Immediate needs at the Grand Forks Public Library.

The Library Board and Task Force members are very concerned about the immediate needs of the Grand Forks Public Library should the May 3 ballot measure fail for the proposed 1-cent sales tax. We have several issues that will require City Council intervention (in the form of property tax dollars) such as:

A wheelchair user and GFPL patron demonstrates the difficulty of accessing the librarys non-ADA-compliant shelves.

• The elevator MUST be replaced in 2012 (mandated by manufacturer).
• The bathrooms have to be made ADA-compliant – entrances and stalls.
• The stacks need to be made ADA-compliant – get rid of about 1/3 of the existing shelving, maybe more.
• The HVAC system needs to be replaced.
• The lighting system needs to be replaced (they’re extremely dangerous and have caused two fires).

With no long-term plan to rectify these deficiencies, immediate stop-gap corrections must be put in place. The Grand Forks City Council would be the appropriate governing body to make decisions regarding the inadequacies at the public library. Depending on how comprehensively the problems are addressed, our best guess for an initial cost estimate is between $2 and $5 million. It’s going to cost tax dollars, one way or another.

With stop-gap corrections, the space shortages at GFPL are completely ignored. Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy way to arrive at a cost-effective solution for the lack of square footage. One of the proposed construction options during the three-year Library Revitalization Process was a remodel and addition to the existing building. The total budget for that option came in at $17,815,000 – nearly as much as for totally new construction.

There are several structural challenges with the existing building that create significant issues for a remodel/expand. The 1972 building, although originally intended for second-floor expansion, was not constructed with sufficient ceiling height to accommodate the HVAC and lighting requirements of a 21^st Century Public Library.

Read more about these issues in the GF Library Site Feasibility Study prepared for City Council in January 2011. See pages 12-14 for budget specifics on the remodel/add option.

The Grand Forks Public Library needs more space.

The biggest problem at the current Grand Forks Public Library is the lack of space.

Additional space is needed for:

• Shelving
• Displaying materials
• Programming for children’s story time
• IT hardware
• Power outlets
• Parking
• Civic meetings
• Presentations and exhibits
• Study rooms
• Staff work processing areas
• ADA compliance

Physical space can no longer be carved out of the existing floor plan in our 1972 building. Based on the Needs Assessment prepared by Library Consulting, PA, and comparisons with other communities of similar size and usage patterns, here’s how the current GFPL stacks up:

• 36,556 sq. ft.
• 75 parking spaces
• 50 Internet access computers
• 125 reader seats
• Large meeting room capacity: 80
• Conference room capacity: 0
• Number of small study rooms: 0
• Computer lab: renovated in 2010 with grant money from Knight Foundation & Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Proposed needs based on current usage:

• 62,267 sq. ft.
• 178 parking spaces
• 107 Internet access computers
• 232 reader seats
• Large meeting room capacity: 150
• Conference room capacity: 30+
• Number of small study rooms: 9
• Computer lab: expanded and updated for additional group training sessions and ongoing technology classes

See photos of the current library spaces issues in this Grand Forks Public Library slideshow, which is available for presentation to civic groups and organizations (updated 2/10/11).

Unfortunately, there is no quick and easy way to arrive at a cost-effective solution for the lack of square footage at GFPL. One of the proposed construction options during the three-year Library Revitalization Process was a remodel and addition to the existing building. The total budget for that option came in at $17,815,000 – nearly as much as for total new construction.

There are several structural challenges with the existing building that create significant issues for a remodel/expand. The 1972 building, although originally intended for second floor expansion, was not constructed with sufficient ceiling height to accommodate the HVAC and lighting requirements of a 21st Century Public Library.

Read more about these issues in the Grand Forks Library Site Feasibility Study prepared for City Council in January 2011. See pages 12-14 for budget specifics on the remodel/add option.

Q+A with Mayor Brown: Demographics.

Here, we will share a weekly update addressing Mayor Brown’s questions, which are probably your questions, too. (And, if you’re still puzzled, be sure to comment directly on this post or ask us here. We want to be on the same page.) Answers to questions 1 & 2 regarding location can be found here.

Question 3: What demographic(s) of our community does the library uniquely serve? Are others able to serve these particular groups of people?

