Photo: Bloomfield
ANNUAL REPORT
2012
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR The 21st Century library exists right here in our community. Since moving into our new facility and reconnecting with our downtown roots, the Chelsea District Library has achieved a remarkable record as a respected, visionary, resourceful, and model public library. Here are just a few of the highlights from last year. – William Harmer Library Director
FY 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW BOND REFUNDING SAVES LIBRARY $400,000 The Chelsea District Library took advantage of an opportunity to refund the 2004 building and site bonds, resulting in significant savings to Chelsea District Library taxpayers. Low interest rates created favorable economic conditions for the Library and we will save approximately $400,000 over the next decade. 5H COMMUNITY READ The partnership between Chelsea District Library and Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation continued, and this year expanded to include the towns of Stockbridge, Dexter, Manchester, and Grass Lake. The goal of the 5H Community Read is to bring our communities together in dialogue on the topic of wellness. By reading the same book, we create a common starting place to become a healthier, more active, and better connected community. The book chosen for 2012’s 5H Community Read was In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Nearly 6,200 people participated in the program. More than 500 copies of In Defense of Food were distributed in Chelsea, and another 1,000 copies in the communities of Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. We estimated that each book was read by or passed on to at least three people, and that nearly 4,500 people read the book in all five communities. More than 600 people attended programs in Chelsea, while over 1,600 attended the more than 70 programs that were hosted by all five healthy towns. The 5H Community Read was In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.
BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER The Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center of Washtenaw County helped us launch a new Business Resource Center. The resource center provides a wide variety of resources to businesses. Chelsea’s resource center features Reference USA, a database with valuable market research information, plus a collection of books for small business reference.
LIBRARY AWARDED GRANTS FROM MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS The Library was fortunate to receive a number of grants and donations to support its programs and services for 2012, including two grants from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs: $7,500 to support the Artist-in-Residence program and $6,000 to support the Authors in Chelsea program. STORIES OF CHELSEA The Chelsea District Library premiered two new documentaries, Korean War and Village Life. These documentaries bring together modern interviews, historical photographs, and video footage to document both the noteworthy events and everyday life of Chelsea citizens. The films are part of the Library’s ongoing community history project, Stories of Chelsea (www.storiesofchelsea.org).
“Now that I'm turning my passion for note card design into a business, the library has provided me with some great information as well as inspiration. Books on how to start your own business, how to sell online and information on social media outlets have been of great help. I can find books on my favorite artists to get inspiration or be pleasantly surprised when finding a book on, say, textile design or poster art throughout history. There are so many areas that can bring inspiration! ” -Andrea Ciske Owner, aciskedesign
Village Life and Korean War documentaries premiered in 2012.
BEST OF SHOW AWARDS The Chelsea District Library added two more awards to its resume. The Library Leadership and Management Association, a division of the American Library Association, held its annual “Best of Show” competition for library publicity materials. Several hundred entries in print and electronic formats were submitted from a wide array of libraries including public, academic, school, state and consortiums. Entries were appraised on the quality of content, originality, design, format and effectiveness. The Library entered its fall 2011 newsletter and print materials promoting the library’s community history website, Stories of Chelsea. Both entries won “Best of Show” in the class of libraries with annual operating budgets under $2 million.
Best of Show for newsletter and promotion of a website categories.
