Annual Report
Library Use Rebounds
In FY 2005 library users checked out 510,237 books and audiovisual materials, 1.5% more than in FY 2004, when library hours of service were cut back. Patrons at other central and western Massachusetts libraries borrowed 28,577 books and recordings from Amherst through interlibrary loan, an increase of 36%. Amherst has the region's busiest public libraries, second only to Springfield in western Massachusetts.
Teen readers enjoyed new collections of graphic novels and "manga" (Asian style comics). Anime films on DVD were a big hit with pre-teens in the Children's Library.
Technological Advances
The Town's Information Technology Department updated and expanded library access to new technology, providing:
- wireless access to the Internet
- new Internet computers with flat screen monitors
- GIS town mapping
- updated software applications
- more reliable network systems and support
- and connecting all three Town Libraries to Town staff networks
Readers explored new options with a selection of audio book titles in MP3 electronic formats.
Researchers began using the "Virtual Catalog", a statewide database of library holdings which includes both college and public library holdings. Items available via the Virtual Catalog are delivered for local use at no charge.
Programs
As active community centers, the libraries hosted 573 community events, performances, and meetings.
Every Child a Reader
The Jones Library sponsored this major new outreach program in early 2005 to encourage Amherst school students to build their reading skills. Two hundred second graders made special class field trips to the library. During their visits, children signed up for library cards, explored the library, received free books as a gifts, and made friends with the library staff. This innovative program to promote reading was made possible by a gift from Michael Giles and Michelle Santangelo, and by the talented volunteer organizers from the Friends of the Jones Library System with support from the Amherst public schools.
Amherst Reads The Spiderwick Chronicles
Crowds of happy readers swarmed the Jones Library in October 2004. "Amherst Reads" included a month-long series of family activities, featuring the best-selling fantasy series The Spiderwick Chronicles by local author Holly Black and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi. Writing workshops, drawing classes, craft activities, storytelling, trivia contests, fencing demonstrations, book signings, and a costume parade - all events promoted the joys of reading and sharing books as a family. "Amherst Reads" was created by a volunteer coalition, including Jones Library staff, the Jeffrey Amherst Bookstore, local teachers, parents, and, coordinated by the amazingly energetic Angela DiTerlizzi.
Understanding Islam
Jones Library presented this four part program exploring the roots of Islam and important issues facing Muslims today. Over seventy readers signed up for the reading and discussion series, led by University of Massachusetts Professor Mary Wilson. Participants gained an understanding of the Koran, Arabic literature, the changing roles of women in Islam, and the intersection of politics and religion in the Middle East. This fascinating series was funded by a grant from the Mass. Foundation for the Humanities and was organized by Adult Services Librarian Beth Girshman.
English as a Second Language
"Before, no understand. Now I read and understand."
(Note: before Tenzin entered the ESL program, he could not read or write in any language.)
In FY 2005, 84 immigrants pursued their individual goals for speaking, reading and writing in English; for GED study and citizenship preparation at the library. The Massachusetts Literacy Foundation recognized ESL Coordinator Lynne Weintraub as a 2005 Literacy Champion for her work in adult education and English for speakers of other languages. Amherst College students voted the library's English as a Second Language Center their choice for outstanding Community Partner in 2005. Twenty Amherst College students regularly volunteered their time as tutors for English language learners.
Special Collections Events
Dickinson fans saw the poet as a winsome teenager when Special Collections hosted an exhibit of a new oil portrait "Emily Dickinson - Her True Colors" by local portrait artist Guillermo Cuellar. The artist's goal was to add depth to the well-known black and white daguerreotype image by researching fabrics, hair colors, and photographers' props of the 1840's. Special Collections also presented enlightening programs on William Smith Clark by Ruth Owen Jones and on Robert Francis by Henry Lyman. A special exhibit honored the work of Amherst author Pat Schneider. The archives of the Amherst Rotary Club were accepted for local history research.
Library-Sponsored Events
These included summer reading clubs for school children, story times and music activities for pre-school children, support for home-schooling families, teen book clubs, children's chess clubs, children's music appreciation series which is funded in part by the Amherst Cultural Council, plus crafts, history and science activities
Lingua Snacks
This program introduced 12 world languages and cultures in 12 Saturday sessions, and presented a cultural lecture on the Chinese minorities of Yunnan province. Trustee Kathy Wang coordinated a multi-national corps of volunteer presenters.
Other Programs
- The jubilat/Jones Poetry series presented both locally and nationally known poets.
- Mystery writers shared their stories over delicious desserts.
- Local filmmakers showed their documentaries.
- Inspirational artwork by local artists filled the Burnett Gallery.
Donations
Fund raising by the Friends of the Jones Library System resulted in $26,248 for much appreciated programs (listed above) and new materials.
The Beds for Books hospitality committee placed parents of college students with local host families and raised $3,200 -- just one way that the fabulous Library Friends work to improve Town Libraries.
From tutoring ESL students to writing thank yous and raking leaves, 100 volunteers supported all library departments with their time and talent. Volunteer extraordinaire Nan Archer was honored at the library's annual Volunteer Appreciation Day for 16 years of story time programs.
Henry Ward Beecher said, "A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life." Donors to the Annual Fund Drive agreed and contributed $40,000 for new materials. The 588 generous contributions included major donations from the Greenfield Savings Bank and the Northampton Cooperative Bank.
The library also received memorial funds in honor of Janet Weider and funds in memory of Michael R. Cook from their families and friends. The Harp Restaurant, Jones Town and Country Realty, and Blair Cutting and Smith Insurance continued to support Town Libraries with financial contributions, printing, and fund raising support.
Numbers
Endowment market value as of June 30, 2005: $7,999,465. (The Board of Trustees transferred the endowment assets from Fleet Bank/Bank of America to Vanguard Group Asset Management Services in early 2005.)
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