2017 in Review – Looking to 2018

2017 was a year for changes at NCL

Read in Ned | December 31, 2017

By Jay Mann

It has been a busy year here at your Nederland Community Library. We had:

• 50,000+ visits.
• 45,000+ items checked out.
• 8,000+ public computer uses.
• 3,000+ WiFi uses.
• And 200+ programs attended by over 2,400 children and adults.

New Strategic Plan: After conducting a community study, which included a survey, interviews, and analyses of demographics and past community studies, we created a new strategic plan. The plan will help guide how the library focuses its resources for the next three years. See the full plan.

Refinancing: We completed a refinancing of the General Obligation Bonds that funded the library’s construction. It was refinanced at a fixed interest rate of 2.31%, providing for a present value saving of $205,000. The debt will now be paid off two years earlier with no change in the amount paid each year.

Solar: We installed a new solar system that will provide at least 50% of the library’s electricity usage.

Programs: We welcomed Michael Sivcovich, our new Youth Services Coordinator who is continuing our storytimes, afterschool, and teen programming and adding some new programs too. Our programs for adults included author readings, movie screenings, classes, and scientist talks. We also had six great science book club discussions funded by a National Science Foundation Grant. (If this is something you would have liked to have participated in but missed out on, look out for two more discussions this year).

In our community survey we heard from many of you regarding what types of programs you would like us to offer. In some cases we were able to create those programs, for example photography, permaculture, climate change. Other requested topics are still in the works – e.g. language classes for children, local history talks (though the Nederland Mining Museum offers a great selection of such programs). Thanks for your patience and please continue to give us programming suggestions for yourself and/or your children. We are also always open to suggestions for books (physical, audio, or eBooks) and DVDs.

2018: Our tradition of loaning nontraditional items will continue. Very soon you will be able to check out one of two passes to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science which will provide admission for up to 7 children/adults. You’ll also be able to check out a slide and picture scanner soon in case you want to view your holiday memories in a more modern format. Quick reminder that adult patrons can check out FLIR thermal cameras, Colorado State Parks passes, and a VHS to DVD converter at NCL.

What is the start of a new year without New Year’s resolutions? Probably much more pleasant. As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned to set more realistic resolutions — only have donuts occasionally (rather than never). Whether you want to explore great or escapist literature, learn a new language (Mango Languages), lose weight or make donuts, we have you covered. If we don’t, let us know and we’ll see what we can do.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions, please email me at jaymann.ncl@gmail.com, call 303.258.1101, or speak to me in person. Happy New Year!

Jay Mann is the Director of the Nederland Community Library.