FY 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW GEEK THE LIBRARY CAMPAIGN In June of 2012, Chelsea District Library launched Geek the Library, a nation-wide public library awareness campaign sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and OCLC, a not for profit computer service and research organization. The Library kicked off the campaign by featuring Howdy Holmes, President and CEO of Chelsea Milling Company, on posters and banners throughout town. Participation quickly grew to feature over 400 community members: seniors, city workers, local business owners, kids, teens, and families. CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY’S GEEK THE LIBRARY CAMPAIGN FEATURED IN CASE STUDY A case study documenting Chelsea District Library’s Geek the Library campaign was published by OCLC, detailing the library’s community collaboration and partnerships throughout the campaign. “We were very impressed with the Chelsea District Library team’s efforts to include and engage the local community in its campaign. The Chelsea District Library used Geek the Library as an opportunity to strengthen local partnerships while solidifying the library’s position as an important community resource,” said Linn Haugestad Edvardsen, OCLC’s Geek the Library Program Manager. Howdy Holmes, President and CEO of Chelsea Milling Company and Julian, St. Louis Center resident and library patron. Photos: Burrill Strong Photography
MIDWEST LITERARY WALK Award-winning poet Thomas Lux headlined the 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk in April, featuring internationally known poets and authors at venues in downtown Chelsea. Also reading at the event were Jerry Dennis, one of America’s most celebrated writers about nature and the Great Lakes; David MacGregor, playwright and resident artist at The Purple Rose Theatre Company; Rev. Robert Jones, champion of American Roots music; Lolita Hernandez, industrial Detroit poet; Jeff Kass, performance poet and Director of Literary Arts at Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone, and Onna Solomon, Ann Arbor poet focusing on families.
Rev. Robert Jones and M.L. Liebler lead Midwest Literary Walk attendees to the next reading. Photo: Sue Whitmarsh
AUTHORS IN CHELSEA The Chelsea District Library hosted three nationally-known authors and illustrators during its 3rd annual Authors in Chelsea program in March. This year’s line-up included: John Nickle, author and illustrator of The Ant Bully and Alphabet Explosion and illustrator of the recently-published Hans My Hedgehog; Tony Abbott, author of more than 75 books for elementary readers including The Secrets of Droon series and The Postcard; and Jim Ottaviani, an Ann Arbor-based author who writes about science in an approachable, enjoyable format: comics. The daylong event gave Chelsea students in second, fourth and sixth grades a chance to attend free workshops in the schools and get books signed. Author John Nickle explains to students at Beach Middle School what you should never do with a giraffe.
ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Filmmaker Sharad Patel was the 2012 Artist-in-Residence. Patel’s expertise and passion for film resulted in a year-long series of innovative and exciting screenings and hands-on workshops featuring local and national independent filmmakers and educators. SUMMER READING PROGRAM COMBATS SUMMER LEARNING LOSS Over 1,300 of the 2,700 students in the Chelsea School District participated in our 2012 Summer Reading Program. The Library’s program is essential to the reading achievement of many children, particularly those children who lack other reading resources. Through this program, the Library helps to foster a life-long love of reading and offers parents, educators, and especially children the tools they need to guarantee year-long learning achievement. Our Summer Reading Program puts books in the hands of children of all ages. By providing access to reading materials, and educational programs over the summer, the Library met its goal to improve reading skills and help children better prepare to return to school in the fall.
Kids getting ready for Summer Reading Program. Photo: Burrill Strong Photography
“I love going to the library and finding new books or movies on
superheroes! It's fun to pretend to fly, being super strong, fighting bad guys and saving the day! Every day we go to the library, it seems to have more and more books with my favorite heroes. Most libraries and stores do not have superhero books so I love going to the Chelsea District Library! And it even has cool stuff on heroes like firemen and policemen. The people at the Library are superheroes too–they tell me stories, help me find books and movies, and have fun things to do. I would wear my cape to the library every day, if Mom would let me.” -Massimo Cugliari, library patron
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS We wish to thank all of our community partners for their dedication and generosity. You have helped us advance our goal of developing inventive approaches to connect citizens and bridge differences. Partnerships are an essential channel through which the Chelsea District Library delivers innovative and quality service to our broad customer base. By establishing relationships with groups and organizations throughout the district, we have the potential to enhance our customers’ experience with new program and service offerings that draw upon the collective strengths of partner organizations and the Library.