Library Board’s Answer: The mission of the Grand Forks Public Library (GFPL) is to connect the community, enrich the mind and inspire the imagination. To be truly successful in accomplishing this mission, all demographic categories within the city of Grand Forks must be impacted. At GFPL, we strive to provide “something for everyone.”

According to our most recent library user survey, most patrons came to the Grand Forks Public Library to (1) check out books, (2) check out DVDs and (3) use the computers. The complete breakdown of reasons people go to our library (click chart to expand):

Slightly more females (58%) than males (42%) used the GFPL. The breakdown by age is as follows:

November 2010 scientific research conducted by DMD Consulting verified that users of the Grand Forks Public Library are dispersed evenly across the community. People who live on the north side of town use the library the same amount as those living on the far south side. East and west of Washington also have very similar usage numbers.

The research results also revealed there is widespread support for building a new library. Regardless of whether or not they actually used the library, 74.2% of a random sample of Grand Forks residents was in favor of a new library. This holds true across wards as well. From the highest support (Ward 3 at 75.6%) to the lowest support (Ward 6 at 64.2%), the majority of people are in favor of a new library. The support holds true regardless of income level.

Usage of the Grand Forks Public Library continues to increase, both in checkout of materials and in usage of computers. This data is consistent with the findings of several national studies. A January 2010 Harris Interactive Poll provides compelling evidence that a decade-long trend of increasing library use is continuing – and even accelerating – during these difficult economic times. According to the study, two-thirds (65%) of Americans indicated they have used their public library in the past year. Eighty percent (80%) of those ages 18-24, 70% ages 25-34 and 73% ages 35-44 have used their library in the past year.

When asked about services used at the public library in the past year, 77% of Harris Poll respondents reported taking out books (print, e-books, or audio books), which is the number one use. Second was consulting a librarian (67%), followed by connecting to the internet (41%) and checking email (25%).

These materials, services and library events are not offered in quite the same way anywhere else in our community. The Grand Forks Public Library serves the entire population without regard to status; young and old, rich and poor, north end and south end residents – all receive unique niche services, free of charge, from the helpful and caring staff at our public library.

Support family reading time.

Below is a guest blog post from Jami Schumacher, mother of three book-loving boys. She was kind enough to share her perspective and support of a new library. Thanks, Jami!

My family is a family of readers. I have to say that my husband Matt and I take great pride in the fact that our three boys all enjoy reading. I believe we have helped them develop this love of reading and that it will serve them well in their lives.

On March 29, my boys and I attended the public session to listen to the architect share some ideas for our new library. To say that they were excited to hear what has been done at other libraries is an understatement.

My boys’ first exposure to the Grand Forks Public Library came through the Tuesday morning story time program. I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years and this was a much-loved weekly outing. That they could check out any books they wanted week after week was such a treasure, especially during those years when we were living on a very tight budget. Eight-year-old Eliot said recently that the library “needs to get a bigger and better place for story time.” For many years the story time room was packed, especially in the summers when the Summer Reading Program was in session.

Now that all of my boys are in school, we do not attend story time but we still frequent the library throughout the year. My son Sam, 10 years old, gets hooked on reading books by certain authors and has said, “One of my favorite things to do at the library is check out books from series I’ve been reading, but don’t want to buy.” He has grand visions for a new library, “I hope our new library will have a 24-hour media pick-up center and a full cafe so I can spend the day there.”

My oldest, Max, is a teenager and has a more limited interest in what is currently available at the library. While he stills likes to go occasionally to check out books on particular topics of interest, Max has said, “In the new library I would like to see a teen multi-media area like I saw the architect show from other libraries.”

The needs of a 21st century library are very different from a library which was built almost 40 years ago. There is no doubt in my mind that a new library would enhance our community. We need this new library so it can reshape the role that it plays in the community, we need sufficient parking, and we need public support. My husband and I will be voting YES on May 3, and we would invite others to as well.

Yard signs & window clings available!

Are you getting behind a new Grand Forks Public Library? Show your support with a yard sign or window cling!

