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Thank You Wal-Mart! Connie Abate, Office Manager for Southwest Public Libraries, recently accepted a generous grant of $1,000 from Wal-Mart's Tracy Ezell, Human Resources Manager, Wal-Mart Regional Operations Center #9850.
With library funding at an all-time low, donations of this magnitude help greatly to purchase needed materials and to provide programming for library customers of all ages.
The Wal-Mart Foundation continues to be the library's largest corporate donor. Library Closed Monday, July 5 The Grove City Library and the Westland Area Library will be closed Monday, July 5 in observance of Independence Day.
Normal hours will resume Tuesday, July 6. Board Votes to Place Levy on November Ballot Grove City) June 23, 2010 - The Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) Board of Trustees, at a special meeting on Wednesday, June 23, voted to place a one mill operating levy on the November, 2010 ballot. If passed, a 10-year, one-mill levy would replace funds lost since 2001, and generate $2,573,995 the first year. Cost to homeowners would be $30.63 annually or $2.55 per month for the owner of a home appraised at $100,000. Senior citizens eligible for the Homestead Exemption would pay less.
The SPL Board is taking this action in response to severe budget cuts the library has experienced over several years, as a result of Ohio’s declining economy. Southwest Public Libraries currently receives 95% of its funding from the State of Ohio through the Public Library Fund. Since 2001, SPL annual revenue has fallen from $4.5 million to just over $3 million. With inflation, SPL’s funding is $2.5 million per year lower than is was in 2001.
Nearly all services offered by SPL have seen significant cuts or elimination. The Central Crossing Library was closed, Outreach services curtailed, and operating hours were cut by one-third including the elimination of Sunday hours. Purchases of books, audio-visual materials, and databases have been reduced by 75%. There has also been a reduction in all programming, including education programming for children.
The library staff has been reduced by 35%; in all 65 positions have been cut. SPL has not given pay raises to employees in the last ten years, and has instituted mandatory unpaid furlough days amounting to pay cuts of approximately 10%.
Additional funds from a levy would be used to revive library collections and buildings, and also restore services to the public that have been cut since 2001. Services to be restored include Outreach service, longer hours, including Sunday hours, and more educational programs for children. Buildings will be repaired and library collections revived through the purchase of new books and audio-visual materials. Share the Love. Read at 2010 Summer Reading Club Beginning Saturday, June 5, readers of all ages can stop by the library and sign up for Share the Love. Read. our summer reading club which runs through July 31. You can also sign up online at www.summerreadingclub.com.
Kids, teens and adults, make your way to Southwest Public Libraries to receive a reading record to begin to begin earning prizes for your time spent reading.
Help us kick off another fun-filled summer with juggling, illusion, music and comedy by Dave Kaplan and a special visit by Biscuit the Dog. The event will be held Tuesday, June 8 at the Grove City Library beginning at 11:00 a.m., and at the Westland Area Library at 2:00 p.m. Treats provided by the Friends of the Library.
Share the Love. Read. is offered at all locations of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southwest Public Libraries and Worthington Libraries. Children, teens, and adults can participate at any of these locations.
Last year, approximately 100,000 kids and teens, and adults enrolled in the libraries’ 2009 Summer Reading Club. Summer reading helps students return to school in the fall ready to learn and with greater reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Share the Love. Read. is presented by RiteRug. Media Sponsors are The Columbus Dispatch and NBC-Channel 4. Other partners include Kiwanis Club of Columbus, PNC-National City Bank, NBC-Channel 4, Giant Eagle, Kegler Brown Hill & Ritter, Panera Bread. Thanks also to the Friends of Southwest Public Libraries for their additional support of Share the Love. Read. English Tea Fundraiser to Benefit Library The Grove City Women's Civic Club is sponsoring their "Crumpets and Quilts Tea" on Saturday, May 1 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost of admission is $13.00 per person and all proceeds will benefit Southwest Public Libraries.
The event will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church, 3220 Columbus Street in Grove City. For tickets, contact Suzanne Norris at 871-1882.
The menu for the day will include scones with Devonshire cream, cucumber sandwiches, cakes and cookies, various teas and other tasty morsels.
Mary Clark, owner of Always in Stitches will discuss quilting, and music will be provided by pianist Paul Loughlin and his son on bass.
All are cordially invited to attend this fun afternoon which will include door prizes, a quilt raffle, and bake sale. Kroger Shoppers Re-register Your Plus Card in 2010 Thank you to all who registered in 2009 for the Kroger Plus card program. If you have not done so, you will need to re-register your card in 2010 to continue providing donations to the library based on all your Kroger purchases.
Also, if you have not registered for the for the Kroger Plus Card program, and would like to, please contact Helen Chappelear for more information at 875-6716, ext. 158 or hchappelear@swpl.org. SPL Board Decides There Will Be No May Levy The Southwest Public Libraries Board of Trustees will hold off on plans to place a a one-mill operating levy on the ballot. The Board held a special meeting January 25 to discuss May, 2010 levy options. Library Director Mark Shaw said, "The Board feels we need more time to build a support base, develop a campaign and interact with the community. May was too soon." Shaw said the Library Board is now looking toward a possible November, 2010 levy run. If passed, a one-mill operating levy would replace funds lost since 2001 and generate $2,573,995 the first year. Cost to homeowners would be $30.63 annually for $2.55 oer month for the owner of a home appraised at $100,00. Senior citizens who are eligible for the Homestead Exemption would pay less. The SPL Board is taking this action in response to severe budget cuts the library has experience over several years as a result of Ohio's declining economy. Southest Public Libraries currently receives 95% of its funding from the State of Ohio through the Public Library Fund. Annual revenue for SPL since 2001 has fallen from $4.5 million to just over $3 million. Addtional funds from the levy would be used to revive buildings and library collections, and also restore services to the public that have been cut since 2001.
Services to restored include Outreach service, longer hours including Sunday hours, and more educational programs for children. Buildings will be repaired and library collections revived through the purchase of new books and audio-visual materials.
