January 14, 2008 - Fort Vancouver Regional Library

Transcription

FORT VANCOUVER REGIONAL LIBRARY DISTRICT
Board of Trustees Public Meeting
January 14, 2008
1.
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Karen Peterson called the meeting to order at 4:33 p.m. in the Washougal
Community Library and moved the meeting immediately into an executive session to
discuss union negotiations, real estate and personnel. Executive session ended at 5:45 p.m.
with no action taken. Peterson convened the regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the
Washougal Community Center.
2.
PRESENT
Chair Karen Peterson presiding. Other Board members: Jack Burkman, Jerry King,
Bonnie Reynolds, and Bill Yee. Merle Koplan participated via phone conference during
the executive session.
Administrative Team members attending included: Bruce Ziegman, Executive Director;
Patty Duitman, Operations Director; Mary Devlin, Community Libraries Director; Doreen
Turpen, Special Projects Director; Sue Vanlaanen, Communications Director; Melinda
Chesbro, Content Management Director; and Karin Ford, Vancouver Community
Librarian. Becky Pettigrew, recording.
Other staff and citizens attending: Anna Cross, Megan Dugan, Jane Higgins, Carol Keon,
Rita Levesque, Sean McGill, Mark Rogen, Nancy Sawrey, Rick Smithrud and Sally
Tucker-Jones.
3.
AGENDA
The agenda was approved as presented.
4.
MINUTES
The minutes of the Dec. 10, 2007 meeting were approved as presented.
5.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
6.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Jane Higgins said she had just gone to check the Friends of Battle Ground library’s post
office box and, as is usual at this time of the year, it mostly contained RSVPs for their Ben
Franklin Dinner fundraiser. They’ve also been getting lots of donor contributions for the
new library’s brick campaign. However, tonight she said she was please to have in her
hand the next check from New Traditions Homes in the amount of $8,280, the latest major
contribution to the Battle Ground library building campaign. There was an enormous
applause. Peterson and others expressed their thanks to Higgins for sharing this
tremendous news and also expressed congratulations.
FVRL Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes, Jan. 14, 2008
7.
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BUSINESS
A. FVRL Expenditure Approval
MOTION: Jack Burkman moved and Bill Yee seconded approval of the accounts payable,
payroll and payroll payables as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
B. Three Creeks Library Capital Facility Area Expenditure Approval
There were no bills to approve this month.
C. Vancouver Library Capital Facility Area Expenditure Approval
MOTION: Jack Burkman moved and Bill Yee seconded approval of the Vancouver Library
Capital Facility Area expenditures. The motion passed unanimously.
D. Committee Assignments for 2008
Peterson noted that board members had received a copy of the draft 2008 committee
assignments for their review.
MOTION: Jack Burkman moved and Jerry King seconded approval of the library board’s
committee assignments for 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
E. Union Contract Ratification
Operations Director Patty Duitman provided some background. She said the union
contract took several months to negotiate and concluded with a contract that both the
administration and the union feel is good and equitable. It is a three-year contract with
wage openers for the third year. It includes a 4% across the board increase for union
members in the first year and a 2.5 % step increase for eligible employees. It
eliminates step A of the union pay range. For 2009, the union members would receive
the same across the board increase as salaried staff and a 2.5 % increase for eligible
employees. In 2010, we would open the contract for negotiation of the compensation
package (wages and benefits). The contract includes a medical premium co-pay
increase. In 2007 they were paying 5% of the premium. In 2008, they would pay 7.5%
of the premium for employees and 10% for covered dependents. At the union’s
insistence, we would convert some staff to union membership. This includes four
positions in the Computer Services department. These employees will receive union
seniority credit for the time they’ve already worked for the library district. Also
included are substitutes who, beginning in 2008, work 346 hours or more in a calendar
year.
MOTION: Bill Yee moved that after months of negotiation, a union contract was submitted
to Washington Public Employee Association members. The members have overwhelming
voted in favor of the agreement. Yee moved that we accept the 2008 – 2010 agreement as
presented to this board. Jack Burkman seconded the motion.
Peterson asked if there was any further discussion. She noted that the board looked at
this closely in executive session and all board members have a copy of the contract.
VOTE ON MOTION: The motion passed unanimously.
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King acknowledged that many people put a significant amount of work into these
negotiations, including both union and administration staff. Ziegman thanked the
negotiating teams for their hard work and spirit of cooperation. On behalf of the board,
Peterson expressed appreciation to everyone involved.
F. 2008 Budget Amendment
Burkman explained that when the 2008 budget was adopted last November, at that time
staff had presented a budget that kept with a certain philosophy that has been in place
for a number of years. That philosophy assumes we will under-spend and then
reallocate the remainder. This board has pushed for a change in that process that more
accurately predicts the budget. In November, the budget showed it was over by about
$745,000. The budget presented tonight closes that gap significantly by having a
shortfall of under $40,000, which Burkman said is reasonable. Burkman said the
budget presented tonight is in line with what the Board had directed staff to do.
Duitman provided additional detail. She said the staff made some adjustments to both
the revenue and expenditure sides of the budget. In revenue, they more closely
examined what the library district has historically received in areas such as timber tax.
Previously they’ve always predicted very conservatively. The budget now shows a
higher amount for 2008. They also added revenue from the Vancouver LCFA to offset
the costs of personnel who work for that project, which previously had not appeared in
our revenue. Duitman said some adjustments were also made to the federal “in lieu”
taxes.
Staff also re-examined spending patterns. Duitman said the district has not been able
to spend 100% of its budget in some areas, such as travel and training, professional
services, personnel, and unemployment, so some percentage reductions were made in
those categories. All of these adjustments made it possible to bring the budget closer
to break-even, with a shortfall of only $40,000.
Ziegman said that our 2007 budget now leaves us with about $1.5 million under-spent
that needs to be reallocated for 2008. This trend won’t likely happen in the future with
the budget adjustments we’re making for 2008. However, since we do have this
money to reallocate, he asked the board to put just over $500,000 of it back into the
2008 budget at this time (leaving the remaining $1 million for discussion at the April
retreat):
y He requested that $260,000 of this money go toward the materials budget; our
materials budget has been static since the downturn we experienced in 2003-2004.
Our budgets have improved since then and Ziegman said he think it’s time to
make a larger investment in materials. We had originally included this request in
earlier versions of the budget but had to take it out to make it balance.
y The other $262,000 would be for expenses that were incurred in 2007 but not yet
paid because we weren’t invoiced in time. One of the major expenses that falls
into this category is the Sirsi self-service project.
The resolution presented tonight included Ziegman’s requests.
King said he would be glad to see an increase in the book budget, as it’s something that
is basic to what we’re doing and it would be good to accomplish this in 2008.
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Burkman said we would not know the results of using this new budget philosophy for a
year, but he was confident that Duitman and Ziegman would get us as close as possible
to these more realistic predictions.
MOTION: Jack Burkman moved and Jerry King seconded approval of Resolution 2008-1,
Budget Amendment #08-01, amending the 2008 budget to $24,738,956. The motion passed
unanimously.
G. Agenda for Board Retreat
Peterson reminded the board that the retreat is scheduled for April 21-22 in White
Salmon. A draft agenda was provided to board members. Peterson explained the
hours of the retreat, and asked if board members had any feedback on the agenda or
any questions. Ziegman summarized the main topics that are planned for the retreat,
which included a training session on program budgeting, the supplemental budget and
future planning strategy for the next few years.
Regarding the topic of future planning, Ziegman said that a very rigorous staff input
phase is underway and includes a survey, discussions in their work units regarding the
service plan, and task groups consisting of branch librarians that are discussing future
service delivery. The staff phase concludes at the end of February, to be followed by a
discussion with the board’s ad hoc future planning committee. After a discussion on
this with the full board at the April retreat, Ziegman said he hopes to then take it out to
the public to see if we’re on track, with a final plan ready by the fall of 2008.
One other topic on the retreat agenda is policy review. This is to keep us on track with
the board’s plan to have all policies reviewed at least once every 7 years. The next one
due is the Policy on Selecting and Discarding Library Materials. A topic related to this
is our collection development plan; staff would take a look at what it should be for next
few years and ask for the board to weigh in on areas of focus.
Ziegman asked board members to let him know if they have other topics they thought
should be discussed at the retreat. Burkman asked if staff would be providing usage
statistics on comparable libraries. Ziegman said they would, along with demographics
