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HIGHLIGHTS:
Library Closed Closed Friday, Jan 1 for New Year's
Library Changes for 2010
effective January 1
The library faces budget reductions in 2010 of 33 percent from the state and nearly 14 percent from the Allegheny Regional Asset District. The municipality of Mt. Lebanon, which provides approximately 57% of the library’s operating budget, will increase the library’s appropriation by 8.5% to partially lessen the impact of the losses.
Under the current budget constraints, the Board of Trustees were forced to make the decision to close the library on Sundays in 2010. The decision to close on Sundays followed a detailed analysis of daily patron usage patterns and patron surveys.
The trustees also approved increases to the library’s late fees, the first increase in six years. See 2010 Fee Schedule below.
2010 Fee Schedule, Effective January 1
▪ Adult print and audio materials—30¢ per day.
▪ Children’s print and audio materials—20¢ per day.
▪ Videos will remain at 50¢ per day.
▪ The late fee threshold will be reduced from $10 to $5.
▪ Black and white print copies and printouts will be
increased from 20¢ to 25¢ per day.
▪ Color copies will remain at $1.00.
The library must also reduce staffing by 72 hours per week and freeze staff salaries and wages at 2009 levels. Unfortunately, the 11 percent staffing reduction will result in longer waiting times for patrons since the library is the third busiest in the county, checking out nearly 600,000 items annually.
As we struggle to continue to give the best to our patrons, we must also mention the tremendous outpouring of community support for Mt. Lebanon’s public library and thank the community who took time to write and make those phone calls addressing the funding crisis. We have received gifts ranging from $25 from a loving grandparent to $5,000 from an anonymous library user who believes in the power of the printed word. The Book Cellar, operated by 120 volunteers with the Friends of Mt. Lebanon Public Library, has raised $65,000 in its first year of operation. That gift will help the library bridge the funding gap in 2010 and beyond, as we know that this year’s shortfalls are but a symptom of a long term problem. And now with “purpose full and clear,” we turn to embrace the challenges and opportunities of a new year.
BOOKS
Book Lists
New on Book Stop - brand new books available first come, first serve. Only 3 weeks checkout with no extensions. Lots of choices available.
Mt. Lebanon Public Library READING LIST - New Year's Resolutions according to Dewey
EVENTS: *Craft Saturday! *South Hills Scrabble Club *Mt. Lebanon Conversation Salon *League of Women Voters Lunchtime Series *South Hills Community Flute Choir *LEGO Club *Case of the Mondays *ABC's - Art, Books & Crafts
*Grossology *Mt. Lebanon Genealogy Society *Meet Author Richard H. Jarzynka *Children's Chess Club *Folksong Sharing *Older and Wiser Seminar *Origami *U.S. Census Testing (non-library event) *The Historical Society of Mount Lebanon
*Antique and Collectible Identification
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*Summer Fun 
BYTESDatabase Corner: Helpful databases, web related information
Space being used for more BUZZ this month:
To embrace the challenges and opportunities for 2010, check out the fun creative ideas we have to help you and us. Click to download a printable copy.
List of desirable magazines is available at the reference desk. Magazine request not on our list must be approved.
Open the Door to the History of your House
Discover the history of your house using available records, including permits from 1924-1957 and microfiche copies of home plans. This is a great way to provide a unique personalized gift to that special home-owning friend or relative. A joint fundraising project of the Mt. Lebanon Public Library and the Historical Society of Mount Lebanon.
Due to funding cuts the library will have to reduce book purchases in 2010. Help us with a donation to the Reading Tree. Honor a person or people with your gift and we will acknowledge your generosity with a book "ornament" placed on our winter tree.
LIBRARY TIPS
Specific tips on how to get the most out of your library.
TIPS to AVOID LATE FEES
Ways to renew your library items:
> Go on-line: www.mtlebanonlibrary.org
You must have your library card number in order to log in to your account. (Use for Sunday)> Call Mt. Lebanon Public Library at 412-531-1912
M-Th 9-9, F & S 9-5> Visit the library when opened and renew items at the circulation desk. (Items returned in the outside bookdrop after hours are counted as the next day)
> Call the automated phone renewal number at
412-622-1895
It is important to stay on the line until ALL of the barcode numbers are announced. (Use for Sunday)
* Please note that some items may not be renewable. You will be responsible for any fees that have accrued.
LIBRARY TIDBITS
U.S. Census 2010 - The library has been designated a census testing site.
Go to CENSUS 2010 APPLY NOW if you are interested in earning extra money while performing an important service for your community. Recruitment effort are beginning now, with the majority of hiring taking place in the Spring of 2010. The employment test to measure basic skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs will be held at the library. See times below.
Testing Times
January and February
JANUARY CALENDARS:
Complete Information on our Current Events
January Calendar of Events
NEXT MONTH'S PREVIEW:
February 2010
Discover Poetry with Samuel Hazo
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Library Olympics