Despite setbacks from revoked funding, the programs offered through Bradford Area Public Library succeeded in growing and continuing to engage the community in 2019, library officials reported Monday during the library’s annual report.
In answer to the loss of funding the library faced, the staff worked hard to apply for grants, which then helped fund renovations, cover salaries and help maintain the programming the library offers.
The library was one of 27 in the state to receive the Keystone Grant, which was used to completely renovate the bathrooms and also to add a family restroom, which has been complimented and appreciated by the families who regularly visit for programs. Also, the library received a Quarterly Impact grant from the United Way of the Bradford Area, which has funded art or creative programming for students in grades 9-12 and this year also was used to fund STEM programs for students in grades 5-8; two grants from the Elk County Council of the Arts (one for 2019 and one for 2020) for art programs like the Art Club, and Growing up Great, which is used to cover the salaries and expenses for the Story Seekers and outreach programs, among others.
“This was a high priority need — to find funding to grow those programs,” Library Director Lacey Love explained.
Treasurer Amy Fox provided remarks on the library’s financial report, explaining that the library requests an audit each year and the result this year was once again a clean audit. Fox explained that at the end of last year, the Bradford Area School District cut the library from their budget, creating a 12% gap for the library to cover.
“We used grants to get through this year. However, as we start (the coming year’s) budgeting, we have to bridge that gap again,” Fox said.
She explained that when it comes to the library’s expenses, 50% are salaries, 12% are materials, 3% are technology, 9% are general & admin and 26% are programming.
Fox concluded with a quote, “‘Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services and great libraries build communities.’ That’s what Bradford Library does.”
Youth Services Library Debbie Deane, who is celebrating the one year anniversary of her joining the Bradford Library staff, noted that she started with rapport and took advantage of the “great foundation” the Youth Department had in place when she came on board.
From there, she and the library staff were able to improve participation in various areas, including the 1,223 participants taking part in the Story Seekers program, the 2,582 books read by 60 children participating in the summer reading program and the 538 attendees of workshops related to the summer reading theme. The September library card drive, held in September at George G. Blaisdell Elementary School, saw 74 card applications returned for the highest return in the three years the drive has been held. Judy Carr, the Children’s Program Coordinator, increased the number of daycares and preschools she visits to eight in total, meaning that 500 children outside the library also benefit from stories read to them and educational opportunities. Also, 767 snacks were served to participants in the summer program sponsored by the USDA.
“Having quantifiable results to hard work is gratifying,” Deane concluded. “I love this job. I have shared my love of reading with an astounding number of children and am blessed to be here.”
The ladies of Evergreen Elm were the guests of honor for the evening Monday. Evergreen Elm CEO Deb Price, who was the keynote speaker, discussed the benefits these residents, who are developmentally challenged, get from being part of the community that library staff work continually to build and maintain.
“What I admire about our library is that all are welcome. It doesn’t matter what reading ability you have,” Price said. Price also noted the definition of what the library is involves instilling a love of reading, no matter what previous education level an individual may have. For the ladies of Evergreen Elm, everything from receiving library cards to having access to books at a variety of reading levels — or movies for the visually inclined — provides them with the resources they need in a venue where they are welcomed and appreciated. The library also holds a bi-weekly book club for Evergreen Elm residents, where other adults in the community are also welcome.
“Expression, creativity and acceptance — what more could any of us want?” Price asked. “On behalf of Evergreen Elm, thank you for allowing us to be part of your community and thank you for inviting Evergreen Elm here.”
Price also quoted one of the ladies, who put it best when she said, “The library rocks!”
Love noted during her speech on funding that, “It’s hard to know what 2021 will bring. We ask for your support and ask that you speak to local officials. The library is an important asset to the community and to the county. Let them know.”
Refreshments were provided following the presentation of the report.
