C R Y S T A L C L E A R ,

A Message from Executive Director, Crystal Gates

Whew. It’s been a busy few weeks here at our NLR Libraries. As you probably know already our request for an increase in millage funding did not pass Many of you are most likely wondering, “what’s next?” Most importantly, please be assured that NLR Libraries are still here, and we remain committed to being your library of choice.

At this time, I do not know when or if we might ask for a millage increase in the future. We already had a backup plan in the event we were unsuccessful in our election Our first priority consists of the necessary infrastructure repairs to both buildings. In order to afford those costly repairs, our book and materials purchases will slow significantly. We will also reduce our expenditures for programs and classes. Funds saved from these two public service cuts will be shifted to maintenance and repairs.

Libraries are the heart of their communities. Our new, state of the art Mobile Library is set to be here by June We are moving forward with plans to bring our library to our community - to meet you where you are. We endeavor to increase opportunities for all to experience learning, engagement, and art, as well as build new skills or develop business plans, find jobs, or use our space and equipment for small business meetings. We have formed new partnerships around our great city and dedicated ourselves to not just partnering with other libraries in Arkansas, but also to lead many of those initiatives by sharing thoughts and ideas for growth and shared resources. As Egan and Ackerberg recently reported in the NYT, "As local safety nets shriveled, the library roof magically expanded from umbrella to tarp to circus tent to airplane hangar. The modern library keeps its citizens warm, safe, healthy, entertained, educated, hydrated and, above all, connected." Well, our roof may have expanded, but it also needs replacing and weatherproofing. So, that is our focus for now.

North Little Rock Public Libraries remains committed to being the library of choice for our community. As a lifelong library user myself, I connected with these last thoughts from the NYT article: "What we borrow from them pales in comparison to what we keep. How often we pause to appreciate their bounty is up to us. "