and predictions on growth. Yee said one question that comes up often is whether our
circulation per person is relevant and often that depends on what other libraries count
in their statistics. Ziegman said we know our circulation is low, but part of that is
because we have smaller facilities and therefore smaller collections of books.
Burkman said many libraries circulate music, movies and other recreational materials
that we do not; this drives up their circulation and is something we could talk about.
King said there are differences in what libraries are offering and he said he’d like to see
reports that show libraries that are a close fit to ours for comparison.
8.
REPORTS
A. Community Libraries Report
Mary Devlin spoke about the self-service project at the Three Creeks library, which is
up and running. People are started to get used to the new system. One hang-up has
been getting an overhang over the exterior book return. Ziegman said the delay is in
getting a permit. We hope to have this taken care of soon. Devlin said the Washougal
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library is next in line to get the RFID tags in its books. This will start at the end of
January. We’re now looking at having all materials tagged district-wide by the end of
2009.
Devlin said a demo of the system will be given at the next board meeting, since we will
be meeting at the Three Creeks library. Burkman asked how much it would cost to
bring up this system in Washougal. Devlin said right now, we are only doing the
tagging, and also we would not be putting in a materials handling system, so the cost is
much less. There will also be a self check-out machine. Chesbro said that the staff
workroom would have an automated return pad that can process 4-5 books at once.
Other topics Devlin spoke about include the “duct tape” program held at the Stevenson
library; the La Center librarian’s teen outreach sites on MySpace and Blogspot; a
change made with our Collection Agency in how soon credit is cleared; and how teen
interest in wireless Internet access is growing in Goldendale. Read more about these
and other topics in her written report, which is attached.
Washougal Community Librarian Sean McGill spoke about library services and
programs in Washougal. He shared some tidbits about the Washougal staff. He
introduced Nancy Sawrey, whom he said is a dedicated Circulation Supervisor. Other
staff members include Kristen Freidrich, who he said is a great organizer and good at
figuring out how to place books to most benefit patrons. She’s also an artist; he said
she drew an amazing dragon that was used in an Eragon program (“pin the tail on the
dragon”). Another employee, Rachel Kuerzinger, is great with kids and has a loyal
following in their parent/child discussion group. He also spoke about the ways the
community gets involved in the library, such as by helping at a Harvest festival,
serving refreshments at events, or donating materials. McGill then shared details about
a novel writing program they offered recently, where participants worked towards
writing 50,000 words in a month’s time (about 175 pages). Several patrons were able
to accomplish this!
B. Financial Tracking
Duitman said that since this month would focus on the December financials and we’re
not yet closed for the year, the financial tracking report will wait until next month. She
plans to have financials for both December and January at the February board meeting.
Duitman provided some information about a new staff program that is really taking off.
It’s called “Discover 2.0” and is a voluntary program that encourages interested staff to
explore all kinds of new technologies. Training Coordinator Holly Blosser reported to
Duitman today that so far, 82 employees are signed up. Ziegman provided board
members with a handout that explained more about the program. Staff is given 1-2
hours per week to work on it. The employees complete a series of modules that,
altogether, take up to four months to complete. They write in a blog to keep track of
their progress. Ziegman invited board members to participate in the program.
Burkman asked if this program is available to community and Ford said that while it’s
not, anyone who was looking on the web for the blog could stumble upon it. Chesbro
said the tracking portion of it is on the intranet. Ziegman said the incentive for
employees who finish the program is that they get an extra day off. Burkman
encouraged board members to participate so that they too could learn about new
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technologies. Duitman credited Holly Blosser and Sam Wallin, an Information
Services librarian, for their work in creating the program. Peterson asked if there was
a limit to how many employees could begin the program at a time. While there is no
limit, Devlin said that the employees must coordinate it with their supervisors so not all
staff would be starting at once.
C. Building Projects Update
Battle Ground library
Building projects manager Rita Levesque displayed a number of drawings and samples
of the colors and materials that are being considered for the new Battle Ground
library’s interior and exterior. Levesque explained that a few months ago, the design
team came up with wording to explain the type of design desired for the new library.
The wording included, “a design that is Northwest regional; warm with wood elements
and natural day-lighting; a roomy yet cozy environment with a connection to the
history of the region.” This wording led to the proposal of color and materials choices
now being considered. Levesque spent some time explaining each of the elements in
the large charts she had brought.
One change to the design choices that Levesque explained will be the carpet; the style
depicted in the charts had not been very well received by some of the Battle Ground
Friends members, and alternatives are being sought.
Burkman asked if there are any other buildings in the Vancouver/Portland area that
have used similar colors. Levesque said she’d ask the design team. She noted that one
of the architects participating in the design team lives in Battle Ground and is
participating as a way to give back to the community. One of the ways they are
bringing in a northwest history element is to use reclaimed wood from a barn. They
are looking for a local barn that they could use the wood from; the wood would be
refinished and stained and then be used to separate some of the areas in the library,
including the technology area. It would be hung so that it’s slatted and leaves space for
light to come through, so you can see in to the area. Another use for the barn wood
would be in the teen area, where they’d create a sliding “barn door” that could be
moved across to create a more separated program space as needed.
Levesque also spent some time explaining the clear panels that would be suspended
over the back wall of the Teen area. These panels would be back-lit and would have
interesting materials sealed into them. The building project is able to fund the creation
of the first two panels. The library’s existing Young Adult Advisory Board has $350
to spend on creation of a third panel. There would be enough space so that future teen
groups could then create additional panels.
Yee suggested providing larger carpet samples to help with the next review, as it’s
sometimes pretty hard to imagine how a carpet will look from a very small sample.
Levesque said they have these samples in three foot by three foot size, but didn’t bring
them since this is not the carpet that will be used.
Peterson asked if any of the decisions about furniture had been made. Levesque said
they had not; Operations Director Patty Duitman is working on a plan to have
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standardized furniture and shelving packages available to choose from. This will
provide us with better pricing on furniture packages. Levesque said they are also
keeping in mind having the new furniture be complementary and reflective of the
materials that have already been purchased through a SWIFT grant for furniture in
2006. In general, the new library will have some upholstered lounge chairs,
technology furniture that can be adjusted for ADA, and task chairs, among other
furnishings. Duitman explained the furniture standardization plan a bit more. The
library district will choose a vendor that has multiple types of chairs and an assortment
of materials. This will narrow our vendor choices but also at the same time we will
make sure we have a wide variety of choices for furniture. We plan to use such an
arrangement for both new libraries and also for existing libraries that need replacement
furnishings.
Higgins asked for more explanation of an area targeted to “tweens” (kids ages 7-12
years old). Levesque said that in touring and talking to staff at other libraries, we’ve
identified this as a group that needs to be addressed. These kids don’t want to go
through the children’s area to get to their materials. Also, they’re not quite old enough
to make use of the Young Adult area. So we’ve added a niche for this age group that
will have a collection and furnishings that appeal to them. Turpen said the niche also
includes a display area, where there will be a focal point.
Peterson asked about the materials used in the courtyard. Levesque said this will have
the bricks that the Friends are selling.
It was also noted that there will be a compact stage in the Teen area that can be used
for programs (basically for one person to stand on); it might also get used as a place to
sit or put backpacks during the day.
Anna Cross asked about the colors in the first chart, wondering if those are the main
colors that would be used in the library. Levesque clarified that the chart showed
meeting room colors. Turpen said that the main color in the building would be white
and that the other colors are accent colors. Cross said that when the color selection
first started, she was expecting to see something like hunter green and she found the
color selection a bit of a shock. She said they’re not great colors. Levesque said that
the colors tie to the exterior and are accent colors, not overall colors. Hunter green
may be a color they could consider, but could be one that is too confining. Turpen said
the darker colors would be used primarily under the counters to hide scuff marks. She
noted that the Battle Ground Friends are very passionate about this project and have
