My goals for the Palos Verdes Library District align with the three objectives of the recently adopted Strategic Plan which I participated in developing:

The community expects and receives a very high level of service from the District.

My main priority for the District is to maintain the current high level of service.

As the economy has weakened over the past year, the usage of all of our three libraries has increased by ten percent.

The District has struggled and managed to maintain the expected level of service despite the increased usage and the current fiscal challenges.

The community does not realize that tax revenues cover only basic District operations. The additional services and events such as the Summer Reading Program, major programs and events, public Internet access, Sunday open hours, and the Teen Annex, are supported by the Peninsula Friends of the Library (PFL), the District’s official nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. This fiscal year, the PFL will double its contribution to our revenues from 2.5% to 5%. The District’s program to increase internal income from fines and fees, facilities rentals, the passport service, etc. now contributes about 6% to our revenues which helps greatly in maintaining our high service level.

Specific near-term goals for the District were spelled out last April in a Trustee Statement on a new approach to fundraising:

While we are developing long-term technology, facility and program plans for the District, the Board believes that the most pressing current needs are at Miraleste and Malaga Cove. At Miraleste, for example, we believe we should first meet (i) the need for separate space for children and teens and/or (ii) the need for more computers for community use. At Malaga Cove, we believe we should first meet (i) the need for more computers for community use and/or (ii) the need for more quiet space.

What is abundantly clear at this point in time is that none of the District’s goals will be met without a major increase in fundraising.

Developing a long-term incremental fundraising program for the District now is imperative if we are to maintain the level of service the community expects.

I have been on the Board Fundraising committee for my entire tenure on the Board. We are now working with the PFL to develop a new Fundraising Plan and model.

I ask for your vote on November 3, 2009 so that I can continue this essential work.