The “Help Keep Modoc's Libraries” working group, which is a collaboration of the Modoc County Librarian, the Library Advisory Board, and the Friends of the Modoc County Library, was gratified by the enthusiastic response at the public meetings held in Adin, Alturas, Cedarville, and Lookout in January. The show of support for the public library in each community is important and greatly appreciated.
Since the public meetings, the “Help Keep Modoc's Libraries” working group met twice. The working group reviewed the questions and comments presented at the public meetings, looked for common threads, and formed the following subcommittees to address prioritized issues: Communications, Budget/Planning, Fundraising, Volunteers, and the Library Tax.
Progress or updates have been made in the following areas:
1. Library Tax collection: Although the total amount assessed for FY 2011/2012 is $311,346, only $252,000 was budgeted for revenues in the Library's budget. This reduced amount is the anticipated collection based on the Treasurer's report of the previous year. To date, $160,000 has been collected for the current year, plus $6,900 for back taxes.
2. InterLibrary Loan: The Library resumed its InterLibrary Loan (ILL) service on March 12, 2012. Because the State of California eliminated all funding for public libraries, including funding to support resource sharing through the Library's ILL service, the Library now charges a $3.00 per item fee paid by the patron to cover shipping/handling costs.
3. Donations: The Cedarville branch library's hours of operation have been restored to two days per week beginning March 2, 2012, thanks to a $4,000 donation to the Library's budget for FY2011/2012 from the Surprise Valley Rotary. The Friends of the Modoc County Library is donating $13,500 to the Library during 2012 to be used to benefit all branches through purchasing new books and office supplies, and covering the costs of delivering library materials between branches. This donation is in addition to the Friends' contribution of $2,000 to purchase popular books and audiobooks, and $1,300 to purchase other library materials and provide library programs.
4. Revenue increases: The Library is renting storage space at the Alturas library to the Modoc Superior Court at a rate of $200 per month.
5. Public Access Computers: Software on the public access computers has been updated at the Adin and Lookout libraries, and is scheduled to be updated at the Cedarville library this month.
6. Friends of the Modoc County Library: As a result of the public meetings, memberships for the Friends of the Modoc County Library have increased significantly, generating new revenues for the Friends group. The Friends have increased the promotion and availability of Holiday Market gift cards, which are now available at the Alturas library on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in $20, $50, and $100 denominations. The promotion of GoodSearch (see Library's web site at http://modoccountylibrary.org ), has also been stepped up, resulting in a substantial increase in use.
7. Library Tax assessment: the idea of an increased parcel tax or new sales tax was expressed at all public meetings and needs to be explored.
Future reports of the “Help Keep Modoc's Libraries” working group will follow as information is updated. Your participation in the “Help Keep Modoc's Libraries” working group and subcommittees is welcomed and encouraged. The next workshop meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 16, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alturas library.
Reminder: Volunteers are always needed and appreciated to help at the Library. Volunteer application forms are available at all library sites.
Library's contact information: 530-233-6340. For further questions or comments: please use the “Contact Us” link just above the calendar in the left margin of the Library's webpage at http://modoccountylibrary.org .