Cape May County, New Jersey -- Page 1 Category: Libraries ... · Program. Library personnel are currently visiting over 100 people per month for participation in the this program,

Cape May County, New Jersey -- Page 1

Category: Libraries

Title: Reinventing the Library System

Abstract

Technology has changed the world and libraries are among the many services that are

struggling to keep up with the shift in visitor needs and expectations. The Cape May County

Library, similar to others, was facing aging infrastructure, declining visitors and lagging in

technology. Steps were taken to stay ahead, but they had to reinvent themselves to keep up

with the growing demands. New programs were needed to draw new patrons and retain

existing ones. Based on county demographics, the libraries needed to become community

centers that offered more than what existed.

The County has 95,000 winter residents, an aging population, a seasonal tourism economy and

a high employment rate. The eight libraries within the system needed updating to better

address change and stay relevant. Through a series of meetings, the Library Commission,

Freeholders and local officials, a plan to renovate, expand or rebuild the existing eight

structures was developed. The challenges were huge but not insurmountable. The concept

was to create community centers that would attract visitors of all ages, incorporate new

programs to meet the changing needs. Each building required specific design elements to fit

within the character of the community. By the end of 2016, overall growth at the eight

libraries increased by 37%

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Problem

The libraries needed to reinvent themselves to meet the needs of the residents. The problems were two-fold, aging infrastructure and lack of technology which was hindered by the fact that the existing buildings were not equipped to allow for seamless electronic communication or Wi-Fi , and didn't provide adequate space for programs beyond book storage and reading areas.

Declining use of the libraries was a serious concern shared by libraries throughout the country. Evaluation of the demographics of our county indicated 23.6% of the resident population was under 18 years old and 21.6 were over 65 years old, with a per capita income of $33,882 and medium household income of approximately $56,000. The County was experiencing a growing Hispanic population with language barriers. There was vital a need to provide school children access to computers after school hours, and create a learning center to allow children without computers to keep up with new technology and provide resources to aid in learning. There was also a need to provide adults with programs that addressed wellness and to keep them informed in a changing world.

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Description

The library improvements included major renovations or total rebuilds and was part of a ten year plan. The majority of the construction work was done during the past five years, with a major renovation of the main library that included an addition of a sun room, allowing for space for the Technology Learning Center. Three new libraries were built and opened starting in January 2012. The new Sea Isle City library was completed in December 2011 and the doors opened in January 2012. The library, overlooking the bay and wetlands, went from a 2150 SF building to 14,250 SF with a geothermal heating and other green elements to save on energy costs. The Wildwood Crest branch opened in August 2015, and grew from a 5800 SF, to a new building that is 10,000, and offers an ocean view of the Atlantic from the observation deck on the second floor balcony and a green roof for energy efficiency. The Stone Harbor branch opened in December 2016, completing the final phase of construction, and went from 750 SF, to a new library 9400 SF, overlooking the beach along the Atlantic Ocean.

The construction projects encompassed collaboration between four municipalities, engineers, local code officials, architects and contractors. County oversight provided by the county Facilities and Services Director and staff was crucial to ensure compliance, cooperation with local government and construction was on time and on budget. Added to the building project was scheduling construction within the parameters of the three seasonal beach resorts, that experience a huge influx of visitors and traffic during the summer months.

The new programs were put into place to reinvent the function of the libraries and grow a new visitor base which included adding innovative programs that best meet the needs of the residents. Creating new gathering places and new resources was the focus and the onus in customizing the buildings to match the character and demographic of the community. The programs were added and buildings designed to allow for the new functions in the buildings. Open casual space and seating allowed for multi use and made them welcoming. One of programs was added to address older and handicapped patrons is the Homebound Program. Library personnel are currently visiting over 100 people per month for participation in the this program, and delivers to their home books and other materials for those who cannot physically come to the Library.

As part of the wellness program, three different exercise classes are held, each geared towards older patrons (24 classes a month), in addition to a large selection of audio books, large print and hearing assistance devices are available for reading and programs conducted at the main branch. Creative Arts for Adults with Special Needs classes are held each month. Using new technology and helping families preserve their important documents, the library staff is digitizing photos, documents, local newspapers, old pamphlets, postcards, news clippings, etc. They starting a project that will have local people tell their stories/history, which we will capture digitally.

