06/10/1999 - Packet AGENDA
TIGARD LIBRARY BOARD
THURSDAY, JUNE 109 1999 - 7:00 P.M.
TIGARD PUBLIC LIBRARY—PUETT ROOM
13125 SW HALL BLVD.
TIGARD, OREGON
1. CALL TO ORDER Beck
2. ROLL CALL: BECK_ CHAPMAN_ GUSTIN_
HOKLIN IRWIN KASSON
3. Approve Minutes for May 13, 1999. Beck
4. Agenda Additions &Deletions. Beck
5. Call to the Public. Beck
6. Monthly Report for May 1999. Sisson
• Overview of Circulation Statistics.
7. Friends of the Library Report. Burgess
8. CLAB Report. Sisson
• Update on Polaris Assessment Review Committee (PARC).
• Resolution adopted by CLAB.
9. Long-Range Planning Committee Report. Sisson, Kasson,
Chapman, Beck
10. Election of Officers. Beck
11. Other Business.
12. Adjournment.
TO ENSURE A QUORUM TO CONDUCT BUSINESS, PLEASE CALL CONNIE MARTIN OR
MELINDA SISSON AT THE LIBRARY(684-6537), IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND.
Agenda items for future meetings:
TIGARD LIBRARY BOARD
May 13, 1999
MINUTES
Call to Order: 7:10 p.m., by Chair, Larry Beck.
Roll Call: Larry Beck, David Chapman, Lorin Hoklin, Nancy Irwin, and Sue Kasson.
Staff: Melinda Sisson.
Minutes: Chapman moved to approve minutes of April 8, 1999, seconded by Hoklin.
Motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Additions/Deletions: Special Recognition moved to later in the meeting when
Harper is present.
Call to the Public: None.
Reports: April Monthly Report: It was announced at the Tuesday, May 11th City Council
meeting that the Tigard Public Library will receive a donation from the estate of
Grace T. Houghton (sister of Curtis Tigard) in the amount of $500,000 to
$700,000. The City of Tigard may present the Library with funds over the next
two fiscal years from a City Facilities Fund to start the planning process with
an architect for an addition. Sisson read an excerpt statement from the trust
estate of Grace T. Houghton:
Grace T. Houghton created a Revocable Living Trust with U.S. Bank as
Successor Trustee at her death. Mrs. Houghton has specifically devised
the following items to Tigard Public Library: the principal thereof to be
applied and utilized in establishing, furnishing, designating and
supplying a room or area to be known as the "Houghton Browsing
Room," marked by a bronze plaque; provided, that such funds may be
so utilized only with respect to a library building constructed on lands
owned by the City of Tigard, or its governmental successor; and further
provided, that the income from said fund may in the discretion of the City
Library administration, be utilized for general purposes of the Tigard City
Library administration.
The Tigard City Council passed a resolution accepting the gift for the Tigard
Public Library.
Due to the time, Director suggested Board review the monthly report at their
convenience. Director will be available if there are questions. Director noted
interesting reading on the Tigard Historical Society section.
•
Friends of the Library Report: The Friends will hold a used book sale July 16-
181' in Town Hall. Tables and chairs will be placed outside to encourage
socializing. Between Chapters coffee service may change ownership
this
summer. In addition, more drink and food items may be available and the
opportunity to cater City functions has been considered.
CLAB Report: Chapman, along with Director and several Tigard Library
employees, attended a meeting hosted by WCCLS with the Gaylord
Information System President and head of Technology. This meeting focused
on GIS staff being available for questions and discussing concerns presented
by WCCLS staff and member libraries. WCCLS Director, Eva Calcagno,
informed member library representatives that there is consensus to make
Polaris successful and go forth to satisfy the contract with an amendment to
be presented to County Commissioners for approval. With Polaris Version 1.3
General Release there are expectations of circulation, holds, and cataloging
improvements. There have been difficulties in loading Version 1.3 onto the
training server, but once it is loaded, a two-week testing period is expected
before it is moved to the main server. WCCLS is struggling to get overdue
notices to run. Since the notices have not been sent out to patrons, the
overdue fines implementation date will be pushed back from the planned
June 1st date. A committee has been appointed with representatives from
each library to interpret contract specifications and determine expectations for
the next release. The Committee is now called PARC (Polaris Assessment
Review Committee). After a 45-day acceptance testing period is completed, a
decision will be made and presented to the County Manager and County
Commissioners for a final decision. The Board discussed at length Polaris
capabilities and problems. Board members encouraged WCCLS and member
libraries to keep the public informed of changes and decisions made during
the process.
