We really want to know what people in town are interested in having at the local library. Our goal is to direct staff time and energy to services and programs that will meet a need, rather than deciding abstractly on something we would like to offer.
This past Thursday morning, January 24, the Parents’ Focus Group met with 7 folks in attendance. Some great suggestions were generated plus a lot of ideas on how to get information to parents about programs being run by the libraries. The use of the schools to spread the word will be put into action soon.
On Saturday, Jan. 26 16 Mature Adults (not “seniors”) as they suggested the group be named, met to give us lots of opinions and ideas. The group was tech savvy, most of those involved have emails and are Internet users. With suggestions from adding a fireplace (we have two in the original building, stop in and see them) and a Starbuck’s café to offering more best sellers and even charging to use them, they kept the comments lively.
The same day in the afternoon there were four people present to bring issues relating to limits on access to the buildings and programs in the Disability Focus Group. By this point many of the opinions were shared by all the groups – limits to hours, days and spaces of both libraries were felt by these folks as well. Naturally the need for an elevator was expressed but this is something anyone on crutches or a cane needs, as well as the mom with a stroller, so it’s not limited to disabled residents alone.
Many thanks to all the Sheltonites who have come forward to share their time and ideas. It is encouraging to hear the nice things most people have to say about the staff and the collections. It is necessary to hear the criticisms and negative comments to fine tune staff time and funding for the best results.
If you will not be able to make a focus group, please send comments to the blog or email: elydon@biblio.org with “planning” as the subject. Community input will end the middle of February, after the final sessions on Feb. 9. So let your attitude lead the way – tell us why you don’t like something, where changes should be made, what additions would improve the libraries. Don’t worry about how your suggestion will be implemented, that’s the job for the planning committee, staff and library board. Just tell us where we are coming up short, brief comments are sufficient – we don’t need an essay answer.
The future is waiting…
Monday, January 28, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Finding our focus
Beth Mainiero shared open time with library staff to get an insider’s view of the good, the bad and the hoped for of the libraries in Shelton. The hour long session during regular staff meeting time on Friday, Jan. 11 yielded three pages of comments, concerns and suggestions. Following that, Ms Mainiero met with the Long Range Planning Committee to get other views on how the citizens of Shelton see the library - as it was, as it is and as it could become. Each member of the committee was challenged to get three other Sheltonites to attend one of the forthcoming focus groups. But don’t wait for an invitation – register now.
The Library Board of Directors and the Library Long Range Planning Committee want to help residents create local libraries that are ideal places to get what is needed and wanted in Shelton. What we need is a plan!
Now with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Connecticut State Library Plumb and the Huntington Branch libraries can chart a future for the coming years. The IMLS is an independent federal agency that grows and sustains a “Nation of Learners,” because lifelong learning is critical to success.
Following an open application process this fall Cupolo Consulting of Milford was selected to help direct the planning process. Beth Mainiero, principal, has been a librarian in Connecticut since the 70’s when she created the Popular Library for the public library in Bridgeport. Since then she has been director of both Hamden and Greenwich libraries. She began her career in Ohio and next served as a branch director in Maryland. All of this giving her insight into the running of public libraries of all sizes and purposes.
Beth’s planning consultancy started with Greenwich Library where it culminated in 5 building renovations and construction projects, including working with world renowned architect Cesar Pelli. She has contributed her skills in planning and managing building construction all over Connecticut and into Rhode Island. Most recently she assisted directors in Middlebury and Trumbull to bring community members together for planning their libraries’ futures.
The Library Board of Directors and the Library Long Range Planning Committee want to help residents create local libraries that are ideal places to get what is needed and wanted in Shelton. What we need is a plan!
Now with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Connecticut State Library Plumb and the Huntington Branch libraries can chart a future for the coming years. The IMLS is an independent federal agency that grows and sustains a “Nation of Learners,” because lifelong learning is critical to success.
Following an open application process this fall Cupolo Consulting of Milford was selected to help direct the planning process. Beth Mainiero, principal, has been a librarian in Connecticut since the 70’s when she created the Popular Library for the public library in Bridgeport. Since then she has been director of both Hamden and Greenwich libraries. She began her career in Ohio and next served as a branch director in Maryland. All of this giving her insight into the running of public libraries of all sizes and purposes.
Beth’s planning consultancy started with Greenwich Library where it culminated in 5 building renovations and construction projects, including working with world renowned architect Cesar Pelli. She has contributed her skills in planning and managing building construction all over Connecticut and into Rhode Island. Most recently she assisted directors in Middlebury and Trumbull to bring community members together for planning their libraries’ futures.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Welcome Shawn Fields!
The welcome mat is out at the Huntington Branch Library in the Community Center on Church Street. Shawn Fields has taken over as Director of the Branch Library, as of Jan. 2. The staff of both Plumb and Huntington are excited to have a new professional joining the Shelton library team with new energy, ideas and insights.
