The Seattle Public Library (SPL) system will host three community meetings in January, 2012, on improving library services. The gatherings will focus on options for enhancing the collection of books and materials, increasing operating hours, upgrading computers and on-line services, and improving building maintenance. Strategies for stabilizing funding for the library system will also be reviewed.
The three community meetings will be held around the city, with the closest to Fremont being the only weekday evening meeting at the Ballard Branch Library, on Wednesday, January 18th, from 6p – 8p. Saturday meetings will be held on January 7th, from 10a – Noon, at the Central Library, and on January 14th, from Noon – 2p, at the Beacon Hill Branch Library.
At the community meetings, patrons will be given an overview of library use and suggested options for improving customer service. These options grew out of last year’s new SPL Strategic Plan, and focuses on four essential areas:
- collections
- library hours
- computer access
- building maintenance
Patrons will also be given information about the SPL budget, and funding alternatives to support services now and into the future. A possible levy is being explored to address budget reductions, and resource and service cuts made in response.
Marcellus Turner, City Librarian, and SPL Board Members will be present at the meetings. “The public drives everything we do and we want patrons to be involved in helping shape Library services, now and for the next generation,” Turner has been quoted as saying.
For more information, go on-line to the ‘Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future,’ or call 206/386-4636.