Special Recognition:
Harper was not present at Board meeting. Beck stated that Harper has resigned her
position as a member of the Tigard Library Board. Beck thanked Harper for her efforts
and volunteer service, and for her extensive background in libraries. Her expertise is
appreciated and Beck thanked her for her time and contributions. Hoklin will write a letter
to be sent to Harper on the Board's behalf.
It was mentioned that Beck's and Gustin's Board terms expire in June. Beck has decided
to re-apply. Gustin is undecided at.this point. Two years is available for the remainder of
Harper's 4-year term along with the two 4-year terms currently held by Beck and Gustin.
The Board took a temporary break at 8:17pm to enjoy dessert made by Chapman in
honor of Harper.
Preparation for Joint City Council/Library Board Meeting (5/18):
Board discussed schedule to present the library tour to City Council. Each Board
member briefly discussed their portion of the tour. It was agreed that the focus will evolve
around new space and moving toward the planning phase.
Other Business:
Director encouraged Board to be thinking of elections for the positions of Chair and Vice-
Chair. Current positions expire in June.
Adjournment: It was moved by Hoklin, and seconded by Irwin to adjourn the meeting at
9:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
hAdocs\connie\board\brdmin.d
oc
MEMORANDUM
TO: Bill Monahan, City Manager
FROM: Melinda R. Sisson, Director of Library Services
DATE: June 10, 1999
SUBJECT: Monthly Report, May 1999
Personnel: The Library's part-time entry-level positions continue to generate more
turnovers than is healthy. Library Assistants, Jesse Tremaine, Cheryl Lammers,
Ramona Fitzpatrick and Rich Allen resigned. Jesse secured full-time employment,
Cheryl graduated from college and accepted a drafting position, Ramona is moving to
Bend and Rich accepted a position with WCCLS as a courier to supplement his part-
time position with TPL; the schedules were not complimentary as he had hoped. Rich
has recently accepted a regular part-time position with TPL that offers benefits. Ann
Hunter, a temporary circulation employee, will fill Jesse's position. Xiaohong Lu, a
circulation employee for three years, will fill Ramona's position. Circulation Supervisor,
Claire Sheldon, also resigned effective in June. Microcomputer Support Assistant,
Young Tran, has resigned to accept a full scholarship for college and will be moving to
California to complete his studies. Paula is actively recruiting and interviewing for
library assistants. Recruitment for Circulation Supervisor and Microcomputer Support
Assistant will begin after July 1, 1999.
Spotlight on Kathy Smith: Kathy Smith joined the Library staff as a Reader Services
Librarian after receiving her MLS degree from the Emporia, Kansas Portland program in
the summer of 1997. In October 1998, she was promoted to Adult Services Specialist.
In her role she is primarily responsible for reference services and the electronic
resource center. Kathy has become the resident expert on the Web, developing helpful
links to assist in answering reference questions for patrons. As one of the original
Polaris OPAC trainers, Kathy assisted with the development of training curriculum. We
are very fortunate at TPL to have the best and most colorfully signed Polaris and ERC
computers thanks to Kathy's creative efforts.
Polaris Update: The anticipated installation of Polaris general release 1.3 did not occur
in May as expected. WCCLS automation staff experienced problems loading it on the
training server for testing. Amy Emery, Kathy Smith and Linda Parker have been asked
to participate on the testing team. (As of June 8, WCCLS reports that testing of release
1.3 has begun). A new WCCLS ad hoc committee calling themselves PARC, Polaris
Acceptance Review Committee, has met three times since May 14 to review the status
of the Polaris installation, the contract language outlining the responsibilities of GIS and
WCCLS in satisfying the contract and options that WCCLS may exercise. (See
attached Summary.Report from Mike Smith, PARC Chair).
w
Volunteer Shelf-reading Clean up: Staff and volunteers gathered on Friday, June 4 at
4:30 p.m. to start an extensive search of the collection for missing items and for items
that may belong to other libraries. "Reading" the shelves involves handling each item
and verifying that it is shelved correctly. Nearly 30 staff and volunteers worked for four
hours and cleaned up 2,562 linear feet of shelving. Cowbells rang and hoots and
hollers were heard when missing items were located. Discoveries included 12 items
belonging to other libraries, nearly 100 missing items and numerous misshelved items.
A second shelf-reading event will be held on Friday, June 18. All of these efforts help in
satisfying patron requests and clearing patron accounts of incorrect information.
