Annual Report
At the time of writing this report, the software and the instructions to complete the report are unavailable. Southern Adirondack Library (SALS) has provided spreadsheets to help compile the anticipated required data prior to the software being ready. NYS Division of Library Development will extend the deadline to file, if they see a need.
In the meantime, included with the Board packet is part of the report (based on last year’s report) that I thought would be of interest to the Board and the community. The numbering system may change and the financial data will be updated after we get the final numbers from the auditor. The sections that were omitted were mainly yes, no questions (that have not changed since last year), hours open, address, full-time employees and information regarding who is on the board.
Once we can submit the report to SALS, they will have to check our data before it is sent to the Division of Library Development (DLD). DLD will then audit our report and provide any mandatory updates before they file the report.
I request that the Board make a motion to approve the NYS Annual Report with the caveat that the a full report will be provided at a future meeting and any updates will be shared.
Space Usage Data Study
The first week of collecting data went well; our next data week begins Monday March 16th. There is nothing to report at this time since there is not enough data to make any decisions. With that said, that week we were closed on President’s Day due to a power outage. We still had a number of devices using our WiFi throughout the day.
Workplace Violence Prevention Program
The Workplace Violence Prevention Program committee met in March to begin a review of the policy and identifying workplace hazards and opportunities for improvement for staff safety against workplace violence. The review will be presented at our May ½ day all staff meeting.
Sustainability
- Seed Library
I am happy to report that the Seed Library is now being maintained by Rebecca Robinson in the Adult Service Department. Expect updates from Jamie moving forward. Special thanks to the Sustainability Team for getting this project off the ground 2 years ago. - Repair Café
Our next Café is at the end of the month, Sunday March 29 from 1-4 pm. New this year, Michelle Isopo will be will teach the essentials of caring for family collections, including preservation techniques, minor repairs, and rehousing solutions. We will also have a special guest, Jay Rogoff, Saratoga Springs poet laureate, will help repair people’s poems, just in time for National Poetry Month in April.
National and Local Work
- As an Advisory Board Member for the Sustainable Libraries Initiative, I was asked to speak at the Southern Tier Library System all day learning symposium, the first week in June. The event will take place at the Corning Community College. I always get to share my learned experience and programs and services that the Saratoga Springs Public Library offers. We do some pretty amazing things.
- Gina Michelin and I will be tabling at the Sustainability Fair on April 11th.
- I kicked off a Saratoga Farmer’s Market series, called Learn And Grow on February 28th. I had a pop-up seed library and was able to promote our Seed Library and why we started the program.
Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Ferriss, Assistant Director