Library Board

Keene Memorial Library Board Special Meeting Keene Memorial Library-Downstairs Large Meeting Room 1030 N. Broad St., Fremont, NE 5:30 P.M. April 18, 2022 AGENDA Call to Order/Notice of Meeting 1. Roll Call 2. Motion to adopt current agenda for April 18, 2022 special meeting 3. Introduction of Mission Matters staff 4. Discussion of Focus Group and Survey Results 5. Planning & Visioning activities 6. Next steps 7. Adjourn Keene Memorial Library Board Meeting Keene Memorial Library-Downstairs Large Meeting Room 1030 N. Broad St., Fremont, NE 7:30 P.M. April 18, 2022 AGENDA Call to Order/Notice of Meeting 1. Roll Call 2. Motion to adopt current agenda for April 18, 2022 regular meeting agenda 3. Dispense with and approve March 21, 2022 minutes (attachment) 4. Reports a. Library Director’s Report i. Month in Review ii. Expansion Project Update b. Friends of the Library Report c. Finance-Library Expenditures Report (attachment) 5. Adjournment Next Regular Board Meeting May 16, 2022 at 6:30 pm – Keene Memorial Library – Large Meeting Room Agenda posted online at www.fremontne.gov/library and emailed to Library Board members on April 12, 2022. This meeting is preceded by publicized notice in the Fremont Tribune and the agenda is displayed in the Administration Office at Keene Memorial Library, 1030 North Broad Street. A Copy of the Open Meeting Law is posted at the entrances of the meeting rooms. The Library Board reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time. The Library Board reserves the right to adjust the order of items on this agenda.  Keene Memorial Library Board Meeting Large Meeting Room 1030 N Broad St, Fremont NE 6:30 P.M. March 21, 2022 Minutes Held at the Keene Memorial Library Large Meeting Room and Board Vice-President Linda McClain called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Roll Call The following members were present: Amanda Moenning, Linda McClain, LeAnn Rathke and Becky Pence. Also present was Laura England-Biggs, Library Director and City Council Liaison Sally Ganem. Senior Office Associate Tracy Parr will be recording the meeting minutes. Notice of Meeting and Agenda The meeting was preceded by publicized notice in the Fremont Tribune and the agenda is posted in the Administration Office at Keene Memorial Library, 1030 North Broad Street, online at www.fremontne.gov and distributed by email. A copy of the open meetings law is posted continually for public inspection and is located near the entrance of the meeting room. Agenda Motion to adopt agenda for March 21, 2022 regular meeting. Board Member Moenning moved, seconded by Board Member Pence to adopt the agenda for March 21, 2022 Library Board Meeting. Ayes: Moenning, McClain, Rathke and Pence. Motion carried 4-0. Reading of Minutes Board Member Pence moved to dispense with and approve the February 21, 2022 minutes, seconded by Board Member Rathke. Ayes: Moenning, McClain, Pence and Rathke. Motion carried 4-0. Unfinished Business Community Needs Response Planning Update Director Laura England-Biggs stated that the she received 8 replies to her requests for individuals to attend the focus group session on Saturday April 2nd from 9am – 12pm. Six people replied yes they would attend and the other 2 were regrets. Tracy Parr was tasked with making calls for the remaining individuals we haven’t heard back from yet. No action was needed. New Business Accept the resignation of Tom Adamson from the Library Board Board Member Pence made a motion to accept the resignation of Tom Adamson from the Library Board with regrets and thanked Tom for his service, seconded by Board Member Moenning. Ayes: Moenning, McClain, Pence and Rathke. Motion carried 4-0. Reports Library Director’s Report Month in Review Director Laura England-Biggs acknowledged a guest to the meeting, library employee Keri Taylor. She stated that the contractor selection committee for Construction Manager at Risk process met Feb 22. MCL was brought forward as the committee’s recommendation at the March 8 City Council meeting (where their selection was approved), and that at the Tuesday March 29th City Council meeting, MCL’s negotiated contract is being brought to the Council for approval. Saturday February 26 we hosted a very successful blood drive – Goal was 10 and we provided 17 units of blood. Last of the bi-weekly meetings with employees during the first week of March. Transitioning to a monthly schedule from here on out. She met with a Brodart rep to discuss a leased collection. More research needs to be done to see if this concept would work at Keene. Director England-Biggs and Elisa Cruz attended the city-wide Career Fair the afternoon and evening of March 1. Made a few contacts, hoping to come out of it with at least one prospect. March 3 was Nebraska Library Association Advocacy Day, also known as Legislative Day. There was a morning session from Megan Cusick at the American Library Association on how to talk to your legislator followed by time to go to the Capitol and do just that. We had a lunch update from the lobbyists at Remboldt Luedeke (Brent Smoyer) on legislative activity related to libraries this session. Also presented 9 awards to outstanding volunteers from around the state. Monday March 7 and Wednesday March 9 were Day in the Past at the May Museum. 