to State Employees Regional Library for the Blind State AGENCY Meeting SPACE and Physically Handicapped (BPH) APLS offers free library services With the latest technology and to state officials and employees, BPH provides information and space for up to 300 guests, APLS including lending books and reading materials in Braille and can provide an excellent place for interlibrary loans, and providing recorded audio format to Alabama state agencies to meet in person or state testing study guides for career residents who are unable to use virtually. advancement. standard print as a result of visual, physical, or reading disabilities.

“With LSTA grant funding, we were able to add to our large print, e-book, and audio book collections. In the Youth section, we were also able to get required summer reading classics on CD, which has helped many of our youth reach their summer reading goal. Our patrons who commute to Eglin Air Force Base, Fort Rucker, Lurleen B. Wallace Community College, and countless other work places have commented to us about how the new audio books make their travel time much more enjoyable. Without the LSTA grant and help from APLS, this project would never have materialized.” — Sherry Simpson, director Florala Public Library

7 Library Development Providing daily assistance and expertise to more than 220 public libraries in 67 Alabama counties.

The Library Development division includes six consultants that provide daily assistance to more than 220 public libraries throughout the state of Alabama. The consultants have a wide range of expertise in the areas of statistics, strategic planning, grants, policy development, funding, programming, building projects, and advocacy. In conjunction with APLS’ IT division, consultants provide support for OCLC WorldCat, OCLC WorldShare, and Evergreen. They conducted 121 site visits and made thousands of phone calls and email contacts in FY2018. 2018 highlights:

• Trained 21 new public library directors at the second New Director’s Orientation held in October 2017. • Redistributed areas library consultants work in to match the state’s Congressional districts. This change was part of a leadership project established by Library Development Manager Rhonda Napier. • The Summer Reading Kickoff held in February 2018 was attended by 180 librarians with Children’s Consultant Gail Sheldon organizing the event. Each year, APLS provides nearly $50,000 in summer reading materials to all public libraries, including manuals with activity suggestions, reading logs for various age groups, posters, and certificates of completion. • The division worked to prepare a new library director’s handbook with all library consultants contributing greatly to the document’s creation. • The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) and the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) awarded APLS as one of five state library agencies to develop and deliver computational thinking literacy continuing education to library staff throughout Alabama. The grant will help provide programs and services for youth, especially under-served youth. • Library consultants worked to forge new partnerships with other organizations including the Central Alabama Literacy Council and the Alabama 200 Bicentennial Commission. • Assisted in distributing Alabama 200 bicentennial materials to all public libraries throughout the state. The materials were provided by the commission for libraries to use in their library programming efforts. • Library consultants attended a variety of conferences and training seminars to gain knowledge and professional development to improve best practices and also inform Alabama public libraries of additional services APLS can provide. • In November 2017, Stephanie Taylor, Alabama state data coordinator, received the John G. Lorenz Award for timely and accurate submission of the FY2016 State Library Survey.

8 Information Technology

APLS’ IT division prides itself on helping public libraries with their technology needs and concerns. One of their primary goals is to provide high quality, professional IT services to public libraries statewide, including: desktop hardware/software support, email, internet, telephone and video conferencing, and secure and managed storage of information. The IT Division also provides assistance to local libraries in a variety of ways, including: website development and maintenance, remote on-site desktop hardware and software support, and network assistance.

APLS IT staff opened 388 work tickets for local libraries in FY2018, providing approximately 848 hours of service valued at $127,200. During FY2018, IT staff also opened 1,198 work tickets to assist APLS staff in performing essential duties, totaling 1,418 hours valued at $212,700.

Providing free technical support and computer hardware and software recommendations to all Alabama public libraries. 2018 highlights:

• Rolled out an entirely new website (www.statelibrary.alabama.gov) in May 2018. All APLS staff contributed to the new website’s contents. • Completed migration to new a email service for all APLS staff • Completed a statewide public library internet bandwidth survey • Completed APLS network directory migration • Updated and implemented new APLS servers • Assisted Wilcox County Library with installation of new computers • Developed and implemented a new IT security team for APLS • Developed a new internet website for Luverne Public Library • Reconfigured network and IT infrastructure for Tallassee Public Library • Assisted with purchase and installation of new IT equipment for the following: Tupper Lightfoot Memorial Library (Brundidge), Rogersville Public Library, Hayneville Public Library, Lexington Public Library, and Munford Public Library • Performed local integrated library system (ILS) migrations for the following: Eva Public Library, Choctaw County Public Library, Town Creek Public Library, and Newton Public Library 9 Reference Services

Ensuring library staff and patrons have access to current and reliable information by providing in-depth research services and database training.

