MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY | BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY | BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Monday, November 2, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Zoom Teleconference
Dial in at 1-312-626-6799 and enter meeting ID # 867 7840 9990 and Passcode: 921328
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PLEASE NOTE: In-person attendance by members of the public temporarily prohibited due to COVID-19
physical distancing protocols pursuant to the Rock County Health Departments Reopening Phased Plan, dated
May 21, 2020, which discourages public gatherings. Members of the public may monitor this meeting
at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86778409990?pwd=VWFqOE05bXprU1pKaGNKNjBSc2p6QT09
Any person who is unable to access the meeting via the internet link may call 1(312) 626-6799 and enter
Meeting ID: 867 7840 9990 to monitor the meeting via telephone.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of Minutes: October 5, 2020
4. Approval of Expenditures for October 2020
5. Director’s Report
6. Report on ALS activities
7. TAB President’s Report
8. New Business
a. Discussion and possible action: 2021 Preliminary Budget
b. Review and discussion of 2020-2024 Milton Public Library Strategic Plan
9. General Items
a. Story Gardens update
10. Next meeting: Monday, December 7, at 6:30
11. Motion to Adjourn
12. AdjournmentPROCEEDINGS OF THE
MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
October 5, 2020
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:31p.m. by President Annette Smith. Present: Rusch,
Stricker, Smith, Director Kunkel, Dean, Schuetz, Collins, Tupper and TAB President Emily M. Absent: None
Approval of Agenda: Stricker moved approval of the agenda, seconded by Rusch. Motion
passed unanimously.
Approval of Minutes: Stricker moved approval of the minutes of the meeting on September, 2020 as
distributed, seconded by Collins. Motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Expenditures: Kunkel noted the elevator inspection this month, renewal of the Raffle license,
and SoundCloud storage purchase to continue podcasting. Rusch moved approval; Collins seconded. Motion
passed unanimously.
Director’s Report: Kunkel reported the tween programming hire has a lot of experience - didn’t need a lot of
training. “New Ashley” starting this week. The library is open now on Wednesdays as well. Kunkel attended a
virtual conference on rural and small libraries. Circulation continues to climb, but around ½ of what it was last
year; 1,500 curbside pickups. Jayme is conducting virtual visits to 4k and K. Marijke (tween programming) is
connecting with NIS teachers to do virtual visits as well.
Arrowhead Library System Report: Smith - The ALS meeting included a discussion on circulation and
delivery – other ALS libraries experiencing similar numbers as to what MPL is seeing.
TAB President’s Report: MPL Board welcomed Emily M. as the new TAB President. TAB is working on
updating bylaws and discussing ways they can be helpful for the community.
New Business
Discussion and possible action: 2021 Preliminary Budget: Kunkel will come back in November with some
changes to a 2021 preliminary budget for the MPL to review.
General Items:
Story Gardens Update: Connie Bier donated a Bee mosaic to the Story Garden. The MPL thanks her for her
generosity. Plans for outdoor programming space (gazebo) have been purchased.
Motion to Adjourn: Collins moved adjournment at 7:11 pm, seconded by Stricker. Motion approved
unanimously.
