finance_budget_cultural_recreational_2012 - Cabarrus County

Concord Library
Mandated Service
No. All public library systems in North Carolina receive State Aid to Public Library Grant funds annually. These grants are appropriated by
the North Carolina Legislature and are disbursed through the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Cultural
Resources. In order to receive these grant funds, several requirements must be met. In regard to the local budget process is the
requirement that the library “secure operational funds from local government sources at least equal to the average amount budgeted and
available for expenditure for the previous three years.”
Mission
The Cabarrus County Public Library will strive to provide for the cultural, educational and recreational needs of all citizens of Cabarrus
County by providing equal access to a variety of books, materials, programs and other resources and information that meet and exemplify
the diverse needs of those we serve. We will provide a customer service oriented, knowledgeable and well trained staff that will promote
the enjoyment of reading and support the pursuit of lifelong learning.
Program Description
The Concord Library serves as the main library for the Cabarrus County Public Library system. Although the library is situated in Concord
and serves the City of Concord, it serves the entire county due to the size and central location. This library offers a full range of services
including circulation, reference, children’s services, public computers, a local history room and outreach to the homebound. As the main
library, collection development, acquisitions, cataloging and processing of library materials are carried out there. The library director’s office
is also in this library. The Concord Library building and grounds are owned by Cabarrus County.
FY 2011 Major Accomplishments & Challenges
Accomplishments:
1) New computer system installed;
• A better catalog for the public that is more convenient, employs state of the art search technologies, has more visual appeal, is easier to
use and engages users in a meaningful way; increased functionality enables staff to assist patrons move efficiently and accurately.
2) Renovation of the Concord Library;
• Changes were made to accommodate new technologies and to maximize use of space; the circulation desk area was expanded with a
larger service desk and increased staff workspace; the local history room moved from the second floor to the first floor to occupy the larger
th t i l th b k bil t t d t tt t t t th lib th hild ’ d d
3) One Book One Community Program;
• Two month community program that included over 25 events and programs centered around “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien;
involved over a dozen community partners.
• This project was funded primarily with grants and donations.
4) Successful Summer Reading Program;
• Encouraged and motivated children and families to read for pleasure; helped school age children maintain their reading skills during the
summer; introduced children and their families to the resources of the library.
• Over 4,000 children participated; over 600 teens participated; over 1,200 adults participated.
5) Implementation of Family Literacy Program.
• This program was designed to increase the amount of time the families read with their pre-school age children. Taught the 6 pre-literacy
skills that every child should know before entering Kindergarten; in six months over 100 families participated in the program and over 150
children were impacted; the project was funded by Smart Start funds.
Challenges:
1) Small staff and limited hours continue to be a challenge. It is often difficult to meet the needs of the public.
2) More updated materials are needed to meet the needs of the public.
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