4H Clubs of Washtenaw County Adult Learners Institute American Legion Herbert J. McKune Post #31 Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase Art Meets Business Back 40 Acres Back to the Roots Burrill Strong Photography Chelsea Alehouse Chelsea Area Garden Club Chelsea Area Historical Society Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation Chelsea Center for the Arts Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce Chelsea Community Kitchen Chelsea Downtown Development Authority Chelsea Festivals Chelsea Lions Club Chelsea Masons Olive Lodge #156 Chelsea Retirement Community Chelsea Rotary Club Chelsea School District Chelsea Senior Center ChelseaMich Community Farm of Ann Arbor Eddy Discovery Center Faith in Action
Friends of Chelsea District Library Garden Mill Gemini Hair Salon and Day Spa Gigi's Flowers Global Marketplace Jet's Pizza Just Imagine Bookstore Kaplan Manchester, Dexter, Grass Lake, Stockbridge Libraries Michigan Small Business and Technology Center Mothers of Preschoolers Nicola's Books Ozone House ProQuest Purple Rose Theatre Company Red Cross River Gallery SCORE Silver Maples SRSLY St. Louis Center Susan Jacobs, CPA Tantre Farms The Pines Transition Town Chelsea University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
The Library welcomes inquiries regarding partnerships that can positively impact the mission of each participating organization. Please contact Anna Cangialosi, Marketing Coordinator, at acangialosi@chelseadistrictlibrary.org or Bill Harmer, Director, at bharmer@chelseadistrictlibrary.org for more information.
“I’ve been a Trustee of the Chelsea District Library Board for 28 years. I’ve given my time, talent, and financial resources to the library because I’m committed to the continued success and sustainability of our library assets: a superb staff, exceptional programming, a safe environment, a strategic plan, and prudent financial management. To me, stewardship is an ethic that implies giving.” -Gary Zenz, President, Chelsea District Library Board of Trustees
Top: Chris Martinson, Chelsea Alehouse; Bill Harris, Just Imagine Book Store; Bottom: Crystal Hayduk, freelance writer; Camie Noah, Adult Learners Institute. Photos: Burrill Strong Photography
“As long as I can remember, the library has been one of my favorite places to visit. I grew up reading voraciously for both learning and entertainment.
As time went on, I discovered that I not only loved to read, but also enjoyed writing. Whether it was journaling my private thoughts, creating stories, or sharing information, writing became a major part of my life. The library is a place where I can go to conduct research on whatever topic is of current interest. Not only does the building house a variety of resources, but the friendly librarians are always helpful in sharing their ideas as well. The library offers computer classes, which have been extremely beneficial for learning word processing and spreadsheets. They also have high-speed internet access, which I often use when I need to send or receive large files. The library has been and continues to be an important resource that assists my development as a writer. The library is still one of my favorite places to visit and I continue to read for both learning and entertainment. It is now also a place where my children and I share our common love for reading, writing, and learning new things. The library supports my needs and interests, both personally and professionally. � –Crystal Hayduk, freelance writer
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012 REVENUES Property taxes State Aid Penal Fines Fines and Fees Interest Income Donations and Other Income Total Revenue EXPENDITURES Personnel Collections of Books & Media Board Expenses Capital Outlay Maintenance Service Contracts Continuing Education Professional Fees Programming Volunteer Services Promotion Supplies Telecommunications Automation Utilities Bond Interest and Principal Advance Refunding Escrow Total Expenditures Change In Net Position
GENERAL FUND DEBT SERVICE FUND $1,224,044 $609,443 $6,722 $17,906 $40,797 $83,074 $71,223 $1,443,766
$116 $609,559
$825,848 $128,398 $2,136 $25,198 $84,154 $13,760 $46,843 $57,094 $1,192 $39,880 $28,328 $14,111 $42,824 $61,513 $1, 371, 279 $72, 487
$557,965 $35,000 $592,965 $16,594
Letter ANNUAL from REPORT the Director FUND BALANCES FISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012
FUND BALANCES Nonspendable
GENERAL FUND
DEBT SERVICE FUND
$13,748
-
-
$69,378
Capital Improvement restricted
$31,485
-
Other donor - restricted
$5,375
-
Capital Improvement committed
$123,815
-
Capital Reserve Fund committed
$850,000
-
Unassigned
$230,101
Debt service
Total Revenue
$1,254,524
$69,378
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ASSETS FISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012 Balance - January 1, 2012
$18,884
Contributions
$2,050
Fees
-$178
Investment Earnings
$2,669
Balance - December 31, 2012
$23,425
“The library is a fabulous resource for us as a business, and a real asset
when drawing people to the community. Business books and database services give us access to all sorts of information we can use for our research. We work with library staff on various committees and projects in town, and that gives our team members a connection to the community they might not otherwise have.” -Megan Torrance, Owner, Torrance Learning
CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY FY 2012
ITEMS CHECKED OUT
OF COURSE WE HAVE BOOKS. WE ALSO HAVE...
