The value of the Chili Public Library

What would it cost you to buy four books, rent two DVD’s and take your child out for an afternoon activity? Using the Return of Investment calculator at http://www.libraryweb.org/libraryroi.html the estimated cost is $114. The calculator was originally provided by the Massachusetts Library Association and then adapted for the web by the Stanislaus County Library,

Here at the Chili Public Library books and DVD’s can be check-out for free using your library card and the we offer free programs to children on a regular basis.

In study after study researchers find that libraries are a good investment, putting anywhere from $4 to $8 dollars back into the community for every dollar spent on them. Some studies put the return on investment (ROI) at over $10 or more per dollar invested.

After you visit us, try out the Rate of Investment spreadsheet to see how much you have saved.

Welcome

Welcome to the Chili Public Library Director's Blog.

My name is Jeff Baker, director of the Chili Public Library. I will be using this new format to inform you of the exciting doings here at the library and on our website www.libraryweb.org/chili.

Next week I will be celebrating my six month anniversary here at CPL. I am glad to be part of this valued resource to the community. Our books, DVD’s, and audio books continue to fly off the shelves. By the end of 2007 our materials will have circulated an estimated 346,400 times! We will also have had 183,000 visits to the library.

This year we responded to our patrons' requests for more computers by obtaining 24 new public terminals. We also acquired a new server, color printer, and improved the library’s security system. Be sure to come and see our new Brightboard which the Friends of the Chili Public Library purchased for the library. The Brightboard is a digital signage system that informs visitors of upcoming programs and events at the library. We have started a new “Dewey Dusters” program where volunteers adopt sections of the library to help keep the library clean, neat and orderly. Also, I am happy to report this year the library has two new Library Board members, Christina Reece and James Myers.

During the short time I have been here, I have enjoyed working with the library staff, volunteers, library board and Friends to meet the educational, professional and recreational information needs of our patrons. Next year looks to be just as exciting. Some things to look forward to will be a new and improved Chili Public Library webpage, increased programming for teens, and added new formats to the collection.