Programming: Marin and Kate continue to draw young people and families to their film
night programs. On May 7, they hosted approximately 60 people for a viewing of the
film Austin Powers, the most successful film night to date. Ten people joined Kate for
the book club discussion. Kate reports that with twenty people on the mailing list,
interest is growing. Summer Reading Program is gearing up as evidenced by Teresa
and Terri's nearly 50 visits to classrooms at six elementary schools. The Summer
Reading Club calendar, bookmarks and flyers have been printed and new displays are
beginning to appear in the children's area. Marin reports that the Homework Center will
operate through June 4 then close for the summer. It will reopen in October when
homework assignments are likely to increase demand for the program.
Grants and Budgets: Marin completed a grant available from the ALA/Young Adult
Library Services Association (YALSA) for Excellence in Library Service to Young
Adults. Melinda presented the Library's FY99 Proposed Budget to the Budget
Committee on May 17. The Budget is scheduled to be adopted by City Council on
June 24.
May Day Breakfast: On Friday, May 7, Library staff hosted another delicious breakfast
of baked sweet breads, fruit, breakfast wraps and smoked salmon (Thank you Les
Hagen) for other City employees. This year a staff committee including Terri Smith,
Katie Hagen, Diana Lauterbach, Vivian Levine, Linda Parker, Connie Martin, Paula
Walker, Sandra Thorne, Trish Stormont, and Mary Madland shared in the planning for
this fun event.
Staff Development Day: On Friday, May 21, the Library was closed to allow the staff to
come together to discuss a topic of their choice and to receive additional training in
select library operations. Chuck Ferguson was invited to facilitate a discussion of team
building and communication. He encouraged the staff to embrace the idea that each
person is a leader in their own right. During breaks and lunch, staff enjoyed games and
contests involving gliders, paddle balls and yo-yos. Anonymous comments were written
about other Library staff praising them for what they bring to the organization, then
shared later in the day. The afternoon was divided into three mini-sessions of cross-
training in areas of circulation, cataloging and processing materials and electronic
reference resources. The day finished with a "bang!" when each person took a whack
at a piniata that looked vaguely like a computer (another, donation by Volunteer Les
Hagen). The Friends of the Library contributed $100 toward the lunch for staff.
Training: Paula, Kate, Marin and Teresa attended a program sponsored by the
American Library Association on programming in the library called "Live at the Library."
Grants for literary programming will be offered only to those who attended the
workshop. Paula commented that programming is the most exciting untapped aspect
of library services and has the greatest potential to provide a high-touch flavor to the
community and to address the public's fears of libraries leaning too far toward
technology. Katie joined Loreen Mills on May 10 at a workshop offered by TCF&R on
procedures for dealing with anthrax threats. TVF&R reported that while there have
been over 800 threats or mailings in the U.S., they have all proven to be hoaxes. The
City of Tualatin and the Tualatin Library have been targeted during the last year
prompting TVF&R to develop procedures to respond to these threats. All three anthrax
threats in Tualatin were hoaxes. Loreen and Melinda will discuss additional training for
Library staff and other City employees.
Long-Range Planning Committee: The first meeting of the newly formed Library Long-
Range Planning Committee was held on May 10. Ten staff and citizens gathered to
participate in an orientation to the PLA Planning for Results process. MaryKay
Dahlgreen, State Library Consultant, walked the group through each step and left those
who will facilitate the next discussion with greater confidence. Future meetings are
scheduled for June 7, 28, July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 13. At the end of the process staff
will compile the information gathered into a report that will guide the Library over the
next five years.
Statistics Update: Cataloging statistics reported for FY99 have been underreported;
cataloging of serials was left out of the monthly reports and will be corrected for the
record. Circulation statistics were unavailable or unreliable, but have been reported
and will be recorded with notes.
Month Items Added Items Withdrawn Circulation/Prior Year
July 1998 1,264 2,116 * (55,612)
Aug. 1998 * * * (52,605)
Sept. 1998 * 40,689 (48,330)
Oct. 1998 433 15 35,513 (55,034)
Nov. 1998 1,889 478 39670 (51,126)
Dec. 1998 1,751 3,500 34,095 (46,464)
Jan. 1999 1,202 169 43293 (55,734)
Feb. 1999 1,127 446 39,211 (51,873)
Mar. 1999 1,633 431 46,828 (57,999)
April 1999 1,814 218 44,271 (51,226)
May 1999 1,324 2,161 42,811 (52,399)
*Conversion to Gaylord Polaris software disrupted the collection of data and at times
caused the system to fail to record some transactions. In addition, no fines have been
charged and no overdue notices mailed since August, resulting in much lower renewal
statistics.
