Library ReportLibrary Report
Support Your Library -Support Your Community
Tax funding covers a portion of our expenses but as we embark on more projects to
serve our community,we depend upon generous individuals and businesses within
Saline County.
www.salinapublic.library.org/give
National Library Card Sign-up Month
September was National Library Card Sign-up Month and we had 327 new card holders sign up.The Friends of the
Library supported this project by providing funds to purchase gift cards for new card holders.Staff did a wonderful
job spreading the word and assisting patrons.
Staff Training
EMPAC Virtual Training -Dealing with Difficult Customers -October 6th @ 9 AM
Staff and Departmental Training Day -October 9th
Active Shooter Presentation -Office Shawn Moreland
Library Services Reviews
Cy Wakeman -The Reality Based Rules of the Workplace Discussion
EMPAC Virtual Training -Being a Team Player -November 17th @ 9 AM
Upcoming Events
A Lifetime of Writing:A Conversation with International Bestselling Author John
Irving
New York Times Bestselling Author of A Prayer for Owen Meany and The Cider
House Rules
Thursday,October 26th at 6:00 PM CDT
Hollywood,Home,Heart,and Healing:A Conversation with
Actor John Stamos
Three-time Emmy Nominee and Full House Star
Wednesday,November 1st at 7:00 PM CDT
Youth Programming
We kicked off two new book clubs for elementary age kiddos.For our 3rd-5th grade patrons we have the Adventures
in Bookland.This club meets once a month to explore the world of a book together through discussion and activities.
Depending on the book we’re reading,we’ll play games,do scavenger hunts,make art,do science experiments,and
more!My First Book club is for our K-2nd grade patrons.During this program,we’ll read an early reader book
together to help build confidence for our newer readers and then do an activity that ties into the book.-Heather
Mettlen,Youth Services Programs Coordinator
Adrienne Brighton (PT YS Clerk)curated the
Salina Area Homeschoolers art display again
this year.We had a wonderful turnout of
amazing artwork,and the display is
beautifully put together.I am so grateful for
Adrienne’s commitment to serving our
young patrons.Great job,
Adrienne!--Amanda Little,Head of Youth
Services
Adult Programming
Fall Paint Party
Barb Unruh of Studio B came back for another exciting Paint Party!This time participants had the opportunity to
paint an adorable highland cow with sunflowers.Barb provides a great atmosphere for the painters and everyone left
with a wonderful and unique painting!-Ben Johnson,Information Services Programs Coordinator
DONATIONS POLICY
BOOK AND LIBRARY MATERIALS DONATION
Donated books and library materials are subject to the same selection criteria as books the library purchases for the
collection.Items donated should reflect those in our collection.Donated items that are not added to the collection
will be sent to the Friends of the Library for use in its book sales.Donations will be accepted with the understanding
that they become the property of the Salina Public Library.The library will not attempt to assign a dollar value to the
donated materials.
We accept:
●Hardcover,paperback,and children’s books in good condition.
●Commercially published media:DVDs,CDs,vinyl records,albums,video games and CD audiobooks.
We do not accept:
●Books that are moldy,dirty,water damaged,or outdated.
●VHS tapes and audio cassette tapes.
●Textbooks or encyclopedias.
●Periodicals or magazines.
●Workbooks or study guides.
●Computer programs.
Quantity limitations:
●We ask that you limit donated items to 3 boxes per household.(Boxes should be no larger than the size of a
typical copy paper box which is roughly 15 x 12 x 10 inches.)
How to donate:
●Bring donations to the circulation (checkout)desk at Salina Public Library during business hours.
●We may not be able to accept excessively large donations.
●Once our inventory needs have been met,we may decline to accept donations.
Patron/Community Feedback
Thank you from an inmate at Ft.Leavenworth for reference by mail.
Submitted by Lori Berezvosky,Information Services Librarian
Patron purchase suggestions completed to date 2023:349
State Library of Kansas
https://kslib.info/
State Librarian -Ray Walling
Advisory Board
Kansas Library Catalog
Kansas Notable Books
Kansas Library eCard
Talking Books
CKLS (Central Kansas Library System)
https://ckls.org/
Executive Board
Board Packets
Bylaws &System Plan
Kansas Regional Library Systems
Building &Grounds Updates
●We are next in line for repair of our east elevator.It could possibly be done prior to Spring 2024.
