HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-11-2012-13 (3) �I'a t��@ C 0 U n�J1 L I b f a I']I Information Item
137 W. Margaret Lane.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
MEMORANDUM
To: Frank W. Cli�ton, County Manager
l�rom; Lucinda Mu�ger, Library Director
Date: 12/1�112
Subject: Update - Outside Book �rop at Orange County Main Library
On �ecember 5, 2d11, the Board of County Commiss�oners(BOCC) was presented with three options in order
to address a resident's �equest for a free-standin�, drive-by book drop at the Orange County Main Li6rary in
Hillsborough. The BOCC selected opkion 3, which provided for a current space to be °Clearly marked and
have staff monitor use of a "Baok Drop Only" parking spot iocated alang the library �arking next to existing
Handicapper� Parking spaces." At the meefing, fhe Board requested that we pravide a 1 year update on the
customer use and staff monitoring of the library book drop only spac�.
!n February 2012, working with Asset Management, khe staff created a visible c�ange in the book drop only
location, plac�ng new signage and clearly �narking the parking space witi� bot� yellow outlines and red cross
lines as a limited parking lacation. This space is also painted with yellow ko clearly indicate "book drop only"
parking.
Initially, the change in this boak drop s�ace was public�zed through handouts to tne p�blic, as well as the
clearly marked deiineation. Staff regularfy monikored this space and made announcements as necessary#ar
cars to mo�e when they had exceeded the allotted time period of 5 minutes. Since February staff
announcements have reduced from 5 per week in earEy 2012, to one per month in December 2012. In
addit[on, staff has noted that fhis space does indeed stay free and clear for use at least 95% of the time when
all ofher parking is full along the building.
In addition, since implementi�g the new parking spot for book drop use only, circ�lation of materials at the
Orange Caunty Main Li�rary has increased fram 29,5361per month #0 35, 3751�er month, an increase of 19%
or an additional 5,839 per month in circulatian. Because the current practice involves a limited amount of staff
time, allowing them to effectively focus on the increase in daily activity and quality customer service.
In addition, the Library initiated a partnership in April 2012 with the Department of Aging expanding their
current Aging Transitions program referretf to as `Friend to Friend'. This pa�tnership expanded their services to
pra�ide library ser�ices to c�ualified members of this program. The 'Friend' v+rauld pravide pick-up and delivery
of items by volunteers to the library for those seniors unable to easily visit the library. At fhis time, there have
not been any participants registered for this pragram; however, all volunte�rs ha�e been trained or� our
services.
Please Eet me know if you need any additional information.