• Volunteers:
Volunteer Type Number Hours
Regular Volunteers 82 679.50
Youth Services 11 29.50
Local/Oral History 3 29.00
Adopt-a-Shelf 2 5.00
Library Board 5 10.00
Community Service 5 51.50
Friendly Visitors 2 17.00
Homework Center 6 26.50
Teen Idea Group 6 6.00
Total 122 854.00 = 4.9 FTE
WORK INDICATORS *MAY 1999 MAY 1998 MAY 1997
Circulation
Total (from WCCLS) 42,811
Adult Materials 24,629 22,646
Juvenile Materials 27,770 24,217
Total 52,399 46,863
Days of Service 27.5 26.5 28
Average Daily Circulation 1,977 1,674
Hours of Service 271.5 260 275
Materials
Circulated per Hour 202 170
Increase in Circulation 11.8% 3.2%
Materials
Added 1,324 1,093 1,248
Withdrawn 2,161 1,329 409
Borrowers Registered 313 270
Adult Programs 102 94 N/A
(Number of sessions) (13) (16)
Story Time 42 143 422
(Number of Sessions) (2) (6) (11)
Toddler Time 52 111 116
(Number of Sessions) (3) (6) (6)
Special Programs 3,190** 3,981** 6,000**
(Number of Sessions) (18) (17) (1)
Children's Computer 111 N/A N/A
Word Processor 268 N/A N/A
Internet Users 1,709 908 0
Visitors
(Gate count divided by 2) 17,956 20,688 14,868
Increase in Visitors -13% 30% -.17%
Fines/Fees Collected $829.74 $5,274.80 $4,954.57
Gifts Received $ 3.00 $ 0.00 $ 2.70
' No statistical report from WCCLS was generated.
*` These numbers include classroom visits promoting the Summer Reading Program.
Melinda isson - eport rom Mike Smit olans Assessment testing age 1
low
From: Eva Calcagno<Calcagno@wccls.lib.or.us>
To: All Staff at All Libraries <CAT@wccls.lib.or.us>
Date: Tue, Jun 8, 1999 4:58 PM
Subject: Report from Mike Smith on Polaris Assessment testing
Mike Smith, Chair of the Polaris Assessment Review Committee, has asked
me to post this memo to all WlLlnet users to update you on the
Committee's activities. If you have questions, please feel free to talk
to any of the PARC members (noted in the memo).
Thanks, Eva Calcagno
Date: June 8, 1999
To: Staff and volunteers of WlLlnet libraries
From: Mike Smith, Chairman of the Polaris Assessment Review Committee
Subject: Report on PARC
The Polaris Assessment Review Committee (PARC)was created by the WCCLS
Library Directors Board (LDB)to draft testing procedures and a schedule
for the system acceptance provisions of the County's contract with
Gaylord Information Services (GIS).
The committee was originally called the"120 day"committee. It has met
three times, on May 14 and 24 and June 7. On the 24th, it adopted its
new name.
Members of the committee are Shirley George (BCL), Peter Leonard (CML),
Ann Roseberry (SPL), Melinda Sisson (TPL), Nancy Hoven (TUL), Robyn Cram
(FGL), Karen McClendon (GHL), Mike Smith (HPL), Eva Calcagno and Barbara
Kesel (WCCLS). Mike Smith was elected chairman at the May 14 meeting.
The committee has reviewed the contract, requested the assistance of
various WUG subcommittees, consulted the Office of County Counsel and
made reports to the WCCLS Library Directors Board (LDB)and the
Cooperative Library Advisory Board (CLAB).
The GIS Contract: acceptance tests
The acceptance procedure in the GIS contract(schedule M)addresses
three major areas of system performance: reliability, response time and
software functionality. Our acceptance of the system is contingent on
the Polaris system performing to contractual standards. With
acceptance,we are to pay the balance owed to GIS for purchase of the
system. To date, we have paid GIS about$100,000 for hardware, training
and an agreed upon 'on contract signing'amount. Over$300,000 remains
to be paid on our acceptance of the system. No maintenance fees have
been paid. Acceptance of the system signals the"Operational Date"for
the system and payment of system maintenance costs begins one year after
that date.
Reliability
The contract requires that the Polaris system be available 98% of the
, ro
Melindaisson- e ortp Ask
rom i e n
$ o Cao as-Assessment testin Pae 2 g 9
time. This is the measure we have come to call"CPU uptime"and would
exclude outages in the member libraries due to network problems.
Reliability at this level is warranted: it's always supposed to perform
at this level.
Response time
This is the measure of time between entry of a query or other
transaction by the operator and when a meaningful response is returned
by the system. A table of acceptable response times for typical
transactions is included in schedule M of the contract. There are
timings (ranging from 2 to 8 seconds)for each type of transaction at
Normal and Peak system loads. The contract also says that we will work
with GIS to determine how and when the response time acceptance test
shall be conducted.