○Additional elements may have to be done to meet code.
●The west elevator has a phone in it now.Calls go to KONE first to see if emergency services are necessary.
●The air duct is repaired and finished in the study room.
●Lights continue to be replaced.
●Carpets were cleaned.
Library Positions
All positions are filled.
Strategic Plan
Quick Summary -current strategic plan work
Area 2022 Data 2023 GOAL 2023 to Date (Sept.30)
Circulation 476,906 500,000 376,659
Building Traffic 139,480 150,000 121,651
Questions Asked 76,481 80,000 64,840
Event Attendance 16,270 18,000 19,377
Focus Area 1:Increase Public Awareness
Goal 1 -Raise visibility of library services,both new and existing.
✅Action 1:Implement year long marketing plan that highlights services,materials and keystone programs.
✅Action 2:Focus on summer reading.Increase total items read to 15,000.
-staff pick:prizes/incentives changes -youth are receiving prizes rather than certificates;increased prizes at the summer kickoff
-staff pick:speaking with local community groups -Match Madness hundreds of flyers for summer were handed out;DCF presentation;Bridge House
presentation and more
✅Action 3:Design a detailed giving and fundraising schedule with detailed procedures.
Goal 2 -Increase public knowledge of the library mission &core values.
✅Action 1:Provide opportunities for community members to learn about the library.
✅Action 2:Make the mission and core values prominent within the library building.(Katie Z./Amy)
✅Action 3:Implement Advisory Boards.
Capital Campaign Advisory Board -September -Allyson W.
Focus Area 2:Champion Literacy and Lifelong Learning
Goal 1 -Support agencies that promote literacy and lifelong learning.
✅Action 1:Donate materials throughout 2023.
Goal 2 -Support learning for Saline County students.
✅Action 1:Continue to see growth in the school library card program.
✅Action 2:Provide students and school staff support with programs and expertise
✅Action 3:Provide monthly emails to key connections within the school library card program.
Goal 3 -Develop engaging programs for children and adults across a wide range of topics and interests.
✅Action 4:Expand the Salina Reads event.
✅Action 6:Review the feasibility of an adult high school completion program.
Focus Area 3:Foster Community Connections
Goal 1 -Bring relevant services offered by other organizations into the Library.
✅Action 1:Connect with other libraries in our community.
✅Action 2:Connect with other businesses in our community.
Goal 2 -Connect with new groups,businesses &organizations
✅Action 1:Implement summer reading partnerships within the community.
✅Action 2:Review our volunteer opportunities and recruit within our community.
Focus Area 4:Engage Our Team
Goal 1 -Support our staff who are valued and recognized by the community for their diverse skills,expertise and
exceptional customer service
✅Action 1:Plan for a group of staff to attend and develop at the Kansas Librarian Association conference.
✅Action 2:Plan a development/training day for the leadership team.
✅Action 3 -Item 1 -RFID Access:Explore new tools and systems that support staff workload.
-staff pick:smart lock McKenzie -RFID Access
✅Action 3 -Item 2 -Roving Strategy:Explore new tools and systems that support staff workload.
⬜Action 4:Review the staff site,update and improve.
-in process
Goal 2 -Attract and retain well-qualified,professional staff who actively support the library mission,our community
and fellow staff members.
✅Action 1:Continued review of library positions,benefits and wages
✅Action 2:Fully implement the performance based system.
✅Action 3:Train staff on Salina community resources.(presentations at staff training events)
✅Action 4:Provide training to learn more about homelessness,crisis situations &other specific public service
situations.
✅Action 5:Implement hiring tools.(recorded video interviews)*HireFlix
✅Action 6:Provide workplace training.Reality-Based Workplace -Cy Wakeman -On Demand Virtual Training
Feedback
✔(January -April):Strategic Plan -Statistical Goals,Staff Training Cy Wakeman
✔(May -August):Decisions,Library Services
⬜(September -December):End of Year Review *will be done November/December
Focus Area 5:Sustain and Implement Desired Services for Our Community
Goal 1 -Continue developing a collection of high-quality,community driven materials &resources.
✅Action 1:Review nontraditional items in depth
✅Action 2:Explore new digital or physical materials or resources.
Goal 2 -Provide library services into the community in new ways and settings.