Plank's Chili Cook-off to Benefit Library Plank's on Broadway will host its first annual Chili Cook Off to benefit Southwest Public Libraries. The event will be held Saturday, February 27, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Plank's, 4022 Broadway, in the Grove City Town Center. Prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in the "People's Choice' category. There will also be additional door prizes for entrants and samplers. Lots of great drink specials will offered during the contest. Chili cooks of all ages are welcome to participate and join in the fun. Theres's an entry fee of $10 to put your chili to the test. The cost to sample and judge the selections is $5.
Plank's First Annual Chili Cook Off is sponsored by Plank's on Broadway and the Friends of Southwest Public Libraries. For more information, call 875-7800. SPL Board Takes Steps Toward Possible Levy Run The Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) Board of Trustees, at the December 8 regular meeting, passed a preliminary resolution for placing a one mill operating levy on the May, 2010 ballot. The resolution requests that the Franklin County Auditor certify the amount which would be collected from a one (1) mill levy. This was not a vote to place a levy on the ballot, but rather a necessary first step in the process until the Board formally decides whether or not to proceed. The Board will consider a resolution to officially go forward with a levy request at its regular January meeting on January 12, 2010. That meeting will be held at the Westland Area Library at 7:30 p.m. The SPL Board is taking this action in response to severe budget cuts that the library has experienced over the past year as a result of Ohio’s declining economy and additional cuts enacted by the Ohio General Assembly in July, 2009. Southwest Public Libraries depends on funding from the State of Ohio for 95% of its funding. Since 2001, Southwest Public Libraries has seen its annual revenue drop from $4.5 million to $3 million.
This has resulted in deep cuts to public services such as a reduction of hours including the elimination of Sunday hours, cuts to programming, cuts to purchases of library materials, closure of Central Crossing Library, and layoffs of staff members.
SPL Receives NO Funding from School Levy Library officials want to remind customers and others in the community that the passing of issue 47, a property tax for South-Western City School, won't provide income for the library.
Library staff have been fielding questions about when cuts in hours and services will be restored at the library since the school levy has passed.
The two are unrelated. Southwest Public Libraries is not connected to South-Western City Schools, and receives no funding from the schools. SPL Funding Cut 31% in New State Budget (Grove City) July 21, 2009 – The Ohio General Assembly's conference committee on the 2010-2011 state budget has accepted a proposal to cut Ohio's Public Library Fund (PLF) by $84.3 million over the next two years. This is substantially less than the approximate $227.3 million cut proposed by Gov. Ted Strickland on June 19, but a cut of this magnitude will still erase about 31% of the funding for Southwest Public Libraries.
Revenue is projected to decline approximately $800,000 for 2009 from 2008 levels. There is a projected $1.1 million loss for 2010 from 2008 levels. SPL receives 95% of its funding from the State of Ohio and is totally reliant on that funding, as are 70% of all public libraries in Ohio.
The SPL Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grove City Library to formally approve a plan to drastically cut hours, staff, and services, and virtually eliminate spending for library materials.
“This plan is in response to the 11% cut announced in the two-year budget, in addition to the 20% funding loss already experienced due to the declining economy, which essentially amounts to about one third of our budget” said SPL Director Mark Shaw. The plan includes the following cost-saving measures, effective August 3:
Beginning August 3, new library hours are:
“The decreased funding comes at a time when Ohio's public libraries are experiencing an unprecedented increase in the demand for services. In times of economic downturn, more and more people turn to their public library for books to read, help with homework, help in finding a job, Internet access, programs on how to deal with bankruptcy and foreclosures, and free events for the entire family,” Shaw added. THANK YOU CUSTOMERS - Your Voice Has Been Heard The public outcry this week has been overwhelming in response to the Governors proposal to cut library funding by 50% in the next State budget. Library supporters have taken a stand and your voice has been heard.
Thousands of our library customers have sent e-mails to our legislators. Many attended a rally at the Statehouse on Thursday, June 25. The Governor's office and the General Assembly has been overwhelmed with calls each day this week.
Thank you to our customers for their tremendous support.
Thank you to State Representative Cheryl Grossman for her unwavering support of public libraries since the time she was mayor of Grove City.
Thank you to ALL our State Legislators for listening this week. The decisions you make are not easy.
The outcome of the State budget negotiations is still unknown and may extend beyond July 1 if a continuing resolution is passed. Visit swpl.org often for the latest information. URGENT! Contact Legislators by July 1 to save SPL This past weekend, Governor Strickland proposed a drastic cut to Ohio’s public library funding that would force the closure of Southwest Public Libraries.
The Strickland plan singled out the state's Public Library Fund for cuts far beyond the relative reductions in state revenues and is more than double the reductions projected by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
Strickland's budget cuts would reduce library funding by at least 47% in fiscal year 2010 and 45% in fiscal year 2011 as compared to the fiscal year 2008 distributions. During the same 2010-2011 budget years, the state projects the General Revenue Fund will fall 18% and 16% respectively.
"Our library has already been made deep budget cuts in 2009 to find ways to remain solvent while sustaining a 20% reduction in state dollars over last year,” according to Mark Shaw, Director of Southwest Public Libraries.
Shaw said, “Reductions of this magnitude will force us to cut our operation in half, close our libraries half the year, cut all programming for children and adults, eliminate Outreach to homebound, drastically cut staff, hours and services.”
Libraries such as SPL that receive no local funding and are completely reliant on the state fund will be devastated by this cut. Nearly 70% of the libraries in Ohio have no local tax levy. However, SPL is the only library system in Franklin County with no local support.
The Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries will meet in a special emergency meeting at the Grove City Library on Thursday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss their options.
The Governor’s proposed funding cuts come at a time when Ohio’s public libraries are experiencing unprecedented increases in demand for services. Customers are turning to public libraries for free high speed Internet to access information on employment opportunities, children and teens are beginning summer reading programs, and people of all ages are turning to the library for information and education. District residents are encouraged to urge their legislators to reject the Governor’s plan. Repeated daily calls are needed before July 1 to save the library. Contact:
Senator Jim Hughes
614-466-5981
Email: SD16@senate.state.oh.us
Representative Cheryl Grossman
614-466-9690
Email: district23@ohr.state.oh.us
Governor Ted Strickland
614-466-3555 Trustees Approve Deep Cuts, Fees, Shorter Hours The Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) has voted to approve deep budget cuts to deal with further declines in revenue from the State of Ohio. Funding for SPL is projected to decline $600,000 to $800,000 for the year 2009, dropping from $4,058,000 in 2008 to an estimated $3,250,000 to $3,450,000. The vote was taken at the regular monthly Board meeting on June 9, 2009, and the following cuts and new fees were approved.
