>\' haverfordtownship free library

AprilS, 2013

PllOVIDING YOU WITH llESOUilCES, PllOGJI.AMS, AND SEilVICES

THAT ENHANCE AND ENiliC H YOUil LIFE

I am pleased to provide you with a copy of the Haverford Township Free Library's 2012 Annual Report that speaks of our year of service to the community and to our many customers and visitors. You can be assured of our continued commitment to excellence in library materials, programs and services to our residents. As you will see in the report, the PA Forward initiatives that we have embraced over the last year have been at the forefront of publicity for our many programs.

Again this year, HTFL ranked as the leader in circulation of library materials of the 28 libraries that make up the Delaware County Library System. Your support of our initiatives made this possible and on behalf of the Library's Board of Trustees, Staff and customers, I THANK YOU!

You can trust that our WiFi continues to connect the countless community users who come into the Library with their laptops and other electronic devices. Recently we underwent an upgrade to our wireless internet due to the amount of traffic we experience on a daily basis.

Our wonderful and giving volunteers in 2012 helped us save almost $54,000, and we continue to make efforts to be conscientious stewards of the township's annual appropriation to the Library.

The fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library group have also assisted us this past year with many purchases. Some of these items include a mobile computer lab, and a public address and program sound system for all three floors that will add quality to our programs along with announcements for paging and security issues. As they have for several years, the Friends have donated for the very essential Summer Reading Club (SRC) for children, teens and adults.

I could go on and on, but my message to you is one of gratitude for helping to make HTFL all that it is for our community in the Township of Haverford.

Sincerely yours,

Christine D. Faris, Library Director

Attachment

PH O NE 61 0 -t.-1.6 3082 I FAX 610 8 5 3 309 0 I 1601 DARBY ROAD I HAVERTOWN , PENNSYLVANIA 19083 I WWW.HAVERFOR D LIBRARY.O R G

Board of Trustees

The Haverford Township Free Library is governed by a seven member Board of Trustees. Three Trustees are elected by the Haverford Township Free Library Association (A) and four are appointed by the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners (C).

Christopher Blackwall (A), President Christine Cavalier-Purpura (A), Vice President Garv Zlotnick (C), Treasurer Leslie Mastronardo (C), Secretary, term ends 12/31/2012 Robert Cohen (C) Angela Gasparro (C) Chad Urban (A) Monica Boccella (C), term begins 1/1/2013

Management Team

The Haverford Township Free Library staff is led by a seven member management team including the Library Director and department managers.

Christine Faris, Library Director Michele Caesar, Technical Services Manager Mary Lou Kolowitz, Reference Manager Anny Laepple, Youth Services Manager Donna Reeves, Business and Building Manager Mary Bear Shannon, Program and Grants Manager San1antha Shepherd, Circulation Manager

The mission of the Haverford Township Free l-ibrary is to provide residents of the Township of Haverford, as well as the public at large, with exemplary access to the broadest possible range of resources, programs and services that enhance and enrich their lives.

The Ilaverford Township Free Library is a registered 501(c)3, non-profit organization.

From the Director

In 2012, the Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL) joined with libraries across the Commonwealth in the P A Forward initiative to help Pennsylvanians improve essential literacy skills.

HTFL knows that an educated public with better access to information is key to powering progress across the Township. With a commitment to lifelong learning, we are embracing new technology, community access, and fostering innovative partnerships to move us forward!

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Through the emphasis of five areas of literacy - basic, information, civic and social, health, and financial - HTFL is connecting the Haverford Township com1nunity with the tools we all need for success!

Thank you,

~~-~ Christine D. Faris Library Director

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LIBH.\IUES

• The Library's collection has something for everyone from best sellers to cookbooks to graphic novels to eReader downloads.

• Each year, our storytimes and reading programs bring more than 10,000 children and caregivers together and emphasize the importance of creating lifelong readers.

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INFORMATION LITERACY I

• Book-a-Librarian today and get one-on-one assistance from a professional reference librarian - anything from learning a new computer program, or how to use your e-Reader, to researching your family tree!

• Through the Delaware County Library System and the Power Library Network, we provide access to 75+ online research databases for 24/7 service.

• Customers of HTFL logged 18,300 hours on public access computers with high speed internet connections and free in-house wireless connections!

