Scarsdale is a community that values education and intellectual growth and we are proud that we play a significant role.

PROGRESS REPORT 2015

2015 – A Year of Continued Progress

In 2015, the Scarsdale Public Library increased programming, attendance and services in every segment from our Children’s Department to digital services. The library saw significant use by all segments of the Scarsdale community.

A Few Overall Highlights:• Overdrive e-book usage

19% increase

• Brainfuse online homework help 14% increase

• Freegal music downloads 9% increase

While Scarsdale ranks only 16th in population among Westchester municipalities, library usage vastly exceeds its size.

According to the most recent statistics, the Scarsdale Public Library ranks:• 4th in total circulation

• 3rd in overall book circulation

• 2nd in circulation per capita

Photos by Paula Markowitz Wittlin.

Rendering of Scarsdale Public Library renovation by Dattner Architects.

Vision for Tomorrow

ELIZABETH BERMEL, Director

The Scarsdale Public Library experienced enormous growth in usage, programs and services in 2015, building on the successes of the previous years.

I give credit to a talented and dedicated staff, a committed and forward-thinking Library Board, helpful and smart village government support, the generous Friends of the Scarsdale Library and the huge number of library users and advocates in our community. Without them, the vision for the Scarsdale Public Library could not be realized.

We are thrilled that we have accomplished a great deal with our current resources, and when given flexible, accessible and modern spaces, the possibilities for our community increase exponentially. To quote one of my favorite authors and library supporters, Neil Gaiman: “What the libraries of the future will be like is something we should be imagining now.”

Based on input from our community and studies by the American Library Association, the Pew Research Center, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, discussions with respected colleagues and personal experience, I know that public libraries are relevant and adapting to the changing needs and demands of their users. Together, we will ensure that the Scarsdale Library remains a vital center for intellectual growth in the community for generations to come.

Beth

“ The library has something for absolutely everyone in the community.” Joyce Hirsch

ADULT PROGRAMSThe library increased adult programming by nearly 30% and attendance by 35%.

• Continued popular programs such as “Nancy’s Book Group,” “Not Your Kids Book Club for Adults” and the Independent Film Series.

• Organized 12 author talks including presentations by New York Times columnists Frank Bruni and Ron Lieber.

• Co-sponsored the showing of three films with Hadassah Westchester.

• Hosted and co-sponsored various health programs on a variety of wellness topics including programs on yoga, diet and health, stress and mindfulness. We also collaborated on sessions with White Plains Hospital Cancer Center.

COMMUNITY

• Experienced increased use of library facilities for studying and collaborative project work by high school students.

• Expanded popular Finals Nights open study program by increasing the number of late study nights in January and April, in addition to June.

TEENS

The library partnered with various village groups including the Scarsdale Adult School, the Scarsdale School District and PTAs, and the League of Women Voters of Scarsdale.

• Use of Museum Pass program increased 33% and added three museums: Cooper Hewitt, the Anne Frank Center and Stone Barns Center.

• Attracted a standing room audience for The Pollan Family Table presentation.

• Co-sponsored two gardening workshops on growing orchids, and growing and cooking with fresh herbs.

• Sponsored Diwali (the Indian festival of lights), the Chinese New Year and other ethnic celebrations.

• Collaborated with Canine Companions for Independence on Exceptional Dogs for Exceptional People program.

• Inaugurated the Library Story Project with library user’s experiences on display in the Scott Room.

• Held Wonderland Tea for grandparents and their grandchildren.

• Hosted meetings for Chinese seniors.

“ My library card for me is a passport to the community.” Naoko Akasaka

CHILDREN’S

• Increased participation in the library’s Writers Center by adding a third group. Hosted two readings of the groups’ works.

• Co-sponsored a Scarsdale Literary Salon with five authors reading from their works.

• Coordinated with Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute on six writing courses.

• Celebrated National Poetry month with local Poetry Caravan writers.

LITERARY

LIBRARY ENHANCEMENT

“ The library and its staff is a crucial resource in our community.” Yon Maronilla

• Installed digital signage with information about programs and the library.

• Enhanced the entrance and expanded the area to display program information.

• Provided additional tables in the plaza and lobby.

• Upgraded wireless service.

“ The library promotes creativity, positivity and entertaining literary programs for children. It’s the hub of the community.” Robert Jeremiah

The library welcomed 13,552 children who participated in 346 programs.

• Organized science-based programs with NASA, Two by Two Zoo, Marvels of Motion, the Star Lab Planetarium and Creepy Chemistry.

• Held several cultural programs including a Polynesian Valentine Luau Party.

• Presented several movie festivals including an Oscar Movie Marathon and several Disney features.

• Held popular chess classes and sponsored a chess tournament.

• Organized a Star Wars Day and a Star Wars movie festival.

• Continued programs, such as Yoga-a-go-go, for special needs children.

• Hosted the annual Big Truck Day, the most popular event of the year.

• Scheduled numerous author appearances, including Luis Montalvan and his service dog.

• Held the annual Summer Reading Program with 294 participants averaging 23.5 books.

• Inaugurated Needlemania, a crochet program that is continuing due to popular response.

• Introduced Coffee, Tea, Baby and Me, a program for caregivers and parents to socialize and discuss issues of common interest.

• Continued and expanded popular weekly programs for preschoolers to stimulate learning, reading and social skills.

• Launched 3M Cloud Library e-book collection, an easy-to-use system, to expand e-book collection while retaining Overdrive.

• Expanded our downloadable magazine offerings with the addition of Flipster.

• Introduced Lynda.com, an online resource with more than 4,000 video courses on a broad range of business and creative topics.

SERVICE INNOVATIONS

54 Olmsted RoadScarsdale, NY 10583914-722-1300

www.scarsdalelibrary.org

The mission of the Scarsdale Public Library:

To encourage the joy of reading, the exploration of ideas, and the pursuit of lifelong learning for the children and adults of our community.

To ensure that we meet our users’ educational, informational, and recreational goals, we will provide:• A safe, attractive, comfortable environment

• Convenient and open access to resources

• Professional service and well-trained staff

• Access to the historical record of Scarsdale

Library Board

Terri Simon, President

Terry Singer, Vice-President

John Harris, Secretary

Susan Ross, Treasurer

Diane Greenwald, Trustee

Michelle Lichtenberg, Trustee

Florie Wachtenheim, Trustee

• Added IndieFlix, downloadable award winning documentary films.

• Inaugurated Monday Morning Tech Time offering assistance with computers and digital devices in addition to serving drop-in patrons.

• Uploaded more than 700 images from the historical photo collection to the website.

• Extended the Scarsdale Inquirer digital online availability by five years through 1942.

Elizabeth Bermel – Library Director

Leni Glauber – Assistant Library Director