Sacramento Library Master Plan

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Arden-Dimick Workshop Date: February 9, 2000 On February 9 over 30 people participated in a community workshop to imagine their library in 2020 and discuss immediate needs for library services at their branches. There were participants from McKinley, Colonial Heights, Carmichael, Arcade, and Arden-Dimick branches. They worked as members of four planning teams. The teams mapped their communities and the role of their libraries, imagined the type of services and place the library would be in 20 years, identified their immediate needs, and potential community partners. Workshop Summary The participants consider their branch library central to their communities, both physically and culturally. The need for additional meeting space, hours and access to services are the features they imagine for the future of their libraries. The first step towards accomplishing their needs is to focus on increasing the community's awareness and support for enhancing library services. Their partnerships for their libraries include politicians, community organizations, school districts and business. Team 1: McKinley, Colonial Heights Exercise #1: Envisioning the 2020 Community Library Imagine the future of library services.   How does your library fit in the community? 1. Two-thirds walk 2. Heart of neighborhood   What kind of place will it be? 1. Larger space 2. Coffee & treats-contract it out? 3. A nice big sign 4. More staff 5. Better, cozy area 6. A homework center (which would include a better relationship with the schools) 7. Clean bathrooms!! 8. Better relationship with the City-Clunie support   What do we need to do in the next five years to move towards your vision? 1. Resource & support independent of economic fluctuation 2. Money-not all tax based 3. Support from the main public library management 4. Community support through greater outreach   Exercise #2: Current Library Services In your community, what are the three greatest needs for library services? 1. More Space 2. Monday hours with staff to support them 3. Outside lights & signs=better access, neon open/close 4. Clean bathrooms 5. Training on how to use the library catalogues, computer 6. Training library staff on what the community is 7. Internet access 8. Better promotion/advertisements   Exercise #3: Community Partners Who are potential partners for improving library services in your community? 1. A mayor who cares 2. Better support from the downtown administration & Big Friends, & big & local Business & corporations 3. Outreach to seniors, schools, ethnic community   Team 2: Carmichael     Exercise #1: Envisioning the 2020 Community Library Imagine the future of library services.   How does your library fit in the community? 1. Centrally located 2. Great access   What kind of place will it be? 1. 25,000 sq. ft. 2. 5,000 sq. ft. community room (dividable) 3. 200 computers with internet for public use (separate computer room) 4. Current reference materials 5. Video (coffee) shop, comfortable reading/viewing area 6. Space for 20,000 more books 7. Funding for more books 8. 40 FTE staff   What do we need to do in the next five years to move towards your vision? 1. Community support 2. Get Assessment passed 3. Find large donors (convince Dimick's to change allegiance to Carmichael) 4. Special programs 5. Building fund   Exercise #2: Current Library Services In your community, what are the three greatest needs for library services? 1. Longer hours 2. More space 3. Meeting room   Exercise #3: Community Partners Who are potential partners for improving library services in your community? 1. Schools-public & private 2. Seniors-residences, organizations, Senior centers 3. Service organizations 4. Media 5. Chamber of Commerce 6. Churches Team 3: Arcade Exercise #1: Envisioning the 2020 Community Library Imagine the future of library services.   How does your library fit in the community? 1. Central location 2. Cross-road 3. No walking access 4. Has bus stop   What kind of place will it be? 1. Welcome comfort 2. Well lit 3. Stack & computer availability 4. Meeting room available 5. Knowledgeable staff 6. More hours 7. Word processing with printers available   What do we need to do in the next five years to move towards your vision? 1. Need new chairs 2. Get back meeting room 3. Better access to parking 4. Lobby for funding   Exercise #2: Current Library Services In your community, what are the three greatest needs for library services? 1. Longer-more hours, neon sign-to attract new visitors with hours listed 2. More staff 3. Better street access, drive-up service   Exercise #3: Community Partners Who are potential partners for improving library services in your community? 1. Schools 2. Community services-Sheriff 3. Service clubs 4. Churches 5. Businesses Team 4: Arden-Dimick Exercise #1: Envisioning the 2020 Community Library Imagine the future of library services.   How does your library fit in the community? 1. Center of neighborhoods 2. Heart of community 3. Good intersection for auto access   What kind of place will it be? 1. *Still beautiful 2. 9-9/7 days 3. Seniors-over 65 getting larger & volunteering 4. Meeting room-constantly busy, lottery for times! 5. Computers-one in every home 6. More books!   What do we need to do in the next five years to move towards your vision? 1. $ Pass Nov. parcel fee/Library bond 2. Expand Friends/educate community 3. Connect with Senior centers-special book collections, help fund 4. Schools-K-12 & Adult 5. Homeowners associations 6. Service clubs 7. Media 8. Piggyback on signing & special programs at local bookstores   Exercise #2: Current Library Services In your community, what are the three greatest needs for library services? 1. Hours 2. Computer technicians so time for librarians to do reference 3. Books, books, books   Exercise #3: Community Partners Who are potential partners for improving library services in your community? 1. Elementary schools, K-12 & Adult education, PTA & Board of Education 2. Donors-to Arden-Dimick 3. Elected officials 4. Paragary's & other businesses, Ettore's