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Public Library Study - I $1-- to(lHJ ~lr!JlI; I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Public Library Governance and Funding Options in Dubuque County, Iowa o :=;: 0'< ,'- 1"', B- ~~ c: s.:~. _0 >'- ,.- ~ ,..... (' CD ~. ~~~ () (1) Prepared for The Public Libraries of Dubuque County by "" II HIf\\f\\~L ~ \lIIL52N lIraRi9R>' ~r6VL T1INTS;--"'" . May 28, 2000 Milton, WI Cl 0 '-- :0 <.":: Z n1 - ,.-} U1 .11 -0 ? ~~ n1 - 0 .. - ,,, I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Public Library Governance and Funding Options in Dubuque County, Iowa Prepared for The Public Libraries of Dubuque County by . II HIf1\f1\~L ~ \A"L52N LlraRr=lR)' ,2 N:7VL rr=lNrS; -----... . May 28, 2000 Milton, WI I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I INTRODUCTION A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants While the public library is a cherished American institution, access to the knowledge and wisdom it offers is not universal. There are, sadly, many people who do not have legal access to any public library. Many states have devised methods to ensure that all of their residents will have a library they can call their own. This has been accomplished in numerous different ways; however, where the desire has been strong enough long enough, solutions have been found to open the doors of public libraries to every child and every adult. Iowa has a long history of public library service and, in fact, ranks third among all states in the number of autonomous public libraries. Nevertheless, Iowa does not afford all of its residents the opportunity to use public libraries. In some ways, Iowa is a victim of its own rich public library history. While the earliest tax supported public libraries in the United States appeared in New England well over I SO years ago, the movement really gained momentum in the last quarter of the 1800s. Many of the early libraries that were formed were "municipal" libraries; that is, they were created by cities. This was the case in Iowa where city after city decided to provide its citizens with a tax supported institution that many referred to as "the people's university." However, then, as now, not everyone lives in a city. In the 1930s, the recognition that a large percentage of the U.S. population was without public library service led to a sustained effort to form "larger units of service." Many began to see counties as the building blocks that could be used to offer universal service in most parts ofthe country. It was reasoned that while everyone did not live in a city, everyone, with the exceptions of those who live where towns or parishes are the larger governance building block, did live in a county. In many places, where public library development happened later than it did in Iowa, county libraries were established from the start. For example, the county governance structure is the predominant model in much of I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants the South where many libraries were not formed until after World War II. Some states that, like Iowa, had large numbers of municipal libraries provided a variety of incentives to encourage mergers into county units. In some cases, the success of these efforts was complete. In other cases, states were left with a mixture of city and county libraries Over the years, many other models have emerged, some in an effort to provide universal service and others simply to achieve the economies of scale that are sometimes possible with larger organizations. City/County arrangements in which both a municipality and a county contribute separately to fund the operation of a single library became popular especially in the West. Since the mid-1960s, more libraries have moved to the "special district" model in which an elected library board is granted independent taxing authority through a referendum process. Iowa has been slow to adopt any of these alternative models and has continued to operate, almost exclusively, using the municipal model. There are less than a handful of county library operations in Iowa. All of the rest ofIowa's 538 public libraries are municipal libraries. The result of this adherence to the municipal model has been mixed. A few statistics drawn from the 1999 version of Pocket Digest Iowa Public Library Statistics published by the State Library of Iowa reveals the following: . Iowa is 3rd in the nation in the number of independent public libraries (following only New York and Illinois). . Iowa is 31 st in the nation in total per capita support for public libraries. . Only 8 ofIowa's 538 public libraries (1%) serve populations of 50,000 or more. These libraries are open an average of 65 hours per week. . Four-hundred and nineteen ofIowa's 538 public libraries (78%) serve populations ofless than 2,500. These libraries are open an average of25 hours per week. 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Hinunel & Wilson, Library Consultants In 1997-98, the period on which the 1999 version of the Pocket Digest was based, 798,248 or over a quarter of Iowa's population (27.8%) lived outside the primary jurisdiction area of a public library. Some of these people live in unincorporated areas; others live in municipalities that have chosen not to offer direct public library service. In some cases, these Iowa residents are afforded access to a public library in their area through agreements with a nearby existing library. In other cases, including several in Dubuque County, no library service is available without paying a fee to the entity that operates and maintains the library. The general public has very little understanding of how libraries are funded. In fact, libraries themselves have contributed to the confusion in that many of them were (and some still are) referred to as "free" public libraries. The public perceives that public libraries are, and should be, open without direct charge to all comers. Many people do not recognize that libraries, like schools and protective services such as police and fire, are paid for by the residents in a specific jurisdiction. In the mail survey conducted by the consultants as a part of this study, 95.3% of urban residents and 95.8% of rural residents indicated that they thought that public library service should be available to all residents of Dubuque County. Some participants in the focus groups held throughout the county and some respondents to the mail survey indicated their confusion over the variety of fees and reimbursement methods in place in the county that are intended to extend services to those who are not directly taxed for library purposes. Many would argue that the residents of any jurisdiction should have the opportunity to choose whether or not they wish to be taxed for and therefore wish to have access to public library service. However, the current situation in Dubuque County is the most confusing that the consultants have observed in the course of carrying out over 100 studies in thirty states over more than a decade. In addition to the main concern that there are people, and particularly children, who have no legal access to public library service, the current situation results in frustration for both library staff members who try to explain the situation 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Hinuuel & Wilson, Library Consultants and to people who wish to use library services. People are unhappy about paying a direct fee. Until quite recently when the Open Access Program went into effect in Dubuque County, people were often sent to another library to secure a card before they could use the library they really wanted to use. The situation was inefficient both in terms of the cost of staff time to deal with the problem and in terms of the public's valuable time. What then is the solution? This report examines several models oflibrary service that could result in universal library access in Dubuque County, Iowa. However, implementing several of the models would take extraordinary efforts. State Statutes would have to be changed or political will would have to be cultivated to support change. There are no easy solutions. Nevertheless, in many states, citizens have pursued the changes needed to secure open access to all. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Although the Dubuque area has a long tradition of providing public library service to its citizens, the current structure of governance and funding excludes a significant number of County residents from using libraries without paying a direct fee. Many of those excluded have the greatest need for library service (children in particular) and cannot on their own afford to pay non-resident fees. The people of Dubuque County demonstrated their overwhelming support for the idea that all residents of the County should have access to library services in surveys and focus groups conducted by the consultants. We believe that it is up to the library boards and the elected officials of Dubuque County to find the political will to make this happen. This report presents a number of alternative models for achieving universal service. We believe that several of the alternatives are unrealistic given the fiscal and political landscape of Dubuque County. However, we believe that some of the variations on Option II "Countywide Library Service From Independent Libraries" may be workable. 