Resolution No. 5136 - Laserfiche WebLink

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learning and opportunity for all of its residents.” The resulting report set out a vision for the future 2024 Librarythat included themes such as technology, literacy, off-site delivery of Library programs, creativity and creative spaces, growth in services, facilities growth and funding. E. In April 2015, the Library contracted fora survey to explore the community’s opinions and priorities regarding Library services and to learn the probablelevel of support for a five-year local option levy as a supplement to the General Fund. The survey results confirmed community support for a Library Local Option Levy and reaffirmed the priorities heard repeatedly from council, Library users and supporters,and from the Library of the Future visioning process. F. Increased access to existing Library services by adding back open hours was rated by community members as the most critical enhancementfor levy funding.Also highly rated was a restoration of the Library’s materials budget to former levels, which would reduce “wait times” for the most popular materials. Libraryservicestargeted to specific underserved groups were also identified as a high priorityfor investment. Theseinclude early literacy skill development for preschoolersand their families, an expansion of programs and services for teens, and an investment in new technologies such as makerspace. G. In response to the community feedback about service level enhancements, the City Council developed a proposal for library levy funding. The proposal was shaped by what residentsidentified ashighestprioritiesfor themselves and the community as a whole. The levy proposal would pay for service enhancements, not existing Library services. Existing Library services would continue to be fundedby the General Fund and donation funds. H. Based on community input, the levy services will focus on expanding hours and access for everyone and ensuring equity in provision of library services. Specifically, the levy will fund the following service enhancements: a.Additional hours and access. This would includeadding22 hours each week at Bethel Branch, to be open 48 hours over six days a week; adding 22 hours each week at Sheldon Branch, to be open 48 hours over six days a week; and restoring3 hours on Sunday mornings each week at the Downtown Library, to be open 64 hours over seven days a week. b.Increaseby 33% on-sitefree programmingfor all ages,with particular focus on teens; expanded “makerspace” toprovide community members with access to and training on tools and equipment they might not be able to afford individually; and increased off-site delivery of programs,including focusedexpansion of the early literacy outreach and other volunteer programs. c.More technology and materials, including restoring$300,000per year to bring the budget for books and other resources back to FY09 levels,to ensure a shorter “wait time” for the most popular items; and technology (tablets and/or laptops) to lend for public use on-site at both BranchLibraries. Resolution -2