APLS ensures that library staff and state employees have access to current and reliable information. APLS Reference Services offers in-depth research services, provides training on databases, and answers reference questions from Alabama libraries that cannot be handled at the local level. Reference also works closely with other APLS divisions and state agencies to ensure their information needs are being met through library collections and services.

The division added 313 titles in FY2018, including professional development, general reference, and Alabama-related Reference Questions Answered 5,481 materials. Many of the materials added to APLS’ collection were specifically chosen to update and enhance state employees’ on-the-job training and experience and included titles pertaining to commonly used workplace software, human resource Email Questions Answered 900 management, self-help, career advancement, and civil service testing. All Alabama materials were added with a view towards supplementing local library collections as the state enters the final year of Bicentennial activities. Walk-In Patrons Assisted 276 The Alabamiana collection is dedicated to preserving the rich publishing history of Alabama. Constantly updated and with Volunteer Service Hours Completed 911 nearly 20,000 volumes, it contains works by and about famous Alabamians like Harper Lee, Zora Neale Hurston, E. O. Wilson, the Tuskegee Airmen, and Truman Capote, as well as books about some of our nation’s most engaging history, such as the Newsletters Mailed American Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the space race. But perhaps what makes APLS’ Alabamiana collection truly 19,160 special are the works by and about regular Alabamians, past and present, and the cities and towns they call home. Items Returned & Cleaned 121,177 APLS databases are one of its most valuable reference services. APLS acquires select databases to ensure that all Alabamians have access to high-quality digital resources at no cost to them. APLS-provided databases were heavily used in FY2018: Total Circulation 153,991

• Ancestry Library Edition had 430,545 uses; • ChiltonLibrary had 4,656 uses; • Homework Alabama had 17,310 uses; and • Learning Express Library had 85,088 uses.

Access to these databases is free to all Alabamians through their local public library. This represents a significant savings to all public libraries in the state and enables them to offer additional free programming to their patrons.

10 Blind & Physically Handicapped Services

In 2018, the Alabama Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (BPH) observed its 40th year of 2018 highlights: operation as a division of APLS. For decades, BPH has been serving the state by distributing recorded materials, playback equipment, and Braille printed materials to its • In FY2018, the BPH Consumer Advisory Committee citizens who are blind, have low vision, or have physical recognized six volunteers for providing more than 200 limitations which affect reading. hours of service to BPH in 2017. Collectively, the six volunteers provided more than 200 hours of service In FY2018, BPH welcomed more than 800 new applicants to BPH in 2017. to the state’s Talking Book Program, increasing the number • Staff completed migration to a new BPH catalog, of participants to 8,362. These new applicants can be allowing patrons to remotely access the catalog in real attributed to increased marketing efforts of APLS’ public time. The Web OPAC catalog system lets consumers relations, the addition of a new BPH staff librarian, and a “shop” for library materials on their own. national media campaign provided through the National Library Service (NLS). Factoring in the 1,162 patrons of • Fifty active BPH patrons will receive a two-year two Subregional Library locations operating in Huntsville subscription to Bookshare thanks to a generous and Talladega, the total number residents accessing private donation from the late Julia Hite Joseph (1920- the library statewide is 9,524. BPH is one of 55 network 2017). This subscription service provides access to libraries partnering with NLS to distribute Braille or audio more than 630,500 titles. Subscriptions are active as materials as a free service to eligible patrons. of Dec. 5, 2018. • BPH staff engaged in a grant-funded program for area U.S. veterans. Fifteen veterans participated in a BPH by the numbers reading/discussion program from September through December 2018. APLS partnered with the Alabama Reference Questions Answered 5,481 Humanities Foundation to offer the program.

Email Questions Answered 900

Walk-In Patrons Assisted 276

Volunteer Service Hours Completed 911

Newsletters Mailed 19,160

Items Returned & Cleaned 121,177

Total Circulation 153,991

11 Funding & Finances

$1.19

APLS receives funding from both 110 $1.12 $1.12 $1.10 state and federal sources. The state 105 provides operational funds for the $1.05 agency, and the Alabama Legislature 100 supports State Aid to libraries. State 95 $0.96 Aid is administered through APLS 90 $0.92 and is distributed quarterly to public $0.91 $0.92 libraries. The amount of funds that 85 $0.88 $0.88 each public library receives is based $0.84 on a per capita formula. 80 $0.79 75 $0.78 $0.78 $0.78 70

FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19

STATE AID PER CAPITA

Federal funds are appropriated by Congress and received through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). It is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 120,000 libraries, 35,000 museums, and related organizations. IMLS’ mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.