4th graders from Fremont Public Schools, Bergan, and some of the surrounding schools come to learn what it was like growing up in the 1900’s in Fremont. Attended Management Boot Camp with Elisa, and Conflict Resolution Boot Camp with Justine – both sessions were fantastic and gave her excellent tips to improve her leadership skills. Leadership team (Elisa, Justine, Laura and Tracy) met to start putting together a list of questions surrounding the expansion project based on team input. We didn’t get the feedback we wanted so I sent out a google form survey that is completely anonymous. Attended the State Advisory Council on Libraries meeting Friday March 18. Where we spent time on intellectual freedom challenges and the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Services and Technology Act 5-year strategic plan. Also networking and sharing what challenges and successes we have had. Met with a Foundation team today to begin exploration of whether we will be invited to apply. The team seemed interested and engaged in the presentation by Linda, Mayor Joey Spellerberg and myself. They asked to come tour the library, which was taken as a good sign. No action taken. Expansion Project Update Director Laura England-Biggs let the Library Board know that we are currently at the same fundraising level as the last meeting and that there are 3 pending Grants that she is waiting to hear back from. They are the CCCFF ( Civic & Community Center Financing Fund), Shovel-Ready and Dodge County ARPA grants. In addition to this she said that the Brick Campaign order forms and a sample brick are being displayed on the main floor of the library as you walk in and we will have them displayed at the Friends of the Library Book Sale Thursday-Sunday March 24-27. No action taken. Friends of the Library Report The Friends book sale is coming up Thursday-Sunday March 24th-27th. Thursday is for Friends of the Library members only, Friday 12pm-7pm, Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Saturday from 11am- 2pm there will also be BBQ available. No action taken. Finance Director England-Biggs reviewed the Finance report, pointing out that for the most part we are on target with the budget, but did note that Postage & Printing 001-2031-455-2011 looked to be over encumbered and tasked Tracy to look into reason why that may be. Both Director England-Biggs and Tracy Parr explained why we have these over encumbrances. No action taken. With no further business, motion to adjourn was made at 7:02 p.m. with Board Member Rathke making the motion and Board Member Moenning seconding it. Ayes: Moenning, McClain, Rathke and Pence. Motion carried 4-0. Next meeting will be held in the Large Meeting Room after the Library Special Community Needs Response Planning Meeting on April 18, 2022 5:30pm-7:30pm. Keene Memorial Library Regular Board Meeting will be following the CNRP Meeting at 7:30 pm in the Large Meeting Room. Prepared by Tracy Parr, Senior Office Associate Signed by Amanda Moenning, Library Board Secretary  NLFS001 Auditors Trial Balance Accounting Period: 6/2022 Fund(s): 001 - General Fund Report Generated on Apr 11, 2022 9:11:12 AM Page 1 Fund: 001 - General Fund Account Account Description FYTD through Original Budget Encumbered Budget Balance Prior Year Prior Two 3/31/2022 Actual Years Actual 001-2031-419.20-12 Communications 602.95 2,500.00 600.00 1,297.05 2,400.00 2,400.00 001-2031-419.20-65 Service Agreements 19,855.21 25,000.00 5,144.79 28,026.79 21,525.39 001-2031-419.30-55 Software 1,210.77 5,550.00 4,339.23 5,486.10 4,885.56 001-2031-419.30-56 Parts/Mach & Equipment 14,000.00 1,905.54 12,094.46 718.66 474.41 001-2031-455.10-10 Salaries/Wages 313,495.45 584,963.00 271,467.55 463,993.58 468,654.57 001-2031-455.10-14 Health Insurance 44,227.33 95,522.00 51,294.67 110,909.22 94,250.09 001-2031-455.10-15 Overtime Wages 357.17 1,750.00 1,392.83 207.10 1,087.97 001-2031-455.10-22 FICA/Medicare 23,293.21 43,786.00 20,492.79 33,851.10 34,569.52 001-2031-455.10-23 Pension 8,893.44 20,537.00 11,643.56 15,991.38 17,792.41 001-2031-455.20-11 Postage & Printing 800.00 5,550.00 4,000.00 750.00 1,600.00 2,400.00 001-2031-455.20-13 Training & Travel 4,796.94 12,000.00 441.00 6,762.06 3,016.24 4,607.17 001-2031-455.20-33 Legal Advertising 30.27 100.00 69.73 50.13 271.18 001-2031-455.20-41 Utility Services 18,840.56 52,000.00 33,159.44 41,991.45 38,211.98 001-2031-455.20-60 Repairs & Maintenance 625.00 10,000.00 50.00 9,325.00 3,787.96 14,381.82 001-2031-455.20-65 Service Agreements 9,904.09 31,500.00 14,708.00 6,887.91 22,735.27 13,063.98 001-2031-455.20-70 Rents 295.14 800.00 298.00 206.86 590.28 591.09 001-2031-455.20-93 Dues & Subscriptions 545.00 18,000.00 79.96 17,375.04 17,049.27 29,458.36 