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“You are the same today as you will be in 5 years except for two things: the people you meet and the books you read.”

Agenda Value of Reading United States Libraries Lodi Public Library Library Goals 2014 Focus of Library Focus of Employees Make a Difference

Value of Reading By the age of 5, a child’s future success may already be determined by their exposure to reading. –90% of brain development happens by age 5 Over 35% of 4 th graders read so poorly they cannot complete their schoolwork successfully –“Children who learn to read early have a much higher likelihood of succeeding in school, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and attending college” 43% of those with the lowest skills live in poverty Mayo Clinic said reading could decrease risk of mild cognitive impairment – link with Alzheimer‘s

United States Libraries - 9,000 central buildings - 7,500 branches billion books checked out annually - For every 2 books sold in America – 1 book is borrowed from a library - Almost 70% carry Library cards - Almost 50% visit a Library once per year - Sundays are the busiest day for libraries

“What the world of tomorrow will be like is greatly dependent on the power of imagination in those who are learning to read today.” Astrid Lindgren

Lodi Public Library 250,000 people visited the Library in 2013 –Up 12% from % more people attended Library event than % more library cards issued than % more hours open to the public 62% more books/materials added versus 2011 Completed $500,000 renovation in 2014 Over 240 volunteers actively working Tripled amount of money spent on books/materials Quadrupled donations to $200,000 in ,000 homework help sessions offered to youth 13,000 people receive monthly on events Over 50,000 computer users in 2013 All done with reducing staff by 17%

Library Goals Expand homework help/literacy through technology Rebuild/broaden collection of books/materials –comprehensively review collection –eBooks, iPads, etc. Contact/reengage donors/supporters –Meet community groups/members –Broaden fundraising efforts Reconstruct Library website to advertise programs Renovate Library patio and replace front yard

Educate the mind and you better the person; Educate the soul and you better the world.

Focus of Library –Employee conduct and customer behavior employees welcome customers, be friendly patrons adhere to behavioral policy, no sleeping/smoking –Marketing monthly and flyers, glossy posters, new website –Renovation $500,000 renovation, new cameras, landscaping –Library Collection expand collection – ebooks, collection review, iPads –Volunteers and fundraising raise exposure of library, attract volunteers a product/service community wants/proud to support

Focus of Employees –First - be friendly,courteous, and a good person. –Second - work hard “Great accomplishments, and great rewards, often come with great sacrifice.” –Third – focus on the customer we have jobs because we have customers –Fourth – do the right thing “One does not become virtuous by making others less virtuous." Incredibly kind, control ego/jealously/envy, tell the truth, do what’s right, and look to the good. –Fifth - fix it! Dreams are great, but something has to be done about them –Sixth, do something …….accomplish something… –Lastly, have fun! Life is much too short to do otherwise.

Value of Libraries Through great books, stories, movies, events and presentations, libraries … –create a more knowledgeable person, one who uses this knowledge to make the right decision at the right time and for the right reason, and –build a more considerate community, one directed towards noble and honorable pursuits, and devoted to instilling charity, compassion and goodness throughout all corners of its populace. Libraries have the singular power to guide you live a better life, to be a better person, to make world a better place

Dolly Parton Great entertainer, businesswoman, and humanitarian Imagination Library –Read few books as a child; remembered mom reading to her –Any child can get a book/month until they are 5 –800,000 children/month get a free book –40 million books mailed thus far! “The seeds of dreams are often found in books.” “If you can self-educate, you can be anything you want.”

We are only limited by our dreams of a better world and our determination to make it come true

We dream, and are determined to create, a Library that: motivates its citizens to learn encourages them to explore inspires them to act