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Library director reports: summer reading, staff stability, large fine write-offs and building projects ahead of summer programs
Summary
Library staff reported on upcoming summer reading, deletion of longstanding delinquent accounts, staffing stability, building and landscaping work, a Buffalo statue unveiling sponsored by Chartway Credit Union, and a $4,000 donation from the Friends of the Library.
Library staff reported several operational updates, including the upcoming summer reading program, a major cleanup of delinquent accounts, stable staffing, and near-term building and landscaping projects tied to summer events.
Staff said the library's summer reading program starts May 27 and patrons can track reading using the Beanstack app or website. The Friends of the Library donated $4,000 to underwrite summer-reading activities; staff said proceeds from sales at the Friends bookstore support library programming.
Staff reported the library completed a cleanup of old delinquent accounts going back to about 2011 that had represented nearly $200,000 in overdue fines and fees; they said those accounts were deleted from records according to the city's retention schedule (4 years plus current year) rather than collected. The director also said staffing has stabilized: the library is fully staffed at about 15 employees and has had no recent voluntary separations for nine months.
On facilities, staff said the library canopy project in the back is nearly finished but crews must replace a damaged steel support before final completion; staff hopes the work will be done before summer reading begins so outdoor book drop access is available. The library's north side landscaping has been converted to waterwise landscaping with plans to extend changes to the north side of the parking lot next fiscal year pending mayoral approvals. A stamped-concrete project was completed near the condos and a sponsored Buffalo statue (sponsored by Chartway Credit Union) will be unveiled Monday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m., staff said; picnic tables and trash receptacles are planned for additional pads in July.
Staff also reported program highlights: deactivating most library Wi-Fi hotspot devices after a cost-benefit review, and a successful "stuffed-animal sleepover" program run with the teen advisory council that included photos and a social-media video. Board members acknowledged the updates and approved routine minutes and administrative items.
