Changes for the Your Library Just Got
Better
A Report from Library Leadership Listening to our patrons always inspires us to do better, and in 2014 we achieved several milestones in response. You've told us you want more and better MATERIALS AND SERVICES, you want more and better ACCESS to those materials and services, and you want the library itself to be a MORE COMFORTABLE place in which to access those materials and services. Here's a report: Expanded Access in 2014 For many years, the East Fishkill Community Library was open 55 hours per week. For its size, that is the minimum required by the state of NY; and while the hours accommodated most people, it missed some pretty regularly. Commuters and working families who wanted to visit on Sunday couldn’t, because we were closed. In 2014 we were able to open Sundays noon to 4, except for summer months, and as a result checked out an additional 6,191 items last year. Now the library is open 59 hours during a regular week, and when you add to that
our online accessibility, we really are here whenever you need us. Aiming for the Best Materials and Online Resources There’s a finite amount of space in any building and we’ve come very close to capacity. To make room for new material, we weed the collection regularly so that older, less-used and out-of-date materials are removed. We buy current popular fiction and non-fiction, best-sellers, indemand DVDs as well as less wellknown titles – because the library should be a place where you can find what you didn’t know you’d want until you found it. We also try to deliver exciting things as they become available online. In 2014 we introduced new sources for films and magazines, and brought back an old genealogy friend:
IndieFlix started as a curated database of 6,000 streaming award-winning independent films, and they’ve recently added mainstream content.
The new children’s area began construction in Fall 2014, and is now Action Central for a wide range of children’s activities week in and week out, thanks to the fundraising campaign of the Friends of East Fishkill Community Library. We can’t thank you enough for your support!
Zinio is a magazine database that downloads entire issues to your smart phone or tablet. Nothing is left out, no need to pay for premium content. HeritageQuest, a genealogy database, was brought back at our patrons' request when Mid -Hudson Library System discontinued it last year.
These three databases are for East Fishkill residents only, but we have lots of databases available to any cardholder in the MidHudson Library System. For more information, check eflibrary.org.
Children’s Corner
Tots,Teens,Tweens all have a place in the library By Cathy Nuding, Youth Services Librarian
Here, there, and everywhere - that’s how our library is used and enjoyed! In 2014, all age groups enjoyed our programs in the library and out in our community. We offered 189 events in the library for ages 1 to 12. We also ran 7 programs for teens, and 35 events at which they offered their time helping children as volunteers. Of course, our goal is to have all the kiddos - and tweens and teens - use the library. But sometimes, the library needs to visit the kids where they are.
2014 outreach efforts allowed us to deliver Storytimes, Booktalks and more to 18 schools and organizations, bringing the library's message (plus a few songs, and a lot of fun!) to over one thousand children.
And what is the message we’re so eager to deliver? Simply that the library has value for everyone. We strive to meet developmental needs related to literacy, school readiness, socialization, and technology. Happily, the word is getting out. Most events now require pre-registration, and fill up within days - or even hours - of posting. So visit our website Events Calendar. From toddler Playtime to Homework Help for the tweens, and daycare/school visits for every age, every child should enjoy the library!
Improved Comfort Our building needed a pick-me-up and in September we tackled a major renovation. New carpets, wall paint with a fresh blend of colors, new furniture, and importantly, a rearrangement of the departments so that children have a dedicated space... and adults have more quiet space. Children's programs are more comfortable in the new space, and with the use of portable acoustic sound barriers, the ambient noise level throughout the library has been reduced. There are more spaces for small groups to work together, and for individuals to sit quietly to read or study. We have more natural light coming in and more comfy furniture. In fact, just about everyone who’s seen the new configuration has been trying to figure out how the building got bigger on the inside without getting bigger on the outside.
Gloria Goverman is Library Director, and Pat Moore is President of the Library Board of Trustees
East Fishkill Community Library