The Library Foundation met last week to discuss their 2021 budget which runs January-December. They approved two major projects: a new teen area and face-out browser bins for picture books.
Teen Area
The Youth Computer Lounge, funded by the Foundation in 2015, is a great spot for older elementary-aged kids and younger teens. Older teens prefer to hang out in the east/adult side of the library in spots that are out of view of staff. The foundation agreed to fund a glass wall that will enclose the glass alcove adjacent to the Archive Room to turn it into a space for older teens. During the school day, the space will be open to all. After school, only teens will be admitted. Details on furnishing, amenities, and staffing are being discussed. Installation will occur in February or March. Music CDs will be moved to the style of bins that house the kids music CDs to open-up the area in front of the space.
Picture Book Browsing
The foundation’s other major project for 2021 is converting two sections of shelving in the YS area into face-out bins for picture books. The bins will be organized by categories–like “Animals”, “Holidays”, and “Characters”–to make browsing of one our most popular collections easier for patrons. Megan and Dreama are discussing categories, call numbers, and other details on how these books will be organized. The bins will likely arrive in February.
J & YA Overdue Fees
For several months, the library board has been discussing the idea of eliminating fines on juvenile and YS books and audiobooks. At last night’s board meeting, they agreed to include elimination of past fines on these materials as well when it is put to a vote at their December meeting. The measure would go into effect January 2021. Going completely or partially fine-free has been a trend in public libraries in recent years as libraries seek ways to remove barriers to access particularly for lower income patrons. Research and anecdotal reports suggest that such a move does not correlate with significant increases in overdue items; does correlate with an increased rate of return of long-overdue items; and, not surprisingly, seems to prompt the return of patrons who avoided the library for fear of accruing fees. (See this page for a nice collection of articles on libraries’ experiences going fine-free.)