4 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants The basic idea behind this approach is the application of a countywide tax for library service (a taxation on all areas, both incorporated and unincorporated) with a redistribution of these dollars to the existing libraries. This would be accomplished through a series of joint powers agreements. Under this plan, the libraries would retain their autonomy and would have the ability to supplement the base level County funding with local support At the same time, all residents of the County would be taxed at some level for library service. Ifthe State ofIowa is interested in assuring universal access to public library services, it will also need to clarifY via State Statutes that having a countywide tax for purposes of creating universal library access would not disqualify the libraries of the county from receiving Open Access funds. FINDINGS In conducting this study, the consultants used a variety of approaches to gather information from the residents of Dubuque County. Interviews were conducted with County and municipal officials throughout the County. Many people took part in focus group discussions that were held in Asbury, Cascade, Dubuque, Dyersville, Epworth, Farley, Holy Cross, Luxemburg, New Vienna, Peosta, and Worthington. A mail survey was sent to 1001 households in the City of Dubuque and its immediate surrounding area and to 1003 households in the balance of the County. (Charts summarizing the results are appended to this report.) Background materials were also collected from state library agencies, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and public libraries outside the state ofIowa. Summary of Interviews and Focus Groups City officials who were interviewed generally felt that their residents were fortunate to have the level oflibrary service that was available in their municipality. While some issues of disagreement were raised, all those interviewed thought their city councils were pretty supportive of the library. Some were aware of the confusing fee structures. They thought the ways other municipalities chose to support libraries was unfair to their community or to other residents 5 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County. Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants whose access to library services was limited by those municipalities' approach. Some saw the library as an important local educational institution; a few, but not all, expressed the opinion that the library was important to the economic development of that municipality. Participants in the focus group sessions were often unclear about the details oflibrary funding and how or why they could use some libraries but not others. (All participants were library users.) In talking about alternative models of library service, no one wanted to give up their local library. Many seemed suspicious of the City of Dubuque or the County of Dubuque as the provider oflibrary services for them. Their concerns were that priorities would change and their local library would suffer with reduced support and attention from the City or the County if that were the agency providing their local service. Active library users often used more than one library, although this was tied to working in other communities with libraries. Almost all thought library service should be available regardless of ability to pay, and that children especially should have access to hbrary services. Participants were also in agreement that library cooperation should allow them to see what other libraries in the county had. They wanted to be able to see (via computer) where the item they wanted was located so that they could request it on interlibrary loan or drive to that other library to get it themselves. They all seemed familiar with interlibrary loan as a library service. A number of those interviewed characterized the general populace of Dubuque as "conservative," especially when it came to tax matters. It was pointed out that a few of the smallest municipalities point with pride to their miniscule tax rate rather than to the services that are offered with tax dollars. This is not to say that some communities in Dubuque County are not supporting public libraries reasonably well. In fact, the level of per-capita support for the two smallest municipal libraries in Dubuque County, Cascade and Dyersville, exceed the per capita support provided in the City of Dubuque. 6 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Hinunel & Wilson, Library Consultants Summary of Mail Survey Although the same survey questionnaire was used in both the "urban" survey and the "rural" survey, the responses to the two surveys were compiled separately in order to assure that the responses of the larger urban population base did not mask the responses of the rest of the county. The consultants were also interested in whether answers of the urban and rural respondents might be different. The response rate for the urban survey was 32.5%; the response rate for the rural survey was 31.7%. Over half of the responses to the rural survey carne from users of the Dyersville library. Sixty-six percent (66.4%) of the people answering the urban survey were library users; 69 percent (69.48%) of those answering the rural survey were library users. The population of Dubuque County is extremely stable. Most of the people responding to the survey were long time residents of Dubuque County. Seventy-seven percent (77.0%) of the urban survey respondents and 76 percent (76.3%) of the rural survey respondents had lived in Dubuque County for over twenty years. Library users throughout the county are largely satisfied with their library service. Overall, 93.2 percent (93.2%) of the library users who responded to the urban survey said they were satisfied, very satisfied, or extremely satisfied. Almost ninety-two percent (91.6%) of the users answering the rural survey rated their satisfaction as falling into one of these categories as well. In both urban and rural areas, less than 10% or survey respondents indicated that they were only somewhat satisfied or not satisfied. Urban library users were somewhat more satisfied with service than their rural counterparts. Seventy-one percent (71.5%) of the urban users said they were very satisfied or extremely satisfied; while only 56 percent (56%) of the users in the rural survey gave either of these answers. The surveys asked users to indicate their level of satisfaction on a number off actors related to the library they used most often. The average levels of satisfaction on all the factors were above the midpoint of the rating scale; that is, no single service factor was rated very low. 7 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants Generally speaking, users in the urban library survey (where the primary library was Carnegie Stout) were most satisfied with the adequate seating available, the helpfulness of staff, the general condition of the facility, the friendliness of the staff, and the up to date technologies (in that order). They were least satisfied (again remembering that all these were rated above average) with adequate parking, adult programs offered, and convenient hours. The users in the rural survey were most satisfied with the helpfulness of staff, the friendliness of staff, the convenient location of their library, and the convenient hours. They were least satisfied with adequate parking, adult programs, the general condition of the facility, and adequate seating. It should be noted that as a general rule, the consultants find that library users almost everywhere rate staff helpfulness and friendliness very high. At the other end of the scale, parking is often at or near the bottom ofthe list. Thirty-four percent (33.6%) of the urban survey respondents and 31 percent (30.5%) of the rural survey respondents said they had not visited or called a public library in the last six months. For both groups the most frequently cited reasons were "no need" (37.4%--urban; 37.2% rural) and "no time" (30.8% urban; 28.7% rural). Again, Dubuque County residents are not unusual. These are the most frequently given reasons the consultants find in nearly every area of the country. In some communities "no need" is perceived as a failure of the local library' s public relations efforts-that the library has not been effective in making its case as a vital and necessary part of the community. "No time" is perceived as both a statement on how busy and complicated peoples' lives have become and another indication that the library has not effectively made its case. Proponents believe people would find time to use the library if it were better promoted. Approximately ninety-eight percent (97.7% of urban and 98.1% of rural) of the respondents said they lived within 30 minutes travel time to the closest library. Home computers and Internet access are slightly lower among the rural survey respondents than among the urban survey respondents. However, over 60 percent (60.7%) of the people answering the urban survey and over 55 percent (55.5%) of the rural