001-2031-455.20-98 Taylor collection 500.00 500.00 469.19 001-2031-455.20-99 Other Contractual Service 6,254.28 44,000.00 37,798.40 (52.68) 21,436.26 26,825.53 001-2031-455.30-31 Office Supplies 1,407.24 10,000.00 65.46 8,527.30 3,011.77 2,971.65 001-2031-455.30-35 Printing 60.00 500.00 60.00 380.00 767.42 001-2031-455.30-41 Food Supplies 4,000.00 4,000.00 345.20 597.35 001-2031-455.30-44 Fuel/Oil/Grease 250.00 250.00 33.96 38.98 001-2031-455.30-49 Bldg/Structural Materials 1,417.86 10,000.00 8,582.14 6,241.12 14,516.59 001-2031-455.30-51 Books & Periodicals 71,337.61 135,000.00 64,992.54 (1,330.15) 139,526.82 149,083.37 001-2031-455.30-63 MV Fuel Parts 630.50 (630.50) 37.17 7.99 001-2031-455.30-76 Signs 1,000.00 1,000.00 001-2031-455.30-79 Other Commodities 4,743.94 10,000.00 3,729.39 1,526.67 4,382.96 14,443.25 001-2031-455.40-13 Bldg/Improve Acquisition 22,551.89 4,253,229.00 413,662.59 3,817,014.52 197,315.00 32,617.50 Server Name: frmt-cog.aspgov.com User Name: 556,175.85 5,392,037.00 542,890.88 4,292,970.27 1,125,971.40 989,727.71 Keene Memorial Library Community Engagement Executive Summary In spring of 2022, Keene Memorial Library sought to gather input from a broad group of community members to inform its 2022-2026 Community Needs Response Plan. Approximately 234 individuals were engaged through a survey or focus group. The combined results will help Keene Memorial Library board and staff set the future direction for the library. Stakeholder engagement activities were administered by Mission Matters, independent facilitators who will also facilitate the planning process in 2022. This executive summary provides a brief snapshot of some general themes that emerged. BUILDING ON STRENGTHS Fremont is seen by its residents as a great place to live. A majority of respondents feel positively about the quality of life available to them. One of the aspects of Fremont that people love is its close proximity to Omaha with a small-town feel. People also value the community’s safety, parks, and outdoor recreation, friendly people, and note that there are many opportunities to get involved. Participants consider Keene Memorial Library a significant community asset. The library is described as a welcoming, highly accessible place, with few barriers noted to access services. Multiple generations report enjoying the library. Of note, the library is considered an especially valuable resource by low- to middle-income individuals and families. Community members commended the quality of the staff team. COMMUNITY NEEDS Questions were asked in a variety of ways to address perceived community needs. The following themes emerged:  Housing: Providing more available and affordable housing. Specific needs mentioned include workforce and middle-income housing, options for retirees to downsize, and senior living facilities.  Economic Development: Developing and growing small, locally-owned businesses. Attracting and retaining workforce and skilled trades. Connecting people to higher-wage jobs. Offering more options in retail, shopping, entertainment, and restaurants.  Inclusion and Belonging: Creating a welcoming culture for all persons, with a special emphasis on sectors that face greater barriers to belonging, such as the Hispanic community, older youth, and newcomers. Countering a negative community reputation stemming from a 2014 housing ordinance.  Youth Engagement: Offering more safe, welcoming places for older youth during non-school times.  Social Supports: Making connections and raising awareness of the social support resources that are available to individuals and families in economic need. RESOURCES  Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report  Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Keene Memorial Library Community Engagement Executive Summary  KEENE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Community Needs Assessment Survey Report The following is a report from a stakeholder survey that was completed by 222 respondents as part of Keene Memorial Library’s reaccreditation process. The survey was offered in both English and Spanish. The responses will be used to help Keene Memorial Library develop its community needs response plan and make decisions about its programs and services. The survey was administered by independent consultants with Mission Matters, who will also facilitate the community needs response planning process. I. Community Attitudes and Needs Questions 1-6 pertain to respondents’ opinions regarding needs of the community. Question 1. What do you enjoy most about living in or around Fremont? (Select three.) Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 1 of 11 Close proximity to Omaha and the small-town atmosphere were the top reasons respondents indicated they liked living in or around Fremont. Also ranking fairly high were ‘safety’, ‘friendly people,’ and ‘access to parks and outdoor recreation.’ The remaining categories received fewer than 15 percent each. Respondents were only allowed to select three items from the list to surface priorities. In the responses to ‘Other,’ at least two respondents noted each of the following as favorite attributes they enjoy about the community: convenience to local businesses and institutions (no traffic or congestion), the library, and friends and family nearby. Six respondents commented that they do not enjoy living in Fremont. Question 2. How satisfied are you living in Fremont? Over three-fourths of the respondents are ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’ living in Fremont. Sixteen percent were neutral, while roughly nine percent were ‘somewhat dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied.’ Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 2 of 11 Question 3. In the last five years, how would you describe the quality of life in Fremont? Question 4. What activities or facilities would you like to see more of in Fremont? (Select 3.) Responses are shown in the table below, ranked by most popular response to least mentioned. In the ‘Other’ responses listed in the comments, six respondents mentioned activities and facilities to give youth something to do, especially ‘older kids’. Additional ideas shared include enhanced entrances to the city to make a better first impression, a community-wide Hispanic/Latino cultural event to promote interaction with all sectors, a large community garden, a facility like the Nielsen Center in West Point, monetary assistance to help small businesses grow and expand, and more job opportunities that pay a living wage. Number of Percent Responses Responses Retail shopping 149 67% Restaurants 123 55% Entertainment options such as concerts or live performances 96 43% Family-friendly activities 84 38% Lifelong learning and continuing education options for adults 71 32% Outdoor recreation 61 27% Community festivals and celebrations 45 20% Volunteer opportunities 14 6% Other (please specify) 12 5% Co-working space for remote workers and entrepreneurs 11 5% Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 3 of 11 Question 5. What concerns do you have about Fremont’s future? (Select 3.) Responses Percent Housing supply and affordability 122 55% Business decline and empty buildings 116 52% Attracting and retaining workforce 82 37% Economic divide / families experiencing poverty 67 30% Skilled, knowledgeable community leaders 64 29% Cultural division and sense of belonging 62 28% Youth engagement in community life 44 20% Health and wellbeing (physical and mental) 33 15% Affordable, high quality early childhood education and preschool 27 12% Ability to keep up with technological changes 23 10% Extreme weather and disaster preparedness 14 6% Other (please specify) 12 5% In the comments offered in response to ‘Other,’ there were two suggestions about cleanliness and upkeep of the community, two comments about a declining education system, and two comments about economic disparity of families and availability of affordable housing. Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 4 of 11 Question 6. What are the top three categories you feel your community needs the most? (Select 3.) Of the community needs listed, there did not seem to be a clear consensus on need. No option received a majority vote from the 222 respondents, yet nearly all responses received at least a 20% vote. Housing (47%) was the highest ranked need, followed by Support Services (youth, elderly, families experiencing poverty, etc.), Entertainment, and Employment. In the comments offered, respondents largely expanded on categories already listed. Four responses noted a specific housing need for retirees and elderly residents. Two responses indicated a need for better local leadership in elected positions. Two responses explained that they wanted healthier restaurants with more sit-down options. Two respondents wanted a healthier and cleaner environment. Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 5 of 11  II. Library Needs and Usage Questions 7-10 pertain to the respondents’ thoughts regarding needs of the library and how they use its services. Question 7. How often do you visit the library? Three-fourths of respondents said they visit the library once or twice a year to several times a month. Only 12 percent frequent the library on a weekly or more frequent basis. Additionally, 11 percent indicated they hardly ever or never visit the library. In the comments, five people mentioned they primarily use online services like Libby and Overdrive. Three people mentioned they used to frequent the library often, but Covid has prevented them from doing so during the past two years. Question 8. What current barriers stand in the way of visiting or accessing library services? (Check all that apply.) A high number (69%) of respondents indicated there were no barriers to visiting or accessing library services. Of the barriers that were offered, hours of operation and transportation were selected most often. In the comments, four respondents noted that Covid had created a barrier for them, and one praised the library’s response to Covid through curbside service. Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 6 of 11 Question 9. What activities/services is your household most likely to enjoy at the library? (Select the top 3.) Responses are shown below from highest to lowest based on number of responses. In the comments, nine people mentioned that their favorite service to access at the library is checking out books, e-books, and periodicals. Responses Percent Quiet, individual use of facility for personal, educational, or professional reasons 140 66% Educational programs and discussion groups 89 42% Historical archives and genealogy research tools 72 34% Arts, crafts, and creative programs 70 33% WiFi, hotspots, public internet computers, printing, scanning 63 30% Storytime, reading, and literacy-based programs 62 29% Socialization and recreation-focused activities 61 29% Entertainment (movie screenings, gaming competitions, music performances) 57 27% Other (please specify) 22 10% Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 7 of 11 Question 10. What is the most important use or feature that should be included in the new library? (Select the top 3.) Responses Percent Comfortable seating 75 35% Places that are quiet and support focus 71 33% Quiet adult areas 68 32% Children’s play and learning areas 65 31% Coffee and other refreshments/snacks available 57 27% Technology center or innovation lab 52 25% Spaces that support conversation and collaboration 48 23% Places and tools that support creating (makerspace) 38 18% Dedicated teen space 27 13% Large performance space for programs and gatherings 27 13% Amenities that allow me to stay longer (wellness area, mothers’ room, family center) 22 10% Collaborative learning area or co-working space with technology 20 9% Meeting rooms for medium groups (6-10 people) 20 9% Dedicated area for tweens 17 8% More space for collections 11 5% Meeting rooms for small groups (2-6 people) 11 5% Other (please specify) 7 3% There were few comments on this question. Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 8 of 11  III. Demographics The remaining questions (11-16) are demographic questions to help learn more about survey respondents. The questions were confidential, and respondents were given the opportunity not to answer any questions. Question 11. What is your gender? In selecting a response to this question, 78% of respondents selected ‘female’, 18% selected ‘male’, four percent preferred not to answer, and no respondents selected ‘nonbinary’. Question 12. How old are you? Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 9 of 11  Question 13. What is your racial/ethnic background? (Check all that apply.) Racial/Ethnic background of respondents was: 87% white, 5% Hispanic/Latinx, 2% African American, 1% American Indian/Alaskan Native, and 18% chose not to respond. Question 14. What is your total household income? Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 10 of 11  Question 15. How many people reside in your household? Question 16. What is the primary language in the household? Over 98% of households speak English as the primary language in the household. Three households indicated Spanish was the primary language spoken in the household and one indicated that Spanish and English were used equally. Responses were gathered and compiled in April 2022. Keene Memorial Library Community Needs Assessment Survey Report Page 11 of 11  KEENE MEMORIAL LIBRARY Focus Group Discussion Report The following is a report from a stakeholder focus group discussion held April 2, 2022. The aim of the focus group discussion was to engage a diverse group of stakeholders in the needs assessment of Keene Memorial Library. In particular, the purpose was to gather information about critical issues in the community and how the library might help to address those issues as well as to gather information about users’ needs and wishes for the library expansion. The key findings of the focus group will be used by KML during their community needs assessment process. The focus group was facilitated by Mission Matters. Mission Statement: Keene Memorial Library is committed to providing access to information, education, resources, and training in support of life-long learning, personal growth, and community fellowship for all. About the group: The focus group was made up of seven individuals who identified their role in the community in the following ways: - A retired educator - A retired volunteer - A homeschool mom - A working mom - A local business owner - An educator who works with English-language learners - A school employee who serves as a liaison to Spanish-speaking families Two-thirds of the group were frequent users of the library. Four individuals were raising children in their home. The group was involved in several other community organizations including local churches, Girl Scouts, community foundation, Friends of the Library, Parent Teacher Association, etc. Attendees were asked how they came to live in Fremont. Four persons came to Fremont as newcomers for their career or a spouse’s career. One person returned to make their home in Fremont after moving away for a few years after college. Two people had spent their childhood in Fremont and stayed. Additionally, three children were present and were not interested in participating in the full group but did answer a few questions for facilitators. 