9 minute read
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library
Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has been a member since 1985.
Christine Kujawa
Advertisement
Tell us about yourself and your role within your business.
A: I’m Christine Kujawa, Library Director at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library. I’ve been working in the library field for over 25 years, including for the organization since 2003 and being promoted to Library Director in 2014. My education includes a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; a Master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Mary; and a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Religion from the University of North Dakota. As the Library Director, my responsibilities comprise administration of Library operations, which includes leading a team of 58 employees, maintaining the Library’s 70,000 square foot building and grounds, budgeting and financial management, and ongoing communication with the public, media, and local and state government.
Briefly tell us the history behind the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library.
A: The Library began as a reading room established by a group of pioneer women in 1873, housed at the Chamber of Commerce. In 1917, thanks to a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Corporation, a public library was built on the corner of 6th Street and Thayer Avenue. In the 1960’s, planning began for a new location with more space, located at the corner of 6th Street and Avenue A. The project was funded through a veterans bond levy and as a result the Bismarck Public Library, was renamed Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library in honor of the area’s veterans. Over 100 years later, the community continues to support the Library, as evidenced by the 350,000 visitors who check out 535,000 items annually.
How has the growth of Bismarck-Mandan impacted the Veterans Memorial Public Library?
A: As the community continues to grow we see more and more foot traffic in the building and more patrons needing our services. It can be challenging at times because we strive to provide quality service in a timely manner and we understand the significance of having the information when you need it. The librarians take serving the public to heart. They’ve assisted students with research and homework who later stop in to show them their diplomas. Many come in to tell the librarians that they were hired and are employed. It’s gratifying to have this kind of impact on peoples’ lives!
What trends are taking place in your industry?
A: While public libraries have always been places that welcome everyone in their communities, there is a trend for a more deliberate focus on inclusivity and diversity. This extends to our hiring practices, the programs we offer, and content in our collections. In all areas, we strive for diverse and inclusive consideration. There has also been a shift in on-site service versus bringing out services to where the citizens are. Outreach service in public libraries has been on the rise with close to 700 outreach vehicles operating in the United States. Outreach locations include assisted living centers, schools, afterschool programs, rural areas, and local events. Providing outreach service ensures Library services are available to everyone, especially marginalized segments in the community such as those with low-income, limited transportation, or struggles with mental illness. We have a Mobile Library vehicle and Bookmobile and between the two, Library services are made available to everyone in Burleigh County.
Have there been any monumental changes within your industry that you’ve had to deal with?
A: There was a period of time in 2020 when we had to close temporarily due to COVID-19. We received a high number of phone calls and emails from citizens who wanted to learn how to access our digital material because they couldn’t come in the Library to check out printed books. As a result, circulation of our digital collection increased an overall 27%; children’s digital reading material increased 104%! We’ve increased the number of titles we’re purchasing to keep up with the demand, which is continuing even as things get back to “normal.” However, even with the increase in digital usage, 2/3 of our circulation is still accounted for through print material. Digital material is more expensive than print, and access is stricter due to publisher restrictions. It’s been challenging to keep up with purchasing both formats but we’ve been fortunate receive monetary donations, which has temporarily assisted with this. We have also adopted curbside service which was so well received that it has become a permanent service.
What does the future of the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library look like, and the industry as a whole look like to you?
A: The future looks very bright for our Library and public libraries as a whole. The Library plays a vital role in the collective growth and educational experience of the community. In the past we have been, and will continue to be, successful in our delivery of library services because we embrace change and adapt. When there are shifts in the community we adjust our services and leverage our mission to ensure our services match the needs of the community, therefore ensuring the Library remains relevant and highly utilized by citizens.
The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Pubic Library became a member in 1985, why do you continue to renew each year?
A: It’s beneficial for the Library to continue with membership because we are connected with the other Chamber EDC members. It is important to know what is going on with local businesses, the community, and be aware of changes and trends that they may be facing. The Chamber EDC is a great resource for this information and is helpful when conducting environmental scans, which we do on a regular basis, to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our citizens.
What should other Chamber EDC members know about the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library that may assist them?
