NewsletterVolume 5 Number 3 Fall 2011

Those approaching Main Library from Broward and Andrews will see a construction staging area between the Main Library and the Fort Lauderdale Woman’s Club. On some days a crane is on site, “flying in” steel frames, plywood walls, beams, etc. The window replacement project has begun at last!

This wind mitigation project will be the most massive undertaking in the history of Main. Not only will each and every exterior door and window be replaced, thanks to a FEMA grant, but because of the size of the new, thicker, improved windows, all of the frames will need to be replaced as well.

In some locations, such as outside the auditorium and Talking Book Library, the tiles below existing windows will be removed and the foundation reinforced with steel to support the added weight of the new frames and windows.

The project will be done in phases, with the “curtain wall,” which is the wall facing north, being done in sections from west to east, starting on the first floor and going up to the eighth, then moving over a section and repeating the process.

Every week something new will happen, and staff and customers need to adjust their workflow and location. The Construction Management Division has advised that we should all expect to be disrupted. Anyone working in an area with

a window will need to relocate for a period of time during this project. In some areas close to windows, library shelving is being shortened or moved in to make room for the temporary walls to be built prior to demolition and construction

Cautious Optimism Defines 2012 Library BudgetThe County Commissioners are to be thanked for their recognition of the public’s need for libraries and their insistence on Sunday openings at all regional libraries except Main where window replacement is in progress. However, this increased access comes with a cost. As a result, six libraries will have reduced hours and many libraries will lose staff time. For example, each week 10 Main employees will work one of their days at a different library, leaving Main shorthanded.

In June, an additional $1.4 million beyond the 2011 reductions (where 8 positions were cut) was removed from the library’s budget resulting in the elimination of 18 vacant positions and the downgrade of 3 others. The 2012 budget eliminates another 10 positions and calls for “further reduction of staff based on utilization/peak staffing.” Over the past 5 years, the library system has lost 1/3 of it employees, stretching to capacity their ability to provide for the increasing public needs.

Over the past few years the library has increased the number and sophistication of its technologies and has been able to move toward the library of the future. You can now load free library books to your Kindle, for example. Such change requires staff expertise to manage the technologies as well as personnel to assist the public in the use of these new tools.

The library will need not only the commissioners continued recognition of the public’s need for libraries but of the libraries need for adequate staffing. - Barbara J. Correll

of the new windows. Many children and teen programs have been moved to the glass room on the second floor, due to current work activity on that floor.

Every other Thursday a project meeting is held to discuss the status of various components of the window replacement. Anticipated demolition from the outside of the curtain wall windows and frames will begin the second or third week in November and the project is scheduled for completion in 2012. This winter the escalator and first floor atrium area will be closed off again for replacement of the overhead glass. The bridge from the parking garage to the second floor will also be closed while under renovation. At some point, the restaurant windows will be under construction, but plans are underway to move the tables to another location in the building so customers can continue to enjoy lunch from Charcuterie Too.

Library staff has shown resilience in adaptingto changes occurring to date. The contractor has shown consideration in planning work so it does not interfere with major programs and

events. The professionals involved in the project have repeatedly voiced their appreciation for the architecture and design of the building, as well as the breadth and scope of the collection and services available at Main. Several project managers and workers have even asked if they could get library cards so they can check out materials! The project is an example of what can be accomplished when people are flexible and work together. - Cindy Shulman

Window Replacement Underway at Main

p. 1

President’s MessageLibraries Are Worth It!

For José and Elida, a retired electrical engineer and his wife, it was learning about Excel that made the difference. Applying what they had learned in a library computer class enabled them to make an educated decision about a small rental property they have in Port St. Lucie. They know that libraries are worth it.

Sandra, a divorced mother of two teenagers, needed to find a job but didn’t know where to start. She attended the library’s job search class, was able to present a professional and accurate résumé and was hired two weeks later. The recruiter told her that she had been selected because her résumé gave them the exact information needed to make a decision. She got the job she wanted in the organization she wanted. The library is worth it for her.

