Hello, My name is E. F. (Gene) Lucas. In 1987 I retired to Fall River
Mills, Ca, a nice little town in the northeast corner of the state. It
seems like I had no sooner gotten there than Shasta County had
financial problems and closed the small branch library in the town. I,
and two other folks, decided that we couldn’t allow that to
happen, so we formed a non-profit corporation and proceeded to
establish the Fall River Valley library. With the help of a lot of good
folks the enterprise has thrived, and the library is in its 3rd
building – each bigger and nicer than the last. If you get a
chance, please visit the library on highway 299E in Fall River Mills. I
can’t take much credit for the present library, since I’ve
been away from the town for over 10 years now, but I did start it, and
if your local library is shut down, I recommend that you all start one
too. It’s one of the most satisfying things I ever did.
The other sub-files on this file are from the work we did in 1993 in
helping other libraries, like Shingletown and Shasta Lake City get
started. I apologize for the dating, and for leaving California and CA
in some places. If you are outside the state, your incorporation papers
must meet your state’s requirements. For Oregon, this data is
available at:
http://www.filinginoregon.com/business/nonprofit_information.htm But I
think the files will still be very helpful in getting an all-volunteer
community library started – if you are ever faced with that need.
If you’d like to discuss doing that, or have any questions,
don’t hesitate to contact me at lucasent1@peoplepc.com or give me
a call at (530) 891-5223.
This is a string file, with the following files coming after this one:
01. Articles of Incorporation (for California – other states check your laws) Download document
02. Bylaws
03. Library Corporation
04. Waiver of Notice
05. Minutes (regular meeting of the BoD)
06. Organization
07. Bookcase Plans
08. Borrow1
09. Borrow2
10. Catalogue
11. Computers
12. Donation Receipt
13. Financing
14. Friends Invitation Letter
15. Fund Raising
16. Opening Expenses
17. Sign
18. Housing
19. Welcome to the XXX Library
To download the above files (as a ".doc" file) Go to this link.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The undersigned, a citizen of the United States desiring to form a
nonprofit charitable and education, public benefit, corporation under
The Public Benefit Corporation Laws of the State of XXXXXXX, does
hereby certify:
I
The name of the Corporation is The XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library Corporation.
II
The place in this state where the principal office of the Corporation
is to be located is XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX IN XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX County.
III
A. This Corporation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is
not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under
the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes.
B. The specific purpose of this Corporation is to provide free library,
and other services, to the residents of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX and
surrounding communities.
IV
The name and address in the State of XXXXXXX of the Corporation's
initial agent for service of process is: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX of
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX in XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, stateXXXXX.
V
A. This Corporation is organized and operated exclusively for
charitable and educational purposes as a public charity under Section
501(c) (3) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code.
B. No part of the activities of this Corporation shall consist of
propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation; and the
Corporation shall not participate, or intervene, in any political
campaign (including the publishing or distribution of statements) on
behalf of any candidate for public office.
VI
The property of the Corporation is irrevocably dedicated to the
purposes stated in Part III(B) above, and no part of the net income or
assets of this Corporation shall ever inure to the benefit of any
director, officer, or to the benefit of any private person.
Upon the dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, its assets
remaining after payment of all debts and liabilities of this
Corporation shall be distributed to a nonprofit fund, foundation, or
corporation which is organized and operated exclusively for charitable
and educational purposes; and which has established its tax exempt
status under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or to a
public agency providing the same type of service within the
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX area.
All assets will be retained and used within that area. Any such assets
not so disposed of shall be disposed of by the County Court having
jurisdiction exclusively for such purposes, or by such organization(s)
as said court shall determine, which are organized and operated
exclusively for such purposes.
VII
Notwithstanding any other provision of these articles, the Corporation
shall not carry on any activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by
a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c) (3)
of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding sections of any future
federal tax code, or (b) by a corporation, contributions to which are
deductible under Section 170(c) (2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or
corresponding sections of any future tax code.
_______________
Date
______________________________________
(Signature of Incorporator)
((typed name of incorporator here))
I hereby declare that I am the person who executed the foregoing Articles of Incorporation, which execution is my act and deed.
_____________________________________
(Signature of Incorporator)
BYLAWS OF THE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXLIBRARY CORPORATION
ARTICLE I - OFFICES
SECTION 1. PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICE
The principal executive office of the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library
Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the Corporation) shall be in
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXX, County of XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, State of XXXXXXXXX.
The mailing address of the Corporation will be XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, XXXXX-XXXX.
ARTICLE II - FORM OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 1 - NONPROFIT STATUS
The Corporation is a nonprofit corporation, chartered under the laws of
the State of California to provide charitable (and educational)
services to those in need of them. The incorporation papers, as well as
IRS regulation 501(c) (3), are hereby made part of these bylaws by
reference. The Corporation shall perform no act that is inconsistent
with the requirements of these referenced documents.
SECTION 2 - TAX EXEMPT STATUS
The Corporation shall apply for tax exempt status under both the federal and state revenue codes.
SECTION 3 - FREE USE
All services provided by the Corporation shall be free to the user. No
fees of any kind will be charged. Lost material will be replaced by
donation of like material, and overdue book fines will be on a donation
basis.
SECTION 4 - SERVICES PROVIDED
The basic form of service to be provided by the Corporation will be a
free library, located in XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, California. Library
service will be available to all, especially to students, the elderly,
and others who are unable to afford the literary material they might
need.
The library, and its facilities, will be used to the maximum extent
possible for all types of charitable (and educational) purposes. All
such purposes must be consistent with the operation of a 501(c) (3)
corporation. The Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as the
BoD) will give rapid review to any request for such use by others.
The Corporation is free to engage in any legal activity consistent with its charitable (and educational) purpose.
SECTION 5 - SOURCE OF ASSETS
The Corporation shall operate with donated material, labor, and with
contributed money, except that it may purchase needed literary material
and supplies; and may perform small business functions (raffles,
bazaars, bake sales, auctions, etc.) to raise additional capital. All
proceeds from such activities will be used for charitable (and
educational) uses.
