2008 May Director ReportMay 2008-Library Director’s Report I had an opportunity to visit the North Regional Branch of the Durham County Library last month. This is a “Lead Certified” building, which means it
incorporates environmentally sensitive building techniques. What most impressed me was the amount of natural light in the building and the sense of spaciousness this created. The Director
said in their next branch he would be making several changes: increased reliance on self-checkout, and a single service desk which had a lower profile. Juvenile use is very high since
the library sits between two schools. The picture below gives you a good sense of the natural lighting in the building. This is one reason that I support building our own facility for
Myrtle Grove’s replacement rather than lease space in a shopping center. Regarding leasing, the North Carolina State Library, finally responded about that option as it relates to Myrtle
Grove, which was built with federal funds. I have included the message in its entireity.
David: I've conferred with staff at IMLS regarding your query about the Myrtle Grove branch. First, as you remembered, the Federal Government retains an interest in the building (a percentage
based on the original cost) for 20 years following completion. That interest or share rolls over to a new building if such occurs before the 20 years is up, or you pay the Federal Govt
back in proportional share --based on today's value. In the case of a leasing option, the leased building should be an improvement of the existing building, be at least as many square
feet, provide handicapped access etc. And still, the Federal share cannot exceed 50%. Bottom line: IMLS tells us that it would not be impossible for the leasing option to take place,
BUT it would have to be approved at the Director (of IMLS) level, and would require a special petition to the director. The percentage of Federal interest would be a factor. Based on
the final completion report on the Myrtle Grove project, the Federal share is about 28.02%. Final total cost was reported as $825,164, and the LSTA amount was $231,238. There would have
to be quite a bit more conversation about this, but I hope this answer is some help to you and your county manager. --Penny The County Manager’s recommended budget is supportive of the
library. Especially gratifying is the full support of the library director’s recommended budget. While no new positions were supported, there was a small increase in the part-time account.
The plan to move towards replacing our current Integrated Library System (ILS) is moving forward within the Information Technology budget where it is the number one priority. A copy
of the recommended budget is Library staff met with IT and staff from the manager’s office to go over the County reorganization. We feel comfortable that the library will be well served
under this arrangement. The library’s system analyst and support specialist will still reside in the library and interact with staff here. While there will be some work with other cultural
agencies, that work should compliment library activities. Online registration for the Summer Reading Club begins May 10. The themes are Catch the Reading Bug (younger children), and
Metamorphosis(teens). Margaret Miles will be at the meeting to discuss the library’s program. This will be the first year the Library will be using the new E-Vance online registration
product. This is the same product which produces the online calendar on our website. We are currently testing the meeting room booking component. Looking forward to Library Day. Rumor
has it that the Lt. Go vernor, Beverly Perdue, will make an appearance reading to kids from Wake County.