City Hall library proposal

The following proposal was sent to city council members on November 10, 2008 and reviewed at the council's budget workshop on the 11th. (No decisions were made.)

10 November 2008

Dear Alpine City Council Members,

Surveys consistently show that a public library ranks high on Alpiners’ priorities for the city. Space in City Hall could house a small library in an ideal location, eliminating construction costs and greatly reducing the time needed to make the library a reality. We estimate the costs and funding as follows:

Startup Costs
• Acquisition of 5,000 volumes @ $18 $85,000
• Computer, chairs, tables, shelves 10,000
• Software 3,000
• Unforeseen 7,500
• Total startup costs $105,500

Operations
• Part-time director salary and min-wage assistants $35,000
• Acquisitions 3,000
• Database fees 3,000
• Unforeseen 3,500
• Total yearly operations $44,500

First year total $150,000
Annual minimum thereafter $30,000

Funding Sources
• Fundraising and grants $100,000
• City of Alpine 50,000

Certification
Certification by the Utah State Library Division is a prerequisite for obtaining state and federal funds and applying for grants from private foundations.

The two major commitments required of the municipality at startup are:
• The appointment of a Board of Directors.
• A commitment to maintain the library, providing at least 65% of the operating expenses and a minimum of $2,000 for materials.

These actions are essential for fund raising and the long-term viability of the library. They also entitle us to a mentor from the State Library for training and resources for acquisitions, hiring, and good library practices.

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to working with you on this important undertaking.

Jennifer Xanthos, Scott Kenney, Bradley Reneer, Diane Card, and Amy Thackeray on behalf of the Alpine Public Library Association