The Corporation shall appeal for broad based support within its area of
service; and shall allow volunteer participation to the maximum extent
practicable
ARTICLE III - DIRECTORS, MANAGEMENT
SECTION 1 - POWERS
Subject to any limitations in the Articles of Incorporation, and to the
provisions of the California Corporation Code, the business and affairs
of the Corporation shall be managed, and all corporate powers shall be
exercised, by (or under direction from) the BoD.
SECTION 2 - NUMBER
The minimum number of Directors on the BoD shall be three until changed by amendment to these bylaws.
Additional Directors may be added, by twos or other even number, to a
maximum of seven. Addition of Directors may be approved by unanimous
vote of the existing Directors at any meeting of the BoD.
SECTION 3 - ELECTION AND TENURE OF OFFICE
Additional Directors may be elected at any meeting of the BoD. Approval
of additional Directors shall require unanimous approval of the
existing Directors. Such approval/rejection shall be private with only
the names of approved Directors being disclosed,
Directors shall hold office until they resign or are removed by unanimous vote of all the other Directors.
The Chairperson of the BoD will be elected by the BoD, by simple majority vote of all the Directors.
SECTION 4 - VACANCIES
A vacancy on the BoD shall exist in case of the death, resignation, or
removal of any Director; or in case the authorized number of Directors
is increased.
SECTION 5 - REMOVALS
A Director may be removed with or without cause by unanimous vote of all the other Directors.
SECTION 6 - PLACE OF MEETING
Meetings of the BoD shall be held at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, stateXXXXXX at any convenient location, as designated by the BoD.
SECTION 7 - CALL AND NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Meetings of the BoD may be called by the Chairperson of the BoD, or the
President, or Vice-president, or Secretary, or any two Directors.
A regular meeting of the Bod will be held during the month following
the end of the fiscal year. Special meetings of the BoD shall be held
on 48 hour's notice, delivered personally or by telephone. A Notice or,
Waiver of Notice, need not specify the purpose of any special meeting
of the BoD.
SECTION 8 - QUORUM
A quorum of all meetings shall be all of the authorized number of Directors, except less by written consent of the others.
Every act or decision done or made by the majority of the Directors
present at a meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act
of the BoD, subject to the applicable provisions of the stateXXXXX
Corporations Code. A meeting at which a quorum is initially present may
continue to transact business notwithstanding the withdrawal of
Directors, if any action taken is approved by at least a majority of
the required quorum for such meeting.
SECTION 9 - WAIVER OF NOTICE
The transactions of any meeting of the BoD, however called or wherever
held, are as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after regular
call and notice if a quorum is present, and if, either before or after
the meeting, each of the Directors not present signs a written Waiver
of Notice, a consent to holding the meeting, or an approval of the
minutes thereof. All such waivers, consents, and approvals shall be
filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the
meeting.
SECTION 10 - ACTION WITHOUT MEETING
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the BoD may be taken
without a meeting, if all the members of the BoD shall individually or
collectively consent in writing to such action. Such action by written
consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of
such Directors.
SECTION 11 - COMPENSATION
No salary, or other form of remuneration, shall be paid Directors for
their services. Further, Directors are forbidden from engaing in any
commercial (for pay) activity with the Corporation.
ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS
SECTION 1 - OFFICERS
The officers of the Corporation shall be President, Vice-president
(optional), Secretary, and a Treasurer, who shall be the chief
financial officer of the Corporation. The Corporation may also have
such other officers, with such titles and duties, as shall be
determined by the BoD. Any number of offices may be held by the same
person.
SECTION 2 - ELECTION
All officers of the Corporation shall be chosen by the BoD. Each
officer shall hold office until his death, resignation, or removal, or
until his successor shall be chosen and qualified. A vacancy in any
office shall be filled by the BoD.
SECTION 3 - REMOVAL AND RESIGNATION
An officer may be removed at any time, either with or without cause, by
the BoD. An officer may resign at any time upon written notice to the
Corporation, given to the BoD, President, or Secretary of the
Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect on the day of
receipt of such notice, or at any other time specified therein. The
acceptance of a resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.
SECTION 4 - PRESIDENT
The President of the Corporation shall be the Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), and shall, subject to the direction and control of the BoD, have
general supervision, direction, and control of the business and affairs
of the Corporation. He shall preside at all meetings of the BoD and be
an ex-officio member of all committees (if any), and shall have the
general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of
President of a corporation; and shall have such other powers and duties
as may, from time to time, be given to him by the BoD or the bylaws.
SECTION 5 - VICE-PRESIDENT
In the absence of the President, the Vice-president shall perform all
the duties of the President, and shall have all the powers of, and be
subject to all of the restrictions upon, the President. Additionally,
he shall perform such duties as may be assigned him by the President,
the BoD, or the bylaws.
SECTION 6 - SECRETARY
The Secretary shall keep, or have kept, at the principal executive
office of the Corporation, a book of minutes of all of the meetings of
the BoD, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or
special; and, if special, how authorized, the notice given or the
Waiver of Notice thereof, the names of those present at the BoD
meetings, and the proceedings thereof.
SECTION 6 - SECRETARY (continued)
The Secretary shall keep, or have kept, at the principal executive
office of the Corporation, the original, or a copy, of the bylaws as
approved, amended, or otherwise altered to date, certified by the
Secretary.
The secretary shall give, or cause to be given, notice of all meetings of the BoD required to be given by law or the bylaws.
The Secretary shall perform the duties normally done by a secretary of
a corporation, and perform such other duties as may be prescribed by
the BoD or the bylaws.
SECTION 7 - TREASURER
The Treasurer shall keep and maintain, or cause to be kept and
maintained, adequate and correct books and records of accounts of the
properties and business transactions of the Corporation.
The Treasurer shall deposit monies and other valuables in the name and
to the credit of the Corporation with such depositories as may be
designated by the BoD. The Treasurer shall disburse the funds of the
Corporation in payment of just demands against the corporation as may
be ordered by the BoD; shall render to the President and directors,
whenever they request it, an account of all the transactions of the
Treasurer, and of the financial condition of the Corporation, and shall
have such other powers and duties as may be prescribed by the BoD or
the bylaws.
The Treasurer shall enter, or cause to have entered, the financial
status of the Corporation in the book of minutes of the Corporation
within 15 days of the end of the fiscal year.
