Mary Brown
Executive Director

Paula Godfrey
Coordinator, Special Projects and Grant Services

David Saari
Facilities Manager

Office Manager

Rosa Rodriguez
Deaf Literacy Coordinator at Safety Harbor Public Library
727-724-1525 x120

Dyana Broussard
Born to Read Program Consultant
727-441-8408

Pinellas Public Library Cooperative Annual Report 2009
From the Executive Director

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative serves its members through the coordination of services and activities that benefit all of our libraries and enhance the overall quality of library services countywide. Core services essential to maintaining the efficient sharing of resources continue to be a funding priority for the Cooperative. Fiscal support of the countywide library automation system, and the delivery system to distribute materials among member libraries, has been identified as a key role for the Cooperative. The Cooperative also plays a major role in coordinating communication among member libraries to facilitate the sharing of library talent and resources.

The management of funds received from governmental agencies (local, state, and federal) and private sources are the responsibility of the Cooperative. In 2009 the Cooperative distributed $5,519,140 in funds collected through the millage assessment to residents of unincorporated Pinellas County to eligible member libraries. State funds received in 2009 totaled $798,314 and were used to support programs and services countywide. In addition, over $68,000 in grants and awards were received and were used to provide programs and services over and above those being funded at the local level. Two PPLC staff members have attended workshops and formal classes to expand their knowledge of the fundraising process as agencies across the state compete for non-traditional funding sources.

Providing support for countywide programming continued to be a strong initiative in 2009. Member libraries provide a wide range of programs for adults, young adults, and children. Some of the programs enhanced through PPLC's efforts include the following: Hurricane workshops provided by Pinellas County's Communications Department; 411 on College and Careers; Plug in at Your Library for teens; the Young Adult Author Visit; Melody Hounds for children; and the Florida Library Youth Program. The Cooperative submitted and received a number of grants through local funding sources such as Bank of America, the Allegany Franciscan Foundation, the Loebenburg Foundation, Northern Trust, Target, Wal-Mart, Publix, and Read Pinellas. These grants enhanced our literacy and programming efforts and helped establish new partnerships for the Cooperative. Partnerships with local literacy agencies such as the Pinellas County School Board, the Early Learning Coalition, Read Pinellas, United Methodist Cooperative Ministries, and the Florida Literacy Coalition remain a priority as well.

The Pinellas Automated Library System (PALS) completed its first full year of service in 2009. Library patrons have utilized the system to request materials from libraries across the county resulting in over 1.2 million items being delivered among our members. The increased volume prompted a move away from an in-house delivery system to a contract service with Velocity Express.

The Cooperative is responsible for three non-duplicated public service programs serving the residents of Pinellas County. The Talking Book Library (TBL) provides free library services to individuals for whom conventional print is a barrier. The program utilizes equipment, materials, and paid postage made available through the National Library Service for Blind and Physically Handicapped. Manatee and Sarasota counties renewed their contracts with the Cooperative for the provision of TBL services to their residents in FY 10. The ability to provide a multi-county service has resulted in a reduction in per person costs for all three programs. The Born to Read program was revitalized in 2009. Library card applications have been issued to eligible residents throughout the county, greatly expanding the reach of the program. The Early Learning Coalition is continuing to provide financial support, along with local library Friends groups and service organizations. The Deaf Literacy Center (DLC) moved into its newly renovated office at the Safety Harbor Public Library in 2009. The City of Safety Harbor continues to be an outstanding partner in meeting the needs of the Deaf community in Pinellas County. The Satellite programs at the Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg Public libraries also continue to receive vital support from those cities allowing the program to reach families in all parts of the county. The Deaf Family Literacy program continued in 2009 thanks to the financial support provided by the Volunteer USA Foundation.

The economic crisis facing Florida impacts libraries both in terms of their use and on the funding available to provide services vital to the residents of Pinellas County. Reductions in library hours of operation, materials, and staff due to funding constraints further strain the system which is trying to meet growing needs with fewer resources. The Cooperative Board and staff met with local, and state elected officials to advocate for libraries and the services they provide. Legislators were visited in their local offices by the PPLC Executive Director, PPLC Board of Directors, and local library directors. During the 2009 legislative session legislators were also visited in Tallahassee during the FLA sponsored Library Days event. In addition to legislative visits the PPLC Executive Director met with the city manager, or mayor, from each Cooperative member city providing them with an update on Cooperative services.

The Pinellas Public Library Cooperative and its staff are committed to working with our members to ensure the continued success of the Cooperative in the years ahead. Our goal remains, that each member library finds value in being a part of the Cooperative not only financially but through the spirit of cooperation and service.

A Year In Review

• Our member libraries circulated 6,572,885 items.
• Over 1,081,075 reference questions were answered.
• We had over 4,881,025 visits to our libraries from patrons in Pinellas County.
• Our libraries offered 8,446 adult, teen, and children's programs with 213,993 community members in attendance.
• We had 617,462 registered patrons.
• We received over $68,000 in grant funds.

Born to Read

Born to Read is a library literacy program that informs parents about the benefits of reading to their babies. The program encourages reading by distributing developmentally appropriate books to families. This year, approximately 700 new families were enrolled in the program with over 690 new cards issued. The program also provided over 3,200 books and parenting materials that were distributed to Born to Read families. The program received grant funding for these books from community partners including the Early Learning Coalition, READ Pinellas, Friends of the Library, Alpha Chi Omega, and the First Book National Book Bank.

Deaf Literacy Center

This past year, the Deaf Literacy Center continued to fulfill its mission of providing basic literacy instruction, life skills training, and library and information services to Deaf individuals and their families. The program received over $40,000 in grant funds including Florida Literacy Initiative funds to expand the program's services to include family literacy. Additionally, over 300 Deaf adults and family members attended DLC programs and over 1,500 individuals participated in Sign Language instruction and programs.

Pinellas Talking Book Library

During the past year, PTBL volunteers donated over 2,750 hours assisting in daily operations critical to the organization. The library also received grants and donations including funds from Publix, the Northern Trust, the Loebenberg Foundation, the Lions Club and individual supporters. In 2009, the PTBL continued the relationship with Manatee and Sarasota Counties to provide services to their patrons. The TBL also received its first digital book to add to its collection in August 2009. This is the beginning of the digital transition and is expected to be relatively rapid with digital players mailing to patrons in 2010 & 2011.