Software functionality
The list of software functions in schedule M is very sketchy. GIS has
proposed an amendment of schedule M with a longer list, taken from
drop-down menus in the Polaris staff client. The contract references
the county's Request for Proposals (RFP), the GIS proposal and some
other documents: these documents are valid sources of function lists in
this testing context.
Exclusions
In all cases, the contract requires that the Polaris system must be
tested with workstations connected directly to its central server and
not connected over our broadband wide area network. We did not purchase
the WAN from Gaylord, they have no control over it and it must therefore
be excluded from the testing procedures.
Work in progress
To assist in formulating the response time test, PARC has asked Barbara
Kesel (the WILInet Manager)to assemble a group of experienced WILT
users to make procedural suggestions and to create scripts for the test
itself. Barbara's group has made significant progress. PARC expects
that GIS will want some of their people on site when the test is
performed.
The committee also assumes that Polaris release 1.3 will be installed
before any testing begins although it is not necessary and not required
by the contract. As of today, it seems probable that 1.3 will be
installed in time for the test.
PARC has sent a copy of the GIS proposed amendment to schedule M to the
WUG Cataloging subcommittee("WILT CATS")with a cover letter asking
their help fleshing out software functionality testing procedures. This
committee has also made significant progress and has produced a list of
recommendations for testing. The same appeal went to the other LQB and
WUG subcommittees for Reference, Circulation,Acquisitions and Youth
Services. Youth Services has responded and Circulation and Reference
will meet soon to formulate their lists. PARC hopes to have all the
responses by the week of June 20.
Melinda Sisson - eport rom Mike Smit olaris Assessment testing Page 3
MW
In all these efforts, PARC is seeking the input of library staff.
We must all recognize that the relationship between the county and GIS
is based on their contract and related documents and solutions to any
problems we have with the Polaris system must be based on these
agreements. The contract contains provisions for dissolving the
relationship if need be. PARC's charge and its recommendations will
include timetables for resolution of performance issues and
alternatives. But, for the most part, this is a well-defined legal
process.
Check with the lawyer!
Eva Calcagno, Barbara Kesel and Mike Smith met with George McDowell of
the Washington County Counsel's office on May 27 to discuss the contract
and testing procedures. Among McDowell's suggestions were that all the
detailed changes to the contract, regarding timing and testing, could be
included in an amended Schedule L and Schedule M left alone. He
suggested that our reliability records (WILI Uptime reports)show that
GIS has rarely met the reliability warranty. He recommended scheduling
a reliability test period to coincide with the response time testing.
He affirmed that the contract clearly states that the GIS response to
our Request For Proposal dated Fall, 1997 is a part of the GIS
contractual agreement. Functions that GIS then promised were in
development, and would be delivered in one year, are valid requirements
under the contract.
The testing checklists, schedule and methods will be written into a new
contract schedule L. It will need GIS approval and GIS has a stake in
moving on with this: they will not be paid until the tests are
successfully completed. On the county side, contract schedule changes
need only the county administrator's approval and need not go to the
Board of Commissioners.
Here are PARCs current timeline goals for testing:
After gathering suggestions from the various WUG subcommittees, draft a
new schedule L and send it, before June 24,to GIS for their
comments/approval. Give GIS until July 2 to respond.
Begin the Reliability Test July 1; run through the month of July or
through the Acceptance Test period or until it becomes evident that the
system has fallen below the 98% uptime (measured in minutes)during the
calendar month. If the test fails,we will immediately notify GIS that
they appear to be in breach of contract. They have 60 days to fix the
problem.
Perform the Response Time Test on July 20. If the system does not pass
the test, notify GIS that they failed the test. GIS is given the right
to respond, resolve and have WCCLS retest any problems that reside in
the software by October 20. If at the close of this 90 day period,
response time standards are still not met, WCCLS will then notify GIS
that they appear to be in breach of contract and they have 60 days to
fix the problem.
Perform the Functionality Tests on July 22. If the system does not pass
Melinda Sisson - eport rom Mike Smit o aria Assessment testingage 4
._.-.
the test, notify GIS that they appear to be in breach of contract. GIS
is given the right to respond but any problems that reside in the
software must be resolved in 45 days and re-tested, with the entire
testing and response process not to exceed 90 days.
In conclusion
The committee has sought input from committees within WCCLS. Your
individual input is welcome. Please contact the PARC member(see above)
nearest you if you have comments/suggestions regarding the process, the
tests or the committee.