SECTION 8 - COMPENSATION
No salary, or other form of remuneration, shall be paid to any officer
of the Corporation. Further, officers of the Corporation are forbidden
from engaging in any commercial (for pay) activity with the Corporation.
ARTICLE V - CORPORATE RECORDS AND REPORTS
SECTION 1 - INSPECTION BY THE PUBLIC
The accounting books and records and minutes of proceedings of the
meetings of the BoD shall be open to examination by any interested
party, except the votes on addition and removal of Directors and other
votes pertaining to officers of the Corporation.
The Articles of Incorporation and the bylaws, and all amendments to
date, will also be available at the library for review by interested
parties.
SECTION 2 - INSPECTION BY DIRECTORS
Every Director shall have the absolute right, at any reasonable time,
to inspect and copy all books, records, and documents of every kind;
and to inspect the physical property of the Corporation. Such
inspection by a Director may be made in person or by agent or attorney,
and the right to inspect includes the right to copy and make extracts.
SECTION 3- RIGHT TO INSPECT WRITTEN RECORDS
If any record, pursuant to this article, is not maintained in written
form, it may be provided in oral form. If a written form is required,
putting it in that form will be at the expense of the requestor.
SECTION 4 - CONTRACTS, ETC.
The BoD, except as otherwise provided in the bylaws, may authorize any
officer or officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract, or
execute any instrument, in the name of the Corporation. Such authority
may be general or confined to a specific instance. Unless so authorized
by the BoD, no officer, agent, or employee shall have any power to bind
the Corporation by any contract or engagement, or to pledge its credit,
or to render it liable for any purpose or to any amount.
No contracts may be entered into unless ready funds for their
accomplishment are available in the bank accounts of the Corporation.
Once entered into, funds will be obligated for their accomplishment and
will not be available for any other purpose.
ARTICLE VI - DISSOLUTION OF THE CORPORATION
SECTION 1 - WINDING UP AND DISSOLVING
The Corporation may wind up and dissolve at any time the BoD so decides
by vote of 60% or greater. Such act shall be accomplished in full
compliance with all federal and state regulations. In such event, the
assets of the Corporation will be disposed of as directed in the
Articles of Incorporation.
ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS
SECTION 1 - BY DIRECTORS
Bylaws may be adopted, amended, or repealed by vote of 60% or greater
of the BoD, except that no bylaw may be adopted, or amendment made,
that is not in compliance with all federal and state laws pertaining to
nonprofit, tax exempt, corporations, and with the Articles of
Incorporation.
ARTICLE VIII - ACCESS
SECTION 1 - ACCESS
Access to the facilities and property of the Corporation shall be at
the pleasure of the BoD. Their decision in all matters of access shall
be final.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LIBRARY CORPORATION
MINUTES OF 1ST MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BoD)
The BoD of the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library Corporation held its first
meeting on XXdateXX, at XXtimeXX, at XXtownXX, stateXXXX. A written
Waiver of Notice was signed by all the Directors.
The following Directors, constituting a quorum of the full BoD, were present:
____________________ __________________ __________________ __________________
____________________ ___________________ __________________
There were absent: ___________________ ____________________ ____________________
On motion, and by unanimous vote, __________________________ was
elected temporary Chair and presided over the meeting.
______________________ was elected temporary Secretary of the meeting.
The Chair noted that the meeting was being held pursuant to written
Waiver of Notice signed by all of the Directors. Upon a motion made,
and duly seconded, the waiver was made part of the minutes of the
meeting. The waiver is filed with the minutes of this meeting in the
Corporation's Minute Book.
The Chair announced that the Articles of Incorporation of the
Corporation had been filed with the Secretary of State of California on
XXdateXX. The Chair then presented a certified copy of the articles
showing such filing, and the Secretary was directed to place the copy
in the Corporation's Minute Book.
BYLAWS
The proposed set of Bylaws of theCorporation was presented to the BoD for consideration and approval. it was unanimously
RESOLVED, that the bylaws presented to this meeting be, and hereby are, adopted as the Bylaws of this Corporation;
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Secretary is directed to execute a
Certificate of Adoption of the Bylaws, to place the Bylaws, so
certified, in the Corporation's Minutes Book; and to place a copy of
the Bylaws, similarly certified, at the Corporations principal office,
as required by law.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The Chair then proposed that the next order of business be the election
of officers. Upon motion, duly seconded, the following persons were
unanimously elected as officers in the Corporation.
_________________________________ President
_________________________________Vice-president
_________________________________ Secretary
_________________________________ Treasurer
FISCAL YEAR
The Chair proposed that the next order of business be selection of the
fiscal year of the Corporation. On motion duly made, and seconded, it
was
RESOLVED, that the fiscal year of the Corp. end on the 30th day of June each year.
PRINCIPAL OFFICE
The Chair proposed that the next order of business be locating the
Corporation's principal executive office in the county named in the
Bylaws. On motion duly made, and seconded, it was
RESOLVED, that the principal office of the Corporation be located at XXaddressXX, in XXtownXX, California.
BANK ACCOUNT
The Chair proposed that the Corporation open a bank account(s) with
XXXXXXXXXXXXX Bank in XXtownXX, stateXXXX. On motion duly made, and
seconded, it was
RESOLVED, that the funds of the Corporation be deposited with XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Bank in XXtownXX, stateXXXX.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the Treasurer be, and hereby is, authorized and
directed to establish an account(s) with said bank and to deposit the
funds of this Corporation therein.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that any officer or Director of the Corporation be,
and hereby is, authorized to endorse checks, and other financial
instruments, made payable to the Corporation, but only for the purpose
of deposit.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that all checks and drafts of the Corporation to pay
money for any purpose must be countersigned by the Treasurer and
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that said bank be, and hereby is, authorized to honor
and pay all drafts and checks of the Corporation signed as provided
above.
RESOLVED FURTHER, that the authority hereby conferred shall remain in
force until revoked by the BoD, and until written notice of such
revocation shall have been received by the bank.
AUTHORITY
RESOLVED, that the Secretary of the Corporation be, an is hereby,
authorized to certify as to the continuing authority of these
resolutions.