The unpaid furlough of employees and reduction in operating hours will be effective August 3, 2009. The additional fees will also be effective August 3, 2009. Cuts in the purchase of library materials and the elimination of police security at the Grove City Library are effective immediately.
These cuts are in addition to those announced earlier this year. The Library Board has been making deep budget cuts over the past seven years to accommodate this steady decline in revenue including a 30% reduction in personnel, a 30% reduction in expenditures for library materials, and the closing of the Central Crossing Library as a public library in June, 2009.
Southwest Public Libraries receives approximately 95 percent of its funding from the State of Ohio through the Public Library Fund. Unlike the other library systems in Franklin County, district residents pay no local property taxes to support the library. SPL has attempted seven levies over the past twenty-three years without success. Ohio’s economy has been hard-hit and the loss of high-paying jobs has taken a severe toll on Ohio’s tax collections.
The Board of Trustees noted that while this round of cuts is regrettable, it is necessary to ensure that the library remains financially solvent.
Library Director Mark M. Shaw said, “Ironically, one of the few places where business is booming during a bad economy is the public library. Library usage almost always goes up when the economy turns down as customers use their local library to help with job searches and to sign up for unemployment.” Sign up for Summer Reading Club beginning June 6 Two Ways to Sign Up!
Beginning Saturday, June 6, readers of all ages can begin signing up for Get a Clue. Read., our summer reading club which runs through August 1. Stop by the library to get started and receive a reading record to keep track of the time spent reading, or sign up online at www.summerreadingclub.com and download your reading record. Great Prizes!
Kids, at the first milestone, receive coupons for local food and fun. Along the way you’ll win more prizes from Highlights Magazine and a raffle entry to win a bike! Finish the club and you’ll earn a Get a Clue Backpack.
TWO bikes with helmets will be raffled off at each library location. Be sure to log on to www.summerreadingclub.com for all the latest information and fun activities.
Teens who complete the program will receive a Get a Clue backpack, mood pencil, books, plus coupons for local food and fun along the way. Also, they’ll earn raffle entries for chances to win a Mini Laptop, iPod Shuffle, or a private gaming party!
Adults participating in the reading club will be entered in raffles for gift cards and library prize packs, plus the grand prize raffle for a pair of BalletMet tickets.
Get a Clue. Read. is offered at all locations of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southwest Public Libraries and Worthington Libraries. Children, teens, and adults can participate at any of these locations. Get a Clue. Read. is presented by The Columbus Dispatch and Riterug/Anita and Michael Goldberg Fund. Other partners include Kiwanis Club of Columbus, National City Bank, NBC-Channel 4, Giant Eagle, Volunteers of America, Scholastic Books, Panera Bread, and BalletMet.
Thanks also to the Friends of Southwest Public Libraries for their additional support of Get a Clue. Read. Library Board Enacts Further Budget Cuts The Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) has voted to further cut expenditures for library materials such as books and DVDs by an additional $100,000. The vote was taken at the regular monthly Board meeting on March 10, 2009. Cuts will be made equally between the Grove City Library and Westland Area Library. The Board also approved the possible furlough of SPL employees without pay if economic conditions in the State of Ohio continue to deteriorate.
Additional cuts became necessary when library officials received notice from the Ohio Library Council in late 2008 to expect a decline of around 7 percent in 2009 from 2008 levels. However, receipts in 2009 have been down around 11 percent, with no improvement in sight. SPL receives approximately 95 percent of its funding from the State of Ohio through the Public Library Fund. Unlike the other library systems in Franklin County, the residents in SPL’s library district pay no property taxes to support the library. SPL has attempted seven levies over the past twenty years without success. Ohio’s economy has been hard-hit for the past several years and the loss of high-paying jobs has taken a severe toll on Ohio’s tax collections.
The Library Board has been making deep budget cuts over the past seven years to accommodate this steady decline in revenue including a 30% reduction in personnel, a 30% reduction in expenditures for library materials, and the closing of the Central Crossing library as a public library in June, 2009.
The Board of Trustees expressed regret at the continued reduction in the materials budget, and this new possibility of furloughing employees without pay. However, SPL Board President Kay Byard noted that the trustees have an obligation to ensure that the library remains financially solvent. Library Director Mark M. Shaw stated that SPL will strive to provide the residents of the South-Western City School District with the best possible service with the funding available.
“We understand that the severe recession in the United States is hurting nearly everyone and that in these difficult times, library usage actually goes up as customers use their local library to help with job searches and to sign up for unemployment”, stated Shaw. Your Passport to Egypt Awaits at SPL in 2009 Southwest Public Libraries is a participating library in Egypt in Columbus, an ongoing promotion with COSI and the Columbus Museum of Art.
Visit Egypt in Columbus to download your Passport to Egypt featuring challenges from COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art and participation central Ohio libraries.
Highlights include the Columbus Museum of Art's spring 2009 exhibition, "To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures from the Brooklyn Museum," and COSI's summer 2009 exhibition, "Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science."
Complete each challenge and get your Passport stamped. Not only will you have an incredible souvenir from your journey on the quest for knowledge, you can also register to win a cool prize! Talks Cease Regarding GC Library Relocation Grove City) December 10, 2008 – At its regular meeting on Tuesday, December 9, the Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) voted to end discussions with the City of Grove City regarding the move of the Grove City Library to the new development being planned behind the current City Hall on Broadway in Grove City.
The library board and officials from Grove City have been holding discussions for more than two years regarding the possibility of moving the Grove City Library from its current location on 3359 Park Street to the new development.
The proposal by the City of Grove City involved an exchange of property with Grove City paying for the design and construction of a new library within the development and then taking ownership of the current Grove City Library for future development.
