HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 03 Library Cards for Glenwood Residents AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 3/25/2019
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Department: City Manager’s Office
Staff Contact: Courtney Griesel/Emily David
S P R I N G F I E L D ECONOMIC Staff Phone No: 541-736-7132
DEVELOPMENT AGENCY Estimated Time: 15 Minutes
ITEM TITLE: GLENWOOD RESIDENT LIBRARY CARDS
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Approve/Not Approve use of Urban Renewal Funds to fund library cards for residents
currently residing in the incorporated and unincorporated areas of Glenwood for a
determined length of time.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
In 2018, as part of Development and Public Works and Library community outreach efforts,
Glenwood residents were provided with a limited opportunity to sign up for an annual
Springfield Library Card. Urban Renewal funds in the amount of $8,280 were utilized to
fund library cards for 92 Glenwood households. These library cards will be expiring at the
end of April, 2019. Residents have expressed a desire for this benefit to continue. Staff is
requesting SEDA Board direction on if Urban Renewal Funds should be used in the future
for purchasing Library Cards for Glenwood patrons.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1 – Springfield Library Card Benefits Handout
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
Library Cards are currently made available to all community members. Community
members residing outside of Springfield city limits are currently charged $90 for 12 months
of Springfield Library access and services. Community members residing within the
Springfield city limits are charge $0 in recognition of the contribution of their property
taxes.
The Glenwood area currently consists of an estimated 700 households, many of which are
located in unincorporated areas and with Eugene postal addresses. Upon annexation, these
households would incorporate to the City of Springfield, accessing free library cards, but
maintain a Eugene postal address. During community outreach efforts on Springfield led
projects, many Glenwood residents have expressed confusion about which City jurisdiction
they fall under. The one-year provision of Springfield Library cards at no cost was part of
ongoing efforts to increase awareness and build relationships within the Glenwood area
neighborhood.
During this limited offer, 92 households seized the opportunity to sign up for Library cards.
The cards were funded with existing FY18 SEDA funds for community events, promotions
and special projects. While it was communicated to residents at that time that SEDA funded
library cards would be limited to one year, residents have since expressed a desire to
maintain the benefit.
SEDA Board might discuss and provide staff direction on if ongoing library card benefits
might be maintained into the future. Decision might include:
Duration:
o Maintain one-year commitment as originally provided, extend for one
additional year or multiple years, extend as ongoing program until SEDA
determines to end the program.
Funds:
o If extended, SEDA might choose to cap the amount made available for a
Glenwood library card effort
Staff is requesting SEDA Board direction in use of Urban Renewal Funds for future
purchase of Library Cards for Glenwood patrons.
The benefits of having a Springfield Public Library card:
What can I do at the Library?
Use a computer – internet, Microsoft office suite etc.
Print, photocopy, access Wi-Fi
Check out materials for all ages
Research with library databases
Get connected to community resources
Book a private study or conference room and enjoy comfortable reading
areas
Get answers and recommendations from librarians
Attend a library program, there’s one for everybody!
Connect with others in your community
Play, learn, and explore!
What Can I do from Home?
- You can view your account online and renew your library materials.
- You can browse our catalog and place holds on material.
- You can request new library material and be first in line to check it out.
- You can checkout E-Books and Audiobooks through our Libby App.
- You can access our online homework and job tutors via Brainfuse.
- You can access our online resources like the A-Z food database and
Automate Online repair manuals.
- You can participate in online programs through Beanstack.
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 1