Next meeting: Monday, November 2, at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah DeanLibrary Expenditures
October 2020
Amazon: $269.21
Books & AV & Office Supplies
Baker & Taylor $1,640.17
Books & AV
Corporate Business Services $74.89
American Promotions and Awards $61.90
Book spine engraving/install
Arrowhead Library System $373.00
SWANK Movie Licensing
Facebook
Promotions $6.00
Gazette Subscription $24.50
HomeGoods $9.47
Board Books
Demco $139.70
Book Covers/ProcessingCITY OF MILTON
DETAIL REVENUES WITH COMPARISON TO BUDGET
FOR THE 10 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2020
FUND 225 - LIBRARY FUND
PERIOD BUDGET % OF
ACTUAL YTD ACTUAL AMOUNT VARIANCE BUDGET
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES
225-43570 ROCK COUNTY LIBRARY AID .00 93,332.21 93,312.00 20.21 100.02
225-43720 OTHER COUNTY AID 243.04 4,023.66 4,023.00 .66 100.02
225-43730 GRANTS/REIMBURSEMENTS 6,097.90 6,152.41 .00 6,152.41 .00
TOTAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES 6,340.94 103,508.28 97,335.00 6,173.28 106.34
PUBLIC CHARGES FOR SERVICE
225-46710 LIBRARY FINES 815.68 5,463.06 12,000.00 ( 6,536.94) 45.53
225-46720 RENT PAYMENT 1,166.67 11,666.70 14,000.00 ( 2,333.30) 83.33
TOTAL PUBLIC CHARGES FOR SERVICE 1,982.35 17,129.76 26,000.00 ( 8,870.24) 65.88
SOURCE 48
225-48520 LIBRARY DONATIONS .00 2,591.38 .00 2,591.38 .00
225-48535 GIFTS FROM FOUNDATION 390.00 7,790.00 .00 7,790.00 .00
225-48540 TAB -TEEN ADVISE BOARD DONATIO 56.70 842.91 .00 842.91 .00
225-48550 BUILDING DONATIONS 18,451.77 45,405.55 .00 45,405.55 .00
225-48570 BOOK SALES .00 973.76 .00 973.76 .00
TOTAL SOURCE 48 18,898.47 57,603.60 .00 57,603.60 .00
SOURCE 49
225-49200 TRANSFER FROM GEN FUND .00 296,314.00 296,314.00 .00 100.00
TOTAL SOURCE 49 .00 296,314.00 296,314.00 .00 100.00
TOTAL FUND REVENUE 27,221.76 474,555.64 419,649.00 54,906.64 113.08
FOR ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY 83 % OF THE FISCAL YEAR HAS ELAPSED 10/29/2020 11:35AM PAGE: 1CITY OF MILTON
DETAIL EXPENDITURES WITH COMPARISON TO BUDGET
FOR THE 10 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 31, 2020
FUND 225 - LIBRARY FUND
PERIOD BUDGET % OF
ACTUAL YTD ACTUAL AMOUNT VARIANCE BUDGET
LIBRARY
225-55110-110 SALARIES 12,474.87 84,571.22 116,477.00 31,905.78 72.61
225-55110-120 HOURLY WAGES 9,947.83 87,428.82 114,065.00 26,636.18 76.65
225-55110-150 FICA 1,707.75 13,245.16 17,638.00 4,392.84 75.09
225-55110-151 RETIREMENT 1,467.01 11,606.29 15,269.00 3,662.71 76.01
225-55110-152 HEALTH/DENTAL/LIFE 839.44 19,682.32 29,043.00 9,360.68 67.77
225-55110-190 TRAINING .00 79.00 700.00 621.00 11.29
225-55110-211 POSTAGE .00 100.37 200.00 99.63 50.19
225-55110-240 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE .00 6,068.65 5,082.00 ( 986.65) 119.41
225-55110-241 COMPUTER SERVICES .00 1,721.99 2,500.00 778.01 68.88
225-55110-242 ARROWHEAD LIBRARY .00 15,745.92 15,746.00 .08 100.00
225-55110-310 OFFICE SUPPLIES .00 3,438.63 3,800.00 361.37 90.49
225-55110-313 PROMOTIONS .00 113.50 1,500.00 1,386.50 7.57
225-55110-320 MEMBERSHIPS/SUBSCRIPTIONS .00 783.48 400.00 ( 383.48) 195.87
225-55110-324 LIBRARY MATERIALS .00 16,775.14 20,500.00 3,724.86 81.83
225-55110-328 LIBRARY MATERIALS - AV 373.00 3,662.57 11,500.00 7,837.43 31.85
225-55110-330 VEHICLE OPERATION & MAINT .00 .00 150.00 150.00 .00
225-55110-355 DONATION PURCHASES .00 7,403.89 .00 ( 7,403.89) .00
225-55110-360 PROG SUPPLYS -BOOK SALE PROCDS .00 2,010.52 1,500.00 ( 510.52) 134.03
225-55110-370 TAB (TEEN ADVISORY BOARD) .00 65.00 .00 ( 65.00) .00
225-55110-811 OFFICE EQUIPMENT 61.90 2,567.28 4,750.00 2,182.72 54.05
TOTAL LIBRARY 26,871.80 277,069.75 360,820.00 83,750.25 76.79
LIBRARY BUILDING
225-55120-110 SALARIES 44.83 89.66 1,166.00 1,076.34 7.69
225-55120-120 HOURLY WAGES 2,514.74 18,701.33 22,811.00 4,109.67 81.98
225-55120-125 OVERTIME WAGES .00 .00 400.00 400.00 .00
225-55120-126 SEASONAL LABOR .00 .00 400.00 400.00 .00
225-55120-150 FICA 192.20 1,435.49 1,866.00 430.51 76.93
225-55120-151 RETIREMENT 67.45 465.26 560.00 94.74 83.08
225-55120-152 HEALTH/DENTAL/LIFE 457.66 1,812.34 1,493.00 ( 319.34) 121.39