How to get yours:

We will be distributing yard signs across the street from the entrance to the Grand Forks Public Library at the following dates and times:

• Friday, April 7 – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Saturday, April 7 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, April 8 – 12 noon to 5 p.m.
• Monday through Thursday, April 11 through 14 – 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday, April 15 – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, signs are available at SimmonsFlint (downtown Grand Forks – 33 S 3rd St. Ste. D) or at the Widseth Smith Nolting office (intersection of Washington St. and 28th Ave. S), both during business hours (8-5). Consider taking a box of 50 to distribute in your workplace or neighborhood.

Two important things to remember when displaying campaign materials:

1. Yard signs must be on private property only. Do not display on the berms, alleys, public parks, school or university property.
2. All campaign material must be removed before election day: May 3, 2011.

Here’s the yard sign – Vote Yes to the Hobbit.

And the window cling options:

• Vote Yes to Mark Twain
• Vote Yes to Wizard of Oz
• Vote Yes to Shakespeare

Remember to vote yes to the library on May 3. Thanks for your help!

Who are the friends of the Grand Forks Public Library?

Who are we?

Well, for one, we’re old. Our organization has been around for over 30 years.

Every great library needs great friends, and that’s why we exist.

We’re dedicated community members. We’re just like you.

We believe in what a library does for the community, and just like any friend would do, we’re here to support and encourage the library.

We’ll leave you with this thought:

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you just the way you are.

We do all the above for the Grand Forks Public Library.

We love our Grand Forks Public Library!

Listen to everyday patrons share their love for the current Grand Forks Public Library, as well as their dreams for a new library.

5 reasons why the Grand Forks Public Library won’t become obsolete in your lifetime.

#5 – Library usage increases with the addition of new formats.

Public libraries are constantly adapting to meet the needs of their users. Grand Forks Public Library is structured to provide materials in the format that is most desirable. Communication formats have changed dramatically since the current library opened its doors 40 years ago. Although hardcover books have remained constant, many formats have come and gone throughout the decades. For instance:

1960s – LP phonograph records
1970s – Cassette tapes
1980s – VHS videos
1990s – Compact discs
2000s – DVDs
2010 – eReaders

Each time a new format is introduced, patrons have responded with growing interest and expanded usage. Paperbacks became a part of the GFPL holdings in the 1970s, and their portability soon became very popular. Because a paperback’s production cost is much less than a hardcover, overall cost of acquisitions was reduced. The end result was more budget dollars to purchase additional materials (and formats) for GFPL patrons.

Ultimately, introducing paperbacks increased demand for all Grand Forks Public Library materials. The same is true of digital formats. By adding new formats and offering downloadable books, the library is attracting more users and increasing existing patrons’ usage levels.

Downloadable books represent a small percentage of the current holdings at GFPL. As usage and demand increase, portions of the collection will expand while others decrease. Necessary adjustments will be made in the storage and display of the library’s collection. Rest assured that a new library will be designed to flexibly accommodate the next popular format—whatever it may be.

#4 – Most books are not yet available in electronic format.

In 2011, a very small percentage of the total books in print are available in digital format. A vast majority are not available from downloadable sources. Because of this disparity in format availability, patron’s today are more likely to request library books in traditional format. Certainly digital availability will increase, but it’s going to take many years before books drop out of the #1 spot for preferred patron usage at GFPL.

Digital formats are currently available at the Grand Forks Public Library. As user demands change, materials will adjust accordingly—just as they have for the past 100 years.

#3 – A public library’s primary mission is to provide information.

As long as we continue to nurture a society that seeks information, the need for a public library in Grand Forks County will never diminish.

Our public library is not only a warehouse for books. It is a source for knowledge, a community gathering space and a hub for exchanging ideas. Program events at the library provide connectivity, social interaction and inspiration, as well as information—positioning the library as a center for lifelong learning.

Public libraries serve as crucial technology hubs, not merely for free internet access, but for those who need computer training and assistance. Perhaps most important of all, a public library is a testimonial to the community’s values—demonstrating our belief in universal access to literature and knowledge.

In 2010, program offerings at the GFPL expanded significantly to include children’s reading events, youth activities, computer training and adult book clubs. All programs have been very well received. Daily library visits have increased by 4 percent, from 827 in 2009 to 864 per day through February 2011.

#2 – Usage at the Grand Forks Public Library is at an all-time high.