CIVIC AND SOCIAL LITERACY

• Engaging with the community is at the heart of our m1sswn. By partnering with local organizations the Library brings you the best possible programs and services.

• HTFL subscribes to more than too newspapers and magazines. Relax in our "Living Room" with the day's news.

• National and local authors regularly visit the Township to connect with students and residents.

HEALTH LITERACY

• Working with local health care professionals, we've hosted discussions on hip and knee pain, sleep issues and other concerns.

• The collections of HTFL provide customers much needed health information through subscriptions to health and nutrition newsletters and access to medical reference materials.

FINANCIAL LITERACY

• HTFL recognizes the important role that small businesses play in the local community. Through our Annual Business Breakfast and Workshops for the business community, we are connecting with these stakeholders regularly. A Business Advisory Group keeps librarians in touch with what a business needs.

• Through workshops, webinars, and one-on-one assistance, we provide resume andjob searching assistance.

Friends of HTFL

The Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library supported the library in 2012 as they have the past ten years. Their fundraising opportunities through events like the annual Book Sales, Garden Tour of Haverford Township, flower bulb sales, and Silent Auction during the Library Celebration, have resulted in donations of $140,000 year-to­date.

Their efforts have 1nade possible programs like the Summer Reading Club and Book Bites Luncheon, and assisted in the purchases of a Mobile Computer Lab to the public address system, library material purchases, and new shelving units.

Volunteers

Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library 2012 Board of Directors

Tim Woestman. President .Janat• Albt·rts. Vice President 1'\ikki Senecal. Secrt>tar\' Patricia 1\il'Faddl'n. Tr~asurl'r 1'\icolt• Bmno Katrine Fantini Vickie Gadomski Angela Gasparro Roger .Jack 1\lichl'llt> .Johns c;erald Radack Richard Ronwjko Steph('n Sch\\'eers

The Haverford Township Free Library had year round dedicated volunteers with the additional support during the 2012 summer season for a total of 2.434 hours. The combined efforts resulted in a cost savings of $53,889 to HTFL during the last calendar year.

Without a doubt, we were grateful for our volunteers.

Partners in the Community

Our 2012 Sponsors played an important role in the funding of HTFL.

Please express your appreciation to them by patronizing their businesses:

• Ardmore Toyota/Scion • Casemate Publishing • DAEDALUS Education Services • Drexel University Online • Foote Orthodontics • iRadioPhilly.com • Joel Perlish Photography

• Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel • Oakmont National Pub • Peppers Cafe & Catering • Ranieri and Kerns Associates • Rotary Club of Haverford Township • Zarwin, Baum, DeVito, Kaplan,

Schaer, Toddy, P.C. Attorneys at Law

2012 Open the Book Library Celebration

And the Winners were ...

About 85 people enjoyed a night of cocktails, dinner, music, dancing, and a Silent Auction, hosted by the Friends of HTFL to celebrate libraries and to honor organizations and individuals in the cmnmunity.

The 2012 award winners: • John and Mary Lou Toal Award of

Honor: MusicWorks (accepted by Jerry and Lori O'Leary)

• Community Partner Award: Friends of the Grange Estate

• Outstanding Community Advocate: Mary Beth Lauer

• Outstanding Library Advocate: Richard Romejko, Friends of HTFL Board Member and H.O.M.Express Volunteer

Behind the Scenes, the 2012 Statistics Highlights

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• Number of Library materials circulated: 357,277

• Number of Haverford Township residents who have Library cards: 25,000 (so% of the 48,491 residents own a Library card)

• Number of programs: 574

• Number of program attendees: 15,465

• Number of reference questions answered: 57,512

• Number of visitors: 225,000

• Number of cataloged items in HTFL's collections: 132,062

• Number of staff: 31 (6 full time-25 part time)

HTFL 1 0-year Total Circulation History

Looking forward to 2013

2013 will bring a year of new library services, including a Mobile Learning Lab, and eReaders for children, teens and adults, along with many more changes!