The library is worth it for Oscar and his mother, who decided to start a window treatment business on a limited budget. They attended software classes at the library and were able to design their stationery, business cards and promotional material without incurring high printing expenses.

Estelle brings her toddler to Storytime every week. Teaching him colors, songs, numbers and more in English has become a lot easier for her with the help of the library. Each week they check out books that she reads to him between Storytime days. The library is worth it for her.

Every day, hundreds of people visit the library: the unemployed, retirees, the employed hoping for a promotion, parents looking for support in educating their children, immigrants needing to learn and understand their new community, grandmothers and baby sitters. For all of them: Libraries Are Worth It! - Narda McCarthy

Meet the New Board Members*Co-president Narda McCarthy Vice-President during 2010-2011, Narda is a computer instructor at two Broward County libraries, a member of the American Literary Translators Association and board member of the International School of Broward.

Vice-President Amy Grossman Amy is a member of the Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the National Council of Jewish Women and the vice-president GSC Management Consulting, Inc.

Secretary Linda BedellA former School Board of Broward County teacher, principal and area director as well as past president of the Broward Principals and Assistant Principals Assn., Linda is trustee for Christ Church United Methodist, as well as a volunteer for the Book Fair at Main.

Treasurer Harriet Buchbinder Harriet retired from Broward County Library after thirty years in various positions. Her last was Associate Director for Public Services. Currently she is a member USF alumni society and several local and national professional associations.

*Barbara Correll continues as co-president.

2011 -2012 Board of DirectorsCo-Presidents

Barbara Correll Narda McCarthy

Amy Grossman Harriet Buchbinder Linda Bindell

Friend Us on FacebookThe Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries now has a presence on Facebook. Like all users, we have created a profile or a page so others can friend us and receive automatic notification of Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries updates. This social networking service has more than

800 million active users worldwide so hopefully our name, sponsored activities and mission will be known to many. Please “friend” us on your Facebook account.

p. 2

Vice President Treasurer Secretary

National Friends of Libraries WeekFriends of Libraries groups all over the country celebrated the sixth annual National Friends of Libraries Week Oct. 16-22 to raise awareness, promote our organizations and solicit membership.

Commission Mayor Sue Gunzburger signed a proclamation making it Friends of Broward County Library Week. The Fort Lauderdale Friends displayed the proclamation along with photos of the year’s activities, including membership brochures, a flyer describing Friends organizations and bookmarks that read “Libraries Are Worth It” which is our slogan for 2011-2012.

The Teen Advisory Board makesfriendship bracelets for Friends.

Volunteer Award Goes to Victoria Bornas

The Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries at their September board meeting created an Outstanding Volunteer Award to be presented from time to time as appropriate. The award will be given to a volunteer who goes above and beyond, either for a single event or in the course of their regular volunteer duties.

The first Outstanding Volunteer Award was given to Victoria Bornas, a Book Fair volunteer since July, 2008. While most volunteers work about 12 hours a month, Victoria’s monthly average is closer to 48 hours. In addition, she does an excellent job analyzing donations and determining strategies to market them. Victoria has received numerous accolades from customers and library staff for her table displays that have unquestionably encouraged sales.

When asked about volunteering, Victoria said: “ I volunteer for Friends of the Library, because as a book lover I enjoy working with, sorting and preserving older donated books. It is gratifying to know that these books will soon, hopefully, find a new home with Book Fair patrons who have come to appreciate the variety that we are able to offer them.

“I love being able to use the variety of books in stock to come up with ideas for interesting and inviting table displays, signs and other ways of marketing them. The work can be challenging at times but this is what keeps me coming back for more!