kept the team informed of their wishes for the building. One of the ways the Friends
did this was to provide them with a notebook of samples from other libraries they’d
visited.
Burkman said seeing these visuals brings a lot of excitement to the project by making
the new library that much more real. Levesque said that the design team just received
these charts on Tuesday, which was just in time to share at last week’s Friends
meeting. Other groups the design will be shared with in the coming week include the
Battle Ground staff and attendees at the Ben Franklin dinner fundraising event.
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Turpen said the 75% construction documents will be provided to her in the next day or
so for marking up. This means they are reviewing very fine details in the drawings at
this point.
Cascade Park library
Turpen said they are between 50-90% into construction documents so they are
reviewing detail elements, reading specification books and making sure everything
matches up. The first review of signage has been done. They are working with a
consultant to develop a clean program for signs that uses a hierarchy and avoids
anyone having to tape up a sign. We’ve completed both shelving and furniture RFPs
and now will be negotiating contracts. One word that Turpen has recently learned is
being used in relation to furniture is “Bariatric.” She explained it as a style of furniture
for people who are a little bit bigger. This style of furniture also works well in places
like children’s rooms, where a parent and child might want to sit and read together, or
several children might want to sit together.
Main library
Karin Ford provided an update on the project. The Riverwest developers had a preapplication meeting on January 3 and the library was represented by Levesque. Plans
are being developed to convert C Street to 2-way and include bike lanes. A full day
workshop was held on January 7 with architects, during which they reviewed options
for the automated materials handling system sorter. Everyone agreed the only feasible
way to connect the drive-up and walk-up book returns was to locate the sorting in the
basement of the building. The architects have figured out a way to bring daylight into
that space for the staff who will work there.
The next building project workshop is on February 7. At that time, the preliminary
location assignments for the library’s various spaces should be made. We will also
start planning for additional ways to obtain public input.
Ford thanked Koplan, Reynolds and Yee for their participation on the design team.
D. FVRL Foundation Update
Foundation Director Rick Smithrud said that a donor came forward recently about a
substantial gift she had made to the Battle Ground library building project. That person
is Anna Cross, and Smithrud said the Foundation is very pleased to now be able to
recognize her. There was a tremendous applause. Smithrud said the announcement of
her contribution apparently spurred some others to give, as they soon received several
donations ranging from $10,000-50,000, as well as some stock.
Smithrud said the Foundation is also closing out some estate gifts that will add up to
$66,000. Other details Smithrud shared are in his written report, which is attached.
On behalf of the board, Peterson expressed appreciation to Anna Cross for her fabulous
gift.
9.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ziegman said that a survey was sent out the all library staff to gather their input for our
Future Planning effort. About 100 employees have already completed the survey.
Ziegman said it’s wonderful that so many staff have already weighed in.
Ziegman brought up the topic of the future name of the new Cascade Park library. Staff
has previously been referring to it as the “Eastside library,” just as a placeholder for when
a new name would be selected. We don’t want this placeholder to catch on and become
what people start calling the branch, however. About a month ago, staff started doing
some investigating to see what people think about the library’s name. Vanlaanen had
created a map of area locations that have a geographic reference to their names.
Technically, Cascade Park is the area south of Mill Plain, but people tend to apply it more
broadly. Ziegman said we asked local history expert Pat Jollota for her feedback as well,
as Jollota has written books on place names for Vancouver. According to Jollota, the
entire area has been referred to as Cascade Park. The Cascade Park librarian, Teresa
Torres, spoke with her Friends of the Library group and they have all agreed that Cascade
Park is the best place name. Due to all this feedback, Ziegman suggested that for now we
start referring to the new library as Cascade Park. If a major donor should come forward
he said we could then consider something different.
Ziegman said he is just looking for general board feedback at this time, not action.
Burkman said he’s lived in Cascade Park for 20 years and had talked with a number of
people after Ziegman had mentioned this to him. Burkman said he’s not finding anything
named Eastside or East Vancouver in that area. Evergreen is another place name used in
the area. Burkman said he’s occasionally received mail at his home that’s sent to “Cascade
Park, Washington.” He said this name has been a long-time designation and thought it
would be acceptable to use, especially if Jollota agreed with it. Vanlaanen said she had also
spoken with Beth Quatarolo who has been in that area for many years and agrees that
Cascade Park is a good choice. There was some discussion about the use of “Eastside” and
how the perception of Eastside in relation to Vancouver has changed over time as the area
has grown; King said this leads him to agree with discontinuing use of Eastside.
Higgins asked if staff had talked with the Fircrest Neighborhood Association, as they are
known for being more active and interested; she said they might have an opinion.
Ziegman said staff had previously tried to engage the neighborhood associations in the
Cascade Park area and the only one that responded was Fircrest. They seemed engaged
during our meeting with them. Ziegman said we would also check with Fircrest.
Peterson asked whether the board wanted to take action on this at the next meeting and
King said he thought they should. Ziegman asked if during the interim, staff could refer to
the new library as “Cascade Park” and Burkman said doing so holds consistent with the
branch’s current name, which is not a problem. Reynolds asked about getting the word out
to people so they know it’s on the agenda, and Vanlaanen said staff could make a special
effort to inform people about it.
10.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
None.
11.
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BOARD COMMENTS
King commented on an item in Smithrud’s written report, regarding a distribution from the
Hazel B. Defenbaugh estate to the Foundation, to purchase books for the library district.
King said she was a wonderful supporter and defender of the library and taught school in
the area for 42 years. He expressed his appreciation that she gave to the library in this
way.
Peterson noted that there were several articles about FVRL staff in the latest issue of Alki,
a Washington publication for libraries. In particular was a lengthy article about Judy Bane,
our Klickitat County bookmobile driver.
12.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING
The next library board meeting is Monday, February 11, 2008 at Three Creeks Community
Library.
13.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
These minutes were approved at the Feb. 11, 2008 board meeting
Content
Management
Collection Development • Technical Services
Web Resources• Collection Management
2007 in Review
Collection Development (with
help from Collection Management
staff) received 5,026 patron
requests and filled over 4,600.
Collection Management processed
nearly 1,500 boxes of books,
videos and cassettes which were
sold at book auction during 2007.
They also repaired 4,243 items.
The Technical Services
Department added 90,489
volumes in 2007 – a 28% increase
over 2006. Much of this increase
in productivity is due to staff work
on streamlining steps in the
workflow.
FVRL has over 2,200 magazine
subscriptions to 840 titles. 225
subscriptions were added in 2007
including several Russian and
Chinese language publications.
Other titles added include:
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90:00 Minutes Soccer magazine
Ancestry
Blueprint
Bookmarks
Digital scrapbooking
Domino
Dwell
Elle Décor
Fast Company
Gameinformer
heron Dance Journal
Home Business Magazine
Juxtapoz
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1:12 am — 1985 BMW 528e
2:32 am — 1984 Toyota Pickup
6:12 pm — 2004 Chrysler Sebring
6:13 pm — 1994 Ford Taurus
9:39 pm — 1991 GMC Sonoma
10:18 pm — 1999 Toyota 4Runner
11:25 pm — 1978 Plymouth Horizon
11:34 pm — 1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse
76 of those times were when no
branch would have been open.
The oldest vehicle that a patron
was finding repair information on
was a 1969 Ford 500 Galaxie. The
newest was a 2006 Toyota Corolla.
The Chilton Library.com
subscription database was accessed
759 times by patrons in December.
Content Management
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Knit 'n style
Knit Simple
Make
Mystery Scene
Organize
Play
Roadrunner Motorcycle Touring
and Travel
Sci-Fi
Shop Smart
Spin off
Super Street
Super Streetbike
Today's Black Woman
Urban climber
Victoria
Collection Management
Web Resources
The Library isn’t closed for car
repair on Christmas – here’s what
patrons were looking for in our
Chilton Library.com auto repair
database on Christmas day:
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December 2007
The Collection Management
department is coordinating the
RFID tagging for the District.
They had a busy November working on the Three Creeks collection
and spent December digging out
of their accumulated regular work
such as processing patron requests,
reviewing holds, and warehouse
maintenance.
Despite this, they found time
to weed the Washougal collection
in preparation for RFID tagging in
January. Over 200 boxes of outdated, worn or non-circulating
items were removed.
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Collection
Development
Our favorite book this month
was Gallop by Rufus Butler Seder.