Cape May County, New Jersey -- Page 4 (Description Continued)

Other programs outside of the still popular lending library include; Nature classes tied to the local coastal environment, encompassing the eco/nature based assets of the county. Multiple nature classes are held at each month branch.. The series of nature classes are sponsored by local naturalists and organizations, such as the Wetlands Institute, Cape May Bird Observatory, Conserve Wildlife of NJ, Rutgers Extension, Master Gardeners and NJ Audubon. Many invited speakers are nationally known and provide residents with unique opportunities learn about the environment, sustainability, and the unique birding found in the region. These lectures also include experiences such as eco boats trips, demonstrations and watchable wildlife trips.

Local History seminars as told by local historians, authors and residents give patrons open the branches for community involvement and give patrons a better understanding the county. These have been very successful and attendance increased each time they were presented.

Seven cooking classes each month are held to teach healthy eating and cooking, two classes are for children to teach nutrition and guidance in healthy eating and snacking. Exercise and Health classes are provided for all ages, with 17 exercise classes a week at various branches, at least two health classes per week are offered, including nutrition and meditation, drawing patrons from between their 20s to 80s.

Community involvement is another part of the programming. Various classes are sponsored by or given by local businesses to instruct on banking, taxes, home repairs, energy savings and other topics of interest to the community. Bi-lingual classes were also presented.

Art classes are also offered for all age levels with two Fine Arts classes a month focusing on watercolors, oil painting, charcoal and line drawing. A variety of craft classes and also offered including knitting, jewelry making, crocheting. Games such as mahjong, bridge, scrabble, bingo, and other adult board games draw people on their late 20s and early 30s.

With reading still a focus on the library, there are three youth and adult book clubs that meet at the library to discuss books. More bi-lingual books are available for lending.

Author Visits and book signings are one of the fastest growing programs offered, a variety of local and regional authors and at least 1 national author present a talk each year. One Book - One Cape May is an annual month long event that encourages Cape May County people to all read the same book. This current book on the list is Orphan Train – the author come in May to speak to patrons. Additionally, there are multiple tie in events Including a talks by local historians and residents .

Family, Teen and Children’s Programs

13 traditional Story Times a week, six monthly Minecraft Clubs, four monthly Lego clubs, 12 monthly Art @ the Library programs, cooking classes and monthly special events, like Stuffed Animal Sleepovers, Family Dance Parties, Star Wars Day.

Movies nights, Cosplay class, Creative writing, book clubs.

Several Home school programs a year, to encourage homeschooled kids and their parents to see what the library offers. These are very popular.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program – encourages parents to read 1,000 books to their children before kindergarten to promote literacy. Prizes for numerical goals and a “graduation” ceremony takes place when they reache 1,000.

Teens - Teen Minecraft, Dungeons and Dragons, Video and Board Game nights. A monthly LGBTQIA Social Group. STEAM Clubs. A volunteer program, that allows Teens to get involved in Community Service, help with game nights, other programs, and various projects in the Teen and Children’s areas.

Summer Reading Programs The summer programs encourage children to reading over the summer. They complete reading logs and get weekly prizes, with a grand prizes at the end. There are multiple programs throughout the summer, on average 550 kids participate in the summer programs.

Outreach The Library participates in many local events, such as the 4H Fair, Coast Guard Day, community special events, Earth Day, Law Day and job fairs, taking the library into the community. They partner with many local organizations and businesses, such as, 4H, County Wellness Center, the Zoo, Rutgers’s Extension, Coast Guard base, WASP drone club, Mid Atlantic Center for the Arts, Cape May Bird Observatory, NJ Audubon, Sturdy Savings Bank, Green Street Cuisine (cooking class sponsor), Middle Township PD, Home Depot, Bar Association and County Clerk. The staff communicates with patrons via Social Media, email and text messaging and online newsletters, in addition to meetings in the libraries.

Other The materials collection has changed over the past five yearsl. There are many more Large Print books and Books on CD for older patrons and reading material for multicultural groups . The Video Games draw in Teen and New Adult (20’s and early 30’s) patrons. Currently, there are over 16,000 eBooks, eAudios and eMagazines for download. The library staff assists people every day with job applications, resumes and setting up email and social media accounts.