“But most of all, I volunteer because I realize that all of the hard work and long hours I do for Friends of the Library is for a very worthy cause--helping the public library system continue to offer a variety of services and programs for everyone in our community.”Summer Reading Had Peak Attendance

Florida Library Youth Program (FLYP) has allocated $11,606 to Broward County, the highest allotment in the state, for their very successful Summer Reading Program. The allocation is based on both the number of programs and attendance. This year Broward’s attendance was over 56,000. These monies, along with financial support from local Friends’ chapters and the Broward’s Public Library Foundation, will be used to purchase materials for the 2012 summer program. FLYP is a collaborative effort between the State Library and Archives

of Florida and youth services staffs at public libraries which provides information and resources to promote services for children, families, tweens, and teens in public libraries.Amy Grossman Harriet Buchbinder Linda Bindell

Library Snapshot DayFor the second year, the Florida Library Association (FLA) organized SNAPSHOT: A Day in the Life of Florida Libraries. Main Library staff and Friends of the Fort Lauderdale Libraries observed the event on October 24th. Broward Library photographer Steve Vinik spent the day taking pictures that show how people were using the many and varied library

services and resources. Roving Reporter Harriet Buchbinder, Friends treasurer, spoke with library users who said they were in the library to:

The Friends membership table displayed some pictures of their 2011 activities including the celebration of the city’s 100th birthday and a well-attended luncheon for library volunteers. They also held an Art etc Extravaganza with artwork, books, jewelry and pottery available to the public.

• do research for my writing.• pick up holds. I love this place.• enjoy the peace.• research possible future trips.• use pro-wrestling magazines.• attend the lecture on breast cancer.• do research on an Italian WWII martyr.

Nancy Fulmer and Florence Valas view Bienes exhibit.

Enjoying the Moon Rock.

p. 3

Vice President Treasurer Secretary

PO Box 1359100 S. Andrews AvenueFort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Friends CalendarNovember 2, 2011Board Meeting – Main Library 5:30 pmNovember 4, 20111st Friday Special Collection Fair - Main Library11:00am – 3:00pmNovember 17, 2011Friends of the Broward County Library, Inc. Monthly Meeting North Regional Library12:00pm – 2:00pmDecember 2, 20111st Friday Special Collection Fair - Main Library11:00am – 3:00pmDecember 7, 2011Board Meeting – Main Library 5:30 pmDecember 15, 2011Friends of the Broward County Library, Inc. Monthly Meeting West Regional Library12:00pm – 2:00pmJanuary 4, 2012Board Meeting – Main Library 5:30 pmJanuary 6, 20121st Friday Special Collection Fair - Main Library11:00am – 3:00pmJanuary 15, 2012Friends of the Broward County Library, Inc. Monthly Meeting AARLCC - 12:00am -2:00pm

November Sponsored Events at Main

November 4 Anime Club (Teens) 4:00pm - 5:45pm

November 5 Chopin Concert / Edward Kunz, Russia, pianist 3:00pm

November 10 Kindermusik with Annette Groose (Children) 10:30am - 11:30am

December Sponsored Events at Main

December 3 Chopin Concert / Karkowska Sisters 3:00pm

December 7 Anime Club (Teens) 4:00pm - 5:45 pm, 2nd fl

December 13 Holiday Craft Workshop with Susan Buzzi (ages 8-12) 4:30pm – 6:00pm, 2nd fl

December 14 Winter Holidays Celebration (Teens) 4:00pm - 6:00 pm, 6th fl

December 15 Holiday Open House, 11:00am – 1:00pm, 2nd fl

December 21 Anime Club (Teens) 4:00pm - 5:45 pm, 6th floor.

Help Us Make a Difference

Public libraries need our support more than ever. Your membership not only helps the Friends to fund library programs and activities that would not otherwise be available but it also shows that citizens need and appreciate their libraries. Please renew your membership and encourage your friends to do the same. For more information on the Friends and to join electronically, visit our website at www.libraryfriends-ftl.org.

Libraries Are Worth It!

p. 4