1. Polk County Library Cooperative BMail Materials by Mail Service Established 2006

2. Why Home Delivery for All Polk Co. Library Co-Op Customers? The geographic size of Polk County is 50% larger than the entire state of Rhode Island. There are NO Public Libraries in unincorporated Polk County. 50% of our county’s population resides in the unincorporated area.

3. Why Not Home Delivery? It’s a ‘win-win’ for customers and for libraries. PCLC’s member library’s collections are circulating more. BMail began as a service for shut-ins, but grew to include: – Young parents with busy schedules – Students accustomed to the ease of online ordering – Busy professionals unable to fit a library stop into their schedule – Retirees enjoying the freedom of an unscheduled life – People without personal transportation – Library customers who prefer to search for materials online, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

4. Fastest Growing Outreach Service in PCLC Since its inception in 2006 the monthly circulations through PCLC’s BMail have increased 2835%. – FY’05’06 – 2,400 circulations (6 months) – FY’10’11 – 68,000 circulations The convenience model is expected from today’s customer. Click it and get it

5. What’s It Take To Make It Happen? Establish the service as a “Branch without Walls”. Staff “Buy In” is a must for success. Keep accurate statistics from day one. Establish policies that compliment your standard circulation policies, but address unique issues. Plan for 80% of your operating expenses to be for postage Smart Marketing

6. Naysayers VS. Enthusiasts Patrons and staff will question the cost of this service. Be prepared with facts. LWPL’s Feb. 2012 cost per item circulated = $2.86 BMail’s Feb. 2012 cost per item circulated = $3.71 PCLC’s BMail Supporters FAR outweigh the Naysayers

7. Emphasize Saving Money by Reuse of Packaging.

8. Become familiar with US Post Office Regulations. It will save money for the program.

9. Easy to Use Canvas Bags for Shut-In Delivery. Address Card Window allows for reversible return address card.

10. Contact B-Mail with Questions Tina Peak – peakt@cityoflakewales.com peakt@cityoflakewales.com (863) 678-4004, extension 223 290 Cypress Garden Lane Lake Wales, Florida – 33853 Come spend the day with us and watch the BMail service in action