A: The Library has evolved over the years to meet the needs of the community. We’re not just a warehouse for books – We’re a community center where citizens can come together to experience personal enrichment opportunities. Of course we have books, but we also have popular movies, music, board games, video games, and downloadable eBooks, audiobooks, and movies, all can be checked out with a library card. Our professional librarians assist patrons with research, learning basic technology skills, job searching, creating resumes, applying for jobs, locating housing, notarizing documents, and connecting with social services. We offer programs and events on all manner of subjects for all ages. It’s common knowledge that new residents are looking for more than a job and a place to live. They want to live somewhere that offers a suite of services and activities that create a good quality of life both for individuals and families. The Library is certainly at the top of this list. To find out more about the Library stop by at 515 N 5th Street or visit online at www.bismarcklibrary.
org.
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OF THE MONTH: CAREER BUILDERS
The ND Career Builders Scholarship & Loan Repayment program is a tool for business to recruit and retain talent in high-need and emerging occupations in the state. This unique partnership provides $1 of state funds for each $1 of private-sector matching funds, up to a total of $17,000 per recipient! The high-need and emerging occupations list is reviewed annually to determine qualifying positions. Individuals can receive a scholarship on the front end, loan repayment on the back-end, or both, for their commitment to the state to fill one of the high-need occupations.
To learn more about Career Builders contact the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC office.
TEDX BISMARCK HELD
In August TEDx Bismarck returned! After canceling the event last year due to the ongoing pandemic TEDx Bismarck planners moved forward with this year’s event. This year’s theme was “Under the Microscope” and featured speakers from all over the country.
Speakers included a gentleman who was a monk, a marine, and a money manager, a woman who developed a program to teach kids to cook which is helps them make better food choices, and an Iraq combat veteran who wrote a book in which he talks about forgiving his enemies.
The event, held at the Bismarck Event Center, was attended by about 175 people and was followed by a social at First International Bank & Trust. The Chamber EDC was a sponsor of the event and staff served on the planning committee.
MANDAN EOP COMMITTEE EVENTS
In 2009 through it’s strategic planning, the city of Mandan created the economic opportunity and prosperity (EOP) committee as one of four committees that would help the city achieve goals of the strategic plan. The EOP committee was to help achieve the goal that looked to position Mandan’s economy to best assure sustainable growth and increasing wealth. The committee has historically attempted to achieve the goal through a series of business outreach sessions. Over the years some of those sessions have included Business Startup 101 that provided aspiring entrepreneurs with resources and examples to help them get their businesses off the ground and one of the newest sessions the Business Pitch Challenge which has been a competition of startup businesses for a host of prizes. One recent session included Mandan’s fourth “Downtown Places and Spaces” walking tour and networking social. The event was held the evening of September 28th and included a walking tour of downtown and social. Attendees were able to take a closer look at upgrades such as the library addition, Dykshoorn Park enhancements, recent Renaissance Zone and storefront improvement projects by businesses, plus new traffic-calming streetscape components for pedestrian safety such as curb extensions, sidewalk lighting and plantings. Participants had a chance to offer ideas for the future of a few commercial spaces available for sale and lease. Organizers hope attendees will share opportunities with others.
The Mandan Tomorrow – Economic Opportunity and Prosperity Committee is hosting the event in cooperation with Mandan Business Development and Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC.
Other scheduled business education and outreach activities include a Business Start-Up 101 workshop on Nov. 17 and the fourth Mandan Business Pitch Challenge on March 23, 2022.
TAXABLE SALES & PURCHASES DATA RELEASED
In September the North Dakota Tax Department released the 2nd quarter taxable sales and purchases figures. In Burleigh County taxable sales and purchases were up over 19% compared to the same quarter in 2020 and in Morton County those same figures were up over 5% for the same time period. North Dakota as a whole was up over 21% from the 2nd quarter in 2020.
Burleigh County
Morton County
Q2 - 2020 Q2 - 2021 Q1+ Q2 - 2020 Q1+ Q2 - 2021
$79,286,230 $83,749,834 $142,030,901 $146,160,825