Cape May County, New Jersey -- Page 5 (Description Continued)

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Responding to Economic Downturn

Many of the programs instituted were based on the needs of the residents with emphasis on providing computers, training and internet use to those who did not have the means or capabilities. The number of low income families with school age children without computer access was an issue that needed to addressed. Most of the schools provided computer skills classes but access was not available after school hours and weekends. It was imperative that the new libraries be equipped to provide free access to computers and related technology, and offer training to those who did not have access at home.

The nature of our seasonal economy, with 60.5% of employment in the county coming from the tourism industry, high unemployment during the winter months, and with more than half of the workforce filling entry or low level jobs in the service industry. Online job searches and application submission along with unemployment benefits are all accessed on line. There was a need to provide computers and internet service for those individuals. Schools were requiring more online access for homework assignments for all grades. Communication vis email has become more dependent on internet access. The county saw the need to provide these services to those who did not have access.

The aging population in the county was also a concern. More than one in five residents (23.6%) are 65 and older, many categorized as low income, some with disabilities, and a majority did not have computer skills, lacked basic technology skills and did not have access to computers. The need to provide technology services for them to function in today's environment was identified as a priority. Lack of skills impacted them in filing for social security, medical assistance and other benefits. Understanding using cell phones was a challenge for many.

There was also a wide sector of residents that needed to learn basic skills for computers, smart phones, GPS and tablets. The demographics of the county also indicated the need for programs for other life skills such as wellness, exercise, healthy eating and reading, as well as socializing and learning new skills and hobbies that would not be afforded to them on a limited income.

Activities for teens was also a factor in developing new space and programs. The seasonality of the ten resort towns within the sixteen municipalities of the county resulted in few activities for teens during the summer months. The county has recreation centers and sport activities but does not have organizations such as YMCA or other teen centric organizations. The main library expanded specifically to allow for a teen center and added programs that challenged teens academically as well as providing a video and robotic center.

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Use of Technology

In addition to the technology driven equipment used in the renovations and building of the eight libraries in the county. Many of the new programs instituted included a varied use of technology training and implementation. New computer stations, laptops, 3D and wireless printers, portable Wi-Fi for lending, tablets, digital photography and video equipment, as well as programs and software that allows patrons to learn, use and produce movies, graphic art, newsletters, databases and apps. E-books and e-magazines and downloadable devices.

Technology Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC allowed for one-on-one assistance for patron needing help learning or setting up tablets, phones, cameras, software. A Maker Space was provided that has two 3D printers, computers with Art and Photography software, sewing machines, robotics, devices to learn how to do computer programming (coding), music recording, wood burner, soldering irons, etcher, T shirt press, vinyl cutter.

STEAM Club - 2 clubs a month. Experiments have included magnetic slime, wetlands in a pan (with the Wetlands Institute), stop motion videos, forensic crime scenes (with the Middle Township PD Detectives), drones (with the WASP club).

Portable Wi-Fi units that can be taken home, if patron does not have internet available. Portable basic computers that can be taken home. Together will let kids do homework.

The TLC frequently helps people set up newsletters and social media for their businesses and organizations.

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Cost of the Program

The capital costs for the renovations are estimated at $2.5 million and includes total renovations costs after 2012. Cape May County consists of 16 municipalities with 10 located along the Atlantic Ocean coast line. Property costs along the barrier islands are considered some of the highest in the state.

Sea Isle City branch was $6,401,483.

Stone Harbor $5,065,436 for construction and additional costs included $750,000 for the purchase of land on a coastal community. Design costs added another $500,000 to the total costs for that project.

Wildwood Crest branch construction came in at $5,374,595, with land costs adding another $400,000.

Operating Costs for eight branches and Bookmobile, includes purchasing of books, audio books, periodicals, microfilm, video games, DVDs, computers and equipment, software and programs are as follows: Materials: $892,000.00 Programs: $727,800.00 Utilities: $273,000.00 Salaries and Wages: Salaries: $3,641,961.00 Fringe: $581,700.00 Health: $1,600,000.00

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Results/Success

By the end of 2016, hours at all locations were expanded to include night and weekends to meet the needs or the residents. The Technology Learning Center which was started in 2015, offers ten programs a month, and helps more than 150 teens, one-on-one monthly. Servicing approximately 25,000 kids and teens with programs, visit schools and provide multiple Home School Programs. The Bookmobile now visits senior centers, day care centers, and local community Homework Centers.