The Chair then opened the meeting to OTHER NEW BUSINESS. There was
discussion and direction on the following items (see attached). There
being no further NEW BUSINESS, the Chair adjourned the meeting.
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and complete minutes of the first meeting of the Board of Directors.
_______________________
Secretary
Approval (see attached)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LIBRARY CORPORATION
CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
The members of the Board of Directors of the Corporation have reviewed,
and do hereby certify approval of, the atached set of bylaws, or
amendments thereto, of the Corporation.
Date ________________ Approved: ____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
____________________________________
Director
I do hereby certify that the signatures hereon were signed in my presence, and represent all the directors of the Corporation.
____________________________________
Secretary
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LIBRARY CORPORATION
WAIVER OF NOTICE AND CONSENT TO HOLDING OF 1ST MEETING OF BoD
We. the undersigned, being all the directors of the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
LIBRARY CORPORATION, a stateXXXXXX corporation, do hereby waive notice
of the first meeting of the Board of Directors (BoD) of the
Corporation, and consent to holding the meeting at XXtownXX, in
XXcountyXX, stateXXXXX on XXdateXX, at XXtimeXX, and consent to the
transaction of any and all business by the Directors at the meeting
including the adoption of bylaws, the election of officers, choosing
the Corporations fiscal year, the selection of a bank for the
Corporation's accounts, and any other necessary business.
Dated_________________ Consent ______________________________
Director
______________________________
Director
______________________________
Director
_____________________________
Director
_____________________________
Director
_____________________________
Director
_____________________________
Director
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX LIBRARY CORPORATION
MINUTES OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS (BoD) MEETING OF ______________
(date)
A. Waiver of Notice and consent to holding a meeting of the BoD.
We, the undersigned, being all the Directors of the Corporation hereby
waive notice of this meeting of the BoD, and consent to holding the
meeting at XXtownXX, in XXcountyXX, stateXXXXXX on XXdateXX, at
XXtimeXX, and consent to the transaction of any and all business by the
Directors at the meeting.
Date________ _____________________ ____________________ _________________
Director Director Director
__________________ ____________________ __________________ ________________
Director Director Director Director
B. The following directors, constituting a quorum of the full Board, were present:
__________________ ____________________ __________________ ________________
__________________ ____________________ ___________________ ________________
Absent were: _____________________ ___________________ ________________
C. The meeting was called to order by the President and the minutes of
the last meeting were read by the Secretary, and approved and signed by
the Board.
D. The Treasurer then gave a financial status report which was approved by the Board (see attached).
E. The President gave an oral report on the ongoing business status of the Corporation.
F. The President then called for any OLD BUSINESS to be discussed.
There was discussion/direction on the following items (see attached).
G. There being no further OLD BUSINESS, the meeting was opened for NEW
BUSINESS. There was discussion/direction on the following items (see
attached).
H. There being no further NEW BUSINESS the meeting was adjourned.
I hereby certify that the foregoing are the true and complete minutes of this meeting of the Board of Directors.
___________________________
Secretary
Approval: (see attached)
ORGANIZATION
When people begin to think about opening a community library, or doing
some other community type project, they often start to think in terms
of big committees, popularly elected officers, extensive involvement,
concensus, etc. What these people forget is that a library is a
"business" (a service business), and its success or failure will
largely be determined by how well the business is run. Too often, these
types of operations are run as "democracies". That only works for very
small organizations, and usually only for a very short time.
Businesses are almost always started by a few committed people, who
firmly believe that there is a need for a product/service that they can
offer; and if they fill that need, they will succeed. These people
become the founders, directors, and officers of these businesses; and
whether the business succeeds or not is almost always determined by
their level of commitment.
So you don't need an army to start a corporation (or a library). The
ideal configuration for a corporation is for a 5-member Board of
Directors (BoD). This assures a majority vote on every issue, and
avoids the Form 1023 problem of one member having more than 20% of the
voting power. If more BoD members are desired, they should be added by
twos to maintain the odd number of directors. A quorum is generally
considered to be a majority of the BoD.
The same number (and often the same people) make up a good management
team for a business the size of a community library. Officers can be:
1. President (Business Manager, external P. O.C.)
2. Vice-president (who should also be Director of Volunteer Personnel)
3. Treasurer (who also might be Director of Fund Raising)
4. Secretary (administration)
5. Director of Materiel (who is essentially the head librarian and cataloguer)
Of course, larger or smaller management teams are possible depending on need, and the availability of committed personnel.
And of course you need volunteers to do the work. But even these need
not be large in number. A modest library operation can be staffed by
under 20 part-time workers, and that's with 2 clerk/librarians on duty
at all times.
If committees are desired, they should be headed by one of the managers
(the President is an ex-oficio member of all committees), and their
duties should be limited to making recommendations. Authority and
responsibility should remain with the management team.
The primary consideration in this case is to remember that "libraries
are forever", and to set the operation up for the long haul. That means
having committed people at the top and dedicated workers at the bottom,
and providing "good" service to the user.
BOOKCASE PLANS
At the FRV Library we've probably tried every kind of bookcase
imaginable to take advantage of donated lumber. We've finally come to
the conclusion that the most cost-effective bookcases are made of 1" X
8" for hardbacks and 1" X 6" for paperbacks. This design results in a
32" wide, stand-alone, bookcase made from 2, 6', 1X8's (sides) and 2,
8', 1X8's (shelves). The softback design requires 2, 6', 1X6's (sides)
and 3, 8', 1X6's (shelves - with one left over).
The distance between shelves for hardbacks is 13", and we get 6 shelves
per bookcase (about 150 books). The distance between shelves for
paperbacks is 9", and we get 8 shelves per bookcase.
All the equipment needed is a table saw with an adjustable dado blade
and a regular blade, a drill with a #8 (or smaller) screw set, and a
(hopefullly automatic) screwdriver.
All the materials needed is the wood, #8x1 1/2" screws, shellac (to
cover the knots so they won't bleed), primer, and gloss or semi-gloss
paint. We use only latex paint so we can clean up with water.