It’s a scanimation book – the
pictures move as the pages are
turned. Kids and kids at heart will
smile the whole way through the
book.
Technical Services
• Before I die (YA) / Jenny Downham- 4
• A beginner's guide to short-term trading /
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Content Management
Kurt Vonnegut.- 2 copies, 2 holds
2008 started with significantly
fewer materials in warehouse – by
the end of December staff were
down to the ‘icky stuff’ – things
that because of format, language or
other issues take more time to work
through.
Each week Sarah Berkowitz
sends an update to the branches
letting them know of new titles.
Here is a sampling of December
titles:
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New Collection Development
Librarian Sarah Nelsen has
reviewed 300 boxes of picture
books and juvenile fiction. It’s a
great way to get to know the
collections, though she’s ready to
get out to the branches and see
what’s still on the shelves.
We made several significant
end of year purchases:
• Added a standing order plan
for 80 new Playaway titles (5
copies of each title) and
purchased 60 titles (again 5
copies of each) from the 2007
plan.
• We ordered several OCLC
world language sets including
several new Russian language
sets for children and adults
with a set on family health; two
Spanish language sets covering
topics such as U.S. Citizenship
information, language learning
and cultural heritage.
• We added a CD audiobook
standing order for romance
titles – 3 copies each of 24
titles that will arrive in 2008.
Grogan- 2 copies, 5 holds
• Bagombo snuff box [sound recording] /
Toni Turner- 2 copies, 2 holds
A carol for a corpse / Claudia Bishop.- 5
copies, 5 holds
A Christmas carol [DVD] / Renown Film
Productions (1951)- 18 copies, 1 hold
A farewell to alms : a brief economic history of the world / Gregory Cla- 3 copies,
16 holds
A free life / Ha Jin- 3 copies, 19 holds
A gentle rain / Deborah Smith- 2 copies, 4
holds
A Highlander for Christmas / Sandy Blair.3 copies, 4 holds
A nation of sheep / by Andrew P. Napolitano- 2 copies, 4 holds
A prayer for the damned : a mystery of
ancient Ireland / Peter Tremayne- 3 copies, 4 holds
A walk with Jane Austen : a journey into
adventure, love, and faith / Lori Smith.- 2
copies, 2 holds
Alexander and the wonderful, marvelous,
excellent, terrific ninety days : an almost
completely honest account of what happened to our family when our youngest
son, his wife, their baby, their toddler, and
their five-year-old came to live with us for
three months / Judith Viorst- 3 copies, 1
hold
Amazing grace(LGE-TYPE) / by Danielle
Steel- 3 copies, 4 holds
American creation : triumphs and tragedies at the founding of the republic / Joseph J. Ellis- 2 copies, 13 holds
America's best lost recipes : 121 kitchentested heirloom recipes too good to forget / from the editors of Cook's Country
magazine- 7 copies, 8 holds
Architecture of the air : the sound and
light environments of Christopher Janney 1 copy, 1 hold
Avenger (YA) / by Andy McNab- 3 copies,
5 holds
Bad dogs have more fun : selected writings
on family, animals, and life / by John
December 2007
copies, 6 holds
• Bitter sweets / Roopa Farooki- 2 copies, 8
holds
• Black Cat. Vol. 11, The promise (GN) / story
& art by Kentaro Yabuki- 3 copies, 7 holds
• Blonde ambition : the untold story behind
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Anna Nicole Smith's death / by Rita
Cosby- 5 copies, 12 holds
Blood and circuses : a Phryne Fisher mystery / Kerry Greenwood- 2 copies, 3 holds
Book of the dead [sound recording] /
Patricia Cornwell- m3 copies, 17 holds
Boom! : voices of the sixties : personal reflections on the '60s and today / Tom Brokaw- 3 copies, 25 holds
Born standing up : a comic's life / Steve
Martin.- 5 copies, 38 holds
Bridge of sighs / Richard Russo- 2 leased
copies (12 total) and 75 holds
Bring it on / Laura Anne Gilman- 1 copy, 1
hold
Bryson City seasons : more tales of a doctor's practice in the Smoky Mountains /
Walt Larimore, M.D- 2 copies, 2 holds
Built to serve : how to drive the bottom
line with people-first practices / Dan J.
Sanders- 2 copies, 3 holds
California brides : love is given a fresh
chance in three historical novels / Cathy
Marie Hake- 3 copies, 4 holds
Cat deck the halls : a Joe Grey mystery /
Shirley Rousseau Murphy- 2 copies, 4 holds
Catch-22 [sound recording] / Joseph
Heller- 2 copies, 2 holds
Cheating at canasta / William Trevor- 2
copies, 12 holds
Christmas and how to survive it / Joseph
Connolly- 4 copies
Christmas in America : a photographic
celebration of the holiday season / Peter
Guttman- 3 copies, 2 holds
Clapton : the autobiography / Eric Clapton- 2 leased copies (6 total) and 46 holds
Classics for pleasure / Michael Dirda- 2
copies, 6 holds
Clone saga (GN YA) / writer, Brian Michael Bendis- 3 copies, 5 holds
Confessor / Terry Goodkind- 4 copies, 25
holds
Constantine's Bible : politics and the making of the New Testament / David L. Dungan- 1 copy, 1 hold
Cook with Jamie : my guide to making
you a better cook / Jamie Oliver- 3 copies,
7 holds
Cormac : the tale of a dog gone missing /
Sonny Brewer- 2 copies, 3 holds
Cracking the code : how to win hearts,
change minds, and restore America's original vision / Thom Hartmann.- 2 copies, 7
Page 2
holds
• Creation in death [sound recording] / J.D.
Robb- 3 copies, 6 holds
• Darkwing (J) / Kenneth Oppel - 4 copies, 4
holds
• Darwin's watch / Terry Pratchett- 3 copies,
6 holds
• Dead sexy / Kimberly Raye- 3 copies, 3
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Death and the maidens : Fanny Wollstonecraft and the Shelley circle / Janet
Todd- 1 copy, 1 hold
Debt cures "they" don't want you to know
about / Kevin Trudeau- 2 copies, 10 holds
Design like you give a damn : architectural responses to humanitarian crisis /
edited by Architecture for Humanity.- 1
copy, 3 holds
Diabetes for dummies (LGE-TYPE) / by
Alan L. Rubin- 1 copy, 1 hold
Doesn't she look natural? / Angela Hunt- 3
copies, 7 holds
Don't know much about anything : everything you need to know but never learned
about people, places, events, and more! /
Kenneth C. Davis- 3 copies, 3 holds
Doonesbury.com's The sandbox : dispatches from troops in Iraq and Afghanistan - 2 copies, 2 holds
Drawing faeries : keys to the kingdom /
Christopher Hart.- 3 copies, 3 holds
Entering Hades : the double life of a serial
killer / John Leake- 6 copies, 7 holds
Evangelical feminism : a new path to liberalism? / Wayne Grudem.- 1 copy, 3 holds
Everlasting (LGE-TYPE) / Kathleen E.
Woodiwiss- 1 copy, 1 hold
Extras (YA) / Scott Westerfeld- 3 leased
False witness / Aimée and David Thurlo- 2
copies, 4 holds
Favorite brand name best loved appetizers- 1 copy, 1 hold
For love of politics : Bill and Hillary Clinton : the White House years / Sally Bedell
Smith.- 4 copies, 7 holds
Forever Lily : an unexpected mother's
journey to adoption in China / Beth Nonte
Russell- 4 copies, 6 holds
Fruits basket. Volume 17 (GN YA) / Natsuki Takaya- 5 copies, 11 holds
Game day : Oregon football : the greatest
games, players, coaches and teams in the
glorious tradition of Duck football- 2 copies, 1 hold
Gonzo : the life of Hunter S. Thompson :
an oral biography / by Jann S. Wenner- 3
copies, 7 holds
Good dog. Stay / Anna Quindlen- 5 copies,
17 holds
Hand of evil : a novel of suspense / by J.A.
Jance.- 25 copies, 35 holds
Hayley, the rain fairy (J) / by Daisy Meadows- 6 copies, 17 holds
Content Management
• History dudes. Vikings (J) / written by
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Laura Buller- 3 copies, 3 holds
Holidays are hell / Kim Harrison- 3 copies,
6 holds
Holy smokes : an Aisling Grey, guardian,
novel / Katie MacAlister- 5 copies, 8 holds
Home to Holly Springs (LGE-TYPE) / Jan
Karon- 3 copies, 12 holds
Homicide my own : a novel / by Anne
Argula- 3 copies, 3 holds
Horses they rode : a novel / Sid Gustafson.2 copies, 3 holds
I'm Chevy Chase - and you're not / Rena
Fruchter.- 3 copies, 1 hold
Into the mist (J) / Patrick Carman.- 8
copies, 5 holds
It was a wonderful life [DVD]- 2 copies, 3
holds
Journals, 1952-2000 / Arthur M.
Schlesinger, Jr.- 2 copies, 3 holds
Just one sip (LGE-TYPE) / Katie MacAlister- 1 copy, 1 hold
King, Kaiser, Tsar : three royal cousins who
led the world to war / Catrine Clay- 2
copies, 2 holds
Kiss an angel [sound recording] / by Susan
Elizabeth Phillips- 2 copies, 6 holds
Knitting bones / Monica Ferris- 2 copies, 16
holds
Learn new stitches on Circle Looms / Anne
Bipes- 2 copies, 2 holds
Librarian's night before Christmas (E) / by
David Davis-9 copies, 4 holds
Little women [DVD] / Radio Pictures ;
directed by George Cukor, featuring
Katherine Hepburn- 20 copies, 1 hold
Loom knitting primer / Isela Phelps- 3
copies, 3 holds
Love in the time of cholera (movie tie-in
version) / Gabriel García Márquez- 14
copies, 33 holds
Love is a many trousered thing : confessions of Georgia Nicolson (YA) / Louise
Rennison- 3 copies (2 leased) and 26 holds
Love over Scotland / Alexander McCall
Smith- 10 copies, 21 holds
Lucky : an It Girl novel (YA) / created by
Cecily von Ziegesar- 4 copies, 7 holds
Manless in Montclair : a novel : how a happily married woman became a widow
looking for love in the wilds of suburbia /
Amy Holman Edelman- 3 copies, 4 holds
Medieval cuisine of the Islamic world : a
concise history with 174 recipes / Lilia
Zaouali- 1 copy, 1 hold
Mindfreak : secret revelations / Criss Angel
- 2 copies, 3 holds
Mountain rescue doctor : wilderness medicine in the extremes of nature / Christopher Van Tilburg- 3 copies, 4 holds
Murder on the menu / Miranda Bliss- 2
copies, 2 holds
My grandfather's son : a memoir / Clarence Thomas- 1 leased copy (8 total) and
December 2007
55 holds
• My lobotomy : a memoir / Howard Dully2 copies, 5 holds
• My years with General Motors / Alfred P.
Sloan, Jr- 1 copy, 1 hold
• Nauti nights / Lora Leigh- 3 copies, 3 holds
• New moon [sound recording] (YA) / Stephenie Meyer- 5 copies, 7 holds
• Norah : an Orchard Valley novel (LGE•
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holds
Nothing to do, nowhere to go : waking up
to who you are / Thich Nhat Hanh- 2 copies, 3 holds
Now and then / Robert B. Parker- 2
leased copies (12 total) and 100 holds
One drop : my father's hidden life : a story
of race and family secrets / Bliss Broyard- 2
copies, 4 holds
100 bullshit jobs : -- and how to get them /
Stanley Bing- 2 copies, 2 holds
Out to Canaan [sound recording] / by Jan
Karon- 3 copies, 3 holds
Pacific Northwest wining and dining : the