The library board considered a motion to agree in principal with the concept of the proposed project and move to the contract negotiation phase. That motion was defeated by a vote of 5 to 2.
The primary reasons given by board members who voted no were Ohio’s deteriorating economy and the fact that most board members are uncomfortable with the condominium concept of Grove City’s proposal. SPL receives 95% of its funding from the State of Ohio. Over the last 22 years, voters have rejected seven requests for a property tax levy to supplement state funding. Ohio’s economy has been weak for several years but it has taken a decided turn for the worse since the financial meltdown that roiled financial markets earlier in the fall. The Ohio Library Council has warned SPL to expect a decline in state funding of between 6 and 8 percent in 2009, with the possibility for further decline this year.
SPL’s Board of Trustees is concerned that a move into a larger two story building would result in greater operating expenses, especially if more personnel were needed to serve customers on two floors and secure the building.
Several board members expressed concern with the condominium concept being offered by the City of Grove City. The library would be giving up a property over which it has complete control in exchange for a condominium concept over which it would have limited operational control.
SPL’s Board of Trustees believes that lack of control could pose serious long-term problems as conditions and priorities for the library and the city change. Welcome to Aquabrowser Library Customers will soon see a new look for the online catalog and expanded capabilities, when the library implements Aquabrowser, a powerful new search engine. The catalog of more than 3 million items lists the holdings of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Southwest Public Libraries, and Worthington Libraries. The library consortium is migrating to the new browser. AquaBrowser works like a powerful search engine to help users find exactly what they are looking for. Finding materials at the library will now be something like conducting a Google search. Library customers can type in the search words in Aquabrowser and multiple relevant “hits” will be listed. That’s not all, though. The user is given related keywords suggesting similar searches they may not have considered. If more specific information is needed, the suggestions also include narrower search terms. AquaBrowser will even provide alternative spellings. Multiple available formats will be included in the results such as audio, video, authors, series name and more. The Aquabrowser screen has a completely different visual appearance than the current catalog screen. The center of the screen is where specific titles will be listed. On the left side of the screen, the user will find a graphical “discover cloud,” or “constellation of words.” These words are color-coded to help the user continue their search. AquaBrowser is the world leader in visual search and discovery that connects to a number of data sources. The developers of the product at Medialab Solutions have a passion for maintaining all libraries as superior sources of information and knowledge. AquaBrowser can be found in libraries around the world, including over 130 library systems in the USA, libraries in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and 80% of all public libraries in the Netherlands. Today, nearly 2,000 library locations serve over 60 million citizens worldwide with the AquaBrowser search and discovery experience. Central Crossing Library to Close in June Limited Resources, Additional Funding Decline Lead to Closure of Central Crossing Library
The Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) has voted to cease their operation as a public library at the Central Crossing Library location in June, 2009. This will conclude the six-year partnership with South-Western City Schools (SWCS)in which the library functioned as a high school library during the day
and a public library in the evening and on Saturdays.
Members of the Library Board have concluded that the library does not have the necessary resources to continue operations at Central Crossing. The library's budget has been seriously damaged by several years of declining or stagnant funding. This was compounded by a further loss of $102,000 this year, plus notification from the State to expect an additional 2% decline in 2009.
The Library Board has made deep budget cuts over the past seven years to accommodate this steady decline in revenue including a 25% reduction in personnel and a 30% reduction in expenditures for library materials.
"The Library Board's decision is completely driven by its funding situation," said Mark Shaw, SPL Director.
He added, "They would be pleased to continue the partnership at CCL if it were not for this extremely challenging funding situation."
How the contents of the building are divided will be determined by the
two partners. All the furnishings will stay and the parts of the collection that are relevant to high school students. Public library materials such as large print books, juvenile books, and the library's
computer equipment will be re-deployed at the other two locations.
This has been a wonderful cooperative venture between the SPL and School
District, which has benefited not only our students and their families but the entire community," commented SWCS Superintendent Bill Wise. "We fully understand the library's situation and will work with them to facilitate a smooth transition," said Wise.
The Central Crossing Library (CCL) opened in August, 2002. SWCS officials agreed to furnish and equip the new library as well as pay for utilities and building maintenance. SPL purchased and maintained the materials collection, provided access to the Discovery Place online catalog, and provided staffing to operate as a public library.
Budget money will be concentrated at the other locations of Southwest Public Libraries in order to benefit the most patrons. The Grove City Library, 3359 Park Street, and Westland Area Library circulate ten times more materials and serve many thousands more patrons each month than CCL.
"We've tried, and there's just no more money for this. We're stretched
too thin," Shaw said. Esteemed Librarian Retires Janice Niepert, Assistant Director of the Westland Area Library, is retiring on May 31, 2008 after 36 years at the library. Janice started out as a clerk in the Prairie Branch when it first opened in 1972. She became the Branch Head in 1979 and realized how much she enjoyed her work at the library. As a result, she returned to school, earning a Master of Library Science degree from Kent State University. Janice went on to become the Assistant Director for the new Westland Area Library, from 1991 to present.
Niepert said "I have been fortunate to be a part of this fine library
for all of these years. A vital and attractive library defines a
community and encourages civic pride."
When asked about the library's impression on the community, she added,
"This library has been the heart and soul of the community and reflects
the value residents place on literacy, education, culture and freedom."
"I hope it will continue growing to include more services as needs
change." Dr. Gee Reads Dr. Seuss to Buckeyes of All Ages! A capacity crowd, numerous photographers and others from the media gathered for "Celebrity Readers" at the Westland Area Library on June 14 to hear a reading of Dr. Seuss.
Dr. E. Gordon Gee, President, The Ohio State University, brought to life the familiar words of "Oh The Places We'll Go" to Buckeyes of all ages.
Following the reading, Gee took questions from the children, posed for lots of pictures, and signed autographs on red bow ties.
He told the children that Dr. Seuss and this book in particular is his all-time favorite. He also said that these days he most enjoys reading books about history.
Gee has been President of five universities. When asked which job his favorite, he replied, "The Ohio State University, of course."