The process involves setting the dado for slightly less than 3/4" width
and 3/8" depth, and making cuts at 2" (above the bottom), 15", 28",
41", 54", and 67". That leaves about 5" at the top for the the 6th row
of books. The 8' 1X8's are then cut into 3 pieces (nominal 32") and
then trimmed at both ends on the table saw (regular blade) for about
1/2" to the same width as the dado cut. This is absolutely necessary
since 1" wood is not milled to anything like the 3/4" it's supposed to
be. Otherwise, half the shelves will fall out, and the other half can't
even be driven in with a hammer. A "snug" fit is what you want, and if
you pre-paint, even that should be taken into account. After cutting,
the bookcases are assembled by putting two screws in each end of the
shelf, and then painting (or final touch-up). Use a roofing square
during assembly to assure squareness.
The only difference with paperback shelves is that 1X6 is used, and the
dado cuts are made at 2", 11", 20", 29", 38", 47", and 66".
The result is a sturdy, stand-alone, 6' by 32" bookcase which ain't fancy, but is cheap and does a good job.
When we stack bookcases side-by-side we put 4 screws (2 top, 2 bottom)
in the adjacent sides. Attachment to walls can be by 90-degree
brackets, or by putting a 2" (or so) strip along the back (2 places)
and nailing or screwing it to the bookcase; then the strip is nailed or
screwed to the wall. Some form of bracing is required.
Bookcases can be mounted back-to-back if offset a couple of inches to
allow nailing or screwing of the strips to the second bookcase. Screws
are always better than nails; and we buy them by the pound since we use
28 in each hardback case, and even more in a paperback one. For
stand-alone, back-to-back, we use 90-degree floor brackets for
stability.
XXXXXXXXXXXX LIBRARY CORPORATION (NON-PROFIT)
P. O. BOX XX, XXtownXX, OR XXXXX-XXXX
BORROWERS APPLICATION: BORROWER NO. ______
NAME___________________________________AGE_______ (IF UNDER 16)
ADDRESS_____________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
PHONE______________________
DRIVERS LICENSE NO. ______________________
I hereby agree to accept full responsibility for material borrowed from
the XXXX Library Corporation; to protect it while it is in my custody;
to return it on time; and to replace it with an identical item (or one
of equal value) in the event that it is damaged, lost, strayed, or
stolen. I also agree to abide by the rules of the Library in the use of
the material, and while on their premises.
In the event of an accident on the premises of the library, I agree to
hold them free of all responsibility, except in the event of gross
negligence on their part.
I understand that my borrower's priveleges may be withdrawn at any time
at the discretion of the XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library Corporation.
SIGNED___________________________________DATE__________
I hereby agree to all of the above for my minor child whose name appears hereon.
SIGNED____________________________________DATE__________
BORROW2
The purpose of this file is to describe how you might use the borrower's agreement in the file BORROW1.
The borrower's agreement is essentially a contract between the library
and the user. In the FRV Library we use it in place of library cards.
Each person (or family) fill out an agreement when they initially wish
to check out books. At that time, they are assigned the next number in
the user sequence, and their borrower's agreement is placed in a manila
folder in the borrowers drawer file. That becomes in essence their
library card.
When they check out books we put one card in the date file and the
second card in their manila folder. This allows us to identify who has
the books, and also to check if they have any overdue books.
At the FRV Library we have a unique overdue book fine system, we ask
that they donate an item of canned or dried food if they have overdue
books. We give this food to the local Food Pantry, which provides food
to the needy of our community. This keeps us from having to handle any
money in the library, and also performs a valuable community service.
At the FRV Library we are pretty generous with our check out
requirements. Officially we allow 3 hard back books to be checked out
for 2 weeks. That's 3 books for each person on the agreement, or with
the borrower. However, we "bend" this rule for rural people because
they don't get into town that often, and kids who read go through a
book a day. We only "check out" hardbacks. We loan paperbacks on the
"honor" system, and even people who don't have borrowers agreements
take out paperbacks. We're very liberal here too. Some people take out
paperbacks in paper bags. No doubt, we've lost some; but more come back
than go out. I think paperback books breed like rabbits - and they have
a very short gestation period.
We're not saying that this is the best way to go - I'm sure there are
many better. But it is a way to go if you're looking for one; and it
works.
If you use the Borrower's Agreement system that we do, for areas of up
to 5000 people a single desk will usually suffice. for larger areas, 2
desks (with the file cabinet between them and the due-date card file on
top) will do the job. For even larger areas, it may be necessary to
have a Children's desk and files separately. In really big places, you
could still use the system, with an island; but at some point it may be
cost-effective to go to an automated system, such as due date labels,
bar code printer/readers, etc. BEFORE you do that you should check with
a big library that does it - to ascertain REAL COSTS (hardware AND
software), as well as REAL training requirements - which can be
considerable.
CATALOGUE
The purpose of this file is to describe one method of cataloguing books
for your new library during your initial book drive. You might wish to
do it differently, but this way will work - and quite well.
The FRV Library held its book collection event in the annex of a local
church. We borrowed it for 3 weekdays. We announced the book drive in
the local papers and on the local radio station. We announced that we
were accepting books until 2 PM so we'd have time to get "even" for the
next day. The secret of success is to have LOTS of paper boxes. The
best ones are boxes in which reams of paper come. Copy houses and
stationers usually have extras of these boxes. Next choice is vegetable
boxes from your local supermarket.
We set up with a box for each letter of the alphabet (we combined
vwxyz) for fiction. As books were brought in and put in the fiction
section, helpers sorted them into the proper box according to the first
letter of the authors last name. As a box filled, a new one was marked
with the letter and placed in the row. We did a dumb thing in that we
did not place ALL the fiction books this way. Some were identified, on
the fly page as having an 8XX number (literature, etc) so we filed them
under that number with the non-fiction. All that has done is confuse
our users, and we recommend that you file all fiction according to
author's last name.
For non-fiction we had a box for each number (0 thru 9) and we
catalogued incoming books as they were received. We identified each
according to its Dewey Decimal number, and we used the one in the book
if one was there. Now, most of the books only have an ISBN number in
them which doesn't help with cataloging. We only use the basic 3
numbers and one or 2 suffix numbers - not the 4 that are usually used.
If you use 3by5 as your cardfile system, you might want to precede the
Dewey Decimal number with 0 so that the program can sort on the number
(4 characters are the minimum sort key). We had a box (several by the
end of cataloging) set aside for "uncertains" since that was how many
non-fiction books turned out. We did those later at the library.
