FELTON

Vision 10 years from now:

Yes there is a Felton branch
Writer workshops
Great and perfect collection at all times
Continue and expand service to special needs people
Offer more Spanish language books and services
Vital place to nurture young children as readers, love of learning, informed citizens
There will be human librarians (that is physical staff to help)
Local artists will display work
Space to create art
Everyone wants to live in Felton- it is the hub of creativity, emphasis on community, partners
with resource center, good water
Strong clear link between SVV High School and library- partnering with elementary and middle
schools
Wireless and other technological advances- 2020 technology
Changing exhibits, historical, etc.
Gateway place
Teen activities
Story Hour
Well staffed
Beautiful garden with native plants
Community hub- meeting room
More bike racks
ADA and easy access
Not enough parking (because it’s so popular)
Safe
Welcoming to all ages
New large building
More hours
Open
Well maintained

System:

ILL
Library owns all buildings in the system
Library will become great advocate for itself
Take advantage of al state networks
Revamped website/catalog that remembers you
Accustomed to paying more for services- the public will be supportive
Libraries remain FREE to ALL- basic service of government
Pay for enhanced services?
Taxes more evenly distributed to support libraries
Every branch unique- keep them all
E-books
Physical books (strong support)
Bring together people of all ages and economic backgrounds
Hub for each community
Bring communities together and serves as a bridge all over the county

Strengths:

Funky, cool smell, quaint, charming
Videos/DVDs, lots of books even though it’s tiny
Warm welcome
Staff super busy but well trained and friendly
Felton is diverse in a broad economic way
Even as an inadequate library still great for young children
Brand
Public place- important to talk to other people
Lots of periodicals and public information
Six year olds have access without parents being with them
Wise discernment
Opportunity to fulfill potential
Great place to work
Convenient with wifi (those branches that have it)
Sacred and safe place
Strong public support- Felton Library Friends
People I county LOVE libraries- passed last 2 votes for library, community gets behind libraries
Strong brand and bond- unique glue that bonds community to libraries. Very strong in Felton- all
branches humming
Community supports lots of issues- when unincorporated you have to
Normal route for valley residents goes through Felton
Loving warm people and staff. Miss previous staff- strong connection with youth. Continuity of
staff is important- human relations
Created many memories over 50 years
All kids in valley educated in Felton except Boulder Creek Elementary
School population values libraries
Love backyard
Love Exhibits
Can get any book in system
Community rallies for their library
Neighborhood system is great- it’s where people go and is very important and reduces carbon
footprint
Tapes, audio, different formats in collection

Weaknesses:

Collection too small
Can’t get to mysteries when others are on Internet
Too few terminals- need to bridge the digital divide
Parking is bad- not ADA, poor access for many
Dangerous intersection
All libraries- need to get the business and real estate communities to realize how important
libraries are to them. Big money should support them
Stagger hours- weekend or later than 7- help commuters and book groups
No space for librarians to do their work
No space for collaborative work
Libraries are a resource for the homeless- downtown can be difficult for parents with young
children
No capital fund for planning capital projects
RDS driving where libraries get built- Seems unfair and is a weakness
Homelessness is increasing in SLV- in wet weather will move into new library
Make better use of talent and resources- utilize financial advice
Spaces to sit
Not enough reference materials
Inadequate space for book groups and children’s groups
Hours
Not enough money
Different now- staff don’t know patrons

Opportunities:

Star power- use famous writers and artists and musicians- write a song for the library
Donate- brick and mortar naming opportunities
Communities- take support and turn it into dollars
Copying other systems that are successful- photos for modernizing libraries
Foundation
New blood- already have it
Apply for state construction bond in future
Build on land that we were given
Builders in community – support team- build with volunteers
Retired vans from construction companies
Talent in community- utilize it to raise money system wide
Apply to Habitat
Reflect on value of libraries
Self check machines
Rethink personnel
Bond

Threats:

Money
Confusion about priorities
Disaster in state’s budget
Relying on fluctuating revenues
Felton has never been a priority- still sitting here waiting
Board doesn’t realize population/demographics of SLV- lack of knowledge
Has had to wait and now is more expensive
Getting rid of library is a possibility
Cultural relevance- that library is important in age of Internet
Missing mark on connecting with the community
Past threat- lack of belief in value of neighborhood libraries
Board- can be parochial- doesn’t think of all libraries in the system, doesn’t think of adequate
libraries for all
System only as strong as the weakest branch
Must be sustainable
Longer it takes the more difficult it is to retain community support