APLS uses IMLS’ Grants to the States Program funds to support statewide library development. Federal dollars fund the Summer Reading Program, reference databases, Blind and Physically Handicapped Services, staff travel, and other special projects.

EDUCATION TRUST FUND FEDERAL FUNDS LSTA HOMEWORK ALABAMA OPERATING EXPENSES & SUPPLIES $269,800 $1,927,596 4% 62% STATE AID $4,402,745 57% TOTAL TOTAL $ 7,667,737 $ 3,097,396 APLS OPERATING EXPENSES $2,995,192 HOMEWORK ALABAMA $269,800 39% DIRECT PAYMENTS TO LIBRARIES 9% $900,000 29%

12 Federal Grants Information

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

The Library Services Act (LSA) was the first federal legislation to provide funding and support for public libraries. Two prominent Alabamians, Sen. Lister Hill of Montgomery and Rep. Carl Elliott of Jasper, rallied to garner support for this legislation. LSA was signed into law by President Eisenhower on June 19, 1956 and remained effective until June 30, 1961. LSA was designed to improve the library services in rural areas. The first allotment from Congress was $2,000,000 with each state receiving $40,000. LSA was extended and became the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) in 1964 and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) in 1996. Purpose The priorities of the LSTA are as follows: 1. Expanding services for learning and access to information and educational resources in a variety of formats, in all types of libraries, for individuals of all ages in order to support such individuals’ needs for education, lifelong learning, workforce development, and digital literacy skills; 2. Establishing or enhancing electronic and other linkages and improved coordination among and between libraries and entities for the purpose of improving the quality of and access to library and information services; 3. Providing training and professional development, including continuing education, to enhance the skills of the current library workforce and leadership, and advance the delivery of library and information services; 4. Enhancing efforts to recruit future professionals to the field of library and information services; 5. Developing public and private partnerships with other agencies and community-based organizations; 6. Targeting library services to individuals of diverse geographic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, and to individuals with limited functional literacy or information skills; 7. Targeting library and information services to persons having difficulty using a library and to under-served urban and rural communities, including children (from birth through age 17) from families with incomes below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget and revised annually in accordance with section 9902(2) of title 42) applicable to a family of the size involved; and 8. Developing library services that provide all users access to information through local, state, regional, national, and international collaborations and networks. APLS provides direct and statewide grants to Alabama libraries with the assistance of the LSTA allotment that is received each year. Grants are only awarded after a satisfactory application showing need and are contingent on available federal funds. The LSTA is a categorical grant and is permissive legislation in that it does not define the specific actions that must be taken in order to fulfill this mandate. In order to receive allotments from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the funding authority of LSTA funds, APLS must have a current five-year plan that has been approved by IMLS that corresponds with the LSTA priorities. The LSTA amount allotted for Alabama in FY2018 was $2,476,478. 13 Use of LSTA funds LSTA funds provided statewide support in the following areas: • Acquisition and utilization of materials for reference and interlibrary loan (ILL) purposes to Alabama public libraries, Alabama State Employees, and Alabama residents. • Blind and Physically Handicapped services to eligible Alabama residents. • Competitive grant awards to public libraries for projects such as collection development, technology upgrades, adult and youth programs, outreach programs, professional training, and others. • Library development services to Alabama public libraries in the form of consultations, technical electronic support, and reference assistance. • Statewide databases, including Ancestry Library Edition, Chilton Library, HomeworkAlabama.org, Learning Express Library, OCLC FirstSearch, and State of Alabama Resource Sharing (STARS) • Statistics assistance for completing the online annual statistics report that is required in order to receive State Aid. • Summer library program materials distribution to Alabama public libraries for dispersal at public library summer programs.

2018 LSTA Advisory Council

Laurel Best Scott Kinney Tracey Thomas Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Mobile Public Library B. B. Comer Memorial Library (Sylacauga) Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries

Tamara Dean Teresa Lacy Sharon Townson Fairhope Public Library AIDB Resource Center (Talladega) Cullman County Public Library Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Institutional Libraries Represents: Public Libraries

Terah Harris Kevin Pearcey Christopher Warren Enterprise Public Library Greenville-Butler County Public Library Auburn Public Library Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries

Nelda Hudgins Laura Pitts Jeff Weddle Pickens County Cooperative Library Scottsboro Public Library University of Alabama School of Library Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries and Information Studies Represents: Library Schools Jennifer Keeton Pat Ryan Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Jefferson County Library Cooperative Represents: Public Libraries Represents: Public Libraries LSTA is the only federal program exclusively for libraries. APLS uses these funds to support statewide initiatives and provide enriched content databases for information access to all in Alabama.