Additionally, a space utilization study, performed by Casaccio Yu Architects and Himmel and Wilson, Library Consultants, will look at ways to make the building and spaces of HTFL more efficient and better utilized for our library users and staff.

t? >\' haverfordtownship free library

NEEDS STATEMENT FOR THE HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP FREE LIBRARY

Prepared by Christine D. Faris, Libra1y Director March 25, 2013

Providing for the infonnational, recreational, social and cultural needs of a community for every resident and every age group can present its unique opportunities, but also its complicated challenges. This describes the Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL), a community hub located in a public building that has over 225,000 visitors each year. There is a definitive need to provide ADA compliant services through space, elevator size and restroom facilities. Heating, electrical and plumbing elements have all been a drain on Township resources and have been an inconvenience for residents. In addition, the 17 parking spaces that make up the Library's parking lot are inadequate. I think we can all agree that it is the time to address these needs.

How can the Township of Haverford and .lp'FL address all of the above concerns to remain a vital public service building for the existing residents, and attracting potential residents to the community? The answer is to respond to these specific needs through a proactive approach to the building's infrastn1cture.

Background of the Township ofHaverford

The Township of Haverford has a population of 48,491 residents (2010 Census) made up of 18,350 households. The breakdown in population is as follows:

• Under 18 ........ 11,401

• 20-24 ............ .... 2,856

• 25-34·········· ·· ····5,179

e 35-49···············10,132

0 50-64 ............... 10,082

e 65 and over ..... 7,433

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Almost a quarter of the residents are under 18 years of age, and over one-third of the township population is above so years of age, two significant age groups that use the Library significantly.

The Township of Haverford prides itself on the importance of recreation in the community with its parks, fields, playgrounds, nature and walking trails, the Skatium and the newest facility, the Community Recreation Center, or as it is referred to as the CREC. The "Y" will soon become a fixture in the Township to add another level of fitness to the mix.

In addition, the community puts great emphasis on its educational system via the School District of Haverford Township and the private schools within the municipality. The School District has had very good ratings for many years and the tradition continues.

From a real estate viewpoint, prospective families recognize a stable Township community in the neighborhoods of Haverford Township and look to purchase homes in this specific area for the very reasons stated above.

How the Public Library Fits Into the Equation

The Haverford Township Free Library is another reason people look at this community. I can tell you about the nmnber of people who have called and/or visited the Library to speak to me because they were considering the purchase of a home in the township and the public library was an important consideration in their decision. Public Libraries have been and continue to be a very important component in a community. Why? Because of the vital services provided to residents of all ages daily, and 24 hours a day (through HTFL's powerful website.)

Since 1933 the Township of Haverford's Commissioners have seen the need for a public library in their community, and thanks to their vision, the Haverford Township Free Library will have been in continuous operation for 8o years in May 2013.

The Haverford Township Free Library, and what it provides to its 48,491 residents in the community, is an important part of the mix in the key elements recognized in Haverford Township of recreation and education, adding to the quality of life for its many users of every age group. The importance of socialization, lifelong learning and cultural opporttmities must be considered as well. Through its annual appropriation, the Commissioners provide additional important pieces to the recreational and educational needs of their constituents on a daily basis. Yes, the Township of Haverford has answered the need for a public library through its important community services. The Library brings all of the facets of life in the township together through collections of library materials, professional research assistance, programs and events, and instructional use of the Library, including online databases, technology, etc., or just a

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place to be. We cannot ignore the importance of these services in the community. Just a few of these services include:

• Educational opportunities for young and old

• One-on-One computer instnrction

o Chess club

• Meeting room space

• Teen groups

~a Public internet computers

• Wireless Internet access

o Electronic readers with books installed-new

• Storytimes

• Film series

• Author visits

• Musical programs

o Bestsellers

e Tutoring space

e Mobile Computer Learning Lab including 11 MacBook Air laptops-new

e Homebound delivery service (H.O.M.Express)

o Readers Advisory (personalized reading recommendations)

• Summer Reading Club for children, teens and adults

HTFL has seen a remarkable change in the last five years with substantial use, despite the advent and use of electronic devices for reading, indicating its definitive need in the Township. It is important to note that the library staff continually addresses the ever­evolving technological era. More college students are taking advantage of online learning and many of them come into the library to do their research and submit papers on the public internet computers. There is also the digital divide to consider in Haverford Township given the economic climate with some homes having to drop basic internet service due to rising costs and job layoffs. Some people simply cannot afford these services. Pew Internet Research conducted a study on Public Library use in the Digital Age recently to find that libraries are being used now more than ever, see the article at http: //libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/ 01/22/library-services/

The Pennsylvania Library Association has been attracting library advocates through their campaign, P A Forward that focuses specifically on lifelong learning through focused literacies: Basic, Infonnation, Civic and Social, Health, and Financial. When a program is held at HI'FL, one of the five literacy's is showcased.