survey respondents reported having a 8 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants computer at home. Of those having a computer, 72 percent (71.5%) of the urban survey respondents and 52 percent (51.5%) of the rural survey respondents said they also had Internet access. This means that 43.4% of all urban survey respondents (including both those with computers and those without) have Internet access in their homes while 28.6% of all rural survey respondents can access the Internet from home. Over ninety-five percent (95.3%) of the respondents to the urban survey and almost 96 percent (95.8%) of the rural survey respondents said public library service should be available to all county residents. When asked to rate the importance of the public library to community life, only two respondents to the urban survey and four people responding to the rural survey said they believed public libraries were either not very important or not at all important. Over half of all respondents (55.7% urban and 55.2% rural) said they believed public libraries are essential to the quality of life. In summary, those with access to library service in Dubuque County are relatively pleased with the service they receive. The vast majority of people responding to the survey (over 95%) indicated a belief that all residents of the County should have legal access to public library service. Over half (more than 55% of both urban and rural residents) believe that public libraries are "essential to community life" while only a handful were of the opinion that libraries were either not very important or not at all important to community life. Models from other states: In an effort to find solutions to Dubuque's universal access problem, the consultants turned to other states that have dealt with the situation. To the degree possible, the consultants attempted to find solutions that were "close to home," that is, solutions that exist in nearby states. Consolidated Countywide Libraries As was stated in the introduction, the county jurisdiction has often been used as the basis for achieving universal 9 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants access to service. The Marathon County (Wisconsin) Library, headquartered in Wausau, and the Scott County (Minnesota) Library System, headquartered in Savage, are examples of this type of arrangement. The Marathon County (Wisconsin) Library serves all 122,764 county residents through a main library, seven branches located in incorporated communities in the County, and two bookmobiles. Library Board members are appointed by the County Board Chair with the approval of the entire County Board. The library is funded through the general fund which assess an identical rate on all taxable property. This method of taxation generated an amount of$ 23.01 per capita for library purposes in FY (Fiscal Year)1997. This amount is used to fund all services and to maintain all library facilities in the County. The Scott County (Minnesota) Library System provides library service to all 81,900 residents of I. he county through seven branches, which are located in cities within the county. There is no "central" library and no bookmobile service is provided. The library's governing board is appointed by the county board of commissioners. The library is funded through the county's general fund which assesses all property at an identical rate. For the 2000 budget year, this method of taxation provided an amount of $16.45 per capita for public library services. The countywide assessment pays for library materials, personnel, furniture, shelving, equipment, and supplies for the libraries as well as insurance coverage for the furnishings and materials. The seven cities with branches provide the building and all necessary utilities, including air-conditioning and janitorial services and all other miscellaneous services to maintain the premises in a functional condition, as well as the insurance coverage on the building. Under the Minnesota Joint Powers Act the county and each city have a contract specifYing the above responsibilities. Essentially this means that residents in each of the seven cities pay a city tax to support the facility their community has chosen to make its library. This amount varies from city to city. 10 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Librnry Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Librnry Consultants What differs in these two models is the fact that in the Wisconsin example, funding for all purposes comes from Marathon County. In the Minnesota example, Scott County pays for staff and operational costs with the exception of facilities. Each municipality with a library pays for its own facility, utilities and building upkeep. The Two-Library Model (City Library and County Library) In a number of places, including La Crosse County (Wisconsin), the entire county population is afforded library service through the existence of two separate libraries: one paid for by the City and serving City residents, and a second library that serves residents of the County living outside the City. This "County Library" is funded by a special County tax that excludes properties in the City. The 52,318 City of La Crosse residents are served by a main library and two branches. The 52,091County residents who live outside the City of La Crosse (including those in several other municipalities) are served by five library branches, one of which houses the headquarters location. Funding for the City library comes from the City's general fund. This source of funding provided support for the library of$ 50.67 per capita in FY 1997. Funding for the County Library comes from a special "out-county" tax levied against properties outside of the City of La Crosse. This funding mechanism provided per capita funding of $ 16.65 in FY 1997. By Wisconsin State law, any public library that participates in a public library system (all public libraries in the State do participate) is required to offer all residents of that system area (systems are composed of counties and include both urban and rural residents) open access. Since the La Crosse Public Library (the City Library) and the La Crosse County Library are both part of the same regional system, all residents of La Crosse County can use any library or branch without paying a fee. All residents of Wisconsin have access to the public libraries within their system area; however they can be 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Hinunel & Wilson, Library Consultants charged a fee for the privilege of using a public library outside of their system's boundaries. This creates some problems in border regions; nevertheless, no Wisconsin citizen is without a public library they can call their own. A final note on the Wisconsin model: Wisconsin requires counties to contribute to the support of municipal public libraries to the extent that they are used by residents of areas who are not otherwise taxed directly for public library purposes. Ramsey and Hennepin Counties in Minnesota have arrangements similar to the La Crosse model in that library service in these counties is provided border to border, but the cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis maintain separate and independent public libraries. Countywide Service From Independent Libraries Library service in Waupaca County (Wisconsin) is provided to the County's 50,749 residents by nine independent libraries. Residents of the County who live outside of the municipalities that support libraries directly are assessed for service through a county tax; however, municipalities that tax at a rate equal to or above the County rate can exempt themselves from the County tax. The dollars collected are forwarded to the Outagamie- Waupaca Library System (the regional library system that serves that area of the State) which, in turn, distributes the funds to the independent libraries based on a formula that includes circulation to the residents of areas that do not tax directly for a library and net operating expenditures. Taxes in the communities that maintain libraries average $ 42.00 per capita in FY 1997 while the per capita level in the other areas of County (the out-county portion) was $12.13 for the same period. However, a recent change in Wisconsin law will require the County to increase its portion of funding to 70"/0 of the municipal level. Independent District Libraries The laws of the State of Illinois provide for the establishment of independent library districts with their own taxing authority. Districts are formed for many 12 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants different services such as sewerage, fire protection, parks, and libraries. Several areas in lllinois near to Dubuque County, including East Dubuque, Galena, and Savannah, participate in library districts. Library districts are governed by an elected board that has the authority to levy a library tax. illinois State statutes set a minimum tax rate for establishing a district. The electorate can authorize a tax rate equal to or above that minimum. The elected board can then tax at any rate up to the authorized maximum rate without voter approval. If a district library board wants to increase the amount beyond that