Go Bucks and Game On Read! English Tea to Benefit Library The Women's Civic Club of Grove City will host an English Breakfast Tea on Saturday, April 12. This is the club's fifth annual library benefit. Each year, proceeds from the fundraiser are earmarked for the purchase of children's materials for the collections at the Grove City Library. The event will be held from 10:00 a.m.- noon at St. John's Lutheran Church, 3220 Columbus St., Grove City. Tickets are $12 each and can be purchased by calling Patti Holt at 875-4118. This is a traditional English tea with hats and gloves optional. For more information about the menu or activities, please call Rosemary Barkes at 875-7030. Gaming Comes to the Library During Teen Tech Week Local teens will be tuning in at the library as Southwest Public Libraries celebrates the second annual Teen Tech Week March 3-10, 2008. They join thousands of other libraries and schools across the country who are celebrating this year's theme, "Tune In @ Your Library(r)." Teen Tech Week is a national initiative aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries.
Lore Lehr, Youth Services Librarian, feels that "Getting teens into libraries is essential. Offering a variety of technologies and providing top notch education about these resources is key in getting them in the door. Once they're in the door, anything is possible."
Recent studies from Pew Internet & American Life Project
Mark Shaw, Director, Southwest Public Libraries says, "Over the last several years the library's role in increasing technology literacy has become more and more important, equal to that of reading literacy."
Teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Tech Week. Lehr hopes to attract a wide variety of teens to the library and increase teen involvement locally by offering a series of programs including:
Grove City Library, 3359 Park Street - Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Westland Area Library, 4740 W. Broad St. - Monday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Tune In @ Central Crossing Library - Come celebrate Teen Tech Week at Central Crossing where we will be introducing you to a variety of technology based activities. Call 801-6530 for more information.
Monday, March 3 @ 6:30 p.m. - Dungeons and Drogons @ the library!
Tuesday, March 4 @ 6:30 p.m. - Music @ the library!
Wednesday, March 5 @ 6:30 p.m. - Movie Night @ the library!
Thursday, March 6 @ 6:30 p.m. - Anime (& Manga) @ the library!
Saturday, March 8 @ 2:00 p.m. - Gaming @ the library Lisa Leasure was sworn in Tuesday, February 15 as the newest
member of the Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) Board of Trustees.
Leasure was appointed to fill Melinda Garverick's position, a term
expiring December, 2010. Garverick resigned her seat on the Library
Board at the end of 2007, when elected to the South-Western City
School's (SWCS) Board or Education.
"I've been in community activities for quite awhile, mostly PTA, and I
thought this would be a good time to get back into it," Leasure said.
She has extensive experience with community service. At the district
level, she served as President of the South-Western City School's PTA
Council, and eventually served on the PTA Council at the state level
from 1993-1996. Her other work for the schools includes the boundary
re-districting and bond issue committees.
"In fact, that's how I met my husband Gary (Leasure), when he was tapped
to chair of the bond issue committee, "she said.
Mrs. Leasure is employed by SWCS as a Library Aide at Franklin Woods
Intermediate School. She said the appointment to the Library Board is a
good fit.
"It's an extension of what I do during the day," she added.
Leasure emphasized that she is one who represents people in all areas of
the library district.
She said, "I live in Grove City now, but from 1978-1995 lived in the
Lincoln Village area, and have worked in the Franklin Heights attendance
area for most of my SWCS career."
The Leasures have seven children and three grandchildren and currently
reside in Grove City.
The story behind the title is also a piece of Grove City history. "Dutch Pike is the original name for Grove City Road," said Shailer.
"Grove City was full of German immigrants at one time. English-speakers could not pronounce the word "deutsche", so they said "dutch" instead."
Shailer describes her book as "three different stories and three different illustrators combined into one." The three illustrators include two Grove City artists, Stacey Rings and Bob Johnson, and also Vanessa Hanson, of Toronto, Canada.
All three stories for children are based on the history of rural life in the Grove City area.
"My great-great-grandparents were among the original settlers in Grove City in 1848," said Shailer. "The first story, Mrs. Doobitty and Mr. Flytrap Guard the Farm, is based on my family's farm out on Grove City Road."
Shailer said she has been working on the book for about four years and
decided she wanted to do something for the community.
"The library is the only place that everyone from toddlers to people in
their nineties could benefit," Shailer said.
She said, "Frankly, all writers love libraries. I've had a library card
at this library (Grove City) for about 50 years."
Copies of the book, Dutch Pike Trilogy, are now available for purchase at the Grove City Library for $7.00 each.
With library funding at an all-time low, donations of this magnitude help greatly to purchase needed materials and to provide programming for library customers of all ages.
The Wal-Mart Foundation continues to be the library's largest corporate donor.
The Ohio Library Council (OLC) presented Martha Hamilton, retired office manager of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL), with the Supportive Staff Member of the Year Award at the 2007 Convention and Expo on Friday, October 12, in Columbus.
The OLC selected Hamilton for the honor because "she is passionate for the library and her contagious possion carries over in her communications with staff, board members, community leaders and patrons."
She managed the library's development and volunteer programs, serving 26 years in a variety of capacties from temporary page to desk clear to office manager.
The Supportive Staff Member of the Year Award has been presented since 1976 to a library supportive staff member who significant contribution to library's development. The award is given by the OLC's Awards and Honors Committee based on nominations and recommendations received from the Ohio library community.
Customers can still browse in the downstairs Audio-Visual room for the DVD cases, then bring their selections to the desk where the case and the DVD will be reunited.
"The reason for this change is to reduce DVD theft. It's a substantial problem for our library system and most libraries," said Mark Shaw, Director of Southwest Public Libraries.
Circulation Services Librarian Debra Witkop said the public has been very understanding and were most concerned they would still have access to the collection.
"We have been explaining that we are trying to reduce theft and create a better collection for everyone who comes in the library," Witkop said.
Plans are underway to also convert and move the DVD collection at the Westland Area Library this winter. The Central Crossing Library will continue circulation of their DVD collection as before.
Shaw said, "I expect we will see improving DVD circulation numbers for the rest of the year, as theft is reduced and customers will have more DVDs available to check out."
