2007 Annual Report - Town of Wilton

Hodge, Administrative Secretary. The Parks &Grounds staff was comprised of: Jim Flynn,Superintendent; Doug Katz, Foreman; ElioMignogna; Mike Pirre; John Guerra; and PatD’Agostino, Crewmen.Chris Giovino, ChairmanWilton LibraryAssociation, Inc.Wilton Library’s expansion, completed in April,2006, has created an exceptional resourcefor the community and an oasis for lifelonglearning, culture and exchange of ideas at theheart of Wilton Center. The project won twoprestigious design awards in 2007: The ChicagoAthenaeum American Architecture Award andthe Connecticut Excellence in Public LibraryArchitecture Award. We are proud not only ofthe structure itself, a collaboration of elegantand functional modernist design by Eliot Noyes(1975) and Tai Soo Kim Partners (2006), butalso of the outstanding programs, services andcollections that are delivered within its walls andthe continuing partnership between Library andTown that underlies all funding.The building, its staff and programs have allreceived significant statewide and nationalattention for innovation and high quality inrecent years. Regional meetings and tours haveestablished Wilton Library as a model for librariesin communities across Connecticut. Those whovisit are enthralled with the magnificent BrubeckRoom used for lectures, panel discussions,concerts and social events. They marvel at theNortheast’s first drive-up window, a boon for pickup and delivery when parking spaces are filled orweather is inclement. They understand our pridein the number and variety of meeting spaceswithin the building – and most often find themfilled with municipal, business and organizationmeetings, classes, study groups and seminars.The Teen Area with its fabulous murals (designedand executed by Wilton teens themselves),comfortable chairs and extensive collectionsis a particular focus for visitors, as is the broadexpanse of the Children’s Library where artworkand books provide a magnificent backdrop foryoung listeners and readers and the craft/storyroom allows flexibility in a busy and creativeprogram schedule for children and parents.A spirit of continual improvement has been thehallmark of Wilton Library programs, collectionsand services this past year. An increase inopen hours from fifty-four to fifty-nine perweek took effect in July, 2007, allowing us toserve commuters and students better. A new“world languages” collection of magazines,newspapers and books now extends serviceto those who speak and read languages otherthan English. Recent technology advancesinclude the ability to simulcast programsin auxiliary spaces within the Library toaccommodate overflow crowds for concertsand speakers and the broadcast of programrecordings on our web site. In addition, a selfcheckstation permits customers to check theirown materials out, providing faster service forthose with busy schedules.Our new building and the educational andcultural offerings it makes possible are not theonly source of pride for our community. Othertowns in Connecticut are increasingly interestedin the public-private partnership that existsbetween the Wilton Library Association andthe Town of Wilton. Annually, the Association,a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, raisesapproximately 22% of its budget from privatesources, while the Town of Wilton providesthe balance through a municipal grant. Duringthe recent capital campaign, private donorscontributed $6.6 million toward the project atthe same time that residents voted by largemajority to support the expansion with a $4.8million bond. Working together, the Town andthe Association have continued over the yearsto provide the very best in library service tothose who live and work in Wilton.Kathy Leeds,Director of Wilton LibraryEducation, Culture, & Recreation15