Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Message from the Director

The Berkeley County Library System offers materials for your personal enrichment, lifelong learning, and entertainment.  Our knowledgeable and professional staff is dedicated to utilizing library resources in innovative ways to provide a range of services necessary to meet the needs of Berkeley County’s rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. 

During the past year to better serve your needs, we have redirected funds to acquire current, more popular books, movies, and music; revised our policies to make them less restrictive and more customer friendly; and offered more programs for your benefit and enjoyment.

As a result of these changes, circulation increased 26.5 % last fiscal year, to 453,986.   Computer use has jumped 58%.  Your visits to our libraries have also risen more than 21%.  We are proud of these achievements and our service to you.

We’re now facing financial and economic challenges and realize that many of you are too.  Because of the budgetary crisis facing the state, funds provided by the state to our libraries have been reduced by over $67,000.00 with more cuts expected before the end of the year.  This means the libraries are not able to purchase new materials in the quantity and variety previously provided.  We regret these budget cuts mean providing fewer resources for your use.

We are committed to stretching available monies as far as we are able.  We also promise to use remaining state funds wisely and in the best interest of you, our customers.
 
We value your input and welcome suggestions and recommendations to improve our resources for your use.  We are especially grateful for your continued support during these challenging times.  If you have suggestions or ideas, or would be willing to make a donation to our book budget, please contact me.  My phone numbers are 843 719-4243 or 843 723-3800, ext. 4243.

We, the staff of the Berkeley County Library System, are committed to serving you and our entire community to the best of our ability.

Regards,
Donna Osborne, Director

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

nice post

Anonymous said...

So comments with criticism are not permitted?