225-55120-220 UTILITIES .00 20,629.28 24,000.00 3,370.72 85.96
225-55120-230 STORMWATER UTILITY .00 310.24 233.00 ( 77.24) 133.15
225-55120-240 EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE .00 1,503.08 2,500.00 996.92 60.12
225-55120-314 CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE .00 459.79 1,500.00 1,040.21 30.65
225-55120-350 REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES .00 893.35 1,900.00 1,006.65 47.02
TOTAL LIBRARY BUILDING 3,276.88 46,299.82 58,829.00 12,529.18 78.70
TOTAL FUND EXPENDITURES 30,148.68 323,369.57 419,649.00 96,279.43 77.06
NET REVENUES OVER EXPENDITURES ( 2,926.92) 151,186.07 .00 151,186.07
FOR ADMINISTRATION USE ONLY 83 % OF THE FISCAL YEAR HAS ELAPSED 10/29/2020 11:35AM PAGE: 2Director’s Report We’re just steadily operating in our new normal and continuing to connect with our patrons virtually. No changes have been made concerning in-library operations in that the toys are still put away as is most of the furniture. We have changed our quarantined times for returned materials and delivery items. Previously we were quarantining for 96 hours. This number was based off of the REALM report: https://www.imls.gov/news/research-shows-virus-undetectable- five-highly-circulated-library-materials-after-three-days. However, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Department of Public Instruction now recommend 24 hours based off of research done in Oregon and a deeper look at the REALM study. Please see the email below. The ALS Directors did vote to go to 24 hours. Here at MPL, we will check in items from delivery after 24 hours; those items have already quarantined at whatever library they have come from. Because of staff comfort, and the fact that Wisconsin is struggling, we will check in return items after 48 hours and still follow handwashing guidelines. Notices and postings will say that items will be quarantined for at least 24 hours.
WE VALUE SO WE STRIVE
To be recognized as an asset and engage with
Community Engagement others to work towards improving Milton and
our service area.
THROUGH THESE
TO DO SO, WE WILL RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
ACTIONS
Be visible and show our Assess current marketing Director and Public
strategies and create a DECEMBER 2021
worth Information Coordinator
marketing plan
Conduct an annual survey
on library services,
effectiveness of Director w/ Staff JANUARY 2022
marketing, and community
needs
Identify opportunities to Director and Assistant
ONGOING
reach non-library users Director
Enhance social media
Director and Public
presence and library's ONGOING
Information Coordinator
website
Continue to frequently
communicate the library's
Staff ONGOING
relevance, importance, and
successes
Continue to work with
Maintain and create community organizations
and businesses to share
community Director w/ Staff ONGOING
resources and knowledge
connections to bring programs of local
Milton Public Library Strategic interest
Plan, 1 to the libraryMake it a priority to be
involved in events in the Director and Assistant
ONGOING
City of Milton and Director
surrounding communities
Maintain communications
Director ONGOING
with city administration
Have library representation
of community coalitions, Staff ONGOING
groups, and initiatives
Create an interactive Public Information
Be a community hub JUNE 2021
community space Coordinator
Develop a bigger
relationship with the Milton
Preservation Society to
make archives more Director and Adult Services
DECEMBER 2022
discoverable and to Coordinator
provide a more permanent
space for the college's
history
Encourage use of
Community Room and
collaborative spaces by Director ONGOING
local organizations and
businesses
Create a strong volunteer
program for youth and Director, Children's
JUNE 2022
through the Friends of Librarian, Tween Librarian
Milton Public Library
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 2WE VALUE SO WE STRIVE
To enhance our level of service to ensure a
Patron Experience fulfilling and welcoming experience for all.