As books were catalogued and placed in the appropriate boxes, other
people took them out and typed cards and book pockets, which were then
pasted in the book. The books were then placed in the "complete" box
under the number (NF) or the author (F).
We had very bad luck trying to do children's and junior books, both
fiction and non-fiction. Ideally, you would sort these books out by
reading level, but we weren't competent to do that. So we just "winged
it". And, although it's not very artistic or scientific, the kids seem
to find the books they are interested in. One question you may wish to
address is, "Where do we put the books that discuss reading to children
and those that are truly "educational"?
Using this system, at the end of the 3 days we had all the books sorted
(we did the final sort at the end of the last day) and catalogued
(except for the "uncertains") and were ready to move them to the
library and shelve them. We processed an estimated 10,000 books with a
crew of 10-12 people.
The best cataloguing book that we have found is the, "Abridged, Dewey
Decimal Classification" by Forest Press OCLC, 6565 Frantz Road, Dublin,
Ohio 43017-3395. Their 800-number is 1-800-848-5878, and the cost of
the book (Abridged Edition 12) is now $80.00. Try top find a used one
on Amazon, etc.
Cataloging on computer is recommended from the first - if you have one.
Computers
Computers are a fact of life today, but a library can be operated
without one. Books can be catalogued using the Dewey Decimal book noted
above. Books can be located using file cards in a 3X5 index card file.
Books can be checked out using cards in pockets in the book cover, etc.
That was the case at the FRV in 1988, and it would still work today.
Computer software to do all of the above is readily available today,
but it costs money. So, don’t let the unavailability of funds to
buy computers keep you from opening a community library.
However, not having computers for use by patrons can handicap the
effectiveness of the library, but they are a double-edged sword. The
good edge is that they allow the Internet to be used for research by
patrons – the largest and most valuable research tool in the
world. “Googling” is an accepted word in today’s
vocabulary. They are also valuable in the acquisition of books –
both new and used. Amazon.com, Alibris.com, and Barnesandnoble.com all
sell both new and used books, and don’t discount used books.
Their condition is always noted, and it’s often possible to save
a lot of money.
An often unknown library asset available through the computer is
“Gutenberg,” which has over 15,000 e-books available for
reading or free download. Almost all the classic books are available on
that site – all Kipling, all Mark Twain, all Shakespeare, etc.
Children’s classics too!
The bad edge of the sword is that computers can be used to view
pornography, download copyrighted material, download illegal music
files, and enter “chat rooms” where anything goes –
and where computer viruses are rife. Library computers need to be
monitored very carefully to dull the bad edge of the sword. I find that
placing the computers such that the librarian has full view of the
monitor screens is the best way of doing this.
New, fancy computers (gamers, etc.) are certainly not required. Neither
is high-speed Internet. Any operating system from Windows 98 is fine,
and will most likely be on donated computers (probably the primary
source). I find nothing in MS Vista that needs to be on a library
computer – just another tool to remove folks from their money for
“entertainment.” I would recommend PC’s vice
MAC’s because they are cheaper, and are open architecture, which
allows for cheaper add-ons, such as the essential CD writer.
Charging a fee for computer use is perfectly legitimate, as is charging
for copies. You do need a printer – both for users and workers. I
suggest an all-in-one, which can be purchased for under $100 today.
Many libraries don’t like money lying around, but at FRV we never
had any money go missing. You need a revenue stream for computers
– paper, ink cartridges, etc. I would hope that everything else
at your library would be free.
Every library I know of limits the time on computers so that everybody
gets a turn. If no one is waiting, just start another time period for
the person using the computer.
The library should make a set of backup CD’s for their basic
programs, including their operating system. That way, if the computer
gets a virus, the hard drive can simply be erased and the systems
reinstalled.
Donation Receipt (always give one, and be generous)
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library Corporation (non-profit #XXXXXXX)
P. O. Box XXX-XXXX, XXtownXX, stateXXXXX, zipXXXXX-XXXX
DONATION RECEIPT - TAX DEDUCTIBLE
DONATION:
1. CASH OR CHECKS ........................................................................ $_______. 00
2. HARDBACK BOOKS _____........................................................... $_______. 00
3. PAPERBACK BOOKS ______........................................................ $ ______. 00
4. SELECTED MAGAZINES _______................................................. $ ______. 00
5. OTHER (SPECIFY) _____________________________________$ ______. 00
6. OTHER (SPECIFY) _____________________________________$ ______. 00
7. OTHER (SPECIFY) _____________________________________$ _______. 00
8. OTHER (SPECIFY) _____________________________________$ ______. 00
TOTAL $ ______. 00
RECEIVED FROM ________________________________DATE __________
RECEIVED BY ___________________________________DATE __________
(For XXXXXXXXXXXXX Library Corp.
a non-profit stateXXXXXXX. Corp.)
FINANCING/COST COMPARISONS
There are several financing forms a library can take, including:
1. A fully funded public library.
2. Shared-cost public library, financed partially by a government entity and partially by a private entity such as:
a. Private Foundation which is an organization funded by a group of
people (members). Such an entity may, or may not, be tax-exempt.
b. Non-profit corporation which is an organization receiving a
"substantial" part of its income from public donations or a government
agency. These corportaions are almost always tax-exempt, and donations
to them are tax deductible if they are.
Another form of shared-cost operation is where 2 government entities
(the county and the city, etc.) share the cost of operation.
3. A privately funded library which can take either form a or b above.
There are very large differences in the cost of opening and operating a library under these different forms.
In Monterey County, there is a branch library (about the size of the
FRV Library) being built and opened. The cost of opening this library
is $500,000.00 since they are building a building, buying the books and
magazines, and automating. The cost of operation will be around
$100,000.00 per year for the 1 1/2 county employees, and normal
operating expenses.
San Juan Baptista's approach is to have the public library open less
than 20 hours a week. Thus the 1 part-time employee receives no
benefits. All the other employees are volunteers. In this way the cost
of their library is reduced to $17,000.00 per year.
