Focus on the Future

In early June, Leslie Burger of Library Development Solutions, conducted seven focus groups to solicit community input on how the library serves your needs. Approximately 75 people, representing senior citizens, parents of preschoolers, young adults, community leaders, teachers/parents of school-aged children, "just folks" and staff participated in this process. Some were active library users, some were not. We would like to thank all who were willing to participate.

Although the full report is not complete, a preview has been provided to the library's Board of Trustees. It comes as little surprise that space was the top issue on everyone's mind. "It appears that focus group participants are well attuned to the fact that many of their recommendations for improved services - more programs for children, separate children's space, space for young adults, more materials in all formats, quiet reading space, more magazines, and more computers - are contingent on additional space." It was equally clear that the groups wanted the library to remain in the village, that a phased expansion program would garner more support than a campaign for a 30,000 square foot building, and that we should "get on with it."

Middletown Thrall Library is the local benchmark for service with its "spacious children's area, community meeting rooms, space to read and enjoy books and magazines." The participating groups desire extended hours(our current hours are one short of Thrall's!), and see the library as having a key role in providing Internet and computer access/training. The perfect library would also offer more materials, programs, staff, parking, and outdoor space for reading and programs.

The library received kudos for the level of customer service it offers and criticism for its lack of in-depth collections, limited range of periodicals, shortage of children's programming and operating hours which don't meet the needs of commuters.

Copies of the report will be sent to all participants and will be available at the library upon completion.

Traveling History

In colonial New York, Rockland County was part of Orange County. The area was divided in 1798 along the borders of the Wawayanda Patent. The library has many documents in our Elizabeth Sharts Historical Collection from this time period. As part of its bicentennial celebration, the New City Library (in the Rockland County seat) will be exhibiting a selection of these documents, accompanied by appropriate artificats from the Wallace Room collection. The exhibit will provide background for a panel discussion on the division, to be held at New City Library on Sept. 13 and at the 1841 Courthouse in Goshen on Sept. 27.

The Goshen Public Library and Historical Society was also represented at New City Library's Museum Day celebration. We exhibited a sampling of artificats from the Wallace Room as well as informational brochures about the library and its collections. Library staff represented the Harness Racing Museum, Brick House and the Orange Blossoms as well.

911

Bulk mailings are the latest victim of the 911 readdressing debacle. We are unable to mail our newsletter to non-cardholders in the Goshen Central School District who have addresses in Middletown or Campbell Hall, because we have been unable to obtain the corrected 911 addresses. If you live in one of these areas and know of someone who did not receive a newsletter, please provide us with the address. We hope this matter will be resolved in time for our fall mailing.

Staff Profile: Jo deDufour

Circulation clerk, Jo deDufour, began her library career in 1979 as 'the story-hour lady.' Since that time she has been responsible for Interlibrary loans and overdue billing. She regularly uses her calligraphy skills for signs and graphics. Currently she provides clerical backup to children's librarian Kathy LaRocca, preparing book orders, maintaining children's services files, and using her artistic talents assisting in and preparing for program crafts. Throughout her 19 years she has been a fixture at the circulation desk where she has witnessed and participated in the growth of library services.

Jo lives in Goshen with her husband Arthur (Deputy Chief Clerk, Orange County Family Court). When not working at the library, she works with the lay ministry at St. Johns, travels and spends time with her four children and two grandchildren.

Announcing Interlibrary Loans

Looking for a book that Goshen doesn't own? Or is the Goshen copy checked out already? Take an Interlibrary loan. As many already know, Interlibrary loan is a system by which a book or other form of material is obtained from another library. The item is sent to us for you to pick up. The good news is, this system has just gotten better.

Utilizing the ANSER database (the online catalog), requests are now made electronically. At Goshen Public Library, Interlibrary holds can now be initiated by the customers. Dubbed YOURS, which stands for Your Online User Reserve Service, this is an enhanced system enabling customers to request something that is not immediately available to them. The process is simple, detailed instructions are posted, and the reference staff will be available to assist you. Convenience and efficiency have been maximized in our efforts to improve customer services.

Friends of the Goshen Public Library & Historical Society

The Friends are now incorporated as a NYS not-for-profit corporation. Thomas Cione, a local attorney with offices in Chester, applied for the incorporation on our behalf. Linda Hannigan, CPA, is currently working on our state and federal tax exemptions. We wish to extend our thanks to these dedicated professionals for the donation of their time.

Our annual meeting was held on May 21. New officers are: President, Kerri Maner; Vice-President, Marge Carroll; Secretary, Mary Neumann; Treasurer, Debbie Blake; Directors: Paige Cody; Margaret Gugliotta and Ken Hazard. Membership renewals are due now. If you have not renewed for the coming year, please do so. We need your support to outfit the children's room in our new library.