14 LSTA Library Grants

District One - Alabama’s first congressional district includes Baldwin, Clarke (portion), Escambia, Mobile, Monroe, and Washington Counties

County Library Project Amount Baldwin Bay Minette Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $7,000 Baldwin Daphne Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Baldwin Fairhope Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Baldwin Foley Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Baldwin Marjorie Younce Snook Public Library (Summerdale) Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Baldwin Orange Beach Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $6,000 Clarke White Smith Memorial Library (Jackson) Collection Development (SLD)* $7,000 Escambia Atmore Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Escambia Flomaton Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Mobile Mobile Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Mobile Mobile Public Library Professional Training $2,500 Mobile Satsuma Public Library Library Technology and Automation (SLD)* $15,000 Washington Washington County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

District Two - Alabama’s second congressional district includes Autauga, Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Montgomery (portion), and Pike Counties

County Library Project Amount Autauga Autauga-Prattville Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Barbour Eufaula Carnegie Library Library Technology and Automation $4,360 Coffee Elba Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,500 Coffee Enterprise Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Covington Florala Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $5,000 Dale Daleville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Dale Ozark-Dale County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $10,000 Houston Dothan Houston County Library Collection Development $15,000 Montgomery Montgomery City-County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

15 District Three - Mike Rogers Alabama’s third congressional district includes Calhoun, Cherokee (portion), Clay, Cleburne, Lee, Macon, Montgomery (portion), Randolph, Russell, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa Counties

County Library Project Amount Calhoun Anniston-Calhoun County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Calhoun Ohatchee Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Lee Auburn Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Lee Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library (Opelika) Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Montgomery Montgomery City-County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 St. Clair Ashville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 St. Clair Odenville Public Library Collection Development $3,000 St. Clair Springville Public Library Collection Development $10,000 Talladega Armstrong-Osborne Public Library (Talladega) Collection Development $3,750 Talladega B. B. Comer Memorial Library (Sylacauga) Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Talladega Earle A. Rainwater Memorial Library (Childersburg) Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Talladega Munford Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $5,000 Tallapoosa Adelia M. Russell Library (Alexander City) Collection Development $10,000 Tallapoosa Dadeville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

District Four - Alabama’s fourth congressional district includes Blount (portion), Cherokee (portion), Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, Marshall, Tuscaloosa (portion), Walker, and Winston Counties

County Library Project Amount Blount Oneonta Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Colbert Cherokee Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 DeKalb Rainsville Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD)* $2,500 Etowah Hokes Bluff Public Library Library Technology and Automation (SLD)* $15,000 Etowah Sardis City Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $3,000 Etowah Southside Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Franklin Russellville Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Franklin Weatherford Public Library (Red Bay) Collection Development (SLD)* $1,500 Lamar Kennedy Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $2,000 Lamar Mary Wallace Cobb Public Library (Vernon) Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD)* $1,500 Lamar Millport Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $2,000 Lamar Sulligent Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Lawrence Courtland Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000

16 County Library Project Amount Lawrence Lawrence County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Lawrence Town Creek Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Marion Clyde Nix Public Library (Hamilton) Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Marion MCHS Community Library (Guin) Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Marion Northwest Regional Library (Franklin, Lamar, & Marion) Collection Development $1,500 Marion Winfield Public Library Library Technology and Automation (SLD)* $15,000 Marshall Boaz Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Marshall Grant Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Perry Marion-Perry County Library Collection Development (SLD)* $5,000 Russell Phenix City-Russell County Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Walker Carbon Hill Community Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Walker Jasper Public Library Collection Development $10,000 Walker Sumiton Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Winston Arley Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Winston Double Springs Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Winston Haleyville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

District Five - Alabama’s fifth congressional district includes Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, and Morgan Counties

County Library Project Amount Jackson Lena Cagle Public Library (Bridgeport) Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Jackson Scottsboro Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Lauderdale Lexington Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Lauderdale Rogersville Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD)* $4,000 Limestone Athens-Limestone Public Library Professional Training $2,500 Limestone Athens-Limestone Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $10,000 Madison Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Library Technology and Automation $5,120 Morgan Decatur Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Morgan Eva Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $7,500 Morgan Falkville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $6,500 Morgan Linda Duran Public Library (Priceville) Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Morgan Somerville Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family (SLD)* $10,000 Morgan William Bradford Huie Library (Hartselle) Collection Development $5,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

