Memorandum:
From: Mark
Arend, Interim Assistant Director
Subject: Report of System Activities
The following is a list of current activities. I would be happy to provide further details at our upcoming meeting, or feel free to give me a call or send an email.
County Planning:
County plans and budgets either have been or will shortly be adopted in their respective counties. As you know, this was another difficult funding year but we are encouraged that libraries are still seen as important resources deserving of support. Three of our five counties will be increasing library funding in 2004. The current status of county funding is as follows:
Fond du Lac County – The libraries have been slowly
working towards full reimbursement of costs for serving rural residents. After having been at reimbursement for 75%
for two years they saw an increase to 77.5% in 2003. The County Executive has proposed an increase to 78% in
2004. This may not seem like much but
it represents an increase of over $30,000.
This is very good for this year and the Fond du Lac County librarians
appreciate the support they continue to receive from the County Executive &
Board. Libraries expect to receive $568,747 reimbursement in 2004. In addition, Fond du Lac Public
Library expects to receive $17.500 as the second half of a 2-year a automation
grant to help defray their costs of joining WALS. . As of this date the
County Board has not approved the budget; I should have final information by
our meeting.
Green Lake County – Green
Lake was our only county to have a reduction in library funding; the County
Board approved a 3% decrease from 2003 funding. Libraries will be receiving
$215,947 in 2004. Library funding
was not singled out; all county departments were also asked to reduce
expenditures by 3%.
Marquette County – The Finance Committee has recommended a 3% increase over 2003. Libraries will be receiving $137,053 in 2004. As of this date the County Board has not approved the budget; I should have final information by our meeting.
Waushara County –There is no change
in library funding from 2003 levels. Libraries
will be receiving $335,550 in 2004.
Winnebago County – The County Board
approved a 3.5% increase over 2003.
Libraries will be receiving $1,826,609 in 2004.
Gates Training Grants:
In 2004 Winnefox will be receiving $4,500 from the Gates Foundation to be used for training for member library staff. Our main focus will be on these areas:
Grant funds will pay for Winnefox staff time to prepare and present training and will be used to pay for training from FVLC, MPTC, and other sources.
Library Compliance Issues:
Unfortunately, we
have one library—Neshkoro Public Library—which because of a problem with the
director’s certification is now out of compliance with state requirements for
system membership. I am working with
the library board and director to resolve this issue.
Library
Legislation Day:
It isn’t too soon to start thinking about Library Legislation Day in Madison scheduled for Tuesday 3 February 2004. This year we will be hearing from Representatives Kaufert & Schooff, both members of the Joint finance Committee. LLD is an excellent opportunity to talk with legislators directly and encourage their support for programs that improve library services within the state. Registration is easy; the Wisconsin Library Association arranges for appointments with legislators. We encourage anyone who can to attend. You can find more information at: http://www.wla.lib.wi.us/legis/day/index.htm
End of summer program:
Because of the success of August’s Library Day at the EAA program we are hoping to repeat this success again next year. We’ve made arrangements with the Galloway House & Village in Fond du Lac to host a program on Saturday 7 August 2004 for participants in Winnefox libraries’ summer reading programs. As planning progresses I will have more information for you.
Staff Developments:
Nothing to report