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e-Bo rint book es p large deo gamcy kits s
movie
vi
litera atts l-a-W s it Kil
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321,046
muse
PATRON VISITS
227, 906
LIBRARY CARD HOLDERS
9,891
7 out of 10 members of our service area are library card holders compared with the national average of 4 out of 10.
5,855
HOURS VOLUNTEERED
PROGRAM ATTENDANCE
23,024
REFERENCE TRANSACTIONS
19,987
Our staff provided information ranging from computer help to book recommendations to how to download e-books and more.
DONORS Annual Giving Alseth, Barbara & Dean Anonymous Batzdorfer, Eric & Cindy Broshar, Scott & Wendy Brown, Susan Butcher, Craig & Terry Caplis, Elizabeth Carr, Janice & Marshall Corbusier, Barbara Fox Coyl, Susan Dils, Jeff & Lynn Feeney, Ann & Michael Fox, Bruce Fox, Lynn & Randy German, Robert & Marjorie Gotts, Victoria Greer, Dorothy Harmer, Bill Hirth, JoAnn & Rich Holder, Wallace Hopp, Melanie C. Howe, Arlene Howe, Ray & Micky Hoyt, Jacqueline Keim, Antoinette Kleanthous, Costas Koepele, Mr. & Mrs. John Lancaster, Dan & Terri Lanni, Deborah Ledebur, Larry Leslie, Jeannette Mann, John & Anne McCort, Janet McKenzie, Greg & Rose Meloche, Linda & Chris Moore, Susan Munce, JoAnn & Gary Noah, Camie Peyton, Terry Pignanelli, Frank & Sharon Prescott, Jr., Merton Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Schumann, Nancy & Dale
THANK YOU Sensoli, Tony & Elizabeth Sporer, Kathryn & David Torrance, Megan van Reesema, Frederik Wagner, Robin Whitelaw, Nancy Whitelaw, Susan Whitmarsh, Susan Wright, Steve & Dayle
Endowment Ballagh, William & Annette Frisinger, Paul & Kathy Johnson, Karen Staebler, Judy Tarasow, Lauralyn & Mike van Reesema, Kristin & Willem
General Aberdeen Bike & Outdoors American Legion Arctic Coliseum Chelsea American Legion Chelsea Area Historical Society Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation Chelsea Community Foundation Chelsea Education Foundation Chelsea Education Foundation Chelsea Lanes Chelsea Masons Olive lodge #156 CHS Class of 1948 Cottage Inn Friends of CDL Friends of Elaine Kerr Hodder, Daphne Kiwanis Martel, Robert Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs Mike’s Deli National Endowment for the Arts Nelson, Sara
Nicola’s Books Performance Personnel Quilter, David & Marcia Quilter, Marcia River Gallery Sons of American Legion, Herbert J. McKune Post #31 Staebler, Laura Stohl, Donna Strutt, Marc Target Treehouse UAW Local #1284 VFW Post 4076 Winkler, Noel Word, Rube Young, Chris & Angela Zou Zou’s
Korean War American Legion Herbert J. McKune Post Ann Arbor Eagles Ann Arbor Eagles Auxilary 2154 Burg, J. Vincent & Shirley Chelsea Lions Club Chelsea Rotary Club Friends of CDL Lindauer, Jason & Amy Maier, Joan Merkel, John Sons of The American Legion Herbert J. McKune Post UAW Local 1284 Vargas, Jean VFW Post 4076
CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES City of Chelsea | Dexter Township | Lima Township | Lyndon Township | Sylvan Township | At Large | At Large |
Susan Brown Janis Miller Elizabeth Sensoli Mary Budzinski Dawn Caplis Lynn Fox Gary Zenz
Photo: Bloomfield
221 South Main St. | Chelsea, MI 48118 (734) 475–8732 | chelsea.lib.mi.us Serving Dexter, Lima, Lyndon, and Sylvan Townships and the City of Chelsea