The Wadleigh Memorial Library semi-annual report highlights improvements made to facilities and services. A steering committee met weekly to plan an addition/renovation project, hiring architects and engineers. The committee visited other libraries, met with fundraisers, and developed design concepts. Milford's library circulation, visits, and program attendance exceed both New Hampshire and US averages on a per capita basis. The report concludes with quotes about the importance and value of public libraries.

1. WADLEIGH MEMORIAL LIBRARY Semi-annual report 8.2011

2. highlights Facilities & Services Steering Committee How do we compare? Return on investment

3. Facilities & Services Facilities Security cameras Parking lot Improvements made Stormwater drains Sidewalk Fire alarm panel NH Room furniture Sign over entrance Services Program highlights Ebooks Mobile devices Catalog Messages via text NHSL van service 40% cut to Milford Limits on items

4. Steering Committee Met weekly to plan for upcoming addition/renovation Engaged Manypenny Murphy Architecture to Explore potential redesign of current building to improve space utilization and traffic flow Limited gain to solve the needs (“moving deck chairs around on the Titanic”) Assemble a team of engineers that would work on the project Steering Committee met with the team in Portsmouth Hired Structural Engineer for study of existing building Investigated potential vertical expansion over part of ‘86 addition Evaluated requirements; created foundation, roof framing plans

5. Steering Committee Revisited the 2007 Needs Assessment Met with professional consultant who authored study Group wrestled with space requirements Visited libraries with recent construction projects Derry, Londonderry, Dover, Portsmouth, Groton, Leominster, Bedford, New Boston, Windham, Hudson, Keene Met with directors and staffs Interviewed 4 professional fundraisers Received advice from their experiences on similar projects Identified most appropriate fundraiser for project

6. STEERING COMMITTEE Steering Committee Re-engaged Adams & Smith Architects Concerns with Manypenny Murphy’s library design experience Adams & Smith developed expansion designs in 2007 Developed 7 different design concepts for consideration Steering Committee solicited staff feedback on designs Selected one design to develop for cost estimates Cost estimate for selected design exceeded our budget Designs require relocating during construction Requested additional design utilizing only 91 Nashua property

7. STEERING COMMITTEE Steering Committee Next steps: Finalize design and cost Meet with Committees/Board to present plans CIP Board of Selectmen Facilities Contract with professional fundraiser Implement marketing plan to inform residents of Library’s needs and plans to meet those needs

8. How do we compare?Per capita statistics (2010)* Items checked out Milford=17.72 NH=13 USA=9.3 Program attendance Milford=1.2 NH=.81 USA=.47 Visits Milford=12.65 NH=8.73 USA=7.1 PC usage Milford=1.84 NH=1.28 USA=1.47 *NH stats are from 2009, latest figures available http://www.nh.gov/nhsl/lds/2009_statistics.html

9. Source: http://tinyurl.com/2010PL-data

10. Circulation 36% higher than NH avg 90% higher than US avg Visits 44% higher than NH avg 78% higher than US avg How do we compare?Per capita statistics (2010)* Program attendance 48% higher than NH avg 155% higher than US avg PC usage 44% higher than NH avg 25% higher than US avg

11. Return on investment

12. Postcards from the edge…

17. Highlights fromThe State of America’s Libraries: 2011 “Two-thirds of U.S. public libraries report they are the only provider of free public access to computers and the Internet in their communities.” “…key resource for jobless, entrepreneurs and community.” “Because it provides free access to materials and resources, the public library plays an important role in giving everyone a chance to succeed.” “The library improves the quality of life in our community.” “The nature of the landscape may shift, but the need for a navigator will remain.”