17 District Six - Alabama’s sixth congressional district includes Bibb, Blount (portion), Chilton, Coosa, Jefferson (portion), and Shelby Counties

County Library Project Amount Blount Oneonta Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Jefferson Birmingham Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Jefferson Clay Public Library Professional Training $2,500 Jefferson Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Jefferson Homewood Public Library Library Technology and Automation $10,000 Jefferson Hoover Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Jefferson Jefferson County Library Cooperative Collection Development $20,000 Shelby Calera Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Shelby Chelsea Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Shelby Parnell Memorial Library (Montevallo) Collection Development (SLD)* $2,000 Shelby Pelham Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

District Seven - Alabama’s seventh congressional district includes Choctaw, Clarke (portion), Dallas, Greene, Hale, Jefferson (portion), Lowndes, Marengo, Montgomery (portion), Perry, Pickens, Sumter, Tuscaloosa (portion), and Wilcox Counties

County Library Project Amount Clarke White Smith Memorial Library (Jackson) Collection Development (SLD)* $7,000 Dallas Selma-Dallas County Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Hale Moundville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Jefferson Birmingham Public Library Strengthening Youth and Family $15,000 Jefferson Clay Public Library Professional Training $2,500 Jefferson Gardendale-Martha Moore Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Jefferson Homewood Public Library Library Technology and Automation $10,000 Jefferson Hoover Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Jefferson Jefferson County Library Cooperative Collection Development $20,000 Montgomery Montgomery City-County Public Library Collection Development $15,000 Pickens Aliceville Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $4,000 Pickens Carrollton Public Library Collection Development (SLD)* $10,000 Sumter Ruby Pickens Tartt Public Library (Livingston) Library Technology and Automation (SLD)* $15,000 Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa Public Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 Wilcox Wilcox County Library Library Technology and Automation $15,000 *Small Library Development (service area of less than 10,000 people)

18 Snapshot Day 2018

Snapshot Day Alabama is a statewide initiative showing the importance of Alabama’s public libraries. On Sept. 20, 2018, public libraries all over the state took photos, collected patron’s comments, and gathered information with a toolkit provided by APLS. This assembled information captures the positive impact libraries make in their communities each and every day.

Gardendale Public Library

Dutton Community Library William Bradford Huie Library (Hartselle)

“The library provides one of the most valuable — yet often overlooked — resources for a person seeking knowledge, a peaceful atmosphere, and Mobile Public Library so much more.” Satuma Public Library patron “For someone like me who does not have a computer at home, the library is a tremendous resource that is very convenient to my home. I’m able to do research Thomas B. Norton Public Library (Gulf Shores) and read books. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It’s very peaceful here, and I love it! Montgomery City-County Public Library patron “I love to read. The library is very important to my mental, emotional, and physical health. Having access to the library keeps me happy!” Dadeville Public Library patron “I enjoy the quietness and politeness of the staff. They are very knowledgeable and friendly to all. This is the number one library in Alabama.” Flomaton Public Library patron “The library has always been a safe place for me to escape. As the eldest of eight kids, I needed a sanctuary. Mom and Dad’s love for reading was a delightful and Columbiana Public Library contagious habit I inherited. I love Foley Library because my favorite librarians work there and I love them!” Foley Public Library patron 19 FY2018 State Aid by county

LAUDERDALE $83,575.48 LIMESTONE MADISON $83,969.28 JACKSON $323,162.19 $47,200.53 COLBERT $49,081.74 LAWRENCE

FRANKLIN $30,095.79 MORGAN DEKALB MARSHALL $28,632.83 $107,741.55 $64,185.76 $86,145.62

MARION WINSTON CULLMAN CHEROKEE

$27,157.19 $21,550.66 $74,660.99 $23,288.84 ETOWAH $92,851.18 BLOUNT $52,239.43

LAMAR WALKER CALHOUN $12,599.96 FAYETTE $58,814.62 ST. CLAIR $103,757.33 $14,979.09 $79,683.59 CLEBURNE JEFFERSON $13,510.70 $597,064.29