Conference Report Kate Miller
Live!At the Library
Presented by the Public Programs Office of the American Library Association
and cosponsored by the Oregon State Library,OLA, and Literary Arts
May 14, 1999 at The Portland Hilton
Live! At the Library is designed to inspire and motivate librarians to
implement literary programs for adult and young adult patrons. This all-day
conference, familiarized us with ALA public programs, and also highlighted
resources for program planners here in Oregon.
The first speakers were librarians from the area. Dee Goldman from
McMinnville Public Library talked about how their medium sized public library
approached literary programming. Christine Higashi from the Seattle Public
Library talked about how a literary programs on a larger and grander scale.
Mid-morning there we divided into smaller groups to discuss how to plan for
literary programs in our libraries.
Two authors were invited to speak. Craig Lesley spoke about his
experiences reading his work aloud in small towns around the Northwest.
Joanna Rose (a TPL gala author) talked about her experience as a publicist and
literary programmer for Powell's. Carrie Hoops from Literary Arts talked
about the Oregon Book Awards as a potential starting place for literary
programs in libraries. Over a boxed lunch, Lesley and Rose each read their
fiction aloud.
The first afternoon session was devoted to publicizing literary programs in
libraries. The most memorable speaker was Sue Jenkins, the director of the
Driftwood Public Library in Lincoln City. Jenkins is extremely pro-active in
her work designing and implementing programs, and she was the most
effective in conveyingthe 'o and pride joy p de she takes in her work. She must be an
outstanding director.
The final session was about designing and evaluating literary programs in
libraries. One of the nice things about the conference was the helpful binder
and handouts that were made available to us. I have been working on
designing program survey evaluations lately,
and now I have several templates
to work from.
In addition, people attending Live! At the Library are eligible to apply for
grant funds only available to conference attendees. Grant awards range from a
maximum of $1000 for a single program to a maximum of 000 for r
g p $3 program
g P g
series. Allg rants must be matched at least 1:1 in cash. APP Y Applications may be
submitted anytime from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000. I am considering how I
would like to apply.
HE I IUALIU)
TIGARD , OREGON VOL, 43 ■ No.22 50 CENTS
Thursday'.
Tigers take Durham readies annual garage sale
two tales Valedictorians share plans ® A6
Sports °' r New food franchise growing here
-------
Growing use of
libraryrompts
p
expansion talk
Additional space would be possible largely due to a donation
from the late Grace Tigard Houghton
■ By KART HASTINGS- three library board members and
ARGUEDAS eight staff members, will meet five
Of the Times times between now and September.
"We're asking them to imagine
TIGARD—Responding to what the future,"Sisson said.
the library director calls a "critical" Recently, the Iibrary has under-
need for space,a committee is meet- gone reroofing and window repairs.
ing to plan a vision for the library's In addition, Sisson has requested
future. new carpet and repairs for some fur-
It's something that happens every nishings.
three to five years, but with the The 13,400-square-foot Tigard
Tigard libray use steadily climbing library serves 49,000 people,.which _
and a recent generous donation, includes Tigard and parts of unin-
ttoughts are turning to expansion. corporated Washington County. Ac-
In May Curtis Tigard announced cording to the Oregon Library As-
that his sister Grace Tigard sociation standards, the building
.Loughton, who died in 1998, had should be 30,000 square feet. ,
left a gift of between $500,000 and "We're hoping with the next ex-
$700,000 to the library to be used pansion to get up to maybe 20,000
for a browsing room. square feet," Sisson said. "We're
?
long overdue."
"We're a very busy library, one
of the busiest in Washington Coun- The city put a$I7.8 million bond
on the November 1998 ballot to
.ty,,so the need for space is pretty
critical," Library Director Melinda build new city facilities. The band,
Sisson said which failed, would have paid for a
new library.
In April of 1998 there were Sisson said she doesn't anticipate
15,124 library users. That number the city placing a library.bond on the
jumped 36 percent to 20,542' in ballot any time soon. The city is
1999. planning on placing a transportation
The long-range planning commit bond on the ballot in the next
tee, which consists of 10 citizens, general election.
Sur5ic; m fibra use gets communities plam-ling
Suburban southwest cities
If
are making do while the} _
prepare to provide more
space and services '
h.
By JANET GOETZE
THEOREGONIAN
West Linn's library is becoming
so crowded that the children's sec-
tion
ec tion may move into the communi-
ty meeting room while other sec-
1
tions are rearranged if the building
isn't expanded. '
The Wilsonville Public Library ` � t
already has rearranged its collec -
tions,forcing lectures and cultural
events into other buildings until it t I
s. -
findsmoney for more space.
Lake Oswego, with the busiest r "`
library of its size in the state, is
looking for a site to build a new t r �
structure to relieve today's craFvd-
ing and prepare for the growing 1
population.