THROUGH THESE
TO DO SO, WE WILL RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
ACTIONS
Support and grow a
Create new-employee and
creative and Director, Assistant Director DECEMBER 2021
current staff training plans
knowledgeable team
Create a yearly
performance review
Director MAY 2021
procedure for all
employees
Work with the City of Milton
and Library Board to retain
staff and increase staff Director ONGOING
coverage in response to
the community's growth
Work with the Friends of
Milton Public Library to Director ONGOING
fund training opportunities
Celebrate
accomplishments and
Director, Assistant Director ONGOING
recognize staff for their
achievements
Schedule staff outings Director, Assistant Director AT LEAST ONE A YEAR
Find a balance between
providing comfortable and
quiet spaces for groups
Create welcoming
and individuals while also Director, Assistant Director DECEMBER 2022
places and spaces having interactive and
collaborative spaces for
youth
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 3Seek out solutions to
create more collaborative
group and individual study Director JUNE 2023
spaces to alleviate the
current demand
Incorporate local art inside Director and Adult Services ONGOING (at least one new
and outside the library Coordinator piece a year)
Continue the development Director and Assistant PHASE 1 - DECEMBER
of the Story Gardens Director 2022
Evaluate library security
and emergency Director YEARLY
procedures
Review all library policies Director w/ Staff YEARLY
Be available, Complete DPI's Inclusive
Director and Assistant DECEMBER 2021 (REVIEW
accessible, and Services and Assessment
Director YEARLY)
inclusive Guide
Explore possible funding
alternatives to support a
Director DECEMBER 2021
fine-free or partially fine-
free initiative
Evaluate website for Public Information
YEARLY
accessibility Coordinator
Review collections for
Director, Assistant
representation, inclusion, YEARLY
Director, Tween Librarian
and diversity
Require relevant staff
Director YEARLY
training
Evaluate the effectiveness
Director DECEMBER 2021
of library hours
Research the possibility
and efficiency of a west- Director DECEMBER 2022
side drop box
Explore online chat options Public Information
JANUARY 2022
for reference Coordinator
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 4Explore a permanent
Director DECEMBER 2021
curbside option
Ensure that desks are
Staff ONGOING
adequately covered
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 5WE VALUE SO WE STRIVE
Life-Long Learning and To give community members the access to
opportunities and tools to learn, grow, explore,
Discovery and create.
THROUGH THESE
TO DO SO, WE WILL RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
ACTIONS
Work with Blackhawk
Expand and create Technical College, UW-
Whitewater, School District
strong learning Director w/ Staff ONGOING
of Milton, and other
partnerships learning institutions to
share resources and ideas
Work with businesses and
the Friends of Milton Public
Director AT LEAST ONE A YEAR
Library to sponsor bigger
educational events
Work with other libraries Director w/ Staff ONGOING
Work with organizations
that highlight Milton's Director w/ Staff ONGOING
history
Create a partnership with
Director, Assistant Director,
the homeschooling MAY 2022
Tween Librarian
community
Provide parents with the
Continue to instill the tools to explore early
Children's Librarian DECEMBER 2022
joy of reading literacy and one-on-one
reading at home
Create reading initiatives in Children's Librarian, Tween
addition to the Summer Librarian, Teen Librarian, ONGOING
Learning Program Adult Services Coordinator
5% INCREASE IN
Increase reading among
Teen Librarian CIRCULATION BY DEC.