January was a busy month with circulation numbers on the rise. Overall, circulation for the library system increased 5.07%. the Grove City Library saw an increase of 6.36%, Westland Area Library at 2.69%, and Central Crossing at 17.27%.
Beginning January 1, 2007, customers at Southwest Public Libraries will be able to borrow up to 10 videos and/or DVDs, 30 audio items and 10 CD-ROMs on their library card. The limit of 50 books per card will
remain the same.
The Library Board of Trustees voted to approve this increase in borrowing limits at their regular meeting on Tuesday, December 12.
The Library Board of Trustees also approved new rates for fines on overdue items. The new fines will take effect beginning January 1.
Books and audio items for adults will be fined 20 cents per day and movies will be $1.25 per day. However, there will be no fine increase on books for children and teens.
Fines will also remain the same for CD-ROMs at $1 a day, and audio items will stay at 10 cents a day.
Mark Shaw, Director of Southwest Public Libraries, said this is the first increase in library fines since 1992.
"Our Board wants the new fine structure to encourage customers to return library materials on time so others can access the items sooner." Shaw said.
The Columbus Metrolpolitan Library is also approving new borrowing limits and fines at this time, Shaw said.
The two library systems share an online catalog, an automated circulation system, and materials delivery countywide.
Pick up a "Fines, Fees & Limits" bookmark on your next visit to the
library for complete policy information about fines, fees, borrowing
limits, and loan periods of Southwest Public Libraries. This is available at the front desk.
As a special service to the community, Southwest Public Libraries is making flu shots available to the public. Children ages 12-17 will be immunized with parent's written consent. Pregnant women must have a written order of physician.
Cost for the flu shot is $25.00.
Interim Healthcare accepts cash, checks, Medicare Part B, or Medigold. You must bring your card.
Financial Assistance is also available to those on Medicaid and to those who meet low-income and high-risk criteria from the Adult Immunization Coalition of Central Ohio.
The Flu Clinic is scheduled at the Westland Area Library on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
No appointment is needed. For more information, please call Southwest Public Libraries, Human Resources, 875-6716, ext. 158.
All SPL locations will resume normal hours on Tuesday, October 13.
Roy, a Grove City resident, was appointed to the SPL Board in November, 1988. During her tenure as a Library Trustee, Roy served Board President, Vice-President, and Secrectary.
Roy has always been tireless in her support of the library. Prior to her appointment to the Board of Trustees, Roy was a longtime member of the Friends of the Library, and at one time served as President of the Friends.
At Tuesday's dinner Roy said, " I started on this library journey with a group called the "Friends." Some of you were part of that, others I've come to know along the way, but I want you all to know that you I will always count you as "Friends."
Mark Shaw, Director of Southwest Public Libraries, said "Mrs. Roy brought leadership, commitment, and a true interest and caring in the library and its customers. She will be missed."
Roy's retirement is effective following the December Board Meeting. Her replacement, Jeff Davis, of Grove City, was appointed at a special meeting of the SWCS Board of Education on Monday.
There are no "hot spots," and WiFi technology will work in all public areas of the library. Access at the WiFi-enabled libraries is available at all times the libraries are open. Simply launch your Web browser, your compputer's home page will appear and you may begin surfing immediately.
The library does not provide hardware or software for customers to be able to use the service. Library customers will need to arrive with appropriately equipped and configured laptop computers. Printers are not available to wireless users at this time.
Library Director Mark Shaw wants to make patrons aware that those using wireless access are bound by the same policies as customers using the library's conventional Internet access, and that the same limitations do apply.
The Library's Internet use policy state that the network is not secure and information transmitted to or from your laptop may be intercepted by a third party. Library staff will not provide individual technical assistance to patrons attempting to connect to the library's wireless network other than to determine whether or not the network is functioning, and no guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
Additionally, SPL assumes no responsibility for the safety of the equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network. Shaw added that the WiFi technology does offer many advantages to the SPL customer.
"Wireless users have free access to our T1 high-speed Internet service, with no waiting for a public PC," Shaw said. "It can get very busy with long lines and limited availability of public Internet computers. Customers can now work wher and when they want to, saving files from their own system."
The money was raised by the Civic Club in partnership with Longhorn Steakhouse at its "All That Jazz" luncheon held in April at St. John Lutheran Church. The Central Crossing High School jazz band provided entertainment for the event.
The donation from the luncheon was recently presented to Library Office Manager and Donations Coordinator Connie Abate by Ann Brown on behalf of the Civic Club.
All entries can be registered at the Grove City Library on Wednesday, September 12 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Thursday, September 13 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. Each photographer may submit three entries and there is a $7.00 entry fee per photograph.
All entries must be framed, securely wired and ready to hange with s-hook on wire display rack. Judges will be professionals looking at entries as art forms, considerating creativity, composition, degree of difficulty, and originality.
Utitlizing a grant from the federal Institute Of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) awarded by the State Library of Ohio, Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) now offers a 24/7 virtual reference service. The online service, www.KnowItNow.org", is part of a statewide initiative that assists residents of the State of Ohio with access to information on an as-needed basis, regardless of the time of day.
According to SPL Director Mark Shaw, "To use the service, all you have to do is log on to www.KnowItNow.org and enter a zip code and it's available to anyone in the community. From that point, the Web site guides a user to various locations within the site."
"Users can ask questions on a variety of topics, chat in real time with a librarian, get help with their homework, and find answers to their questions," Shaw said.
Resources from business and finance, to health and medicine to science and technology to genealogy are accessible from the site, with librarians staffing the service for real time answers to questions from users. Homeworks assistance is available from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. Access to the Web site is obtainable from a home computer, a personal laptop, a computer at work, or inside your local library.
KnowItNow.org is one of only a few virtual reference services made available through a statewide public library system in the United States. The free service is supported by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services funds, granted through the State Library of Ohio.
The library will continue sending two notices to customers, either by traditional mail or e-mail, when items are overdue. If a customer does not respond following the second notice, the library will refer the
account to UMS. Customers will also have a $12 non-negotiable fee placed on their library account when UMS takes over the recovery process.
