THE VILLAGE LIBRARY
PRESIDENT'S REPORT
2022-23
CHALLENGES & THE MIRACLE
The past year began with the annual Board retreat—when we reviewed our accomplishments of the prior year and set the priorities for the upcoming year. Then we encountered a few speed bumps as we began our journey through the year with the departure of people who had occupied critical positions: Phil Van Ess departed as Facilities Manager in March of 2022; Training Coordinator Liz McAdams moved away in November 2022; Treasurer Carol Holland stepped down in early 2023; Book Sale Coordinator Kim Hicks moved away after the Fall 2022 book sale;, Youth Services Coordinator Kathy Kahn resigned her Board position in Spring 2023; and IT Consultant Jacob Dimond passed away in December 2022. The result was that we spent much of our time and energy this past year filling vacancies and training new people.
The miracle? The Village Library's Board and volunteers keep the place running through thick and thin. The Village Library exists because of the extraordinary effort of over 75 dedicated volunteers who devote their time and talents daily. The success of this venture for thirty years is the result of dedication and effort of many people who carry on in spite of the speed bumps.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
There are accomplishments to highlight this year:
The Board was successful in its application for a Landlovers' grant of $2,100 to fund children's books and programs and a new printer in 2023.
Under the leadership of Terry Kessler, the Library successfully implemented the Finance Committee's 2021 recommendation for investing the Library’s reserves through a Fidelity brokerage account.
Cece Coleman led Collection Development efforts to create a single, coordinated approach to the special collections—introducing the Browsing Collection with designation of each collection in the catalog. Just Off Rental, New, Local Authors, and Recommended books joined the Rental books with icons in the online catalog; and the position of Browsing Collection Coordinator was created to manage the collections. The result is that books in the collection are now easy to find, helping volunteers and patrons in their searches.
Vice President for Community Relations Brenda Day continued to lead the Library's efforts to expand the Spring and Fall book sales to achieve our goal of having a festival of community activities to supplement the library's sidewalk sale. The Landings Art Association, the Landings Garden Club, various PEO chapters, and individual artists and authors all came together with the library to feature their work and sell their wares. Brenda also recruited and supported the new Book Sale Coordinator, Lynn Townsend, who successfully organized the Spring 2023 sale.
Public Information Officer (PIO) Nicole Tifverman set a new, high standard for that position—continuing her excellent work publicizing and communicating about the Library through social media, work with various publications, delightful fliers and img_pictures, and the excellent monthly volunteer newsletter. She is leaving her position as PIO but will continue as an at-large member of the Board and the new Browsing Collection Coordinator.
I want to highlight the contributions of Vice-President of Operations Renée Collins as she departs the Board after three years. Renee’s creativity and hard work have led to new procedures, improved customer service, and a better Library. She will be missed.
There are many other accomplishments to celebrate this year. These are just a few examples of the contributions from the Board and volunteers this year. Once again this year, I want to emphasize that no President succeeds without the work of many, many people—I appreciate each and every one of you.
Sandy Cooper, President
2022-2023