Message to the community from Luren E. Dickinson:
Our new Strategic Plan, the first major revision in four and
a half years, goes before the Library Board this month for final approval. In 2007,
we employed a nationally known consultant who helped us create a traditional
plan. For our new strategic planning we are using a Balanced Scorecard approach
and have involved more employees, without a consultant, as we strive to map the
Library’s future and grow into the “Virtual Age” during what has turned out to
be a “Great Recession.”
The “new” vision is much the same as we imagined previously
because we want to continue to be “indispensable” to our residents. We envision
Shaker Heights Public Library as “an indispensable part of our
community, known for a wide range of resources; innovative, customer-driven
services; with vibrant and welcoming spaces, and a knowledgeable and passionate
staff.”
The values that will infuse this
vision are: literacy and lifelong learning; intellectual freedom and equal
access; customer service excellence; integrity and accountability; innovation;
diversity and inclusiveness; outstanding employees; and responsiveness to the
Shaker Heights community. And our mission is more succinct than before: “Shaker
Heights Public Library builds community and enriches lives by bringing together
people, information, and ideas.”
Following Board approval, there
will be much more to the plan itself as we concentrate on key areas of need,
and establish a variety of action steps to accomplish our objectives. Watch for more information on our website
later this month as we continue our mission of “bringing together people,
information, and ideas.”
The month of March
finds us saying farewell and extending thanks to Donna Whyte whose term on the
Library Board ends on March 31. Under her leadership, Shaker Library hired its
seventh director; passed a successful operating levy; expanded its Internet
bandwidth threefold; set a record circulation in 2008; completed
the renovation of the Main Library second floor, and received more than five
significant grants for the library. During her tenure, Shaker Library was
designated a “Five-Star” library for four consecutive
years: 2009, 2010, 2011 2012 by Library Journal Index, and as a “Top 10”
Library by Hennen's American Public Library Ratings
in 2010 and 2011. Donna served as secretary, vice president
and president of the Library Board. We certainly thank her for her five-star
service to the library and wish her well.
Looking for something
fun to do on 3.14 (March 14)? Consider participating in our “Pi Slam: A Poetry
and Short Story Competition” to celebrate that unique mathematical
measure! Sign up to perform
an original story or poem within a 3 minute 14 second time limit with Pi or pie
as a key element of the story. Our winner will be crowned the Pi Laureate of Shaker
and will take home a gift certificate for two pies. Everyone will enjoy an
after-pi performance of, what else?
Pie! Stories and poems must be
submitted for approval by March 7 to: librarian @shakerlibrary.org. This is an all-ages event.
Looking for a job or a new job? Our Career
Transition Center programs can improve your chances. Monday Morning Jumpstart
is held every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at Main Library March workshops are
held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays on specific topics including,
“Results-Oriented Resumes” on March 1, “Improving Interview Skills” on March
15, and “Networking Effectively” on March 29.
Bertram Woods Branch offers some interesting
programs for children this March. School-age children can sign up for a
15-minute time slot to “Read to King,” a trained therapy dog, who will visit
Woods from 10 a.m. to noon Monday, March 26. Children in grades 1- 5 can Meet
American Girl Doll Samantha from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 31 and learn
what life was like back in 1904.
Teens
have two opportunities to read down their library fines and learn first-hand
that “Reading Pays Off for Teens.” The first opportunity is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Monday, March 12 at Bertram Woods Branch, and the second is at Main Library
from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 19.
Opportunities for teens include “A Teen Center Artists Reception” from
6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, in the Teen Center when our teen center
artists display their art, and the “8th Annual Teen Volunteer Fair”
from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 21at the Main Library. This is a chance
for students 12-18 to connect with representatives of area organizations
seeking responsible teen volunteers.
Our
13th Annual Barbara Luton Art Competition is another March highlight
with the Gallery-opening reception set for Sunday, March 25. I hope you will
take the opportunity to enjoy the work juried into this year’s show.
Last,
but certainly not least, watch for your invitation to the Library’s 75th
Anniversary Party. Shaker resident
Susan Cristal designed a “jewel” of an invitation to our diamond anniversary
and Friends of the Library co-chairs, Susan Gall and Christine Bretz, and their
committee are planning a dazzling event for Friday evening, April 20. Watch for your invitation and save the date!
Luren
E. Dickinson, Director
dickinson@shakerlibrary.org