Inventory and metrics were taken after the reopening of each branch to measure the impact of the new and renovated buildings and added programs. Annually, results showed growth in visitors, and found the use of the libraries increasing and the communities were embracing them as gathering places for learning and multicultural socialization.

Using 2010 as a benchmark, the Library system had 351,000 books, 11,000 audio books, 20,000 DVDs, 5000 music CDS, 350 Video Games and 700 magazines. There were 120 computers for the public to use and access to 90 databases, and downloadable audios and e-books.

In 2013, a year after the opening of the Sea Isle City branch, the Cape May County library had 356,000 books, 14,000 audio books, 25,000 DVDs, 7000 music CDS, 1000 Video Games and 700 magazines and thousands of downloadable audio and e-books. The Computer Lab morphed into the Technology Learning Center (TLC), offering one-on-one tech help, as well as computer and tech classes. The Library offered 2000 programs, with 41,000 participants.

In 2015, after the opening of the Wildwood Crest branch , over 2,300 programs were offered, with more than 44,000 patrons participating. The TLC added a Maker Space, 3D printers, robotics and other creative machines that were available to patrons.

At the end of 2015, the Library had 360,000 books, 12,000 audios, 7500 music CDs, 32,000 DVDs, 1700 Video Games and 700 magazines. Downloadable eBooks, audio books and magazines continued to gain in popularity. In 2015, over 65,000 e-books, audios and magazines were downloaded. A new Bookmobile took to the road delivering services to schools.

In 2016, with the opening of the Stone Harbor branch and expanded main branch, over 2,700 programs were offered, with more than 55,500 patrons participating. They had 387,000 books, 20,000 audios, 7600 music CDs, 32,000 DVDs, 2000 Video Games and 700 magazines and e-Magazines. Over 72,000 e-books, audios and magazines were downloaded.

By the end of 2016, construction was completed and new programs were initiated, the library participants went to 62,000; 9,000 children’s cards (under 14) and 4,000 Visitor cards were issued, 600,000 items were checked out and 525,000 people used the libraries, 200,000 people used computers. 150,000 people logged into the library webpage and used databases (genealogy, newspaper searches, homework help, job searches/applications, Facebook, games and internet, representing a overall growth of 37% in participants, and 36% growth in programs from 2012 to 2016. The libraries once again became a thriving go to place for learning and social interaction.

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Worthiness of Award

Staying ahead of technology advancement is a daily struggle for schools, colleges and libraries. Meeting the needs of the community goes beyond the traditional book lending concept. The County Library was facing many challenges that required capital investment, innovative ideas and vision. The project needed collaboration with local governments, buy in from the community and support from the county employees who needed to make the construction appear seamless as they continued to provide services in temporary housing or disrupted space.

The staff and management was the key to the success of the programs and their ability to go from a lending library with limited programs to giving instructions to large groups to Smartphone set up or helping groups write a newsletter. The creativity and engagement of the staff encouraged children of all ages to participate in learning programs. They are dedicated to producing results and growing the visitor base. For example, during the summer reading program they challenged the children to read more books, if they met the goal, the staff would eat bugs. The goal was met, the staff ate bugs, and the children learned that reading was fun. Their ease in working with adults, elderly and those with language barriers to understand technology and participate in new programs was a large part of the success and growth of the library system.

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Supplemental Materials - Photos of the libraries built/renovated since 2012

Sea Isle City, NJ Library opened in 2012

Wildwood Crest, NJ Library opened in 2015

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Stone Harbor, New Jersey Library, opened in 2016

Renovation to Main Library in Cape May Court House, NJ - addition of a sun room in the front of

the building for TLC, opened in 2016

Cape May County, New Jersey -- Page 13 (Supplemental Materials Continued)

The Cape May County, New Jersey Bookmobile - added in 2015, serves 16 municipalities and

schools and many daycare facilities.