Burney has a shared-cost public library system (Shasta County and the
Friends of the Intermountain Library Corp.) with the "Friends"
contributing $6000.00 dollars per year toward the operation. Shasta
County cost is unknown. The library operates 13 hours a week (we
consider 20 hours a week to be the minimum) with one part-time employee.
The question of, "Why not operate a public library with all-volunteer
help?", is answered by, "The county insurance policy requires a county
employee to be in charge whenever a public building is open".
A form of shared-cost operation not discussed above is where the
library goes into a conglomerate operation. The FRV Library was
approached to enter a mini-convention center program, and Shingletown
did enter a Community Center program. The cost to the library in both
cases was to be $250,000.00. The FRV Library declined, and opened in 57
days. Shingletown didn't and still isn't open 3 1/2 years later.
The costs of a privately funded library are completely under the
control of the founder(s). Carnegie built huge marble edifices with
large staffs, while the boy in Utah operates out of an old schoolhouse
with no employees. We feel that the FRV Library is a good example of a
center position. Our problem has been that no one believes how low our
costs are; understandable, when you see how high others are.
The cost of opening the FRV Library (1100 square feet and 11,000 books)
was less than $4000.00. Of course, all the books were donated so the
only cost was pockets and book cards. Most of our bookcase material was
donated, so the only cost there was paint. We bought used carpet, and
did the whole library for $100.00. We bought used office furniture so
we only payed $15 per chair. Today, we'd buy stackable plastic
armchairs for less than $5, and have a volunteer sew a pad.
Our cost of operation has always been under $2500.00 per year, plus
rent; and that includes a $2 million liability insurance policy. The
secret, of course, is our all-volunteer staff, which makes our labor
cost $0.00. The "Friends" of our library (who donate $100 per year) pay
all the ongoing expenses while our fundraisers are used to buy books,
etc. Our low cost of operation makes it easy for us to find sufficient
"Friends". If our cost was even $17,000.00 per year we'd have trouble
finding the needed 170 "Friends", but 25 is easy. Keeping costs low
results in a "low pressure" situation which is much more comfortable to
be in .
If you choose the tax-exempt non-profit library corporation as your
vehicle (as we did), then you need to be careful to do nothing to
prejudice your receiving tax exempt status. And there are some
conditions, the primary one being that no "disqualified person" (BIG
giver) is in a controlling position. Also, there are some other
limitations on fund raising. You should study the instructions for
Lines 7, 8, and 9 of Form 1023, Application for Recognition of
Exemption, and carefully conform to the requirements. This should be
done before you incorporate, and before you accept any donations.
Prospective Friends Letter
XXDATEXX
Dear XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX,
You indicated that you might be interested in becoming a "Friend of the
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX Library". The purpose of this letter is to describe the
function of the "Friends" in order that you can decide whether that is
how you wish to help the library or not.
Although our library is an all-volunteer organization, with no paid
employees, and using donated materials, we still have continuing
expenses such as: rent (if applicable), phone, lights, heat, insurance,
etc. which must be paid in order for us to operate. We are a totally
free library, with no fees of any kind. We feel this is very important,
since the people who need the library the most (poor parents and their
children) are unable to pay.
Therefore, we have established "The Friends of the Library" to fund
these continuing expenses, by pledging $ per 3-month quarter. We
believe that enough conscientious citizens will become "Friends" to
allow our continuing operation; and we invite you to become one. The
"Friends" are a very important part of this community library, and it
is unlikely that we could continue to operate without them. The
"Friends" are also a very select group, since we will be recruiting
only as many as are needed to pay these continuing type expenses. Other
expenses, such as buying new books, etc. will be covered by a variety
of fund raisers.
As a "Friend" you will receive a bumper sticker and a certificate, as
well as a quarterly newsletter to let you know how much your generosity
is accomplishing. All contributions made by the "Friends" are
tax-deductible, and you will receive a tax receipt, for your records,
at the end of each calendar year. From time to time we will be having
social events at the library to which you will be invited as an honored
guest.
Thank you for considering joining the "Friends of the Library". If you
wish to join, please send a check for $XXX to XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Library, P.O. Box XXX-XXXX, XXtownXX, state XXXXX.
Thanks a million,
___________________
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
President, XXXXXXXXXXXX Library
FUND RAISING
Nothing happens without $ - nothing. But that's SOME $, not a LOT of $.
You can spend from under $4000 (like we did) to millions (if you want
to build a building) and you'll still end up with a library. Ambitious
projects, like building construction, take time. Shingletown, for
instance, came to see us in 1989 and decided to go for it. They started
looking around for space, and were offered an office trailer, space in
the local supermarket parking lot, and a single donation of 15,000
books. But they opted to go into a "community center" project
(requiring them to raise big $). As a result, they have just finished
(1993) the foundation, and won't open till at least late this year. I
suggest that you OPEN ASAP, and do the big stuff later. The FRV Library
has moved 3 times, always to bigger and better quarters.
Fund raisers can be anything - the most important one being lining up
your continuing givers (the FRIENDS). However, the first one should be
your establishing a group of “Charter Members,”
(businesses, organizations, etc.) who would make significant one-time
donations of start-up money. Of course, they could also be
“Friends.” After that: one-time donations from those who
said they'd give during the survey, dinners, pot-lucks, bake sales,
raffles, rummage sales, car washes, T-shirts, bumper stickers, etc.,
etc. The library in Oak Run plans to open a thrift store in conjunction
with the library. Keep away from gambling, the feds don't like it for
non-profit organizations (church bingo notwithstanding). But a "Monte
Carlo" night with prizes for the big winners might work in your town.
An added advantage of these events is keeping your activity in front of
the public. Most necessary during these first few months! Visibility
results in donations of time, books, and money - all of which you need.
OPENING EXPENSES
There are lots of expenses associated with opening a library (or a
business). Some can be avoided or ameliorated, while some cannot.
The largest expense is usually the remodeling of the building which is
going to house the library. We speak elsewhere about the advisability
of not making any modifications that would require a building permit
(any changes to electrical wiring, plumbing, or structure). You may
even have to pay for the permit, even though you are a non-profit
organization. Items you may have to fix if you open the building permit
Pandora's Box include:
1`. Handicapped access:
a. Handicapped ramp,
b. Widened doors, and halls,
c. Flat door stoops,
d. Handicapped bathrooms.
