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Mahoning County library plan calls for fewer, larger branches
BOARDMAN
Mahoning County’s public-library system is slated to evolve into one with fewer and larger branches under a strategic plan adopted by library trustees.
“Fewer locations would result in longer hours and more-efficient staffing patterns,” according to the MyLibrary 2020 plan adopted Thursday by trustees of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.
The larger and newer locations that offer more facilities, equipment and programs are better used, the plan says.
One of the plan’s goals is to “evaluate the number of branches in the system for effectiveness of modern service and cost-effectiveness” and develop by the end of 2014 a six-year facilities plan to address “locations, closures and consolidations,” including the possible merger of the Brownlee Woods and Struthers branches.
“It [the plan] focuses on creating a vibrant, customer-friendly library system,” said Heidi M. Daniel, library director. “It focuses on modern services.”
The concept of fewer and larger libraries has been articulated in previous library strategic plans, but not fulfilled, Daniel said.
“Our larger regional facilities are the locations that are better-used. They have better facilities. They have better technology,” she said.
“It’s going to come together. It’s going to be a larger service. It’s going to better serve the public. It’s going to be more up-to-date,” Dr. David Ritchie, board president, said of a library system structured around fewer and larger branches.
The plan has many other goals, including strengthening learning support for preschool and school-age children and older adults; improving the mobile Pop-Up Library that travels in a pickup truck; and expediting delivery of library materials to patrons.
Trustees adopted a formal resolution to place a real-estate tax levy on the Nov. 4 ballot. The levy will be a 1.8-mill renewal with an added 0.6 mill. A 1-mill levy is to be allowed to expire at the end of this year, giving the taxpayers an 11 percent savings.
The county commissioners now will have to vote to put the levy on the ballot. The issue must be submitted to the county board of elections by Aug. 6.
Daniel announced co-chairmen of the levy campaign will be Lori Shandor, campaign and gift planning director at the Park Vista Retirement Community in Youngstown, and Danny Catullo, owner of Catullo Prime Meats in Boardman.
The campaign treasurer will be Carlton Sears, retired library director.