Shawn comes to Shelton from Sacred Heart University where he was the Ryan-Matura Library Communications and Outreach Librarian from 2005 to this past fall. Before that, he worked at Quinnipiac’s Arnold Bernhard Library in circulation while attending SCSU for his library degree. His undergrad degree is from UConn in business management, following graduation he spent time in the business world. All of this makes him a great addition to the community.
When you have a moment, drop in at the Branch to meet the newest kid on the library block. He will be glad to take some time to talk the folks in town.
Shawn comes to Shelton from Sacred Heart University where he was the Ryan-Matura Library Communications and Outreach Librarian from 2005 to this past fall. Before that, he worked at Quinnipiac’s Arnold Bernhard Library in circulation while attending SCSU for his library degree. His undergrad degree is from UConn in business management, following graduation he spent time in the business world. All of this makes him a great addition to the community.
When you have a moment, drop in at the Branch to meet the newest kid on the library block. He will be glad to take some time to talk the folks in town.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Planning Begins
WE want to be your library. What does your library look like? A cozy place to meet neighbors and friends - share a few moments’ conversation? An easy place to find the answer to a nagging question on taxes or health, pets or cooking? A friendly place for your preschooler to hear music and stories by favorite authors? A fun place for teens to meet and talk, to find a challenging book? A handy place to grab new movies and books - free? An open place to access the Internet at no charge?
Whether we need to change or just advertise better, a plan is needed for Shelton’s libraries to move forward into the future. The Library Long Range Planning Committee is looking for citizens from all areas to come together in a selection of focus groups run by planning consultant Beth Mainiero of Cupola Consulting in Milford. All ideas and suggestions are welcome, none of them will be “wrong” although some may not be within the realm of library activities. This process is essential to creating a plan that reflects what Shelton wants for Shelton libraries, no one else can do it but you. Each session provides refreshments and requires registration. Call a friend and register: 924-1580 (Plumb) or 926-0111 (Huntington).
The Library Board of Directors is grateful to Shelton residents who have come forward to be part of the Long Range Planning Committee. This panel is composed of Judy Augusta, retired director of Derby Neck Library; Marcia Austin, Children’s Librarian Huntington Branch; Marty Coughlin, Shelton Historical Society; Jan Dadonna, resident; Charlene DeFilippo, Shelton Development Office; Marc and Joan Feeley, library board and educators; Barbara Fritsch, Plumb Children’s Librarian; Karen Jensen, Assistant Director Plumb Memorial Library; Dee Kopec, Shelton PTA and Youth Service Bureau; Lori Sanchez, Valley Regional Adult Ed.; Steve Sabulis, writer and local businessman; Tracey Tate, Shelton Historical Society; Joan Tichy, Shelton High School Media Specialist.
We would still like to add downtown business people and particularly valuable would be insights from someone who does NOT use the library. This process hinges on critical views and visions, even though we love hearing how great the library staff and service can be. We really want to know what we aren’t doing right or well – what a great opportunity! Hope to hear from lots of you.
Whether we need to change or just advertise better, a plan is needed for Shelton’s libraries to move forward into the future. The Library Long Range Planning Committee is looking for citizens from all areas to come together in a selection of focus groups run by planning consultant Beth Mainiero of Cupola Consulting in Milford. All ideas and suggestions are welcome, none of them will be “wrong” although some may not be within the realm of library activities. This process is essential to creating a plan that reflects what Shelton wants for Shelton libraries, no one else can do it but you. Each session provides refreshments and requires registration. Call a friend and register: 924-1580 (Plumb) or 926-0111 (Huntington).
The Library Board of Directors is grateful to Shelton residents who have come forward to be part of the Long Range Planning Committee. This panel is composed of Judy Augusta, retired director of Derby Neck Library; Marcia Austin, Children’s Librarian Huntington Branch; Marty Coughlin, Shelton Historical Society; Jan Dadonna, resident; Charlene DeFilippo, Shelton Development Office; Marc and Joan Feeley, library board and educators; Barbara Fritsch, Plumb Children’s Librarian; Karen Jensen, Assistant Director Plumb Memorial Library; Dee Kopec, Shelton PTA and Youth Service Bureau; Lori Sanchez, Valley Regional Adult Ed.; Steve Sabulis, writer and local businessman; Tracey Tate, Shelton Historical Society; Joan Tichy, Shelton High School Media Specialist.
We would still like to add downtown business people and particularly valuable would be insights from someone who does NOT use the library. This process hinges on critical views and visions, even though we love hearing how great the library staff and service can be. We really want to know what we aren’t doing right or well – what a great opportunity! Hope to hear from lots of you.
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