Milton Public Library Strategic young
Plan, 6 adults
2022Create unique ways to Director, Children's
improve accessibility and Librarian, and Tween DECEMBER 2022
browsibility of collections Librarian
Expand Book Clubs in a Bag Children's Librarian, Tween
and explore other book kit Librarian, Teen Librarian, DECEMBER 2021
collections Adult Services Coordinator
Children's Librarian, Tween
Create specialized book
Librarian, Teen Librarian, AS NEEDED
collections
Adult Services Coordinator
Work with the Friends of
Milton Public Library to
Director DECEMBER 2023
improve current book sale
space and operation
Children's Librarian, Tween
Maintain collections that
Librarian, Teen Librarian,
reflect community needs ONGOING
Technical Services
and demands
Assistant
Continue to emphasize
programming for skill Develop a peer-to-peer
Director, Adult Services
discovery, learning, learning program (learning SUMMER 2022
Coordinator
growth, and fun for all circles)
ages
Create programs that Children's Librarian, Tween
incorporate the mission of Librarian, Teen Librarian, ONGOING
Story Gardens Adult Services Coordinator
Create programs that Children's Librarian, Tween
incorporate Milton's Librarian, Teen Librarian, ONGOING
agricultural roots Adult Services Coordinator
Incorporate virtual Children's Librarian, Tween
programs with regular in- Librarian, Teen Librarian, ONGOING
person programming Adult Services Coordinator
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 7Promote relevant books Children's Librarian, Tween
and extension activities to Librarian, Teen Librarian, ONGOING
program participants Adult Services Coordinator
Encourage community
Children's Librarian, Tween
members to share their
Librarian, Teen Librarian, 0NGOING
time, knowledge, and
Adult Services Coordinator
talents
Evaluate programs through Children's Librarian, Tween
surveys and patron Librarian, Teen Librarian, YEARLY
feedback Adult Services Coordinator
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 8WE VALUE SO WE STRIVE
To never settle and always seek out
Innovation opportunities to better serve our community
THROUGH THESE
TO DO SO, WE WILL RESPONSIBILITY TIMEFRAME
ACTIONS
Create a more interactive,
self-driven environment
Grow The SPARK that encourages library Director w/ Staff SUMMER 2022
patrons to explore on their
own
Create a lasting Artist in
Residence program that Director, Adult Services
SUMMER 2022
highlights and supPorts Coordinator
local artists
Seek out ways to fund
technology and materials Director, Public Information
DECEMBER 2021
for individual and group Coordinator
creation
Embrance technology Continue to utilize
technology partnership
for improved services Director, Assistant Director ONGOING
with the School District of
and access Milton
Maintain a Technology Plan
that positions the library to
Director REVIEW YEARLY
meet our patrons' evolving
technology needs
Ensure all staff members
are trained and familiar with Director W/ STAFF ONGOING
technology
Explore the feasibility of Director, Board,
DECEMBER 2023
solar panels Foundation, City
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 9Research a hotspot lending
Director JUNE 2021
model
Director, Adult Services
Digitize and make available
Coordinator, Technical DECEMBER 2022
the library's history
Services Assistant
Create a video and audio
recording space for staff Director, Assistant Director DECEMBER 2021
and public
Director, Assistant Director,
Provide nontraditional Tween Librarian, Adult
Expand the library's Library
Services Coordinator, 0NGOING
services of Things collection
Public Information
Coordinator
Explore online options Director, Assistant Director,
beyond learning platforms Public Information DECEMBER 2021
and digital books Coordinator
Explore additional services
(i.e., faxing, passport
Director w/ Staff 0NGOING
renewals, notary, color
copies, etc.)
Milton Public Library Strategic Plan, 102019 Community Survey Results A M P L , receive feedback on current library services. Twenty-nine questions were created by staff and approved by the Library Board. These are the results of that survey.
F , 58.7% , 8.7%
, 19.6% , 21.7% / ,
8.7% said the library hours were inconvenient.
When patrons do come to the library, this is what they typically do (121 responses).
