BUFFALO & ERIE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY Annual Report of the Director 2016 Buffalo & Erie County Public LIBRARYwww.BuffaloLib.org 2016 Facts and Figures 37 Libraries and one Library on Wheels 280,000 Library cardholders 3.2 Million materials in the Collection (books, magazines, DVDs, audio books, eBooks, etc.) 6.8 Million materials borrowed 826,900 WiFi sessions 705,190 In-house public computer sessions 98,442 Adult Program attendees 100,271 Children’s Program attendees 18 Million Library System website hits 19,928 Social Media followers/fans (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest) $128,389,323 Total retail value of Library services $5.47 Return value in library services for every $1 received in Erie County taxpayer funding Buffalo & Erie County Public www.BuffaloLib.orgLIBRARY Message from Library Director Mary Jean Jakubowski Dear Friends & Supporters of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library System, 2016 marked the 180th anniversary Libraries transform communities of book lending in Erie County. I am and we are where the people are. proud to say that the libraries of the In 2016, we successfully extended Buffalo & Erie County Public Library our reach well beyond the four walls System have been and continue to be of our physical buildings – reaching honored to serve the residents of Erie deep into the community. Our staff County and beyond! While libraries visited local schools, Canalside, have certainly evolved over time, Larkin Square, the Erie County Fair, much of this last year was spent Juneteenth Festival, Eden Corn planning for the future – in particular Festival, Walden Galleria Mall, and the next five years. Through a hundreds of other community and Photo by kc kratt series of surveys, focus groups neighborhood events and festivals. and data collections, along with an Since June 2016, our new WiFi- abundance of patron comment forms, equipped bookmobile, the Library on the System received and reviewed Wheels, has made regular stops in feedback from more than 4,000 those Erie County communities that people. A Five Year Plan of Service do not have physical libraries. It was developed with a goal to better has also visited local senior centers, understand the informational needs nursing homes, day-care programs of Erie County residents and a plan and a wide variety of unique for providing the most requested and locations. high quality library services to our residents, businesses, community Libraries play a critical role in the groups and schools – something for quality of life and the continued all ages and all people. growth and success of our communities. We not only connect Through this process, we learned that people to information, we connect libraries - our libraries, your libraries people to people. Libraries are - transform lives. The 37 Buffalo & community gathering places, Erie County Public Libraries and the safe havens and a place where new Library On Wheels bookmobile conversations get started. Libraries had over 3.1 million visits in 2016. expand the classroom, promote Your Buffalo & Erie County Public education, ignite curiosity, and feed Libraries offer free job fairs; health one’s imagination. fairs; college fairs; WiFi; computer training; storytimes; lectures; MakerSpace programs; Summer and Winter Reading activities; a plethora of online links and resources; and a wide variety of public workshops for small businesses, English language learners, genealogy research, writing, citizenship, and much more. continued on next page Page 1 BECAUSE A BECAUSE BECAUSE BECAUSE LIBRARY CARD STUDENTS LEARNING 5 OUT OF 5 IS THE MOST WHO READ STARTS DOCTORS IMPORTANT DURING THE BEFORE AGREE SCHOOL SUMMER END KINDERGARTEN. READING SUPPLY OF UP ON THE ALOUD TO ALL. HONOR ROLL CHILDREN IN THE FALL. SUPPORTS BRAIN DEVELOPMENT. Buffalo & Erie County Public www.BuffaloLib.orgLIBRARY Page 2 Message from the Library Director, continued Libraries are passionate generous support, assistance and advocates for lifelong learning. encouragement of our dedicated staff, In 2016, our libraries had something trustees, Erie County elected officials, for everyone: Toddler Time reading New York State lawmakers, partners, programs; sensory programming; local businesses, foundations, and Common Core-based, school-age the entire community. We are truly programming focused on Science, grateful for your support and we Technology, Engineering and thank you. Mathematics (STEM); the annual Battle of the Books teen competition Hope to see you in our libraries and which combined reading, fun and throughout Erie County! teamwork strategies; adult coloring classes; book discussions; lectures Gratefully, on emerging community issues; and even knitting clubs. The list goes on and on. Didn’t have what you need? Tell us! We want to hear from you. Mary Jean Jakubowski Libraries are a smart investment. Library Director To invest in your local public library is to invest in your community’s future. Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries would not exist without the In October 2016, Library Administrators, Directors and Managers show off the new One Buffalo Community Library Card, a partnership with Pegula Sports & Entertainment, Inc. Buffalo & Erie County Public www.BuffaloLib.orgLIBRARY Page 3 Libraries allow children to ask questions about the world and find the answers. And the wonderful thing is that once a child learns to use a library, the doors to learning are always open. –Laura Bush Buffalo & Erie County Public www.BuffaloLib.orgLIBRARY Page 4 Our Mission, Vision & Core Values Mission Connecting our diverse community with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain. Vision The Vision of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is to be deeply rooted in the community: promoting partnerships, fostering the development of a literate and informed citizenry through free and equal access to cultural, intellectual, recreational and informational resources, planning for the future, and making the most effective use of taxpayer funding. Core Values Core values represent an organization’s highest priorities, deeply held beliefs, and fundamental driving forces. Core values define what an organization believes and how it resonates both internally and externally. Respect We practice courtesy and civility in our actions and attitudes; value, support and respect all customers and staff. Integrity We consistently adhere to honesty, sound principles and strong interpersonal values. Helpfulness We provide resources and services with a kindly disposition to meet and exceed user need and maximize user experience. Teamwork We combine efforts, celebrate unique talents, and work cooperatively towards the Library’s goals with trust and enthusiasm. Dependability We provide reliable, responsible and trustworthy services. Excellence We strive for superior performance. Principles The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library will: 1. Provide open, equal and free access to information in accordance with the American Library Association’s “Library Bill of Rights.” 2. Deliver timely, confidential and customer-oriented service to meet the informational, recreational and educational needs of the community. 3. Promote lifelong learning by encouraging all children and adults in their enjoyment of reading and discovery. 4. Contribute to the region’s economic vitality by assisting individuals, businesses and government as they pursue better jobs and economic growth. 5. Create and maintain an environment that attracts, develops and encourages a diverse and skilled staff. 6. Listen to the entire community in pursuit of the Library’s Mission. 7. Manage resources effectively and be accountable to its funding sources. 8. Pursue the private and public funding necessary to fulfill the Library’s Mission. Page 5 A library card is the start of a lifelong adventure! Buffalo & Erie County Public www.BuffaloLib.orgLIBRARY Page 6 Libraries Are Helping to Transform Our Community! The long-awaited Library on Wheels bookmobile was unveiled during an outdoor media event in May 2016. The custom-built, WiFi-equipped vehicle was made possible through capital funds from Erie County. Year-round, the bookmobile brings materials, laptops and programming to Erie County communities that don’t have a physical library building including Brant, Colden, Depew, Evans, Holland, Sardinia and Wales. The Library on Wheels has also participated in various festivals and special community events including Springville’s Western New York Dairy/Ag Festival, Explore & More’s Touch-A- Truck, Discover Kenmore, Larkinville, Canalside, Juneteenth Festival and Taste of Diversity Festival. Library resources that support the local immigrant population were presented to members of Erie County’s New Americans Committee, as well as to the WNY Immigrant and Refugee Roundtable, International Institute of Buffalo, New York Immigration Coalition, Immigrant and Refugee Research Institute, Legal Aid Bureau and Jericho Road Community Health Center. Buffalo Branch Libraries hosted Welcome Week, designed to bring together immigrants and U.S. born residents in a spirit of unity and to raise awareness of the richness of a culturally diverse community. Skype software was installed on laptop computers for public use in all Buffalo Branch Libraries, providing patrons the opportunity to communicate with overseas family and friends. Humanities New York presented the program “Partnering for Success: Buffalo, Schools, Kids, Parents, Community” with speakers from the Buffalo Board of Education, District Parent Coordinating Council of Buffalo,