Libraries, along with schools, �• � `.
Ioads and other public facilities, ROBERT BACH/THE OREGONIANI
are feeling the pressures of growth Pete Eggspuehler reads a magazine in the West Linn Public Library,which city officials hope to expand next year.Library committees
as more people move into the in Lake Oswego,Wilsonville and Tigard also are examining ways to provide more space for a growing,well-educated population.
southwest suburbs.
West Linn,Wilsonville and Lake
Ail To an extent, libraries most expensive site proposed;an 1
Oswego are among cities that may
ask voters for money to build big- grow On their own Success. SPACE CRUNCH unspecified block in the city's
ger redevelopment dis-
ger libraries in 2000, j eo le come to the As the population grows,so does the need for space at public libraries in the
.fp p trier; and undeveloped Spieker-
Tigard is beginning a study of fibra Iookirl southwest suburbs,city officials say.At least three cities are considering bond owner) property on Meadows
long-range needs,spurred in part �' gfOr measures in 2000. Road near Kruse Woods Drive.
by a gift estimated at$500,000 to something and they find it, Population Direct Circulation Magazine Tied for last place are the Lake
$700,000 from the estate of Grace they'll keep coining back city served circulation per capita subscriptions Oswego High School soccer field
Tigard Houghton, a longtime li- p g
�� off Gauntry Club Road and a por-
bra volunteer and member of for more. Wilsonville 15,539 214,085 13.78 124
�' tion of George Rogers Park off
the city's founding family. -- West Linn 25,395 339,494 13.37 264 State Street.
Last November, Tigard voters STEPHEN TURNER, Lake Oswego 46,595 876,088 18.80 416 I
turned down a$17.8 million bond DIRECTOR OF THE WILSONVILLE PUBLIC -
measure to build a new library and LIBRARY Source:Preliminary data from 1997-98 Oregon Public Library Statistical Report WEST LIN N
police station and renovate other g
THE QREGONIAN SRG Partnership,working withpublic buildings. a five-member citizen task force,
"Additional space is still our No. the staff became more expert- necessary to support business re- give top consideration to 4.6 un- is developing preliminary draw-
1 priority," said Library Director enced at dealing with the sophisti- search. developed acres at Boones Ferry ings to expand the library at 1595
Melinda Sisson."So this generous cated queries of its patrons. Road and Kruse Way. However, Bums St.,off Oregon 43,above a
comes ata articular) mean "As a public facility,it also pro- Y g
ink time for both library patrons Now, Lake Oswego does a vides the community with a sense an evaluation report notes, the wooded ravine. Cost estimates
Au-
and taff." land-office business in the refer- of civic pride and represents an site is made up of two parcels Will go to the City Council in flu
ence section.We're just at the be- image of the community,"the re- with separate owners, which gust.SRG said one problem is the
However, Tigard is many ginning of that growth curve in port said. could make acquisition difficult. site's limited parking area.
months away from outlining a Wilsonville,"Turner said. Here are summaries of libraryNext on the list is 5.45 acres
plan far expansion,she said. Libraries are more than collec- V'I L L E
Stephen Turner,director of the tions of books and tapes, says amplans in three cities: owned the Kruse family at Car- — W I L S O N_—.
man Drivve and Kruse Way.Haw-
Wilsa �lle Public Library,said the March 1999 report from SRG Part- ever, Josephine Kruse still lives Voters turned down a$3.9 mil-
southwest suburbs "are all well- nership of Portland,the architec- _ LAKE OSWESO _ there and wants to remain in her lion bond measure in 1995 to ex-
educated, upscale communities, tural firm that designed West review home.Ranked wants
third e 4044 Kruse pand the 7,500-square-foot li-
so from books to CDs to videohave users of s. in
ini 1989.
91SRG recently washiredlibrary eight sites for aacinew,46,000- Way Place, a 59,000-square-foot square opened et A citizen8com committee
"To an extent,libraries grow on develop preliminary plans to ex- square-foot building on June 1.Itoffice building awned by Spieker is studying library needs and will
their own success," he said. "If pand the building by 10,000 will replace the 27,100-square- Properties. The library would submit a report to the City Coun-
people come to the library looking square feet. foot structure built 16 years ago move into an existing structure cil in July.The report is likely to
for something and they find it, "Today's library is essential to on residential Fourth Street.After rather than designing its ovum recommend another bond mea-
they'll keep coming back for the civic life of its community,"the a site is selected,design and cost building, and relocating tenants sure in 2000.
more." report said, by providing rooms estimates will follow.City officials could add to the cost of develop- Meanwhile, library board
He saw that happen in 1972 for formal and informal meetings, expect to seek a bond measure for ment. members have formed a Wilson-
when he started his career as a re- children's programs, services for a new library in 2000. Other sites include the Safeco ville Public Library Foundation to
ference librarian in Lake Oswego. those learning English or new The Library Advisory Board has Insurance building on Kruse Way help raise private funds to aug-
T he reference collection grew as reading skills,and the technology recommended that the council near Daniel Way,the largest and ment public financing.