1. Tell us about a time when you felt especially proud or connected to the Fremont community. What was happening that made you feel that way? Nearly all attendees spoke about the community coming together in response to the 2019 flood. Two people spoke about finding different causes and organizations to become involved in, such as Friends of the Library and the YMCA. Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 1 of 6 2. From where you sit in the community, considering your perspective in work, family life, volunteer commitments, different identities you bring like age, gender, race, what is one thing that you know about Fremont that most people in the community don’t know? Participants were invited to answer this question by writing 1 – 2 sentences on a notecard, which was passed in. Responses include: It’s a challenge to be an “outsider.” Fremont is established and so many have grown up here and have family here. Fremont is a retirement community -- neighbors are the best people to rely on, they care about each other and help anytime. COVID was hard on the retirement community – we had to stop having get-togethers. But we heard many interesting stories about things people have done in their lives – like WWII, jobs, and other personal history. Many don’t know of the resources and programs available to ALL – especially at the library. There are so many ways to obtain grants and funding throughout this community. Many dollars go unclaimed. There is a wealth of resources in towns. The people in the Hispanic community are kind, hard-working, and wonderful people. Many are trying to learn English if they don’t already know it. When calling parents, I know their lunch break times, schedule, off days, etc. 3. What do you like most about living in this community? Participants answered this question by writing responses on a flip chart in small groups. Responses include: The size – small enough to be connected, but large enough to have necessary resources The opportunities (schools, library, YMCA) are more equal for many Neighbors The library has great activities It’s easy to drive around town Involvement opportunities Proximity for entertainment/sports and specific health care in nearby cities Concerts in the park! 4. What do you like least about living in this community? Participants answered this question by writing responses on a flip chart in small groups. Responses include: Lack of diversity – in accepting of others In a rut – many do not want change Challenge in getting to know people Not known to be a welcoming place to some minority groups – i.e. undocumented, elderly, lower income Hard to get to know people Lack of shopping Lack of activities for older kids and middle-age adults Stereotype about racism due to the housing ordinance Lack of affordable housing Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 2 of 6 5. As you think about the people you talk to, what are the issues that matter most over the next 18–24 months? Participants answered this question by writing responses on a flip chart in small groups. Responses include: Affordable housing Jobs -- wages Resources Police and Fire – improvements and staff (voted down because of location and politics) Community building (post-COVID) • Affordable • Not just sports • Kids activities After school programs (there is a wait list) • Elementary • Middle school 6. What are your dreams or aspirations for the community? Participants answered this question by writing responses on a flip chart in small groups. Responses include: Education opportunities/growth Welcome for newcomers Economic growth with wider variety of jobs Everyone feels like they belong and are welcomed Jobs that will keep young people here (high schools and Metro have made huge improvements here) Trade focus -- certification Mobile library – transportation/resources Transportation for visually impaired kids and older adults Interaction of different parts of town 7. How might the library support or address some of these critical issues you mention? After reading the responses to questions 3 – 6 out loud, participants discussed this question in large group. The following responses were given in discussion: There is an opportunity to do positive marketing/branding for new library Equitable access to resources like computer, internet access Older people use the library Programming such as “1,000 books before kindergarten” Having a space just for teens and tweens. Connect generations at the library – e.g. older quilters teaching teens, teens teaching seniors about technology. Get community volunteers to come in to teach so this does not add to workload of library staff to teach. Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 3 of 6  Researching grants to support some of the dreams – and scholarship opportunities for youth. Connect the philanthropic resources of the community With the bigger meeting rooms – come learn about mid-life career changes (welding, trades, etc.) and provide kids activities at the same time. Have coffee and snacks! Have a resource person or bulletin board who can help move people into better paying jobs. This does not need to be librarians necessarily because they are already so busy. Make connections with business owners in town. With the perception of discrimination – create a mobile library to bring the library to diverse groups, then they feel more welcome at the library - Bilingual staff do this already! Keep doing it and to greater degree - Prime Time Reading is a program that has helped with this in the past Affordable housing – what can the library do? Stumped More connection with schools. The library’s bilingual staff should keep doing what they do and find ways to do more of it. - There is a misperception with some people on the south side of town because they think they need to pay to use the library. Culture differences between Hispanic and Anglo communities - We need to go outside of comfort zone to introduce ideas. - First, go to Hispanic community and ask what they would like. Create and distribute a newsletter and calendar School field trips to research at the public library (They may do this already?) 8. What activities/services is your household most likely to enjoy at the library? Participants were asked to write down their top responses: Older adult activities – programs on how to use tablets, computers, etc. Checking out books in English/Spanish for home and school Family events – such as games/trivia nights Game time Field trips Story time Longer afternoon/evening hours Non-fictional books – especially research Chess Club Tech time Craft times Bilingual books Activities for older school age kids Learning for middle-age adults Programs by authors Book Clubs Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 4 of 6  Reading programs for adults and children Book/resource check out 9. With the new building, the library is considering adding a makerspace. What are your thoughts about this? How likely would you personally be to use a makerspace? What should the library consider when making this decision? This question was asked in the large group. At first, participants did not understand what a makerspace was but after explanation of the kinds of tools and equipment that might be present, the group became excited and voiced a lot of support for the idea. A few quotes include: Seems like a great way to introduce kids to new things. This is a huge resource for homeschool kids. Public school kids, too. There is less focus on home economics and other areas now. Also a great opportunity for adults! Just hearing it, I got excited. 10. What, if anything gets in the way of you using the library as much as you’d like? This question was asked in the large group. Participants struggled to identify barriers and noted they feel the library is very accessible to them. A few attendees encouraged the library to continue to keep events and activities free and noted that is an attractor for them. One attendee wondered why youth are not allowed to volunteer during the school year. 11. Is there anything else you want to say that you have not been asked? Before leaving, attendees were invited to put in writing any final thoughts they’d not have a chance to share. Responses included: Spin “positives” on why we need the renovations to the public – regardless of the needs with some of the negative people, it’s important that they see it as a positive. They cross many paths in the community and it would be great to spin a positive on this expansion. Why do you have to be 18 or over to work/volunteer at the library? We love how friendly the librarians are – they make it welcoming. Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 5 of 6 Youth Conversation Facilitators had a shorter conversation with the three youth who were present but not interested in taking part in full focus group. What do you like about Fremont?  Families  People get along and are friendly  Skate park  I know a lot of people and am never lonely What do you not like about Fremont?  Cars driving too fast, people zoom through stop signs Regarding the library, what do you use?  Computers  Books  Upstairs area  Cookbooks to cook at home  Movies  Craft time  Girl Scout troop meets at the library —sewing and crafting Wishes?  An area that is quiet all of the time to read books in peace without younger kids being around and being noisy  For the library to have entire series of books and not just the first one. I have read the first book in a series and then the library does not have the others. It’s frustrating. Keene Memorial Library Focus Group Discussion Report Page 6 of 6