limit, it must take its case back to the voters. Districts specify their boundaries as part of the ballot measure that goes to the voters to establish the district. Districts can be composed of a combination of existing jurisdictions or portions of existing jurisdictions. Regardless of the make-up of the district, the actual taxes that support the districts are collected by the counties and are then distributed to the district board, which has the authority to determine how the funds will be spent. Many library district boundaries in lllinois coincide with school district lines. The argument often used in extending library service lines to coincide with school district lines is that both rural and city children in a school district should have access to the same lIbrary resources. Library districts have usually been formed, not by existing libraries melding together, but by an existing library (often a municipal library) extending its services to the areas in surrounding unincorporated areas by expanding its tax base to include those areas. In a district arrangement, all property owners in the district would be taxed at the same rate specifically for library service. The formation oflibrary districts provides no guarantee that everyone will be served. An Illinois State Library source said there are currently 1.3 million people in lllinois without legal access to library service (those who are not directly taxed for library service). In Jo Daviess County, Illinois, there are two district libraries, the East Dubuque District Library and the Galena Public Library District, as well as four township libraries, and unincorporated areas without library services. One problem that has arisen in 13 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Hinunel & Wilson, Library Consultants areas where library districts were created abutting municipalities with their own libraries is that as the municipalities grow and annex land, the abutting library district loses that tax base to the city. The district enabling law has also been used as a method to collect tax dollars that are then used to contract for library service. The Golden Prairie Public Library District south of Bloomington, Illinois has no building or staff It does have an elected board, which levies a library tax that is, in turn, used to contract for library service, including a bookmobile, from the Bloomington Public Library. POTENTIAL MODELS FOR DUBUQUE COUNTY I. Status Quo Governance Each library has its own governing board independent of any other library board. Funding The cities of Cascade ($28.68/capita), Dubuque ($23.66/capita), and Dyersville ($47.54/capita) fund local public libraries. Dubuque County taxes the unincorporated areas of Dubuque County and funds the County Library, which serves residents of these areas. Farley and Holy Cross contract with the County for library service. (Both paid approximately $18/capita.) Epworth, Luxemburg, New Vienna, and Worthington contract for service at Dyersville based on a per transaction fee. The County Library charges an annual non-resident fee of $25.00 to residents of incorporated areas wishing library service. Carnegie-Stout charges an annual non-resident fee of $52.00. The Matthias M. Hoffinan Public Library (Dyersville) charges a monthly non-resident fee of $4 per family or $2 per individual. 14 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants Residents of incorporated areas contracting with any library can use any other library via the Open Access Program. Asbury reimburses its residents haIf of the non-resident fee at Carnegie Stout. Sageville pays half of the non-resident fee for its residents who want to use Carnegie Stout. AdministrationlDirection There are four directors, each reporting to an independent library governing board. Service Delivery Service delivery varies from no service unless residents pay a fee to full service for residents of some other areas. Strengths: Each library is independent of the others, except for contracts that have been negotiated. Weaknesses: Library service is minimal or nonexistent in some areas of the county. Residents of different areas/municipalities in the county pay widely differing amounts for library services. Situation is confusing for the public and frustrating for staff who have to explain/collect fees. n. Countywide Library Service From Independent Libraries Existing Example Modification of the Waupaca County (Wisconsin) Example Governance Each library has its own library board. A 28E Agreement would be established between the municipalities and the County Board. Or, joint-powers agreements are established among municipalities (such as Dyersville and Luxemburg, etc; 15 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants between the County Library and Farley, etc.; and perhaps between the City of Dubuque and Asbury, etc.) These agreements would stipulate that their shares of a countywide tax would go to one of the existing libraries. Funding All residents living within the boundaries of Dubuque County pay for library service. Options Under This Model: A countywide assessment is done to support library service in all areas with the amount based on some rational criteria. (i.e., the average per capita amount in state ofIowa for those counties/municipalities supporting library service) The appropriate amount based on real-estate valuation would be distributed to Cascade, Dubuque, and Dyersville. The taxes collected from the balance of the County would be distributed to the County Library to act as the primary service provider to the balance of the County. Each municipality would tax their own local residents at whatever level they deemed fit above the county funding support. Or, a countywide assessment is done to support library service in all areas with the amount based on some rational criteria. (i.e., the average per capita amount in state of Iowa for those counties/municipalities supporting library service) The appropriate amount based on real-estate valuation would be distributed to Cascade, Dubuque, and Dyersville. The taxes collected from the balance ofthe County would be distributed to each of the municipal libraries based on circulation (or another actual use measure) provided to residents of all areas outside of the three municipalities. Each municipality would tax their own local residents at whatever level they deemed fit above the county funding support. Note: this model would eliminate the current County Library. However, a municipality such as Farley could choose to start a library and would be entitled to receive its share (based on property values) of the County tax. Or, a countywide assessment is done to support library service in all areas with the amount based on some rational 16 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants criteria. (i.e., the average per capita amount in state of Iowa for those counties/municipalities supporting library service) The appropriate amount based on real-estate valuation would be distributed to Cascade, Dubuque, Dyersville and to the County Library. Each of the existing libraries would also receive funding based on the taxes collected from the municipalities with which they have concluded joint-powers agreements. The taxes collected from the balance of the County would be distributed to each of the municipal libraries based on circulation (or another actual use measure) provided to residents of all areas outside of the three municipalities. Each municipality maintaining a library would tax their own local residents at whatever level they deemed fit above the county funding support. In all of these models, library use of residents from the primary service area of one library of a library in another area would be compensated through Iowa's Open Access program. AdministrationlDirection There would be three or four directors, depending on whether the County Library was retained. Each library would have its own director who reports to the appropriate library board. Service Delivery Each library provides primary service to the population from whence its funding comes. For service to be seamless countywide, there would need to be agreements in place between/among libraries. Additional cooperative efforts between/among libraries could include automation, continuing education, purchasing, and staffing. Each library board would determine the number of service outletslbrancheslbookmobile stops within its service area. In this model there might be no separate county library, or the county library service might focus entirely on the unincorporated areas with only a bookmobile or books by mail program. 17 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County. Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants Strengths Autonomy is maintained. Entire county population has access to library service. Some economies of scale may be possible. Weaknesses Unless a base amount for establishing a library is set at a sufficient level, library support from some areas could still be inadequate Existing libraries that are inadequately funded could continue to be inadequately funded. m. Countywide Serviceffwo Independent Libraries Existing Example La Crosse Public Library (City Library) and La Crosse County Library Governance City of Dubuque Public Library has a governing board. Dubuque County Library has a governing board. Funding City of Dubuque Public Library is supported by city residents. County Library is funded by countywide assessment excluding City of Dubuque or by a countywide assessment with distribution to the City Library and to the County Library based on property valuation. The City could then choose to fund its library at a higher level to supplement the County support. AdministrationlDirection City Library has one director who reports to its governing board. County Library has one director who reports to the County Library governing board. 18 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study ofLibrary Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants Service Delivery Each library serves the population from which its funding comes. Cooperative efforts between libraries could include automation, continuing education, purchasing, and staffing. Each library board would detennine the number of service outletslbrancheslbookmobile stops. Options: County library could be a main library located in a population center with branches in other communities and/or bookmobile stops. Or, The County Library could coordinate all services outside the City of Dubuque, but not be a direct provider itself Or, Local municipalities could provide and own facilities with the county paying for collections and staff at each branch location. Strengths Entire county population has access to library service. Economies of scale may be possible, although no Open Access funds would go to libraries now independent which would be branches of the County Library. Weaknesses: Autonomy is lacking for municipalities currently supporting libraries, i.e., Cascade and Dyersville. IV. Countywide Consolidated Service Existing Examples Scott County (Minnesota) and Marathon County (Wisconsin) Governance A single library board governs countywide library service. Appointment to the board is made by the County Board of 19 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants SupeIVisors and is based on proportions of rural and municipal populations. Options: Communities with branch libraries might choose to have advisory library boards. Funding Library seIVice is funded by a countywide assessment, applied to both rural and municipal populations. AdministrationIDirection There would be a single library administration, one director. All library employees would be under the direction of the single administration. Service Delivery The countywide seIVice would probably be headquartered in or near the City of Dubuque with branches throughout the county (and city) as determined by library board. Options: The number of branches might coincide with the current libraries in Cascade, Dyersville, and Farley (the consultants believe that the Holy Cross Library is too small to be sustained except as a volunteer operation or a deposit collection). Bookmobile service or a books by mail service might be the primary method of delivering service to rural residents. Strengths Entire county population has access to library service. Any resident within the county boundaries can use any/all of the libraries in the county. Economies of scale may be possible, although Open Access funds would be received only for use by people who live outside Dubuque County. Weaknesses: Autonomy is lacking for municipalities currently supporting libraries, i.e., Cascade and Dyersville. 20 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study ofLibr:uy Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Libr:uy Consultants RECOMMENDATIONS I. Regardless of tbe model selected, we believe tbat all residents of Dubuque County (and tbe State of Iowa) sbould bave access to publicly supported library service. Focus groups and survey respondents overwhelmingly supported this point of view. The current framework which allows municipalities to avoid providing library service or to provide library support only for those who demand it builds inequities and places the libraries providing service, rather than the communities not providing the service, on the defensive. At the same time, people need to acknowledge that quality library service is not free. National figures collected by the Public Library Data Service (1999) indicate the average per capita expenditures of reporting libraries serving populations of 50,000-99,999 (City of Dubuque's category) is $27.49, but with a high of$123.76 per capita. The average for those serving populations of 10,000-24,999 (County of Dubuque category) is $36.80, but with a high of $105.88. And, the average for those serving populations of less than 5,000 people (all the other municipalities in Dubuque County) is $40.90, with a high of$199.20 per capita. Comparable 1999 figures for the libraries in Dubuque County are: Carnegie Stout: $23.07; Dubuque County: $18.55; Matthias M. Hoffinan: $46.75; and Cascade $2601. 2. Given tbe current realities, we believe tbat some variation of Model II, "Countywide Library Service From Independent Libraries" witb a countywide tax distributed under a joint powers agreement is tbe most likely model to succeed at providing universal access and some degree of tax equity in Dubuque County. The Iowa Open Access Program encourages libraries to serve those who live in other library jurisdictions by providing a token payment for this service. Although the amount does not reflect the entire cost of providing the service, it is an important part of 21 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I A Study of Library Funding in Dubuque County, Iowa Himmel & Wilson, Library Consultants 3. some library budgets and should not be threatened by a countywide tax distributed under a joint powers agreement to provide universal access. State Statutes should clarifY that having a countywide tax for purposes of creating universal library access would not disqualifY the libraries of the county from receiving Open Access funds. If the status quo model of organization and funding is maintained, we recommend that the following changes be made to cover non-resident borrowing: . Libraries should offer non-resident service only to residents of communities that have formal agreements to pay the libraries directly for service provided. (No money should be collected across the counter and all payments should be made by units of government rather than by individuals.) This is intended to place the onus where it belongs, on the communities that don't provide service rather than on the libraries that do. . Fees charged should be trnly reflective of actual costs figured on "potential use" rather than on actual use. Residents ofDyersville and Dubuque are taxed for library service whether they use their libraries or not. Establishing non-resident fees (either through contracts or fees for non-resident cards) that are based on actual use provides "discounted library service" to communities that do not operate libraries. This provides a disincentive rather than an incentive for them to consider providing serYIces. . We would suggest that all libraries agree upon a standard fee or at least a standard formula for extending services to residents of other communities that do not have libraries of their own, 22 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Appendix Survey Urban Survey Charts Additional Urban Survey Comments Rural Survey Charts Additional Rural Survey Comments I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I DUBUQUE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES SURVEY I. Have you personally visited or called a public library in the last six months? _ a) Yes _b) No (If no, please skip to question 6) 2. Which libraryllibraries have you visited or called in the last six months? (Check all that apply) a) Carnegie Stout (Dubuque) _ b) Cascade Public Library _ c) Dubuque County Library-Farley d) Dubuque County Library-Holy Cross _ e) Dubuque County Library Bookmobile f) Matthias M. Hoffinan Public Library (Dyersville) g) Some other public library (please specifY) 3. On your last visit to the librarylbookmobile, which of the following did you do? (Check all that apply) _ a) Checked out books and/or other materials _ b) Returned books and/or other materials c) Asked a librarian for help _ d) Used a computer _ e) Used magazines, books, or newspapers at the library _ f) Used a reference source at the library _ g) Brought a child to a children's program at the library _ h) Used the photocopier _ i) Asked for something to be borrowed from another library _j) Attended a program, meeting, seminar, or class at the library k) Something else: (please describe) 4. In general, how satisfied are you with the library you use most often? a) Not at all satisfied _ b) Somewhat satisfied _ c) Satisfied _ d) Very satisfied _ e) Extremely satisfied 1 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 5. On a scale of 1-5 with 1 being very unsatisfied, and 5 being very satisfied, how satisfied are you with each of the following specific factors about the library (or bookmobile) you use most often? (Please circle one number rating for each letter item.) Very Very Don't know (or Unsatisfied Satisfied Unavailable) a) Convenient location 1 2 3 4 5 0 b) Convenient hours