people, places, food, and drink of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia / Braiden Rex-Johnson - 3 copies, 3
holds
Peter and the secret of Rundoon (YA) / by
Dave Barry- 4 copies, 25 holds
Power of experience : great writers over
50 on the quest for a lifetime of meaning /
introduction by Gail Sheehy- 2 copies, 1
hold
Puff, the magic dragon (E) / Peter Yarrow- 13 copies, 8 holds
Quantum eating : the ultimate elixir of
youth / Tonya Zavasta.- 2 copies, 2holds
Raisins and almonds : a Phryne Fisher
mystery / Kerry Greenwood- 2 copies, 2
holds
Reader and raelynx / Sharon Shinn.- 2
copies, 4 holds
Reframe your life : transforming your pain
into purpose / Stephen Arterburn- 2 copies, 2 holds
Rhett Butler's people [sound recording] /
Donald McCaig- 2 copies, 8 holds
Road to Avonlea. The complete seventh
volume [DVD] (J)- 2 copies, 2 holds
Road to Avonlea. The complete sixth volume [DVD] (J)- 2 copies, 2 holds
Ron Jeremy : the hardest (working) man in
showbiz / Ron Jeremy- 2 copies, 2 holds
Ronnie : the autobiography / Ronnie
Wood- 2 copies, 4 holds
Schulz and Peanuts : a biography / David
Michaelis- 4 copies, 15 holds
Second sight / Charles McCarry- 2 copies, 3
holds
Service included : four-star secrets of an
eavesdropping waiter / Phoebe Damrosch- 2 copies, 5 holds
Sex and the immortal bad boy / Stephanie
Page 3
Rowe- 8 copies, 5 holds
• Shakespeare : the world as stage / Bill
Bryson- 3 copies, 9 holds
• Shattered dreams : my life as a polyga•
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mist's wife / Irene Spencer- 1 leased copy (5
total) and 36 holds
Sick girl / Amy Silverstein- 2 copies, 11 holds
Sicko [DVD] / Michael Moore- 5 copies, 11
holds
Simple start--stunning finish : fabric secrets, easy piecing, quilting solutions / Valori Wells- 2 copies, 4 holds
Skippyjon Jones and the big bones (E) /
Judy Schachner- 7 copies, 9 holds
Slip & fall / Nick Santora- 2 copies, 3 holds
Smells like dead elephants : dispatches
from a rotting empire / Matt Taibbi- 1
copy, 1 hold
Sock and glove : creating charming softy
friends from cast-off socks and gloves /
Miyako Kanamori- 3 copies, 3 holds
Son of stitch 'n bitch : 45 projects to knit &
crochet for men / Debbie Stoller- 4 copies,
5 holds
Starbucked : a double tall tale of caffeine,
commerce, and culture / Taylor Clark- 2
copies, 4 holds
Steroid nation : juiced home run totals,
anti-aging miracles, and a Hercules in
every high school : the secret history of
America's true drug addiction / Shaun
Assael- 2 copies, 3 holds
Style A to Zoe : the art of fashion, beauty,
and everything glamour / Rachel Zoe- 3
copies, 1 hold
Suss design essentials : the ultimate collection for a classic handknit wardrobe / Suss
Cousins- 3 copies, 4 holds
Switching time : a doctor's harrowing story
of treating a woman with 17 personalities /
Richard K. Baer- 3 copies, 2 holds
Take control of your health / Joseph Mercola- 2 copies, 4 holds
Takeover : the return of the imperial
presidency and the subversion of American democracy / Charlie Savage.- 1 leased
copy (3 total) and 14 holds
Talent is never enough workbook : discover the choices that will take you beyond your talent / John C. Maxwell- 2 copies, 7 holds
Tall, dark and filthy rich / Jill Monroe- 3
copies, 4 holds
Target : caught in the crosshairs of Bill and
Hillary Clinton / Kathleen Willey- 2 copies,
7 holds
Tastes like Cuba : an exile's hunger for
home / Eduardo Machado- 2 copies, 2
holds
The $100,000+ career : the new approach
to networking for executive job change /
John Davies- 1 copy, 1 hold
The absolutely true diary of a part-time
Indian (YA) / by Sherman Alexie- 1 leased
Content Management
• The abstinence teacher / Tom Perrotta- 3
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leased copies (5 total) and 36 holds
The age of turbulence : adventures in a
new world / Alan Greenspan- 1 leased
The almost moon : a novel / Alice Sebold3 leased copies (15 total) and 99 holds
The alphabet from A to Y with bonus
letter, Z! (E) / by Steve Martin- 9 copies, 5
holds
The annual Snowman's Ball (E) / written
by Mark Kimball Moulton- 7 copies
The art of simple food : notes, lessons, and
recipes from a delicious revolution / Alice
Waters- 5 copies, 5 holds
The best of Dr. Seuss [DVD]- 39 copies
The blade itself / Joe Abercrombie- 3 copies, 2 holds
The case for the real Jesus : a journalist
investigates current attacks on the identity
of Christ / Lee Strobel- 2 copies, 3 holds
The chronicles of Narnia (E) / pop-ups by
Robert Sabuda- 7 copies, 3 holds-fantastic
pop-ups!
The critic / Peter May- 2 copies, 3 holds
The Dakota diet : health secrets from the
Great Plains / Kevin Weiland- 1 copy, 1
hold
The daring book for girls / Andrea J. Buchanan- 5 copies, 24 holds
The emperor's children [sound recording] /
by Claire Messud- 2 copies, 3 holds
The firefighter / Susan Lyons- 2 copies, 2
holds
The great illusion : a study of the relation
of military power to national advantage /
by Norman Angell.- 1 copy, 1 hold
The last human : a guide to twenty-two
species of extinct humans / created by G.J.
Sawyer and Viktor Deak- 1 copy, 1 hold
The McNally files / Lawrence Sanders- 2
copies, 2 holds
The New Year's quilt : an Elm Creek quilts
novel / Jennifer Chiaverini- 7 copies, 9
holds
The nine : inside the secret world of the
Supreme Court / Jeffrey Toobin- 1 leased
The penny : a novel / Joyce Meyer- 1 leased
The pilgrims of Rayne (YA) / D.J.
MacHale- 1 leased copy (5 total) and 27
holds
The pure in heart : a Simon Serrailler mystery / Susan Hill- 2 copies, 4 holds
The race [sound recording] / Richard
North Patterson- 2 copies, 4 holds
The Royals : their lives, loves and secrets- 2
copies, 2 holds
The secret history of the war on cancer /
Devra Davis- 2 copies, 4 holds
The shack : a novel / by William P. Young2 copies, 9 holds
The star machine / Jeanine Basinger- 2
December 2007
copies, 2 holds
• The trophy wives club : a novel of fakes,
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faith, and a love that lasts forever / Kristin
Billerbeck- 3 copies, 3 holds
The vanishing act of Esme Lennox /
Maggie O'Farrell- 1 leased copy, 2 regular
and 23 holds
The voyager's handbook : the essential
guide to bluewater cruising / Beth A. Leonard- 2 copies, 2 holds
The whisperers : private life in Stalin's Russia / Orlando Figes- 2 copies, 3 holds
The year of living biblically : one man's
humble quest to follow the Bible as literally as possible / A.J. Jacobs- 1 leased copy
(4 total) and 30 holds
Three sisters / James D. Doss- 1 leased copy
(3 total) and 16 holds
Tipperary : a novel / Frank Delaney- 2
copies, 6 holds
UltraMetabolism : awaken the fatburning DNA hidden in your body : the
simple plan for automatic weight loss /
Mark Hyman.- 2 added copies (6 total)
and 21 holds
Upon the midnight clear / Sherrilyn Kenyon- 5 copies, 5 holds
Urban guerrilla warfare / Anthony James
Joes- 1 copy, 1 hold
V- 2 copies, 2 holds
Village diary / Miss Read- 2 copies, 2 holds
What makes you not a Buddhist / Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse.- 2 copies, 1 hold
What were they thinking? : really bad
ideas throughout history / Bruce Felton- 2
copies, 2 holds
What would Jesus deconstruct? : the good
news of postmodernism for the church /
John D. Caputo- 1 copy
What's so great about Christianity / Dinesh
D'Souza- 3 copies, 14 holds
Why mermaids sing : a Sebastian St. Cyr
mystery / C.S. Harris.-2 copies, 4 holds
Wife for hire / Janet Evanovich- 13 copies,
25 holds
Wild child / Cindi Myers- 3 copies, 4 holds
Wise investing made simple : Larry
Swedroe's tales to enrich your future /
Larry E. Swedroe.- 1 copy, 1 hold
With the Old Breed at Peleliu and Okinawa / E.B. Sledge- 2 copies, 3 holds
World without end / Ken Follett- 6 leased
Write it when I'm gone : remarkable offthe-record conversations with Gerald R.
Ford / Thomas M. DeFrank- 3 copies, 16
holds
Your next great stock : how to screen the
market for tomorrow's top performers /
Jack Hough- 2 copies, 2 holds
Zugzwang : a novel / Ronan Bennett- 3
copies, 3 holds
Page 4
Communications / Sue Vanlaanen – Board Report
January 14, 2008
Keeping FVRL’s welcome page fresh
The district's home page at www.fvrl.org is the front door of our Web site, where “curb appeal” is important for
encouraging visitors to explore deeper. Keeping the changeable elements of the page fresh and attractive is the
responsibility of the Communications Division (i.e., me) with help from several other staff members. This is the primary
location for online communications about upcoming events and for promotions of FVRL resources.
Main promotion
Each week, we feature a research database,
library service or an important upcoming event
that FVRL patrons should know about. The
database promotions have proven effective; we
now tie selection of what to promote to monthly
usage statistics. Artwork for this section is
occasionally provided by the Graphics
department, such as for Summer Reading
promotions. Most of the time, I enjoy a chance
to dabble in layout and select clip art.
D-IS-Cover
This section allows FVRL’s Information Services staff to show their
terrific skills in pulling together information resources on timely
topics. Amy Lee does a great job organizing the weekly edition and
occasionally is a direct contributor. We’ve used this section to great
advantage to provide quick turnaround on background resources
for big news stories, such as tsunamis and a focus on author Kurt
Vonnegut immediately following his death in 2007. The topic is
usually illustrated with a book cover image pulled directly from the
Catalog (I select the image from the targeted search results IS sets
up with the “In the FVRL collection” link – IS helps by suggesting a
possible title to feature).).
Featured events
I select upcoming events for the
following week to feature in this section,
including a variety of event locations
whenever possible. Sometimes, staff will
request help in promoting an event
because they’re concerned about getting
the word out broadly, or they missed
getting the announcement into the
regular events listings. Each event title
links to the online Events listings for
more details.
New exterior banner soon to be on display at the main library
Now that the threat of ice storms, high winds (and tornados!) may have subsided, we’ll be displaying the newest addition
to our repertoire of exterior banners in front of the main library. This high-traffic corner is a great venue for
communicating to the public about library services.
Community Libraries Report
For December 2007

