OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide access to a broad variety of materials, information, programs and services, as well as a multi-functional public meeting space in a comfortable and safe environment to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of the residents of the Town of Pound Ridge.
OUR VISION
The Pound Ridge Library is the vibrant, cultural heart of Pound Ridge. Ready, responsive, and relevant, the Library will provide information, technology, culture and entertainment to individuals and groups of all ages in an appealing and engaging environment where any idea is possible.
OUR VALUES
- We treat all people with respect and dignity.
- We believe in the power of ideas and the Library’s essential role in promoting knowledge, debate and discussion.
- We are good stewards of Library resources and funds.
- We are committed to operating in a manner that is consistent with environmental well-being and “green” principles.
- We strive to meet our community’s needs every day.
OUR PROMISE
We promise to provide the service and experience that Pound Ridge residents expect and deserve. To that end, we will elicit comments from the community about the Library and its ideas for improvement and will structure our facility, operations, and programming, in response to these comments and the community’s changing needs as part of our overall commitment to ensure that the Library will be able to effectively serve future generations.
INTRODUCTION /BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Pound Ridge Library is the community library for the town of Pound Ridge, serving its 5,153 residents. As of 2020, the Library had 2,335 cardholders, most of whom are residents or weekenders. The Library sponsors or hosts a wide variety of cultural and informative programs and services and is a center for community organizations which use our facilities for their activities.
The Library is a special district library, chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and governed by a publicly-elected Board of Trustees. Each year, the Trustees have the option of adopting the prior year’s budget or submitting a new budget for the Library to be voted upon by the taxpayers. Funds for the support and operation of the Library are levied and collected annually in the same manner and at the same time as other taxes in the Town of Pound Ridge. Each year, on or before the first day of October, the Board of Trustees files with the clerk of the Town of Pound Ridge an estimate of the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning on January 1. The Town Board has the power to authorize, sell and issue bonds, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, in accordance with local finance law based on the written request of the Board of Trustees in order to enable the Library District to improve existing facilities at the Library or provide additional facilities.
The Library building and auxiliary cottage occupy approximately 3 acres, all of which is owned and maintained by the Library District. The Library building houses the collections of books, periodicals, audio books, video tapes, CDs, DVDs, and a variety of electronic equipment. The Schaffner room is used for meetings, exhibits, programs, films, concerts and lectures. The grounds are a source of pride to the community with many old and unusual trees and plantings. The cottage is rented and provides a source of income, but the Library is obligated to maintain it.
The Library has budgeted for a Director, three full-time professional librarians, and a part-time clerk. The Library depends on volunteers to assist staff with office and clerical work, shelving books and running its programs.
The Library is currently open 47 hours a week. 10am-6pm Tuesday-Friday, Saturday 10am-5pm (regular hours), 10am-3pm (summer hours). The Library is closed on Sunday and Monday.
The Library is a member of the Westchester Library System (WLS). Evergreen, the on-line circulation and cataloging system used by the Library, is administered by WLS, which supports the Library with training and problem resolution for applications contracted through WLS.
LONG-RANGE PLAN
The cornerstone of this Long-Range Plan is the goal ofremaining a vital and relevant component of our community, where patrons can enjoy a safe and welcoming space to meet, learn and connect. We will foster a love of reading and learning, advance the pursuit of knowledge and information, and serve as a sanctum of culture and diversity.
I.Physical Plant
Goal: To provide a warm, welcoming, safe atmosphere for the community to gather and enjoy.
We must ensure that the Library is a safe and well-functioning space, which supports the ever-changing needs of the community. We will provide a well-maintained, comfortable and friendly space for members of the community to gather and interact. We must consider ongoing maintenance of the building, and continue to provide shelter in times of emergency, evaluate the need for improvements in appearance, and make optimal use of space.
The physical plant requires annual evaluation of existing mechanics, including adherence to a schedule of necessary maintenance. The Library will conduct annual assessments to identify necessary upgrades and identify furniture, fixtures and equipment which have become obsolete and must be discarded or replaced with a goal to operate in accordance with sound environmental and “green” practices.
- The Library will continue to partner with the Town of Pound Ridge Office of Emergency Management to serve as an emergency warming center.
- In collaboration with consultants, we will continue to evaluate and improve the facility’s physical plant to enhance the appearance and functionality of the Library, including facilities and parking. Input from the community in the form of a Community Survey will guide changes to the facility that may include:
Exterior Projects
- Replacement of old windows with more energy-efficient versions.
- Expansion of the Library’s parking lot.
- Addition of a back entrance to the Library.
Interior Projects
Goal: Encourage exploration, discovery and enjoyment through access to information and programming.
The Library appreciates, supports and celebrates diversity. We believe in equality of access for all people, regardless of age, ethnicity, language, education, income or physical limitation. All residents of Pound Ridge Library deserve access to information and the ability to locate that information with ease.
Identify needs of staff to provide optimal service to all members of the community.
II. Technology/Technical Equipment
Goal: Constantly evaluate the ways the Library can improve its delivery of services, programs and operations making the fullest use of technology in an age of rapidly changing innovation.
Consistently evaluate technology needs to improve patron access to information by considering technology trends and determine which purchases are appropriate for the Library.
Provide adequate technological equipment to fulfill the needs of the community, including computers, printers, photocopiers, iPads, and game consoles, as well as projection equipment and an audio sound system for programs, events and presentations in the Schaffner Room.
Keep the community informed and aware through our website, social media, weekly e-newsletter, and provide ease of access to programs and events through its online reservation systems.
Staff will provide technological assistance for accessing digital materials including e-books, audiobooks, and streaming services, through Westchester Library System to provide information and entertainment to its patrons.
Provide training for the staff to create programs to foster competency and familiarity with technology for its patrons and empower the staff to serve as “tech-helpers” to Library users by among other things, holding technology training workshops and programs and promoting the use of electronically-based books and resources.
Provide access to WiFi, charging ports and similar technology during town power outages.
Consistently evaluate technology needs to improve staff resources.
Secure appropriate technology training for staff based on staff needs and evolving technology needs.
Evaluate technology needs to ensure staff is provided with adequate resources in terms of computers, printers, and other office equipment.
III. Fiscal Stewardship
Goals: The Library will continue its strategic planning to make the optimal use of its funding.
Continue the practice of having an annual audit performed by an outside accounting firm and make the results available to the public to emphasize fiscal stewardship and transparency.
Continue to follow timelines for filing of appropriate statistics, financial and budget requirements.
Evaluate prior year’s budget in detail and decide whether to adopt, expand or decrease the budget, paying special attention to short-, mid- and long-term needs.
Continue to foster relationship with the Library Foundation and develop plans to improve communication and provide regular feedback.
None of the above can be accomplished without financial resources. Each year, the Board decides whether to continue operating at the prior year’s budget level or submitting a new budget for the approval by the voters. If a budget fails to be approved, the annual budget reverts to the prior year’s budget. The Library is also fortunate in having an Endowment, as well as a fund-raising instrument in the Pound Ridge Library Foundation.
IV. Self-Assessment
Goal: Revisit the Long-Range Plan periodically to monitor compliance/progress and issue a new plan every five years.
Deliberate, careful planning is vital to fulfilling future needs of Library users. A long-range plan, based on knowledge of the community it serves, community expectations, and realistic projections of future needs, will enable the Library to continue to serve the community in the future with well thought out strategies and go