I 2 3 4 5 0 c) Adequate parking 1 2 3 4 5 0 d) Children's programs I 2 3 4 5 0 e) Adult programs 1 2 3 4 5 0 f) Helpfulness of staff 1 2 3 4 5 0 g) Friendliness of staff I 2 3 4 5 0 h) Up to date materials I 2 3 4 5 0 i) Adequate numbers of copies I 2 3 4 5 0 j) Adequate seating space 1 2 3 4 5 0 k) Up to date technologies I 2 3 4 5 0 1) General condition of building and grounds (or bookmobile) I 2 3 4 5 0 m) Safety/security I 2 3 4 5 0 (Please skip to Question # 7) 6. There are a number of reasons that some people don't use public libraries. Please indicate which of the following reasons apply to you personally. (Check all that apply) _ a) The library isn't open when I would use it. _ b) The library is too far away. _ c) I don't know much about libraries. _ d) I have no need to use a library. _ e) I don't have time. _ f) I don't have transportation to get to the library. _ g) I'm afraid I'll keep things too long and have to pay a fine. _ h) Other reason (please describe) 2 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 7. Approximately how long does it take to get from your home to the closest library or bookmobile stop? _ a) About five minutes b) More than 5 but less than 15 minutes _ c) More than 15 but less than 30 minutes d) More than 30 minutes e) Don't know 8. Do you have a computer at home? _ a) Yes _ b) No (lfno, please skip to question 10) 9. If you have a computer at home, do you have Internet access from your home computer? _a) Yes _b)No 10. Do you believe public libraries are: _ a) Essential to the quality oflife b) Very important, but not essential _ c) Somewhat important, but not essential _ d) Not very important e) Not at all important to the quality of life II. How much would you be willing to pay annually for library seIVice for your household? $ 12. Do you think public library seIVice should be available to all the residents in Dubuque County? _ a) Yes _ b) No Please provide the following information to help us ensure that we have fairly represented the different groups of people in Dubuque County. 13. How long have you personally lived in Dubuque County? _ a) Less than one year _ d) Between ten and twenty years _ b) Between one and five years _ e) Over twenty years _ c) Between five and ten years 14. What is your gender? _ a) Female _b) Male 15. Which of the following categories includes your age? _ a) 14-19 years _ d) 50-64 years _ b) 20-34 years _ e) 65-74 years _ c) 35-49 years _ f) 75 years or over 3 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 16. Which of the following categories best describes you at this time? _ a) Working full time _ b) Working part time _ c) Managing my home _ d) Going to school full time _ e) Retired _ t) Other (please describe) 17. What is the highest grade of school or year of college you completed? _ a) 8th grade or less _ b) Some high school c) High school graduate _ d) Some college or technical school _ e) Technical school graduate _ t) BNBS degree _ g) Advanced degree _ h) Other (please describe) 18. How many people in your household are pre-school or school-aged children? _ a) None _ d) Three _ b) One _ e) More than three _c) Two 19. What is your zip code? 20. Please feel free to add any comments or suggestions you would like to make about library services in Dubuque County below. 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'" " " " _0"'0"'0'" Cft.5.5.5I'O - ~ ~ ::110-- coooc:.l!!'E ~>->->t!~Q,l_ := :t: .'t:::::: ::I Q) .s:; 9> "OOooo.en~ 'a------U) 8.....NMmcoMc ooo"':g.....~ .g.~~~~N~ 0 NU')I/)I/)I/)U')I/)Z I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I City of Dubuque 11-30 survey Qn 2 Other libraries used: Auburn, W A E. Dubuque, IL Heritage Manor (nursing home) McGregor, IA Scott County, IA Qn 3 k Other activity (ies) on last visit Attended a meeting Bought books at library garage sale Did volunteer work Got tax forms Called reference desk to ask for help with question Microfiche viewer Tried to check out materials, but they said we need a library card from Holy Cross, and not Dubuque, but we are only 3 miles away from Dubuque. What's with that? Used anything to help write my research papers Used typewriter Video Watched TV and read paper Used microfilm machine Qn 6 h Other reasons people don't use public libraries Ninety years of age; unable to go Have access to institutional libraries As my sight is going and I don't have a car; I'm not able to use library as I used to At this time I don't use library; however, I have young children and will probably use it in the future. Because I live in Asbury and believe there is a fee which I can't afford. Don't have need to visit one Eye problems mainly I attend U. of Dubuque and use their library. I do occasionally use library for books and reference, but less than once a year. Don't have a lot of time and can't find what I want Don't know how to use the computer to find anything. I'd like to see more videos: movies and travel. I exchange books with my friends. So for the time I have, I'm provided with reading materials. I find it hard to use the computer and the staffis so busy it's hard to get help. I have access to Keystone Education Agency so I get most books from them-- also have a friend who's in a book club and she loans me books from her collection. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I have access to the Internet from my office. I have convenient access to an excellent college library. I only use library 6-10 times a year and the cost for non-Dubuque resident doesn't justify the fee to Carnegie Stout. I've had cataract surgery on both eyes and haven't been doing much reading. I'm 79 years old and my wife can't walk. Crushed vertebrae Internet access is so easy and convenient. Library location and parking Need to get a Peosta library card? First, don't have time. I live in Dubuque, but because my post office is Peosta, I couldn't get a card for Dubuque. No specific needs at this time. Last used 8 months ago for specialty item. None of these are a problem. Not much use for a library at this time. Child is too young yet so my husband and I only go down when we need to do research on autos or something. Poor parking available. Branch or new library needed on west side of Dubuque. Sometimes the library seems like a shelter for some people off the street. Use library at nursing home-Heritage Manor We have the net. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Urban Survey Comments (Question 20) I used libraries when I was younger & when I was a student. I don't need to use the library anymore. I read magazines, newspapers & paperbacks. That is all I have time to do. A public library should be funded by Federal funding and accessible to all residents of Dubuque Co. at no cost. It would be a great benefit to the community to offer programs to individuals to incr. Their potential to obtain more educ & possibilities of Appreciate that county residents have access to Carnegie Stout and hope this will continue Aside from low number parking spots available, I am very pleased. Very considerate and always try to please the customer. At our age we have no need for any library Don't feel library should be a paid for service to anyone Dyersville library - microfilm copier didn't work well. Cascade library - needs to have expanded hours. Sam from the bookmobile was very helpful & fiiendly. I know he's gone now. For a community of this size, Carnegie Stout is a great library. I'm not thrilled about the distance from my home or the limited parking situation, but it's a small sacrifice for the benefits I receive How much I would pay for library service depends on programs I would be able to utilize I am new to the area (I year). I find the one way streets take a while to get used to. The parking and location is not as fiiendly as other libraries I have used. But I do like the library, and will use it more in future. I am pleased with our library. Occasionally I have had problems with hours. The programs for kids are very good. Nice choice of books I am pleased with the public library and changes in the past few years. I would love to see a book drop on the west end I am satisfied with services at Carnegie Stout in Dubuque I am very pleased with C.S. Public library. I have 3 boys ages 8, 6 & 1.5 and the staff is always very helpful when I have questions regarding children's books. They have a wide variety of books I believe the reference section (microfilm-IA Book, etc.) needs to be brought together better in one area and not mixed with the seating area of the library I don't feel I should have to pay a fee to use the Public library since I live in Dubuque and have a Dubuque address. I would use the library more if not for this I don't feel that there should be a charge to use the library if there is there are people that will not be able to use it & reading is so important to everyone & the only way some would ever be able to read all the wonderful books I don't use the library much - when my children were small, we used it a lot. It was a great tool to help my kids like reading & they both do. My experiences there were always positive. I enjoy using the library. Don't know if! would pay for service. Would pay what would be my fair share. Would be willing to have some raise in taxes to go