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Within the Delaware County Library System there are 28 member libraries, of which Haverford Township Free Library is the leading library in terms of circulation oflibrary materials. As of 12/31/2012, 70% of the residents of Haverford Township use their own library at 1601 Darby Road for their library materials.

The Real Numbers

During the 2012 peak season, with the summer reading club and other programs, we averaged about 1,000 visitors a day at the Library. Program usage was another constant at the Library. Annual attendance at the 301 children's programs numbered 9,742; teen program attendance was 1,636, and adult programs totaled 171 with 4,087 in attendance, bringing grand totals to 574 programs with 15,465 customers of all ages visiting HTFL. Circulation of library materials increased 7.35% over 2011 indicating a strong continuing need for the Haverford Township Free Library's services in 2012.

Haverford Township Free Library Ten Year Circulation History: 2003-2012

400000 ,-- --- ·---------·----------------1 347,558 358,409 357277

350000 .., 318,165 310 381 313 425 303,814 , ,

250000 I

200000 ..:

15oooo I

100000 1

50000

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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I11e Stories

A mother of two-year-old triplets brings her children to the library at 10:15 am pushing their large stroller into a small elevator to a storytime on the second floor, joining over 50 other parents/ caregivers and babies in attendance. One morning I take the opportunity and speak to her to thank her for coming to the program. "No," she says, "THANK YOU, for having this storytime. This program gives me the chance to get out of the house with my children and bring them to something worthwhile." Why would she go to all of the trouble to get them up, fed, dressed and out the door by 10:00 am and bring them to the Library? Answer, so that she can meet other caregivers and her three children can socialize with other children. This mother's need is to have her children experience the storytelling, singing and learning opportunity while she is meeting with others who have the same need. HTFL is providing a service to young parents and caregivers by introducing them to a fundamental need of growth-storytelling and socializing. At the same time, the parents have the chance themselves to network for play dates, and the advantage of another parent's experience.

The new resident in the community comes to the library to register for library cards and to learn about the neighborhood and to meet new acquaintances while their children play together in the Children's Room. Many a play date and babysitter has been discovered by the new person on the block as a result of their trip to the Library.

What is the need of the 75 year old woman who has recently been widowed? Answer, an avenue of socialization to come to the library every Friday morning to knit with other women who find themselves in the same situation. Or, that this same age group of women can grow their mind ""ith younger women in the group, all with a common ground-a love of needlework. Our subject finds the need to fill her calendar on one morning of the week \-vith the purpose of waking up, getting dressed and coming to the library to engage with others.

MahJong has become a very popular game for groups of individuals to come together at the Library to keep their minds sharp.

What about the individual who needs to learn more computer skills in order to get a job, or the one who needs assistance on the computer to fill out a job application and help in preparing a resume? There are those who come to HTFL for individualized one-on-one computer instruction, with a professionally trained librarian, in order to maximize their time.

Listening to an author discuss her new book, the process of writing, and her Japanese heritage is a pleasure experienced by a sold out audience of 55 individuals on a cold and rainy Tuesday morning at HTFL, the only Delaware County visit this out of town author

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will make. There was a need for those people who paid $15 to have lunch with each

other and to hear the author.

Another draw to the library is the need for the business community to come together for a meeting with a client, find the resources for starting, planning and increasing their

businesses, and attend workshops devoted to their needs. The Annual Business Breakfast held at the Library promotes community businesses and allows for networking opportunities.

The teen community finds their needs met in the dedicated afterschool program with 15-

40 teens taking part in planned activities, manned by a professional teen librarian. One of the remarkable things about this program is that the teens are learning without knowing it. It is also a level playing field with middle school kids working alongside high school kids with the older ones helping the younger ones with homework. Working

parents appreciate the Library for the opportunity to have their teens supervised in a safe space until they can be picked up after work; the result, engaged teens and parents

whose needs are met within the confines of our Library community. You can also find middle and high school kids meeting in groups to do homework assignments, or those sitting alone doing homework, again waiting for parents.