Check out materials and/or pick up holds (103)
U C (51)
Bring their child/children to a program (42)
Use the -fi (31)
Attend a program (27)
Use The SPARK (23)
Meet friends and/or colleagues (20)
Use a meeting/study room (19)
Study and/or work (18)
Get help from library staff (16)
Use the public computers (15)
Use the copy machine (13)
Read the newspapers/magazines (11)
Homeschooling (2)
Single responses included: stop by and say hi to the librarians, donate books/magazines, tutor, and to re-shelve
books.The SPARK
When asked how do respondents use The SPARK, out of 39 responses:
23 said to play with the SPARK-its
20 said to attend staff-led, scheduled programming
11 /
5 said to use the flight simulator
1 said to use the iMacs for creative purposes.
When asked if there was anything else patrons would like to see and/or do in The SPARK:
Neon lights
More stuff for 2 year olds
I
Never have tried spark
More art programming for adults
We love the SPARK activities!
I T SPARK
Nope! I love it!
Not sure what SPARK is
M
I T SPARK or efficiently.
The Library Online
Use of the Library's online resources
Library's website
SHARE online catalog
Overdrive/Libby
Hoopla
Gale Courses
Badgerlink
BookMyne App
None
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Use of the Library's online resources
There were zero (0) responses for BiblioBoard and Transparent Languages.Which library social media accounts do you follow?
5 3
4
16
29 85
Facebook None Instagram (library) Instagram (teens) Podcast Youtube
The library has decided to launch a Twitter account as well in hopes of reaching more patrons and interacting
with other community organizations, such as the Milton School District.
Library Fines
It has been a recent library trend to remove library fines either partially or completely. In 2018, the library
collected $5,553 , $2,379 . I 2019, $7,692
$3,699 .A .
Question 1: Do you currently have library fines?
32 yes
76 no
13 not sure
Question 2: Do library fines affect how you use the library?
15 yes
100 no
3 not sure
Question 3: Are you okay with paying library fines, knowing the money goes towards the library?
114 yes
5 no
1 not sure
Question 4: Do the possibility of fines encourage you to return your items early or on time?
94 yes
23 no
4 not sure
Question 5: Is the staff accommodating if your account is blocked due to fines over $10.00?
33 yes
3 no
76 not sure
Question 6: Would you check out more items if there were no library fines?
20 yes
87 no
14 not sureMATERIALS AND CHECKOUTS What type of physical library materials do you frequently check out? (119 responses) Adult Fiction 81 Audiobooks 23 DVDs 64 Teen nonfiction 14 C 64 Teen graphic novels 14 Adult nonfiction 56 Kits 12 C 43 C / 11 C 24 Magazines 5 Teen fiction 24 I -2 There were additional responses with 1 each, including adult nonfiction audiobooks, graphic novels for elementary age, DVDs, and cookbooks. Respondents were asked to explain more if they indicated that a collection could be improved. A lot of older books which are all very similar in plot. The library could benefit from larger collections of middle grade and upper MG/YA books. My kids sometimes request going to Hedberg because they know they can find a wider range of titles there (for example, when looking at a specific author's section, MPL might only have a few of their titles, as opposed to most or all of them.) This is especially frustrating when they are hooked on a series, and only books #1, #4, and #6 are available. All is great! Variety We'd love more selection of kids books, audio books and cds The tween fiction section is small. We often go to Hedberg for this because there's more selection... Same with graphic novels. For adult fiction, I sometimes request books from other libraries because Milton doesn't have them. I do like the new book selections though. More options for books as we have read the ones we like
I do not watch TV and have been using the library service the check out books. I am sad that I am now limited to 6 books! Always long holds for new books. perhaps more copies of popular new releases Just larger variety of DVDs W ,C My daughter has a hard time finding books she likes and when she is looking for specific books they are either checked out or we have to request them from a different library and wait for them to arrive longer wait for a hold item, perhaps more responsive acquisitions More current science, technology medical, if practical. Cookbooks for new age appliances, professional cooks More travel books outside US Would love to see more in science-fiction/fantasy. Would love to see more in science-fiction/fantasy. LIBRARY PROGRAMS
P , 1 5
important.