Three Creeks first full month of using RFID proved successful. Tagging continues but a
higher percentage of materials are tagged. Patrons are getting used to the self check
machines and the outdoor return conveyor. Staff have adapted smoothly to the new
workflow. Gwen Scott-Miller, Three Creeks Librarian, is thankful to all the FVRL staff
who worked in the branch to help prepare staff for the transition.
PROGRAMS

Twenty-six participants enjoyed Stevenson’s Tween reading night and robotics
demonstration. The robotics demonstration was provided by group members who entered
a robotics contest at their school.

Toddlers and preschoolers attended a Teddy Bear Picnic for Stevenson’s final 2007 story
time. Jeanean Burgon fashioned a “bear cave” from a dome tent, green tablecloths,
colorful leaves, and a small wooden table. The children had great fun hibernating and
singing and dancing to “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” and other songs.

Vancouver Mall hosted a special Family Story Time with Curt Nelson and his Arctic
Express. Through magic, story telling, and book talking Curt presented winter holidays
from around the world. The attendees loved his assistant, the magical bunny Leanne.

Erica Rhodes (Vancouver Mall) held a Guitar Hero Rock-a-thon for 9 – 12 year olds.
Participants and staff had a great time riffing along to classics by Deep Purple and
Motley Crue.

Three Creeks’ 6th Annual Winter Festival on was a big success. While the smell of
Wassail floated through the library people listened to music performed by a high school
orchestra and choir. Children enjoyed a puppet show put on by Three Creeks’ teen
puppeteers under the direction of Blake Kincaid and then made gingerbread houses,
penguin note pads, and other crafts. Some brave children sang Christmas carols on the
karaoke machine. Over 400 people attended this fun event.

Ridgefield’s Hometown Celebration on December 1 brought the Ridgefield library the
highest ever attendance -- 1,695. With Friends hosting the open house, Vancouver
Madrigal Singers entertained while children worked on crafts. Ridgefield’s foreign
exchange students presented samples of cookies from their homelands.

La Center held a holiday centerpiece workshop. Friends gathered cuttings from many
types of trees, provided ribbons, candles, and everything else needed to make the holiday
wreaths. Approximately forty people attended the workshop, including a group of
Ridgefield Friends. Everyone went home with a lovely centerpiece.

Forty people attended Ridgefield’s Holiday Swag Making program. Jenine Whitecastle
and local florist Tammy Claflin and helped participants create impressive swags. Several
members of the Stitchery Group also helped because they’d attended La Center’s
Community Libraries Report, December 2007
1
centerpiece program the week before. Several La Center residents came to Ridgefield’s
program.

La Center added some programs this month. A new knitting class will be held every
Wednesday morning and two weekly story times will be held at the Academy of Fun and
Learning and the Caring Corner day care centers.

Cascade Park’s book discussion group often expresses the desire to meet the author of the
books they discuss. In December they got to spend the evening with Betty Wyatt, author
of Jessie the Story of a Genteel Lady in Frontier Alaska. Betty’s book is based on a trunk
she bought at an auction that was filled with memorabilia from an English woman who
arrived in Alaska in the early 1900’s. Betty told the group the fascinating story of how
she researched Jessie’s life for the book.

Cascade Park hosted a Friday night children’s winter craft program. The Friends
purchased craft items and refreshments. Ann Younger, Heather Troupe, Rachel Ernst
and volunteers helped the kids make a variety of presents for family members while
Teresa Torres introduced the parents to one another. People who had never been to the
Cascade Park library attended the event and learned about the new building and ongoing
programs. One parent offered to volunteer at the February program.

Cascade Park had a Small Talk Learning (sign language for babies) program. Several
people who are not Cascade Park patrons attended.

Goldendale hosted a book signing and lecture with local author George Rohrbacher.
Rohrbacher wrote a novel set in the Celilo Falls area that weaves local history with a
mystery storyline. He gave an excellent presentation on the importance of Celilo Falls to
the Northwest native cultures, the circumstances that led him to write the book, and
interesting facts from his research.

Woodland Middle School’s Lego Robotics Team became regional champions based on
their public building energy audit of the Woodland Community Library (one component
of the contest). Their analysis of the 98-year-old building and their recommendation that
it be outfitted with dual-pane windows and a heat-pump central climate control system
earned the team top marks. They will go on to the Oregon championships in January for
a chance at the international competition.