The Homeschooling community appreciates the need to have their children of all ages

adapted not only into the social aspect of schooling, but through the public library's ability to provide supplemental academic programming.

Tutors have an ongoing need for tutoring space at HTFL, and the Library provides what space they have on various levels of the building.

Homebound residents can enjoy the Library just as much as someone who is able to visit on a regular basis on their own power through a service called H.O.M.Express (Homebound Outreach Mobile Express.) Approximately 45 residents receive regular monthly delivery of Library materials via a dedicated volunteer, with many others on an "on call" basis. A database of homebound residents is kept current with their likes or

dislikes in reading material, along with items they have already seen so there is no duplication.

Many more personal stories can be told that indicate how people became involved in the Library and had their needs met.

The Building at 1601 Darby Road

Let us turn our attention to the physical building occupying 1601 Darby Road that houses the only public library in Havertown. It has served its residents well, but the

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building has many cunent problems and that, if ignored, we will be faced with much more serious ones in the foreseeable future.

The part of the Library that encompasses the original building, a former bank building, built in the early twenties, at the corner of Darby and Mill Roads, is a lovely, well lit space, but in certain areas the room has a concentration of heavy doses of unfiltered sun. Temperatures can become very warm during the late spring and summer months. It has had problems with leaks due to inadequate and ill-placed gutters that needed to be conected. Sight lines from the main Library Circulation Desk to this area are nonexistent causing problems with security issues.

The two story addition, completed in 1979 has a myriad of significant and potentially serious problems, including:

o All restrooms are not ADA compliant and ventilation is extremely poor

" The elevator that is not ADA compliant and often experiences problems, e.g. a timer breaking in the elevator after a recently held program and a 99 year old woman had to take the steep stairs from the lower level Community Room to the first floor

o Temperature va1iations exist with the heat and air conditioning throughout the entire building and the inability to regulate; no air conditioning on a very warm spring day or no heat on an early frosty morning

,. Windows that cannot be opened to allow for hot air expulsion on the second floor in the clerestory of the Children's Room allo\o\-ing for temperatures in the go's for extended periods of time

e An aging HV AC system, close to the end of its life, with an oil tank buried in the parking lot that has shut down the oil burner three times over a three week period due to accumulating water in the oil tank-necessitating it to be pumped out each time (250 gallons, 350 gallons, 300 gallons of water)

Q No natural gas in the building

~ Inadequate and constantly broken automated front doors

<.) Inadequate electrical capacity for staff and customers

• No hot water on upper levels

o Window leakage

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• Inadequate kitchen facilities for large programs and events in the Community Room

• Inadequate storage on each floor

• Inefficient office space; inadequate meeting and tutoring space

• Unusable areas at HTFL due to no staffing

• And much, much more.

The Board of Trustees, Staff, Friends of HTFL, Library customers and residents of the community want, need and deserve a refurbished Library that is:

• Energy efficient

• Sustainable

• ADA compliant throughout including restrooms, elevator, wide aisles

• Able to provides more and better natural lighting through windows and glass with "e" rated or filtered glass

• Modern HVAC system that allows for unpredictable changes in weather patterns

• New electrical system that will grow with the use of technology and not depend on electrical panel boxes to turn lights on and off in the building; not to have to depend on stringing power strips together in order to have several laptops and computers in use at the same time

• Private space for delicate reference interviews

• Flexibility for library collections, programs, meeting spaces, tutoring spaces to meet the needs of a 21st Century Library

• And, much, much more!

Additional, more convenient parking with relaxed parking restrictions on neighboring streets would complete the picture.

THANK YOU, for seeing the need for the Haverford Township Free Library, the need for energy efficiency, and a sustainable, efficient infrastructure in the present building.

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UTILITIES:

ELECTRIC OIL 2010 $59,925 2011 $53,951 2012 $55,242

TOTALS $169,118

GRAND TOTAL

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS:

TOTAL

2010 2011 2012

$40,659 $50,585 $43,061

$134,305

HTFL UTILITY AND MAINTENANCE COSTS

WATER

$4,350 $24,942 $3,819

$4,586

$24,942 $12,755

$206,815

**$50,000 for replacement of carpets not included