✅Action 4:Plan for our local history collection.Review the local history room as well as work to find ways to provide
Our collection to the community through digital access.Ongoing throughout 2023
Goal 3 -Review library policies and procedures to improve services to patrons.
✅Action 2:Review public desk assistance included standard resources and roving strategies.
-roving strategies plan and training in process
✅Action 4:Review our automated communications.
Feedback
✔(January -April):Salina Reads,National Library Week -What do you love about your Library?
✔(May -August):Storytime
✔(September -December):
Focus Area 6:Provide Well-Maintained,Comfortable,Accessible Community Spaces
Goal 1 -Remodel Youth Services
✅Action1:Donations Plan -4 scheduled donor requests per year
✅Action 2:Grants Ongoing throughout 2023
✅Action 3:Fundraisers
Goal 2 -Provide a visually pleasing environment.
✅Action 1:Review landscaping and consider sustainable improvements.
✅Action 2:Review building areas for improvement.
✅Action 3:Library Space -first impressions &welcoming spaces
Goal 3 -Protect the public’s investment in the Library.Upgrade areas for public and staff.
✅Action 1:Update intercom system.-capital project -in process
✅Action 2:Update phone system.-capital project -in process
✅Action 3:Create a comprehensive annual maintenance plan.
✅Action 5:RFID access.-capital project
✅Action 6:Shelving -capital project.-ongoing through 2023
Strategic Capital Plan
✅McKenzie Center Door
✅Dock Door Repair
✅Elevator Repair -east
Elevator Upgrade -east (spring 2024)
✅Intercom System
✅Phone System
✅RFID Access
✅Mobile Shelving -ongoing throughout 2023
✅Little Library Replacement -Sunset
HVAC Controls Systems Module
✅Furniture -Campbell room table &chairs
Security Gates -gates selected
Youth Services Remodel -fundraising in process
Marketing
Insights:
Top five posts:
Top performing Instagram Reels:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwgDv9jpqDG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwvghX2he4o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Winter Calendar:(Arriving mid October)
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A3138aef9-45d5-3a98-b611-28e066bef256
Fundraising &Development
●Sept &Q3 Donations Report:
●The Capital Campaign Steering Committee has held its 1st meeting (Sept 27)and will continue to meet
monthly.
●Presented to the Men's AMBUCS group on 10/6,an overview of SPL and introducing the remodel project -
general excitement and positive reception from the group.
●Saline County Digital Equity Grants to be submitted (Oct.17)for 2 projects:Additional Hotspots to Circulate
&Youth Robotics Club.
●Giving Tuesday/Annual Appeal campaign will launch Nov.13.
Staff Spotlight
Ben Johnson
Department:Information Services
Job Title:Program Coordinator
How many years have you worked at the Library?2 years
What is your favorite part of your job at the Library?I would say the amount of creative freedom that I am awarded in
my position.I get to come up with and help set-up programs that range from fun,to creative,to informative.I also
love running my book club!
What materials do you enjoy checking out from the Library?I usually have several books checked out,but I also love
the DVDs and board games!My partner and I have found some of our new favorite board games through the library’s
collection (if you haven’t played Azul,I highly recommend it).
Are you a member or a part of any organizations/groups in the Salina area?I am currently the Secretary for the
recently established non-profit organization,the Smoky Hill Equality Coalition.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about the Library?I may be slightly biased,but we have a huge
variety of programs available to patrons for free or very low cost across a broad range of topics.These programs are
usually done by community members or local organizations that can be great connections for information or
resources
Sam Switzer
Department:Technology Center
Job Title:Network Administrator
How many years have you worked at the Library?6 years
What materials do you enjoy checking out from the Library?I like checking out Sci Fi books,The occasional TV show
or movie,and some of the more obscure video games I would not normally purchase,and have discovered several
series I would not be aware of otherwise.
What do you enjoy most about the community we serve?What patrons request is always a moving target,and
requires we continue to learn new things to meet them at their needs.I never want to stop learning,so meeting this
challenge is what I live for.
Are you a member or a part of any organizations/groups in the Salina area?I help moderate a Salina area forum
answering questions for people visiting Salina.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about the Library?The new Aspen Discovery catalog is an
amazingly powerful tool that more patrons should use,and makes tons of things you do at the library way easier,such
as purchase suggestions,managing reading history,lists,and powerful search tools that shows you where you can
check out titles across all our platforms,physical and digital.