Sixty-five people attended Vancouver’s celebration for Alberta the Library Turtle, who
has been living at Vancouver for over 16 years. Attendees ate cake, played games, read
stories, and made cards for Alberta. Each family received a copy of the book Tortoise
and the Hare, purchased with Kelly Patterson funds. Alberta received several drawings
and cards from community members who were unable to attend the program but wanted
to show Alberta how much they appreciate her.

Washougal had a Holiday Open House on December 1, the same day as the City of
Washougal’s tree lighting ceremony. Attendees had a great time making snowflakes and
sampling the refreshments.
2
YOUNG ADULTS

A duct tape wallet making program was a huge hit with Stevenson teens. Participants
enjoyed the program, organized by Marshall Shapiro, so much that they did not want it to
end. A local business owner called to thank Marshall and tell him that her two sons went
straight to the hardware store after the program for more duct tape and made wallets and
purses for gifts the rest of the evening.

Stevenson hosted a teen game day on December 22 that featured Dance Dance
Revolution, Guitar Hero, chess, and other games. They also had a “Lost in the 80’s” film
festival on December 26, 27, and 28, complete with popcorn and pop sales as a YAAB
fundraiser.

Mike Jansen (La Center) created two teen outreach web sites:
www.myspace.com/lacenterlibraryteens and www.lacenterlibraryteens.blogspot.com Be
sure to check them out!

The Battle Ground YAAB is exploring the idea of purchasing a brick for the new library.
They are also looking at options for having the group’s name on something in the teen
room, using the $350 they have raised at media sales.

White Salmon YAAB members helped Heidi Henning lead children’s crafts during the
Holiday Wassail and Open House.

Woodland’s teen Book Gab group enjoyed a field trip to the movie The Golden Compass.
Woodland Middle/High School media specialist Candice Lindsey, who’s been attending
Book Gab, came along as an additional chaperone. After the movie the teens had a lively
discussion comparing the movie and the book.

Thirty teens attended Woodland’s YAAB game night on December 14, the same night as
the High School play A Christmas Carol. Scrooge, his nephew Freddie, and one other
cast member attended the game night in costume to rock out on Guitar Hero.
COORDINATORS

Megan Dugan (Circulation Services Coordinator) participated in a day-long workshop
with the Vancouver Library building team and Linda Miller, Automated Materials
Handling consultant, to determine the size and placement of the Automated Materials
Handling System (AMHS) and circulation area in the new Vancouver Library.

As of November 30, 2007 Unique Management Services has assisted FVRL collect a
total of $412,660.67 from referred patrons. Materials worth $370,765.91 were recovered
and $33,467.36 was paid. Waived bills accounted for the remainder, $8,427.40.

Megan and Joey North (Circulation Specialist) met with Andy Harp, Customer Service
Representative for UMS (collection agency). Andy explained a new policy. Now creditreported customers who pay their accounts in full will have a negative credit reporting for
only one year. Previously it had been for seven years.
3

Megan is working with a group to help customize the self checkout machines and
software that is currently in use at the Three Creeks library.

Megan visited Washougal, Ridgefield, and La Center to talk with staff about circulation
concerns and review needs for updated service desks, furniture, and equipment.

Jacquelyn Keith (Children’s Services Coordinator) reports that 17 Read and Play
programs were held at 5 sites during December. A total of 405 people attended the
programs (136 parents/269 children). The Read and Play program is a partnership with
ESD 112. Two special story times were held at Silver Star Elementary for Head Start,
SWCCC, and private childcare providers.

Heather attended the Born Learning Trusted Messenger training that SELF sponsored.

Jen Studebaker (Youth Services Coordinator) has been working with Information
Services staff to update “This is Serious”, the teen homework help section on FVRL’s
website. IS staff are researching links that can be used for homework help.

Jen updated the Young Adult Book Discussion Collection by creating separate Tween
and Teen collections and fine tuning the process staff use for using and requesting the
discussion group books.

FVRL purchased a Nintendo Wii for district Young Adult programming. The Wii is a
multigenerational gaming device that can be used for many different types of programs
like bowling tournaments between teens and their grandparents. Jen created an illustrated
guide for setting up the Wii for branch staff.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Vancouver Mall had class visits from Image Elementary School kindergartners, several
Head Start groups, and a Frontier Middle School class. Many of the kindergarteners
received their first library card and really enjoyed choosing and checking out a book.

Barbara Jorgenson (Three Creeks) continues adding attendees to the new Building Blocks
program at Lake Shore Elementary School. She presents a story time there every
Wednesday morning.

Holly Cote (Three Creeks) talked to 325 ESL students on December 20 about library
services. She continues meeting with girls at the Juvenile Detention Center to share
books.

Gwen Scott-Miller (Three Creeks) wrote an article for the North Salmon Creek
Neighborhood Newsletter promoting five Three Creeks book discussion groups.

As a member of the nominating committee, Ann O’Reilly attended the City Council
meeting that honored Helen Maul, Ridgefield’s Outstanding Citizen of 2007. The
meeting also included a lively discussion about floating homes in the marina. Because
4
Ann had helped a marina resident research the topic earlier that week, she was able to tell
attendees about library resources related to the marina.

Mike Jansen (La Center) met with Rita Peterson, the La Center Schools Librarian, to
discuss possible programming options and ways the library can work with La Center
schools. They decided to have a book discussion group meet at the middle school the
third Wednesday of each month.

Mike attended the La Center Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization meeting.
This was a good opportunity to introduce himself to some staff members and parents.

Mike attended a meeting to discuss how the library can help increase participation in
Fallabration, the fall carnival held at the elementary school.

Naomi Fisher (Goldendale) attended the Presby Museum lighting, the holiday home tour,
and a Chamber holiday event. At all of these functions she found new people to meet and
ways to promote the library.

White Salmon participated in the second Henkle Middle School Project Open Door
(POD) 21st Century Grant Student Showcase. The school was awarded their 21st Century
grant earlier this fall. The library promoted YAAB to the 7th and 8th graders and talked
with 5th and 6th graders about possible ‘Tween activities. Heidi Henning created a slide
show using photos taken at past YAAB events to give students an idea of the wide range
of YAAB activities. Senior YAAB member Kristie Morris helped distribute library
information and gave a presentation to students and parents about her YAAB experience.

As a member of the White Salmon Community Youth Center’s Adult Advisory Board,
Jennifer Hull attended the Center’s Christmas play, dinner, and gift exchange. Several of
White Salmon’s older YAAB members are mentors at the Youth Center.

Karin Ford and Tina Smith (Vancouver), and Doreen Turpen met with the chair of the
Forum at the Library committee and a representative of the InterACT group to talk about
possible collaboration on programs to foster community discussion.

Tina Smith met with Linda Calvert of Clark College and identified some Clark College
staff who might be interested in serving on the Forum committee.

Tina Smith and Sara Teas (Vancouver) visited with Union High School staff about the
required senior service learning projects and discussed how FVRL can support students
coming to the library for project ideas and research help.

Abbie Anderson (Woodland) attended the second meeting of the Cowlitz County
Substance Abuse Coalition. She rang the Salvation Army bell for the Woodland Rotary
Club and helped wrap gifts for Rotary’s annual Christmas Giving program. She also
attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new Woodland mayor, Charles Blum.

Dawn Feldhaus, a reporter with the Camas-Washougal Post Record, wrote a very nice
piece about the National Novel Writing Month program held at Washougal during
November.
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EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS

The White Salmon gallery is showing art by local water color artist Bonnie White. Her
art features area landscapes that capture the Gorge’s dramatic lighting.

Ryan Dunn, son of staff member Tricia Dunn, displayed a fantastic collection of his Lego
creations in White Salmon’s large display case. The complex pieces ranged from a small
bicyclist to a three-story traffic control tower and helipad. Everyone was fascinated by
the variety and intricacy of the display, and the younger set found it truly mesmerizing.

Linnie Talman, a volunteer for the Gorge Heritage Museum, arranged a display of
vintage Christmas ornaments for White Salmon’s small display case.

During December Washougal displayed an art piece made by Gause Elementary School
students. The art piece was two sets of painted doors bound together by hinges
STAFF

Stevenson staff members and Rachel Gunkel (Goldendale) attended a training in
Stevenson library. David Viers, Director of the Southwest Washington Center for the
Deaf and Hard of Hearing, explained many of the devices and resources available to help
people with hearing loss. He demonstrated techniques staff members can use to better
communicate with people who are deaf or hard of hearing. One helpful tip he shared was
that staff should not look down at the computer when talking to a patron because that
makes speech-reading impossible.