For the past 25 years, circulation numbers have increased steadily, from 360,128 in 1980 to 789,983 in 2010. Books continue to be the most requested format, representing 56 percent of circulated materials in 2010 (up from 49 percent in 2009). The second most popular format in 2010 was DVDs/videos, representing 33 percent of circulated materials.

The number of Grand Forks Public Library users is also increasing. More than 3,600 new GFPL cards were issued in 2010, and 3,800 in 2009.

We are a community that loves our library! Unfortunately, we have “loved” the current building to death.

Five-year-old Claire uses a library book to demonstrate her recently acquired reading skills.

#1 – Six-year-olds are still learning to read… on books.

Young children today are technologically savvy. In most cases, they are computer literate before they start kindergarten, and many have access to their own personal computer. Some elementary schools now provide all textbooks in digital format. Introducing new classroom technology is ongoing, and electronic reading devices are often available at home.

But check out a first grade classroom, and you will find that six-year-olds are still learning to read the “old-fashioned” way—with books. These youngsters are developing a learning pattern that will last for a lifetime. With life expectancy in the U.S. approaching 80 years, it’s safe to say libraries will be lending books well into the future.

Our library is well-used and valued, and we have exhausted the viable options for making do with what we have. We are no longer able to provide some programs due to space issues, the physical plant services are woefully in need of upgrade and the technology capacity has been maxed out. Perhaps most horrifying, the Grand Forks Public Library is out of compliance with nearly all ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, as mandated in 1990.

The proposal for a new building is long overdue. A new, updated and enlarged library will serve all current and future citizens of our region. We cannot put this off any longer.

(Note: All usage numbers for GFPL are electronically tracked and documented in the library’s circulation department.)

Grand Forks Public Library speaks up: We’re more than books.

All this while, we’ve been asking you to speak up, and now it’s our turn. We’d like to start by making this point:

The Grand Forks Public Library is about more than books.

A library is not a warehouse for books alone. The Grand Forks Public Library should be the heart and brain of our community – a unified hub providing knowledge, connectivity and services for all regardless of age, economic status, location, literacy level, ethnicity or ability.

A library is a central source for information in all formats. A public library should be viewed first and foremost as a community gathering spot – a place where people can get what they need, free of charge, in a trusted setting with experienced, hands-on assistance. In fact, the Grand Forks Public Library has over 800 unique visitors daily. It’s a central location for people who wish to exchange ideas. It is a place for lifelong learning. It’s a technology hub, providing computer and internet access – again, free of charge – as well as a resource for technology training.

In the 1960’s, public library collections contained LP records, which eventually were replaced by 8-track tapes, cassette tapes and compact discs. In the 21^st Century, public libraries are digitalized, and our collection now contains databases and downloadable materials. Of the 2,355 items checked out daily at the Grand Forks Public Library, books continue to be the most popular by far. Books are not dead or dying.

Does anyone know what the popular format will be in 2050? Certainly not any of us! We do know, however, that flexibility is the key to a successful public library collection. The materials must be representative of the public’s wants and needs. Information will always be a sought-after resource at public libraries across the nation.

The Grand Forks Public Library aims to be that library – the heart and brain of our community – now and into the future.

We hope this explanation encourages you to become an informed voter, so that on May 3 you can cast your vote with confidence for the proposed one-cent sales tax to fund construction of a new Grand Forks Public Library.

What’s your library story?

Grand Forks Public Library staff members know some great stories—and these tales are not on the shelves. These are people’s stories of their own library experiences, such as:
– The young professional who came in daily to use the computers, printers and Internet access to fine-tune her resume and land her first career job.
– The gentleman who re-discovered mystery novels after losing his eyesight: he checks out several audio books each week.
– The young mom forging her way as a new full-time stay-at-home-parent to three young children, with the help of our weekly story times (she’s the first to admit it was wonderful to have a reason to shower before noon at least one day a week).

Share your tales
Please share your library story with us. We’d love to hear about it, and if you prefer, we’ll keep you as an anonymous author. Thanks in advance for telling your story.

Here’s how else you will be heard:
– Complete our survey (You could even win an iPad!)
– Comment here
– Comment on our Facebook page
– See upcoming community meetings