SPL Director Mark Shaw said this new retrieval system won't affect most of the library's customers.
"The vast majority of our patrons are very responsible and are good stewards with the library's property," Shaw said. "This measure is meant to deal with those who abuse their library privileges."
Shaw said the Discovery Place Libraries consortium agreed to this approach with fairness to all the library's customers in mind. It is the goal of this pro-active measure to retrieve these popular library materials and get them back in circulation for all customers to use.
Shaw said that additionally the program will save money and cut down on the need to replace lost or "long overdue" items.
"We are trying to be more pro-active in these tight budget times," Shaw said. "We don't have as much money to spend on library materials, so getting back what we already own has become critical."
SPL officials estimate that about 6,000 - 8,000 books, CD's, videos, DVD's and other library materials turn up lost or "long overdue" each year. The value of these items can add up to between $100,000 -$150,000 annually.
For convenience, most library material can be renewed online at www.spl.lib.oh.us, by phone at 224-3788 or in person at any Southwest, Columbus or Worthington Public Library location. Southwest Public
Libraries also offer e-mail notifications, which include advanced "due" and "overdue" notices. From the library's website, click on "About You" to sign up.
CLOSED Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 for Christmas; CLOSED Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1 for New Year's Day.
Normal hours will resume Tuesday, July 6.
Librarians from our three locations have compiled lists of badly needed books, CDs, DVDs, videos and more on the Amazon.com Web site:
Click on an item (or items) you would like to add to one of SPL's collections, enter your billing information, and the item(s) will be shipped directly to SPL to be cataloged and placed on our shelves! And remember, all Amazon.com Wish List purchases are tax-deductible. Going on Vacation? Place a Vacation Hold. Going on vacation? Don't want to miss your reserve while you are gone? Then place a Vacation Hold. In "About You", listed under Reserves, is the new Vacation Hold feature. This function allows you to enter dates you will be gone, and to clear the vacation hold should you return sooner than expected. If material you have reserved becomes ready for pick up between the dates you entered, we will pass it on to the next person in line while you are gone and when you return you will be the first in line again.
NOTE: this does NOT affect items already available for pickup. Adopt a Topic and Support the Library You can be of tremendous help to Southwest Public Libraries during the worst financial crisis in the history of this library system. With your partnership in Adopt a Topic the library's various collections will continue to grow and remain up-to-date. You select the general topic of your choice--i.e. animals, biographies, cats, children's, coins/currency, collectibles, computers, cooking, countries, crafts, decorating, dinosaurs, dogs, ethnic groups, fashions, financial information, fish, flowers, folklore, gardening, genealogy, geography, history, holidays, horses, how-to books, insects, languages, literature, medical, military, music, mysteries, mythology, national parks, nature, painting, philosophy, poetry, religion, repair books, romances, science fiction, sciences, sewing, space exploration, sports/recreation, transportation, travel, westerns, wild animals, etc.; and, the format of your choice--i.e. audio book, hardback/paperback book, DVD, large print, magazines, music CD, VHS-video, etc. Your monetary donation will be used to purchase new items for your selected category. Specific titles/items will be selected by the appropriate library staff in accordance with library collection policies and to meet the needs of the community. You may also select the library building location of your choice to receive your purchased items--simply check the appropriate location on the form. If no location is selected, items will be distributed to the location most in need of the topic you have requested. All purchased items will receive an identification label which will be affixed to the item giving you recognition for your gift. Names of donors will be published and placed on the library bulletin boards -- quarterly, and will be acknowledged in one of the library newsletter Happenings!.
Please take the time now to share your financial support with the library by completing the Adopt-a-Topic form available on this Web site or at any SPL circulation desk and returning it with your donation to library staff with checks payable to Southwest Public Libraries, 3359 Park Street, Grove City, Ohio 43123, ATTN: Office Manager. For more information, all 875-6716, ext. 133. Email Reserve and Overdue Notices Are Here! You can now receive notification of overdue items and reserved items available for pickup via your email address. Just click on "About You" at the bottom of the screen here, enter your library card number and PIN, then click on "Preferences" under Custom Notification.
You can choose email notification for any or all of the following: reserve items ready for pickup, materials within 24 hours of their due date, and materials overdue. SPL Future in Jeopardy Staff, patrons, trustees, and Friends of Southwest Public Libraries traveled to the statehouse lawn downtown on Wednesday, April 2nd to participate in the "Ohio Loves Libraries" rally sponsored by the Ohio Library Council. More than 400 people from around the state took part in the event. The focus of the rally was to draw attention to the declining amount of state funding received by Ohio's public libraries. Services provided to Ohioans by the state's 250 public libraries are in jeopardy because of declining income tax revenue and additional budget cuts. State funding for Ohio's public libraries through the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF) is scheduled for nearly total elimination in the 2003-2004 biennium. Drastic cuts are being considered by the legislature. The financial picture for your public library is grim. How will these cuts in library funding affect you, as a library customer? Because SPL has no local income tax or property tax, state funding provides more than 95% of the operating budget. Therefore, any massive cuts in state funding will jeopardize the very existence of Southwest Public Libraries. You can help the future of SPL by contacting your legislators (listed below) urging the continuation of the LLGSF.