I
I
HE IGAPD IM
TIGARD , OREGON Vol- 43 ■ No.22 50 CENTS A COMMUNITY N
Thursi .
. . .
Tigers take Durham readies annualara1
g ge sae M A3
two titles Valedictorians share plans ® A6
Sports New food franchise growing here ® A17
#o remember RECEIVED JUN 3 19c
Grow.in use of Aday
librar' y pis
1
expansion talk . .
Additional space would be possible largely due to a donation
from the late Grace Tigard Houghton ,� �rM
By KAKI HASTINGS- three library board members and
■ ARGUEDAS eight staff members, will meet five
,t
Of the Times times between now and September.
"We're asking them to imagine
TIGARD—Responding to what the future,"Sisson said.
the library director calls a "critical" Recently, the library has under- ti
need for space, a committee is meet- gone reroofing and window repairs. •+Y
ing to plan a vision for the library's In addition, Sisson has requested
future. new carpet and repairs for some fur- x+ r '
It's something that happens every nishings.
three to fiveears but with the
y The 13,400-square-Foot Tigard
Tigard library use steadily climbing library serves 49,000 people, which '
and a recent generous donation, includes Tigard and parts of unin-
thoughts are turning to expansion. corporated Washington County. Ac-
In May Curtis Tigard announced cording to the Oregon Library As-
that his sister Grace Tigard sociation standards, the building ' •
Loughton, who died in 1998, had should be 30,000 square feet.
left a gift of between $500,000 and "We're hoping with the next ex- '
$700,000 to the- library to be used pansion to get up to maybe 20,000
"square feet, Sisson said. "We're
for a browsing room. � s q
"We're a very busy library, one long overdue."
of the busiest in Washington Coun-
The city put a$17.8 million bond
ty, so the need for space is prettyon the November 1998 ballot to
critical," Library Director Melinda 'build new city facilities. The bond,
Sj,sson said. which failed, would have paid for a
new library.
In April of 1998 there were i
15,124 library users. That number Sisson said she doesn't.anticipate
jumped 36 percent to 20„542' in the city. placing a library.band on the
1999. ballot any time sawn. The city is
planning on placing a transportation Ak
The long-range planning commit bond on the ballot in the next 4aw
tee, which consists of 10 citizens, general election, i
Nonprofit eyes site
for elderly housin
The project would provide housing for those 62 or older who
stats photo by Jaimc
need help coordinating services from the community Mary Mickley of Tigard places a flower. arrangement at the headstone of her husk,
William C. Mickley, at St. Anthony's Cemetery on Friday. Mickley, who served in V
By KART HASTINGS- CPAH is applying for a HUD War II, died in 1981. Mary Mickley also placed flowers at the nearby headsto s o
ARGUEDAS grant of at least$3 million.If it wins daughter, mother and brother.
Of the Times the grant,Fink will use the money to
help purchase a .73 acre site at
TIGARD—Sheila Fink is work- 11159 S.W. Hall Blvd. and build an
ing toward something she says the apartment complex for seniors. King City woman 'Ageless Hero”
community sorely needs: affordable Depending on whether CPAH can
housing for the elderly. get the site rezoned to a higher den- Her granddaughter nominated her for being a role model and
"There is very little buildable sity' the organization would fund a pp g g y
for support Burin her teenage ears
land in Tigard, and none of it is af- 44-unit building.
KING CITY — Regence with her spirit of independence. Fol- 5
fordable. That makes building nous- CPAH will find out if it received
ing for the elderly very difficult„” the HUD grant by Sept. 30. The BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon lowing the death of her husband, y �.
recently named Wilma Scott an Scott got a job and learned to drive.
said Fink, the director of Com- next step would be applying for an "Ageless Hero." Scott, who lives in King City,
munity Partners for Affordable appropriate zone and proceeding Scott's granddaughter Kim was among six people from Oregon
Housing. with site work. If everything goes as Seibel nominated her for being a to receive the "Ageless Hero" `
planned, construction would begin
A grant from the U.S. Dep, lit 1111V cif't)tttt art- role model throughout Scibel's life. award, which celebrates the spirit
..
r'-;1-1 1.,, „her �rnmfninthnr to and vitalitV of the nation',; geninr