1 (most) 2 3 4 5 (least)
Literacy/Reading 85 10 10 3 5
Recreational 39 42 22 6 6
Social Issues 17 24 16 18 36
Community Focus 25 30 27 22 9
Hands-on 50 31 17 11 5
Learning
LIBRARY STAFF
If you responded "Disagree" or "Strongly Disagree" in the question above about library staff, could you please
explain?
Unaware what spark is
Always helpful and willing to chat
Positive: They always go out of the way to help us!
LIBRARY SERVICES
Please rate the importance of these library services from 1-5, with "1" being the most important and "5" being
the least important.
1 (most) 2 3 4 5 (least)
Providing Materials 93 12 5 3 3
Providing a wide-variety of technology 29 29 29 9 18
Offering a community gathering place 34 35 24 16 8
Hosting events and programs 35 29 21 18 12
Promoting literacy among children and adults 70 27 10 4 5
In your opinion, how can the library improve?
I think the library needs to advertise themselves to middle school and high school students more.
RWe would love to see weekday homeschool get togethers, classes and programs. Currently, no area libraries
offer homeschool specific groups or programs! Clinton library is the closest, with limited offerings. This is a very
needed niche for the community, as the homeschool population grows each year. A few ideas might be: chess
club, minecraft or roblox, reading/literacy assistance with a librarian for younger children, coding classes, and
things catering to middle and high school homeschoolers...who are often not included in various programs.
Even more books!
Encourage users to respect our beautiful facility, especially the young mothers who let their undisciplined
.
All is well!
Neon lighting
MPL is so amazing, it's hard to think of an area of improvement. This is so very minor, but perhaps more exterior
work, like some landscaping or some security measures for the rear entrance (as noted in a previous response).
I love the Milton College collections. Maybe more Milton-specific historical exhibits? Love the ag programs for
kids too - maybe more of those?
I like the way it is
I would like to see more kid and pre-teen events during the weekend or evenings. A lot of the events are on
days off school but our kids (10 and 8) are in daycare because we still work on weekdays. I know my kids would
love to go to more of your programs, but they aren't during hours that we can get them there.
They are doing great over all
A brief library orientation for newcomers would be wonderful.
We would love it you opened at 9am instead of 10 even just a couple days a week. We don't get to spend as
much time at the library as we'd like in the mornings since I have little ones who need lunch and a nap!
Self checkout, secure after-hours return,
I think you're pretty innovative and have diverse offerings, so it's hard for me to think of ways to improve. I
definitely see your SPARK lab as unique. Does it get enough use? If not, increase use of it? The Hedberg is
great with programs in the community, i.e. off site story times, HPL Express at the mall, Bookmobile etc. Milton
could do more of that, if there is a need for it. But, I don't see there really being a need for it. Milton is a much
smaller community.
More kids activites around 5pm or 530pm. 630pm is too late. More kids events on weekends also before lunch
or after 4pm.
At this point, I am uncertain. My interaction with the library has primarily been for digital resources. I don't want
to presume something is or is not happening when I don't know.
Have more late night classes/events for parents to take kids to after work
Sunday hours 12-5
C .I MPL
parents and kids! :)
Open at 9 a.m. on weekdays.
I would prefer it if the young children did not have to pass the iPad table on their way to the books. iPads are
good tools but books are a necessity for little ones.
Open at 9am
Keep the food for fines option; keep up the wide variety of programs and please continue to try new things -
you are not limiting yourself or your attendees.
Increase # of books on hand. Have more than one copy of new release movies.
Fix the broken concrete step - it should be under warranty
A quiet area for public computers.
I am thankful to live in a small-town community that cares about its people. I would appreciate MPL providing
books that reflect our Judeo-Christian values and ethics.
better supply of popular titles
More things to help parents help kids to learn more. You already offer a lot with take home kits and the Spark
area.Explain what the "Friends of ..." is & involves.
Maybe by getting a wider range of juvenile graphic novels?
I like it the way it is, small and personable
Increase adult science-fiction/fantasy options.
Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statements:
Strongly Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
I have a positive opinion about MPL 107 11 1
MPL is an important part of the community 107 12 1
MPL is a fun place for children 94 19 6
The MPL building is clean 103 16 1
I can find a quiet place at MPL 83 27 6 2
I I MPL 68 37 12 3
I feel safe and comfortable at MPL 104 13 3
MPL provides the resources/services I 62 34 17 6
get elsewhere
I MPL 32 40 39 15 2
MPL is keeping up with popular technology 65 40 13
If you responded "Disagree" or "Strongly Disagree" in the question above for any service, could you please
explain?
I .
I have not really been to the library science the changes so I dont know what they have anymore.
I find the young adult section confusing as it is set up by genre instead of alphabetically. I understand why, I
just sometimes don't associate a book with that particular genre and therefore have a difficult time finding it.
I !W I more time to explore them (SAHM with
a 1 and 2 year old)
I didn't indicate "disagree" but I do think the rear of the library building should be monitored more after hours.
Once the library closes, there's lots of traffic in and out of the lot, and it concerns me as a resident of the
neighborhood.
I I .
Most books I would like to read have to come from another library
I .T I still have to
learn!
To my own fault, I don't know much about what the Library offers. I don't go out of my way to find that
information. However, I was there with my sister a while back and was very impressed by all they have to offer.
We live in Janesville so hard to say what impact this library has on the community. We do love our weekly time
here!
Children should be taught to be quiet and respectful. Parents are not teaching to be quiet - no running. Other
libraries enforce this. Edgerton has 1 person on duty who does this.
I personally am not aware of all the services available.
Too many people (including the staff) speaking in loud voices, including the computer area. Both upstairs and
downstairs are noisy with children, cannot get away from them--even in the so-called quiet room.
I SPARK !
They don't have all the books I'm always looking for but I can almost always request from another library.
I I .
What is SPARK?
I just don't know enough. What about a mailer with the water bill, like City Hall?In comparison, the Hedberg library has more resources. Rightfully so. It is much larger and has a higher budget I'm sure. I just don't know all of what the library has to offer. Are there additional services that could be offered at MPL? No tutors? if that isn't already a thing I dont have any that come to mind. See above :) More casual programs Maybe some more programming for in-between aged kids (8-12), especially on school breaks and days off Not really Be open later during the week for more meeting times in the evening. More toddler actives in spark More tween programs please! Or extend some of the teen or children's programs to include the tween group. community movie nights, speakers, etc. We enjoy the library and tell others to visit! More adult programs Sign language classes I would be interested in visiting with community individuals unlike myself to learn about their attitudes and experiences. E.g. race, religion, immigrants, gays, etc. tudoring services for teens, or study groups Perhaps expand # computer terminals, larger terminals for Share access. A once a week volunteer taxi service for the house-bound who are e-illiterate? Not in my opinion. 3D printer Children's evening programs are greatly appreciated. How would you rate the Milton Public Library overall, with 1 being excellent and 5 being poor?
Any other comments?
No
The library has always been an important place for us and our kids...thank you for providing a beautiful one in
so many ways!
A great small-town library!
I should probably use my library more
We love our library! Thanks for all you do.
I work at Maddie Strong we do kids birthdays and we get lots of families with other kids from out of town. I
.Y ,
blast.
You are doing a great job. :)
I F M P Library opportunity.
Thanks for all your work and energy. The library is a wonderful place to go, especially the physical space. So
much natural light. Great job with the renovation.
You are fantastic, appreciated and a vital part of the community!!
Thank you for being open and welcoming us in every Tuesday
Fantastic children's area
I have a concern after reading that you can find bedbugs in the spines of books and in between the pages. Is
the MPL doing anything to detect the possibility of bedbugs in books there?
I love our library! You guys all do a wonderful job. For a small community it has so many services and programs.
Love Miss Jamie at Story Time
I love the book sales.
Material check-in practice much better than norm. Newpaper presentation also best! Keep up the good Work!
Have a great day!
Regarding "It's easy to find the books I want at MPL": It's easy to find items in the library, but the types of books
I look for are often not available
Very thankful for the resources @ MPL and the Arrowhead Library SystemYou can also read
