Library Year in Review

The Mid-Hudson Library System released a year-end review today, which included the information that 92% of library votes had positive results for the libraries involved, that State funding for libraries was cut twice and likely to be cut more, and that there was a huge increase in the number of library cards issued and materials borrowed.

This inspired me to look back on how the Pleasant Valley Free Library fared during 2009.

The Library: Growth continued at a fast pace, with circulation up every month of 2009 over the corresponding month in 2008—sometimes more than 20% higher than the year before.

New York State informed the Board that its bylaws that allowed up to fifteen Trustees needed to be replaced by a fixed number of Trustees. The Board decided that twelve would be more manageable than fifteen. Filling out the dozen members were two new Trustees, Kimberly Brennan and Leigh Toth.

The Building: The biggest change for this year was that we finally were able to repair the deteriorated soffits; these are the understructure for the part of the roof that extends beyond the building walls. From the top to the bottom of the building--crumbling cement in part of the foundation was discovered, which needed evaluation for safety and repair, both of which were accomplished by Kirchhoff Construction.

Another project that had long been planned was replacing the uneven flagstone path between the side of the building and the parking lot. The old path, when used, was a hazard, saved only because its location too close to ancient lilacs kept many from using it. The new concrete path extends to the base of the handicapped ramp and is easy to use (in part because we had to remove the overgrown lilac bushes). It is thought that a state grant obtained by Marc Molinaro will pay for part of this project, although the state has been in such bad financial condition that not all of the original grant is likely to be forthcoming.

An unexpected repair that required immediate attention was the lining of the chimney, which had come loose, making it impossible to use the furnace. This project was funded entirely by a grant from the Friends of the Pleasant Valley Library.

Fundraising: The Fundraising Building Expansion Committee (FREB) had an active year that began with tours of the library for Trustees, Friends, and Town Board Directors. A fundraising letter to all the families in Pleasant Valley brought in about $3,500. In the fall there were a series of monthly fundraising events—Pleasant Valley Library Weekend at Barnes and Noble in September (arranged by Daniela Pulice, the Library Director), Pleasant Valley Library night at Pizzeria Uno in October (thanks to Kathy Morris), the terrific Helen Avakian and Terry Champlin concert in November (produced by Sue MacNish), and the Chili’s pancake breakfast in December (Kathy Morris again). All told, these events raised well over $2,500 for the building fund—and we have Pleasant Valley night at Chili’s coming up January 12 from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Friends: The annual Book Fair was a big success, raising about $4,200 (more than in recent years). The Friends also held a successful book sale in February, called “Warm Your Heart,” as it featured romances and was built around Valentine’s day; a paperback book sale for Pleasant Valley Days in September; and the traditional holiday sale of books suitable for gifts in December. Not only did the Friends pay for the chimney lining, more than the proceeds from the Book Fair, but they also bought some new shelving for the stacks. And those who attended the November concert were treated to cookies and other goodies prepared by the Friends.