TALLADEGA TUSCALOOSA $72,517.24 PICKENS SHELBY $186,584.12 CLAY RANDOLPH $18,399.32 $190,676.08 $12,214.31 $20,506.85

BIBB COOSA $20,498.71 TALLAPOOSA CHAMBERS GREENE $9,578.98 CHILTON $36,870.15 $30,638.06 $7,624.44 HALE $39,779.78 $13,536.04 PERRY ELMORE LEE $8,667.34 SUMTER AUTAUGA $74,052.63 $143,934.54 $11,805.11 $50,168.10 MACON DALLAS $17,167.20 RUSSELL $36,219.24 MONTGOMERY MARENGO $52,663.11 $17,809.96 $204,913.73 LOWNDES BULLOCK CHOCTAW $9,377.10 $9,380.72

$11,762.56 WILCOX $9,945.62 BARBOUR BUTLER PIKE $23,506.11 CLARKE $18,104.19 CRENSHAW $30,133.81 $22,082.08 $12,595.44 MONROE HENRY $19,491.11 $15,538.57 COFFEE DALE WASHINGTON CONECUH $44,564.29 $11,221.19 $46,374.89 $15,169.21 COVINGTON

$33,910.72 ESCAMBIA GENEVA HOUSTON $34,155.15 $24,093.65 $94,201.89

MOBILE

$375,550.99 BALDWIN $188,812.06 $4,402,745 Total State Aid

20 FY2018 LSTA awarded by county

LAUDERDALE LIMESTONE $8,000 MADISON $12,500 JACKSON $5,120 $25,000 COLBERT $4,000 LAWRENCE

FRANKLIN $35,000 MORGAN DEKALB $16,500 MARSHALL $54,000 $2,500 $14,000

MARION WINSTON CULLMAN CHEROKEE

$36,500 $12,000 $0 ETOWAH $0

BLOUNT $28,000 $15,000

LAMAR WALKER CALHOUN FAYETTE $18,000 ST. CLAIR $15,500 $25,000 $0 $23,000 CLEBURNE JEFFERSON $0

$72,500

TALLADEGA TUSCALOOSA PICKENS SHELBY $27,750 CLAY RANDOLPH $15,000 $14,000 $49,500 $0 $0

BIBB COOSA $0 TALLAPOOSA CHAMBERS GREENE CHILTON $0 $20,000 HALE $0 $0 $0 $10,000 PERRY ELMORE LEE SUMTER $5,000 AUTAUGA $0 $30,000

$15,000 $15,000 MACON DALLAS $0 RUSSELL MARENGO $15,000 MONTGOMERY $15,000 $15,000 $0 LOWNDES BULLOCK CHOCTAW $0 $0 WILCOX $0 $15,000 BARBOUR BUTLER PIKE CLARKE $4,360 CRENSHAW $0 $0 $7,000 $0 MONROE HENRY $0 COFFEE DALE $0 WASHINGTON CONECUH $20,000 $15,000 $0 $19,500 COVINGTON

ESCAMBIA $5,000 GENEVA HOUSTON $30,000 $0 $15,000

MOBILE

$32,500 BALDWIN $4,402,745 $68,000 $899,730 Total LSTA grants awarded

21 Did You Know? In FY2017* Alabama Public Libraries:

14,583,055 19,974,984 people visited items circulated an increase of 118,170 over FY16

held

51,354programs an increase of 1,032 over FY16 with 1,273,334aending an increase of 32,884 over FY16 3,728,388 computer users accessed 5,056 library internet workstations

* Most recent statistics. Figures compiled in FY2018 with FY2017 data. 22 Acknowledgments

In FY2017* Alabama Public Libraries: Many thanks to the hard-working APLS staff whose time, effort, expertise, and insights made a successful 2018 possible.

Eric Bair Dorothy L. Baker Carol C. Burchett Vanessa Carr Mike Coleman Tim Emmons Jeff Finklea Randy Garmon Tameka L. Gilmore Ryan Godfrey Angela Fisher Hall Bryan Harris Ken Herston Susan D. Jana Trevor Johnson Theresa Jones Alisa McLeod Clyde Mills Jay Mims Rhonda Napier Nancy C. Pack Alex Perry Jeannie G. Price Kelyn Ralya Kedia Richardson Gail A. Sheldon Demetris Smith Jim Smith Melinda Smith Matt Sponsler Stephanie Taylor Laquisha Thomas Amanda Trawick Keith Walker 6030 Monticello Drive Montgomery, AL 36117

www.statelibrary.alabama.gov

334.213.3900 1.800.723.8459

In the provision of services and in employment practices, the Alabama Public Library Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin, religion, age, or disability. This material is available in alternate format upon request.