The Learning 2.0 program began in December. Many staff have already signed up and
begun their learning about new technologies.

Collection Development’s Meg Zaleski helped Stevenson staff weed part of the
collection. She shared advice for managing the NW materials and created lists of fiction
and nonfiction items to send to other locations because they have not circulated in the
past year. The weeded books will be replaced with newer materials. Meg and her staff
are helping many of the branches with weeding and it is much appreciated.

Amy Lee (Vancouver) gave a presentation on iBistro and WorldCat at Battle Ground’s
December staff meeting. All the staff appreciated the training.

White Salmon Assistant II Norma Barajas welcomed her new baby girl, Dulce. Mother
and daughter are both doing well.

Heather Rhone (Early Learning Specialist) accepted the Youth Services Librarian
position at Vancouver. She will begin her new position January 14, 2008.

Karin Ford and Tina Smith (Vancouver) attended a web conference on roving reference.

The Vancouver guards attended a CPR/first aid recertification class.
6

Mary Buelow and Tina Smith (Vancouver) finished a major revision of the district
Reference Protocols and discussed them with IS staff, Branch Librarians, and Circulation
Supervisors.

Washougal staff weeded their collection during December in preparation for RFID
tagging.
BOOKMOBILES
VOLUNTEERS

Jim Schneider, the new Residence Director at Colonial House Assisted Living
Community in Battle Ground, stopped by the library to introduce himself to Jackie
Spurlock. He asked if the library had volunteers who could read aloud to the residents.
Jackie found three volunteers and arranged for them to rotate weeks throughout the year.
All the volunteers reported that they had a wonderful experience and that the residents
found the time meaningful and enjoyable. After her experience of reading for thirty
minutes one volunteer reported, “This is a really rewarding experience which I'm quite
sure everyone will enjoy, the reader and the audience. I certainly did.”

Volunteers helped collate 1,012 “Hello, Baby!” bags that are being sent to branches and
community partners.
LITERACY & ESL

Nettie Pullella-Barca (Battle Ground volunteer) reports that Battle Ground’s ESL
conversation group had a Christmas party on December 20. Thirteen adults and seven
children attended the event and brought favorite foods from their countries. Attendees
sang “Silent Night” in English, Russian, and Spanish.

Vancouver’s Conversation Circle added two new volunteers. Amy Lee (Vancouver)
hosted a combined Conversation Circle holiday potluck with a special speaker, a doctor
from SW Washington Medical Center.
FRIENDS

Stevenson’s Friends’ Holiday Book Sale was a great success and made over $500 in 5
hours.

Three Creeks Friends are buying a replacement canopy for Summer Reading programs
and a new digital camera. Their Holiday Sale on December 8 was very successful.
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Battle Ground Friends are busy preparing for the sold out January 19th Ben Franklin
dinner. The Friends solicited over $9,000 worth of auction items so far. Ben Franklin
will attend the dinner and the Battle Ground High School chorus will entertain.

White Salmon Friends hosted their 33rd Annual Holiday Wassail and Open House. Local
musicians, including a pianist, fiddler, and guitarist and the a cappella quartet Fourth
Dimension provided entertainment and Friends member Andre Lamoreaux lead attendees
in a sing-a-long. There was a spinning and fiber arts demonstration by the Northwest
Regional Fiber Guild, a gallery show of Transparent Watercolors by Bonnie White, and
hands-on crafts for the children. The Friends provided an amazing spread of sweet and
savory finger foods along with the traditional Wassail punch.
DONATIONS AND BEQUESTS

Battle Ground Friends received $28,300 in a day by selling about 100 bricks

Woodland Friends received a gift of $355 from Woodland resident and self-published
author Suzanne Taylor-Moore.
THE FOUNDATION

Gabrielle Ladduslaw of SWIFT stopped by the Battle Ground Friends meeting to
announce a $1,500 grant to the Foundation to support a display area in new library.

The Foundation received a $50,000 donation on for the Battle Ground building project.
This donation completes the $50,000 match needed for the Paul Allen grant.
FACILITIES

Kwang Kye and Mike Smith (IT) replaced Stevenson’s and White Salmon’s original wifi
equipment with new systems and installed wifi equipment in most other branches. IT
staff also trained branch staff on how to access the wifi network.

Planning for the new main library included a workshop with architects and a meeting
with a consultant for the design of the materials handling system.

Lynne Minnick (Vancouver) toured the new Indianapolis Central Library and brought
back some good ideas and photos.
TIDBITS

A family from Japan attends Vancouver Mall’s Friday morning story time. The family is
learning English and appreciates the opportunity to practice their English and for their
child to attend story time. They were so excited about the program that they invited
another Japanese family.
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Cascade Park staff received an unusual Christmas gift from an appreciative patron. The
patron gave staff a ream of paper because she “likes how [she] can use the computer
here.”

Jackie Spurlock (Battle Ground) overheard a patron say to a staff member during the
height of the holiday rush, “The library is the only quiet place I know where I can come
and sit and write a letter!”

Three children found Sharon Hruby (right) of Battle Ground
shelving in the children’s area. The next thing she knew she
was reading them a story. When Jackie Spurlock snapped the
picture, the children’s mother, who was sitting nearby, smiled
at Jackie and said, “This is the first time I’ve been able to read
a magazine since the baby was born!” Sharon has a way with
children.

Rachel Gunkel (Goldendale) observed the following from a high school student who
received a new laptop and cell phone for Christmas. The student came in the library and
turned on his new laptop. When the laptop started working he received the pop-up
message about the library’s new wifi network. He immediately called a friend on his new
cell phone and said, “Hey, this is SO cool! The Library has wifi now. Check it out!” He
then proceeded spreading the word by making more phone calls.

At a Friday Teen ‘scape Ruth Shafer saw a 16-year-old girl she hadn’t seen in a while.
The girl introduced her boyfriend and told Ruth that she was the first librarian she ever
met and that Ruth signed her up for children’s summer reading program when the girl
was in first grade. She indicated that signing up for Summer Reading was A BIG DEAL
and that she still thinks fondly of the library. She had come from the Three Creeks area
for Teen ‘scape.
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Date:
To:
From:
Subject:
January 14, 2008
Fort Vancouver Regional Library Board of Trustees
Patty Duitman
Operations Report
ADMINISTRATION
¾ Continue working on the 2008 budget
¾ Finalized Union contract
¾ Working on architect contracts
ACCOUNTING
¾ Monitored year-end accounts payable practices to keep reports current and updated; this will
aid in more accurate budget tracking
¾ Finalized 2007 accounts payable
¾ Extracted 2007 data for forth quarter tax preparation, year-end closing and W-2 statements
¾ Interviewed two candidates for the Payroll Analyst position
¾ Accounting software consultants moved Accounting and HR to another server to provide
more storage space
¾ Began entering new account numbers as we transition to program budgeting
FACILITIES
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
Completed (105) work orders and (12) special events
Installed cables for wireless Internet at Goldendale
Installed RFID gates and modified the door opener for ADA access at Three Creeks
Added electrical power to Three Creeks workroom table
Replaced two exterior book returns with new ones at White Salmon
In Washougal, built and installed workroom shelving and branch box shelving
Re-keyed Vancouver branch doors
Completed 2008 contracts and secured services for:
o Custodial services for all buildings
o Cascade Park, La Center, Three Creeks and Vancouver grounds keeping
o Fire alarm monitoring
o Operations computer server room HVAC system monitoring
o HVAC water treatment system for Mill Plain location
HUMAN RESOURCES
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
¾
Completed an audit of the HR software that connects to the Access database records
Setting up 2008 rates for benefits, deductions and salaries
Implemented new budget numbers
Working on 10 unfilled position
Held clerical substitute interviews; successful candidates will be scheduled for training
Held testing for applicant pool
PURCHASING
¾ New purchase assistant has streamlined the ship hold process for Three Creeks books
¾ Purchasing and mail staff are completing written process for their duties
¾ An electronic supply request form has been design and will be available to staff February 1
TRAINING
Conference/Workshop Registrations
¾ 4 staff attended workshop “The Holidays: Distress or De-Stress”
¾ 2 Security Guards attended CPR/First Aid training
¾ Registered 1 person for BookExpo America Conference
¾ Registered 11 staff for Public Library Association Conference
¾ Registered 1 person for OCLC ILLiad International Meeting
¾ 7 staff viewed “Guide to Roving: An Essential Service for Library 2.0” web conference
¾ 3 staff attended Director’s Station training
Other
¾ We announced the voluntary training of Discover 2.0 learning program for staff to
advance their technology skills. As of January 11th, 78 staff has signed up!