Regional Library Service Model
 

September 28, 2009

Dear Citizens of Gwinnett County,

I would like to personally thank our customers for their support of the Gwinnett County Public Library, particularly over these past few months. Although we are currently experiencing a rough economic climate, we are excited about the future and what it holds for this county. 2009 was a landmark year for our library system. Once again, all use indicators were up to include a circulation increase taking us to over 7.5 million. The greatest increase was found with programming attendance being up a staggering 27%.

As we work to serve our library customers, to build strong relationships, and to deliver quality, comprehensive programming and services, we rely on our core principles to guide our decisions and actions, ensuring everything we do is beneficial to our shared community of Gwinnett County. I speak for all of the employees of the library when I say we are committed to maintaining the high level of exceptional customer service, collections, and programs we have all come to expect. We believe that it is our responsibility to live up to the standards we have set for this organization while continually looking for ways to enhance and increase services to meet the needs of our ever changing community.

As Gwinnett County continues to grow, so does the library's opportunity to have an even greater impact on this community, especially during these challenging economic times. In an effort to meet our more limited financial parameters while satisfying the needs of this community, we are shifting to a Regional Service Model that includes three computer access Libraries. Customers will be able to use computers for longer periods of time, return books, pick up holds, get library cards and use a photocopier at the computer access Library locations. These library centers will continue to be staffed by librarians and other staff qualified to address information and reference questions. You will still be able to browse the entire collection online and request delivery of materials to the pick up location of your choice. The concentration of equipment will allow for digital download stations and individual instruction on their use and more space for Wi-Fi use. Customers will be pleased that they can now find a library in the county open on Sunday and Monday, which means we will again be operating seven days a week.

The transition to the new model will require lead time to communicate to library customers and to train staff on processes and procedures. Implementation is scheduled to occur between January and June of 2010.

I look forward to introducing the Regional Library Service Model to our community and the opportunity to expand library services to all Gwinnettians in the coming year.

Sincerely,

Nancy Stanbery-Kellam
Executive Director

Gwinnett County Public Library