Patterson Library Director’s Annual Report July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 From the Director’s Desk

Another year has passed and Patterson Library continues to thrive and improve. Circulation of library materials increased in 2006. Library users make high demands of the public access computers. Use increased 32% over 2005. The local area network was upgraded in the last year, thus insuring a sound backup system for administrative records. The WiFi was formally introduced to the public with a splash screen display of a Board-approved use statement one must accept before logging onto our wireless network. A new public access computer was added, a result of winning a raffle sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The library system has sponsored two Gates Foundation meetings over the last year to prepare for the unveiling of the Foundation’s further advances of public access computing in NYS public libraries. Certainly our users will welcome increased capacity of our Library’s public access computer offerings.

The Library will be brighter in the near future. An extensive light replacement project is about to begin with the help of 50% matching funds from NYS Public Library Construction Aid programs. The two reading rooms on the main floor will soon see the installation of 8 energy-efficient pendant chandeliers in keeping with the classic décor of Patterson Library. Additionally, the lighting in the main floor and mezzanine stack areas will be upgraded.

The indomitable Hands took on the project of replacing damaged decorative ceiling plaster with stunning results. The beauty of the coffered ceiling at the Library’s entrance was renewed by the repair, cleaning and painting done by Raymond E. Kelley, Inc. Further cleaning and repointing projects for the building’s exterior are in the planning stages.

Our Library Family bid farewell to two staff members. Mary S. “Billie” Dibble retired at the end of 2006 at age 92, just shy of serving 50 years as a Patterson Library employee. Billie passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 16, 2007. She will be well remembered for her cheerful and bright diposition. Billie truly loved Westfield and Westfield truly loved Billie. Library Clerk Connie Barton retired to spend time with her family. We celebrated Ann Cochran’s 40 years of employment and Amy Stephenson’s recognition by the Chautauqua County Reading Council. The Patterson Library Corporators have developed a Charitable Giving Brochure to allow the opportunity of others to continue in spirit of Hannah Patterson The magnificent legacy that is Patterson Library first opened its doors to the public in August of 1908. This grand building is about to enter its 100th year, a most appropriate time to consider giving a gift to the Endowment Fund that continues to ensure that the doors of the Library continue to be open to everyone.

Deborah R. Williams
Patterson Library Director

~ IN MEMORIUM ~
The Patterson Library suffered a tremendous loss this year due to the untimely death of Trustee Susan K. Amsler. Sue served as the Vice-President/President Elect of the Patterson Library Board of Trustees. She chaired the Policy Committee and, as an attorney, she was an indispensable aid in dealing with legal issues. The Susan K. Amsler Memorial Fund has been established to expand library collections dealing with women’s issues and to enhance the landscaping of the Library’s grounds. She will be remembered as a woman of great strength, commitment and dignity. To know her was a privilege.

2006-2007 Library Program Highlights

3,964 Reference Questions Answered

Total of 7,335 individuals participated in 143 Adult Library Programs and 227 Youth Programs

Eight Art Exhibitions were launched including Westfield Revisited: The Chautauqua Gorge which interpreted the “Grand Canyon” of Chaut. Co. A guided hike and slide lecture program by Gorge Expert Devon Taylor were offered to the public.

The 2006 Books: A Treasure Summer Program enrolled 118 young people ages infancy—12 yrs. Total attendance of the 38 scheduled events was 1,049.

Monthly visits by Library outreach team to WIC (Women Infants Children) site

Over 200 people visited the Library Table at the Celebrate Westfield Day in Moore Park

Presentation of “Every Child Ready to Read” Workshops for parents of preschoolers

Two Adult Book Discussion Groups met 19 times.

Other Lives, Other Places travel programs journeyed to Austria & Post-Katrina Mississippi

Third successful New Neighbor Night attracted 21 participants

Author Virginia Kroll sponsored by the Elizabeth Myers Brown Memorial Children’s Literature Endowment visited WACS grades K—3 under library sponsorship

Grand celebration of National Library Week with school visits made by library staff accompanied by Winnie-the-Pooh to promote obtaining library cards. Winnie received over 200 guests at an evening tea party at Patterson.

Music Together Classes for Babies & Toddlers with parents as active participants

Family Sing Nights for all ages

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon attended by 30 of our 41 volunteers

Theater/Dinner fundraising event featuring The Golden Days of Radio with Tom & Cindy Rasley

Current Library Staff
Deborah R. Williams, Library Director
Ann M. Cochran, Administrative Assistant
Joan Brown, Senior Clerk
Janice Hogenboom, Reference Librarian
Nancy Nixon, Adult Program Specialist
Karin Cockram, Children’s Program Specialist
Amy Stephenson, Children’s Program Specialist
Nina LeClair, Library Clerk
Walter Brown, Custodian
Elora Esce, Library Page

Special Projects Accomplished 2006-2007

Recipient of $30,000 Bullet Aid Grant from the Office of State Senator Catharine Young for 2006 roof replacement project

Westfield Garden Club beautifies the grounds in front of the Library as well as maintaining the Pergola Garden

19th Century Oil Portrait of Henry Eason returned to Library after treatment from the Buffalo State Art Conservation Department

Upgrade of the Local Area Network including new server, tape back-up system & auxiliary power supply

Repair of Coffered Ceiling at Entry

Updated Library Brochure printed

Recipient of $24,266 of NYS Library Construction Aid to help fund the Main Floor Lighting Project

Long Range Plan reviewed & presented to Board of Trustees

The Hands reconstructed the decorative ceiling plaster damaged by past water leaks in the Reference Room

Addition of new HP computer workstation for public access won by drawing during Gates Foundation workshop at library system

Wireless Network up and running with splash page Acceptable Use Statement approved by Board of Trustees

Charitable Giving Brochure created by Endowment Growth Committee

Gifts of totaling $10,000 have been added to the Patterson Library Endowment Fund in the last year

Children’s Program Specialist Amy Stephenson was presented the “Friend of Reading” Award by Charlotte Rice of the Chautauqua County Reading Council at the organization’s Spring Banquet. Amy was commended for her outstanding work in providing exciting programs for children of all ages and their parents.

14,026 individuals used the public access computers at Patterson Library in 2006. In a typical week, 270 library users access electronic resources. An Increase of 32% over 2005 computer usage.

A total of 39,520 individuals visited Patterson Library in 2006

Patterson Society - Our Friends

The Patterson Society organized in 1990 is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the interest and welfare of the Patterson Library as a cultural and educational asset by providing direct financial assistance to the Library through membership dues and fundraising events. The Society augments the library staff with volunteer workers. Patterson Society President Jeanne Habig and her Fundraising Committee are to be commended for an outstanding year. Proceeds earned through Patterson Society activities are used to purchase library materials, to support program offerings and to address capital projects. In 2006, the Patterson Society membership fees and fundraisers contributed the following:

2006 Membership Drive - $6,900
2006 Theater/Dinner Event - $2,680
2006 Used Book Sale - $2,939
2006 Auction Event - $11,694
2006 Patterson Society Expenses $1,230
2006 Grand Total Earnings $22,983

 

Thank you, Patterson Library Volunteers!