to library I feel that changing an additional fee for use oflibrary will deter people from using it. Students & many adults need library for educ. & reference help. Some need for entertainment because lonely I grew up in Dubuque and the library was always part of my life. I visited the library every week for over 20 years. I will again use it when I retire & have more time for reading. I have trouble finding what I am looking for and the staff is not helpful, they first point or say look in the card file. I got frustrated the few times I was there and just left. I know that other members of my family use the library services and I think that they are great I like to use Dub. Car. St. library I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I live in Asbury, IA and think it costs too much a year for library services. We would probably use it more ifit wasn't so costly, especially now that we have kids 2 years of age I mainly was using the library for research on my Genealogy. I was not very satisfied with the obituary file. I found more of my families obits listed at the Loras College Lib than at Cam. Stout I felt that was odd since yours is public & larger I most certainly appreciate the convenience of the bookmobile I take my grandchildren to the programs. They are great I understand library has computers but I question children using the programs and the age appropriateness due to sexual content on compo Since there's no monitoring maybe should put a lock on certain programs for different ages. I believe if library is I use audiotapes in my car as I travel. I feel the selection needs expanding and updating. More money needs to be allocated to library services. I don't feel we should have to pay for service. - it should be available to all. I would be nice if Library cards could be obtained at Carnegie-Stout instead of having to drive to Farley I would like to have evening & weekend children's programs offered. I would like to use library but the cost to check out a few books a year isn't worth it to me. Thanks for asking though. I'd like to see an annex out on the west end. I've been to the library (Carn. St) but don't go there often. In college, I use to use the library and the school. The downtown library was used as a last resort. I've used Carnegie Stout library. I seldom have time to go there due to the number of hours I work, but my grandchildren go there frequently & the selection is wonderful I've used the library many times and love it. The people are friendly & helpful. Library service fees - for those who are the only one per household or those who visit seldom, perhaps a small fee per visit (.50). It'd be like a book rental. That defeats the purpose of a public library, however. We can buy books at Goodwill for .50 Love the location - love the historic building - very helpful staff more books on tape - but get CDs More programs for young children (age3-7) on Saturday morning Mrs. S is a HUGE help and the kids love her. She is very upbeat and helpful all the time My children cut their teeth on Carnegie Stout. They are avid readers into their 30's and I'm sure beyond - Thank you My husband & I are in our 30's, full-time employees with an infant daughter. I myself would go to the library & we had the bookmobile. I notice the bookmobile makes stops at her daycare so when she's older we will get her involved with books. My married 7 children did use our fine library Need for bookmobile is no longer necessary in Dubuque county due to the upward mobility of all residents Need more large print books I Not willing to pay for service because that's what we pay taxes for. Our library (Carnegie Stout) is wonderful. Like the idea of renovating the original old part. But people are allowed to talk out loud. Library should be a quiet learning environment. Photocopier needs to be more updated. Our library needs to extend their hours and be open Sundays year round I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Overall I am pretty pleased with the services offered at our library. I've used the Internet service occasionally and would like it if the computers or modems were faster Prior to the recent renovation at CSPL I was appalled by "grunginess" of the place. A library shouldn't be a place where you look for a disinfectant shower as you leave. The Website is good. Consider young adults and identifY ways to reach out to them. Question #1 I - Ifan amount was filled in that blank, is that the $ charge I would have to pay? Do our taxes support the library? reading is cool Services are fine. Would really like to see a better selection of young adult novels. Way to much emphasis on occult & sex!' Some classes on how to look up material to find books, magazines, etc The Carnegie-Stout library should have free parking available The Dubuque library is very nice if I had children I'm sure we would use it The Dyersville library puts the Dubuque library to shame in terms of it's adult education programs The library needs employers eager to assist the public. My experience has been that they seemed put out to help. There is a great group of people working at Carnegie Stout. Most people are unaware of the work necessary to prepare books, magazines, audio & videotapes & computer programs for use by the public. They have many books that I need to use for my schoolwork. I am between the ages of 10-13 Utilized the library when kids were 4-13 yrs old. Since then, not too much very good library & service We appreciate the services offered. We believe that a library should be FREE to the residents of the community paying taxes to support it. The Carnegie Stout Personnel could be friendlier. We have no idea how to get a bookmobile schedule and the Dub. Carn library didn't help We live in Asbury included in the use of the Carnegie Stout library we use to enjoy the classic films that were shown at Carnegie Stout We would like to partake in Carnegie Stout library, but since we cannot get a library card for them we are at a disadvantage. Weekends are the only time I can get to the library. Close it on a weekday, but have it open on weekends What are they going to do with all the money that they already get? Is this another "give me more money" or are there some constructive ideas? The public is getting sick of creating "empires" to make a few feel important. When my children were younger (4 boys) we used the library all the time. Attended story time & special programs Would be nice to have more Internet work stations. Should change Internet access sessions to 45 minutes instead of30 minutes & back to back 30 minute sessions. Would allow more access for those doing research instead of "surfing" Would like to see more scholarly references & magazines at the library. We also need a medical science library in Dub. Co. even if it is small. Only medical libraries that are in Dub. Co. are at Mercy & Finley Hosp. & these are too small. 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I would like the county people to have the same rights as city when borrowing books. We have a shorter time to borrow things. A lot of people in the county work in city. Just don't read much My work schedule is about same as library hours No particular reason Bookmobile doesn't come close to me anymore and I miss schedule of where I could go to catch it My nearest library (Cascade) isn't free for me to use, so I don't use it and county library in Farley isn't near anything else unless you make a special trip. Use Internet for info; I don't read books. Watch too much TV and don't read enough We have so many books at home. I order from Scholastica so we've built our own library. Libraries are much needed though. My children will be exposed more as they grow up and will use a library. They bring books home from school library weekly. Eileen Eisherman said I lived 3 miles from town and could not use library. She was very bitter to us. Cascade. Children just now getting to age to utilize. Preschool Don't live in city, can't check out books. Dyersville Library too small. Not enough space and study. Nowhere to read and relax. Eyes are getting bad; getting too old. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Have many books of my own Have not familiarized myself with all possibilities the library has to offer. Would like to have a library with more computers for Internet access. Have not had occasion to use as of late Have our own info products Health and just married 6 months-so haven't had time I didn't need any info from it. I don't like to read. I have my own library. I need it, I use it-most of the time the book is out. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Rural Survey Comments (Question 20) All the books in the library are at such an elementary level. When I want to do real research on a subject it is hard to find upper level info. Also I feel it would be a positive think to have the most updated computer programs available to public. Already pay taxes for library service. Bookmobile only needs 3 week span for schedule of stops - 2 weeks is too close together Cascade needs a new bigger library County should pay for library services Don't live in Dubuque Co. Live in the town ofDyersville but it's in Del Co. Dyersville lib. Space is too small for volume of materials avail. Think too much food & beverage are used in library. By kids waiting for gymnastics & waiting for parents. Dyersville library needs to pay it's librarians less, build a bigger facility, then the Dyersville PD can have adequate room & get paid more. Head librarian makes more than the cops do. Sad. Dyersville library needs to relocate or rebuild. Current facility is inadequate Dyersville needs a new library Dyersville Staff is great - I travel from Epworth to Dyersville because of this Very helpful & encouraging of my children Dyersville's library - excellent; staff, assistance when needed, choice of material. Problem - too cramped Everyone in both the rural county area and in the towns & cities should all be taxed the same and all should have access to all libraries without additional costs Excellent Farley is too far away for eastern Dubuque County residents. Getting & renewing library card is too unhandy for county residents. County agreement with Carnegie is good arrangement. Good Have never used a public library. Public libraries should only be available to all residents in Dbq. Co if the cost stays down & doesn't raise our taxes. Hoffinan Library staff does an excellent job servicing patrons despite overcrowded and aged conditions. Current reading materials are available. I am a member of the Dyersville Library for 5 years. The staff goes out of their way to help you. I will never understand a community with such wealth. Just can't seem to get a new facility. My personal opinion this library is a disgrace to the community I am completely satisfied with everything I am particularly pleased with Matthias m Hoffman in Dyersville. I travel extensively and enjoy their large selection of book on tape I believe children remember more from reading a book, than watching TV or a computer I believe it's ridiculous & a waste of time that I (as an Epworth resident) am required to have a Dyersville library card before I could get a Carnegie Stout library card. I believe libraries should be free to all regardless of ability to pay. It would be appropriate (even good) to ask for donations up to two times per year. More often than that is a waste of people's time & foundation funds, because people just start I do a lot of genealogy research and I feel the library is a very important research tool. Also a great place for children to visit our world and gain the vast knowledge they need. I do not use it very often but there are times I like to read things in book form I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I don't like it when the bookmobile gets a book that is on the reserve list and it takes so long to be able to check it out from the library I don't live in Dubuque Co. I have lived in Jones Co. for 10 yrs. I don't think you should have to pay to use a library. One of the greatest "freedoms" we have is the library to expand our knowledge or for the pure enjoyment of reading a good book (at no cost) P. S. Don't forget the resources in the library for school project. I don't use library services much now, but probably will more in the future as my child gets older I enjoy visiting the town library & find it helpful to study & my kids love to check out books I especially like the hours that they have now. I think they are open every night til 8:00. I can go there after I get off work if! want. They probably could use some more new books - they need to weed out some of the older ones. I feel that all Dub. Co. residents should be able to use the library in Dub City and have a card. I feel that the Co library is too small. I go to Dyersville for books on tape. The co library has a shorter list for reserved books. I feel the DBQ library should have a branch on the west end - they have excellent reference section I have been to Dubuque's library and it is awful - not friendly - no lenience on late material. Dyersville is great compared to Dubuque I haven't personally used the library but once our family starts, I'm sure we will. I've heard great things about the programs and activities you do for children. I like Hoffinan library better than Farley's. It has more updated books for children. Farley has so many old books. The newer books have better pictures making it more interesting to my boys when they or I read. I think all residents of Dbq Co should be able to use any library they wish without extra charge. We are all taxpayers. I also think there should be some classes on how to use the modem library such as Carnegie Stout. I think Dub. Co. has a very good library, however we are very seldom in the Farley area to take advantage of it I think it is terrible the $'s spent on libraries. Rent? A man driving the bus around for 18 years. I think reading is the most important of all because if you know how to read it opens windows to other subjects I think the bookmobile should be retired. The selection of children's books on it is the same as when I was a child 40 years ago. This day & age people can make it to a local library just as easily as the bookmobile. I was looking for information when I contacted the Cascade library. They were very helpful I wish there wasn't a fee for out of city limit people to use Carnegie Stout library. My children are in the Dubuque school district, but have to pay to use the library. I wish they had more selection of magazines I would like Cascade library open on Mondays. I would like to see more books & tapes. Would also like to be able to check video tapes out at the library in Farley I would like to see more children's programs not the same old same old but short (not 6 wk) programs geared to pre-schoolers. Maybe visits to bring the books to life (Amelia Bedilia etc) If I want a book I buy it then sell it to a 2nd hand store I'm on a limited income so I would not be able to contribute directly to a library but I'm sure I could afford a few dollars on my taxes. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I'm very pleased with the service of being able to get books through interlibrary loan. I've heard complaints from parents about their children not having enough access to computers of the library or the library is just not open long enough to use the computers. More computers needed. keep libraries alive Library fees should be provided by taxes we pay Library services are very good at the Dbq Co library in Farley. For me it is very convenient Make it easier to get the cards and more things at different times for children More genealogy sources My 4-year-old loves the bookmobile. We hope it can keep going. My children use the library when in school and I also use it when I can My two sons were in the summer library program and loved it. My second oldest son loves to read now. We enjoy the library and feel it is a great asset to our community. It is my fault we don't get there more often. Our kids are in school and ifthey need any info they use the computer or reference books in school. When my kids go to college I would imagine they would use the school library or computers. I have only needed to use the Farley library a couple of times Overall, we are satisfied with the Cascade library and the staff. Public libraries should be in all small towns, even if it would be one small room. Should keep it. Reading is essential for our growing youth Should we have to pay to have our mail delivered too? What's next? Staff extremely courteous and helpful Service fee would penalize low inc. families Raise Friends membership chg. Need more space at Dyersville. Couldn't find books on infertility. Couldn't check out book at DBQ cause didn't have my Dyersville card. Thank you for taking time to look at ways to service the public. My oldest child wants to go to the library, but the times do not allow us. The Dyersville library is very well staffed. I appreciate all of their help The library in Dub is very good. The parking leaves a bit to be desired but other than that, no complaints. Sometimes I could use some help for computers or maybe they could have very explicit directions for a 101 beginner. There was a period of time that kids outside Dyersville city limits were not allowed to check out books in Dyersville library. I found this to be personally insulting to deny our children access to this valuable resource. What is the point of this action? We already pay enough taxes We do enjoy our Dub. Co. library. Books old & new, fill our evenings with knowledge and entertainment We do not have library cards, we are on a limited budget. I have been working on family history and I do research through the libraries We pay for library service in taxes. Libraries should be available to all just like public schools. We're lucky to have what we have We've been very satisfied What about offering computer or Internet classes for people, especially those age 40 and over? With all the info available on the Internet it will be hard for public libraries to compete to stay open I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I Would be helpful to know about yearly fees and what is available at the library including movie rental, story time for children, etc. in the form of a flyer or add in the paper. Would be willing to pay membership but not for other people losing books, etc. Would pay whatever necessary