The Hon. Ray Miller, Senate 15th District (includes Grove City)
The Hon. Steven Stivers, Senate 16th District
The Hon. Geoffrey Smith, House 24th District
The Hon. Dan Stewart, House 25th District (includes Jackson and Franklin Townships)
The Hon. Larry Wolpert, House 23th District (includes Grove City, Pleasant and Prairie Townships) Library Board Votes to Cut Hours, Staff, Materials The Board of Trustees of Southwest Public Libraries (SPL) voted at their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 11 to scale back the library's operation in the areas of hours, staff and dollars spent on library materials such as books, videos and DVDs. This is in response to a 10% loss in funding for the library in 2002, which adds up to more than $400,000 to date. Library officials are bracing for further cuts as the state legislature struggles to balance the budget and prepare for the next biennium. Preliminary information coming out of the Governor's office indicates that SPL stands to lose at least another $120,000 - $150,000 during 2003, with significant further cuts a possibility if Ohio's economy does not improve. Cuts approved by the SPL Board of Trustees are the following:
Southwest Public Libraries receives more than 94.5% of its funding from the State of Ohio and has no local tax support. In November, district voters turned down a 1-mill property tax levy to support the
library. This was the SPL's seventh attempt to pass a levy since 1986. Southwest Public Libraries is the only library system in Franklin County that receives no local funding. Sunday Hours Have Been Discontinued Due to continued reductions in funding from the state of Ohio, Southwest Public Libraries has discontinued Sunday hours at all locations. SPL hours now are:
Grove City Library, Westland Area Library
Central Crossing Library SPL Asks for Tax Levy in November On November 5, 2002, voters in our library district will decide on a 15-year, 1-mill operating levy that will be used to replace state funding that has already been lost, compensate for further cuts down the road, and carry out development plans for a brighter future for your libraries. Here is some information that will help you make your decision. The Problem: Southwest Public Libraries relies solely on the state of Ohio for income, a source of funding that continues to erode. Voters in this district pay local taxes for public schools, fire department, children's services, zoo and others, but NOT LIBRARIES.
Consider this: And, Our Funding is still in Decline A series of funding cuts from the state (our sole source of income) combined with tremendous growth in our district have made it necessary to seek local funding for the library.
Library cutbacks already made:
The Proposal: The library Board of Trustees has proposed a 1-mill, 15-year operating levy that will generate approximately $2 million dollars annually.
Without passage of this levy, the Board will be forced to cut services to the public, including the following:
The Payback: Passage of this levy is an investment in a bright future for our community. A very small additional dollar amount from each taxpayer will secure the financial future of your library. No additional cuts in services, such as loss of Sunday hours, would be necessary, and improvements would include the following:
SPL Closed on Memorial Day The Grove City Library, Westland Area Library, and Central Crossing Library will all be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day. SPL is Reaching Out to Area Businesses Southwest Public Libraries will be reaching out to the business community in the coming weeks. Selected businesses in the area will be receiving a questionnaire in the mail asking how the library can best meet their business information needs. The library's goal with this survey is to gather enough information to enhance services to business and better serve the community. A library task force has been appointed to look into ways of strengthening library services to business. Reference Librarian and Task Force Chair Michele Lowe said "The library highly values its business clientele and wishes to provide the best possible service to the business community. This survey will strengthen our commitment to do just that." Surveys will be mailed February 8 and will be available at the library or this Web site through March 1 to other interested businesses who do not receive one in the mail. Pick up and fill out a survey at the reference desk at either the Grove City Library, 3359 Park St., or the Westland Area Library, 4740 W. Broad St., or click here. Information professionals in the reference departments at Southwest Public Libraries currently connect business customers with a wealth of fine services including many online resources, audio-visual materials on starting and operating a business, print resources such as the Standard Industrial Classification for marketing research, Ohio government and legal resources, business newspapers and magazines, directories such as Thomas Register, Standard & Poor's, Dun & Bradstreet and many others. For more information about the specific services to business offered at Southwest Public Libraries, call or stop by the reference desk at either the Grove City Library, 875-6716 extension 25, or the Westland Area Library, 878-1301 extension 25. Please Help our Bucks for Books Program Southwest Public Libraries asks for your help and support in a campaign to purchase new books. Our library funding from the state has been cut significantly and we are asking for help from the community to supplement the library's book collections. We want to continue to offer the excellent selection of materials our customers deserve without having to ask the residents of our community to increase their taxes. Please consider making a donation to the BUCK$ FOR BOOKS program. When you make a donation to the program, your name will be placed on a silhouette form of a book and permanently hung in the library. Patrons who donate $1,000 or more will have their name etched on a special plaque. Please take this time to share your financial support for this worthy cause. You may pick up a BUCK$ FOR BOOKS form at the circulation desk at either the Grove City or Westland Area Library. For more information, contact Martha Hamilton, Office Manager, at 875-6716, extension 33. State Cuts Library Funding State funding for Ohio's public libraries through the Library and Local Government Support Fund (LLGSF) was frozen for the 2002-2003 biennium. In addition, funding for Internet access to libraries via OPLIN (the Ohio Public Library Information Network), is now being deducted from the LLGSF instead of a separate fund, translating to actual reduced revenue for libraries. State income tax receipts are down. Additional cuts are being considered by the legislature. The financial picture for your public library is grim. How will these cuts in library funding affect you, as a library customer? Because SPL has no local income tax, state funding provides more than 95% of the operating budget. Therefore, the cuts will mean significant reduction in your library services. In fact, a hiring freeze has been imposed and a number of cuts have already been made. Initially, you will probably notice: Depending on the duration of this budget crisis, you may also see: What can you do? You can help Southwest Public Libraries through this difficult period by: 1. Being patient; you may have to wait longer for materials and services. We promise to do the best we can with less. 2. Contacting your legislators (listed below) urging the earliest possible restoration of the LLGSF. The Hon. Ray Miller, Senate 15th District (includes Grove City) Senate Building, Room 15 Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 466-5131 The Hon. Steven Stivers, Senate 16th District Senate Building, Room 221 Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 466-5981 The Hon. Geoffrey Smith, House 24th District Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43266 Phone: 466-7954 The Hon. Dan Stewart, House 25th District (includes Jackson and Franklin Townships) Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., 10th Floor Columbus, OH 43266 Phone: 466-1896 The Hon. Larry Wolpert, House 23th District (includes Grove City, Pleasant and Prairie Townships) Riffe Center, 77 S. High St., 13th Floor Columbus, OH 43266 Phone: 466-9690 3. Donating to Southwest Public Libraries through the Bucks For Books Program and/or the Memorial/Honor Books Program. 4. Joining the Friends of SPL. For more information, contact Mark Shaw, Director, Southwest Public Libraries, at 875-6716 extension 19 or email at mshaw@swpl.org |
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Southwest Public Libraries 3359 Park St. Grove City, OH 43123 Phone: (614) 875-6716 Comments and suggestions? webmaster@swpl.org © Copyright Southwest Public Libraries 2002 |