Goals and Priorities

By Constance B. "Connie" Davenport

Full description of my goals and priorities.

• PVLD is recognized as the Peninsula's primary community center for lifelong learning and personal enrichment for all;
• PVLD is financially secure forever; and
• PVLD is an outstanding provider of library services, meriting national recognition.

My main priority for the District is to maintain the current high level of service.

Over the past year, as the economy has weakened, the usage of all of our three libraries has increased by ten percent. The District has struggled and managed to maintain the expected level of service despite the increased usage and the current fiscal challenges.

The community does not realize that the tax revenues cover only very basic District operations. The additional services and events such as the Summer Reading Program, major programs and events, public Internet access, Sunday open hours, and the Teen Annex, are supported by the Peninsula Friends of the Library (PFL), the District's official nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. This fiscal year, the PFL will double its contribution to our revenues from 2.5% to 5%. The District's program to increase internal income from fines and fees, facilities rentals, the passport service, etc. now contributes about 6% to our revenues.

Specific near-term goals for the District were spelled out last April in a Trustee Statement on a new approach to fundraising:

"While we are developing long-term technology, facility and program plans for the District, the Board believes that the most pressing current needs are at Miraleste and Malaga Cove. At Miraleste, for example, we believe we should first meet (i) the need for separate space for children and teens and/or (ii) the need for more computers for community use. At Malaga Cove, we believe we should first meet (i) the need for more computers for community use and/or (ii) the need for more quiet space."

What is abundantly clear at this point in time is that none of the District's goals will be met without a major increase in fundraising.

Developing a long-term incremental fundraising program for the District now is imperative if we are to maintain the level of service the community expects.

I have been on the Board Fundraising committee for my entire tenure on the Board. We are now working with the PFL to develop a new Fundraising Plan and model.

I ask for your vote on November 3, 2009 so that I can continue this essential work.

Vote for Experience, Understanding, Continuity and Leadership!