(NOTE: Bathrooms are a special case anyway, and we recommend that you
only have "employee only" bathrooms. That way, you don't have to
provide handicapped space or facilities or professional cleaning (some
localities). But, if someone needs to use the "employee only" bathroom,
you could certainly give them the key.
2. Special fire suppression systems (sprinklers - bad for books, or
HALON - bad for people in closed areas). Have plenty of dry powder
extinguishers around - they don't hurt books.
3. Swing-out doors with bar-type openers. We recommend that you turn
the door around on your own; and install a lever-type handle.
4. Fire exits from every room (some localities) could make you decide not to build curtain (non-supporting) walls.
Even without the "permit pain", remodeling can still be expensive; but
costs can be kept lower by shopping around for used items (rugs, etc.),
and buying your building materials (that you can't get donated) at a
place that will give you a "contractor's discount" (usually 15%).
The next most costly item (temporarily) is the incorporation charge,
which is currently $625 (1993). You get $600 back when you achieve
state tax-exempt status.
A big cost you don't get back is the $465(1993) that the feds charge to review your Form 1023
(Application for Tax Exemption). That's gone.
The state charges $25 for reviewing your 3500 Form (state equivalent to the 1023).
Your insurance (including $2 million in liability) should be around $500 per year.
You will probably have to provide a deposit for power, gas, and phone service. This varies with area.
You may have to buy a business license; and in some areas this will
trigger various inspections, with associated rules, regulations, and
fees. It behooves you to check this iceberg BEFORE you incorporate or
lease a building. You may find it desirable to locate you library in an
unincorporated area if your town is too costly. Check it out!
Generally speaking, 3 to 4 thousand dollars should be more than enough
to get open - unless you get caught in the Pandora's Box thing. If you
do, your costs could be double that. At the FRV Library we had to build
a 48' handicapped ramp (with several platforms) at 1' in length for
every 1" in rise from the ground to the door. That was the single most
costly item in moving into our second library. In 3 years it's been
used just twice - that's about $1000 per use.
You really need to do your homework here, and prepare a budget of these
costs. You don't want to go broke before you get open. Stay solvent!
SIGN
If you have a good painter around, have him paint you a sign (a big
one). But if you don't, you can make a very professional looking sign
easily. All it takes is a motorized saw (with a plywood blade), a skill
saw, a sheet of 1/4" exterior plywood, paint, and some small screws. A
sheet of plywood will make up to 48, 8" X 12" block letters.
We just cut the plywood into strips (we used 18" high letters) and then
used a roofing square to give us our line width. After marking, we used
the motorized saw to make the long, straight, cuts and the skill saw to
make the rounded parts and the corners. You can be as fancy as you like.
After cutting out the letters, prime the plywood - especially the edges
(they MUST be sealed or they'll fall apart in the rain), and then paint
them. After they dry, mount them on a wall or on a pre-painted panel,
with screws.
Voila! A very professional looking sign - and for under $25 (1993 FIGURE).
We suggest that you do the sign EARLY so that people passing by know
what's happening. Be aggressive in your "marketing" of what you're
doing. It will get you more $, more books, and more help.
HOUSING
The biggest problem your group faces will normally be securing a place
to house the library. And whether you build or rent, it will be your
biggest single expense by far.
At the FRV Library we rented an old 1100 square foot house as our
initial site. Judge Phelps was more than generous in only charging us
$60 per month rent (his actual cost for taxes and insurance). However,
he received something in return - he was able to deduct "full market
value" of the rent he might have received from the building.
Incidentally, that "full market value" must be included in your Form
1023, and on the 990 Form that goes with your state CT-2 report (even
though you probably won't be required to file a 990 with the feds). It
is often possible to locate an old building that is unrentable and use
the above technique.
The boy in Utah operates out of an old schoolhouse that the town lets
him use. If there are any unused government (not US) buildings in your
area, you might be able to "rent" one for $1 per year for this purpose.
Renting (vice donating) is a safer way to go - both for the library,
and the government entity. By the way, if your public library has
closed, they could sell you their books (not US) for $1 too - but they
probably won't (but try anyway).
Shingletown was offered a construction trailer (it's a start) and the
local supermarket offered them space in their parking lot (the ideal
location for a library - one stop shopping, for food and for books).
This type of structure is often available, and can be daisy-chained to
increase space.
Corporations sometimes have space, or buildings they will donate, The
FRV Library is now located in the old P. G.&E. office. We have a
free "use permit" for as long as we operate a library there. There were
advantages for them too: they didn't have to tear down the old
building, they got lots of good P. R. coverage, and they may even
deduct "full market value" for all I know.
Sometimes there is an old house on a site where a new one is to be
built. They usually "bulldoze" them. Depending on the location of a
suitable nearby site, you could move the old building and rent the lot.
There are a lot of advantages here for everybody. The owner of the old
house gets to take "full market value" for his donation; and the owner
of the lot gets the moved house when your LONG-TERM lease is up.
There are many solutions to this problem. Use your imagination, and you'll find one.
We haven't yet, but you might want to start your permanent building
fund on day one - putting a little aside each month (the excess from
the Friends?) and maybe doing a couple of fund raisers a year just for
that purpose. Even here, as an independent private entity, you can
achieve real economies. I looked at a model-year-end, demo, mobile home
last year (wouldn't meet our snow load). It was only $26,000 for 1500
square feet. That size public library in Monterey County cost them
$500,000.00.
A very important consideration in selecting your building is
"condition". It should be 50% larger than you need now, and in good
condition. It is best if you have to make NO changes to electricity,
plumbing, or structure since such changes require a building permit,
and open Pandora's box to additional requirements. At the FRV Library
(#2) we had to widen doors, put in a push-bar exit, and build a
handicapped ramp that cost more than everything else we had to do. If
you have bathrooms, don't call them "public"
or you'll have to handicap equip them. We just let anyone who needs to
use our "employee only" bathroom. Paint, rugs, etc. are cheap -
building modifications are not.
WELCOME TO THE XXXXXXXX LIBRARY! We are an
all-free, all-volunteer, private library, operated by the non-profit
XXXXXXXXX Library Corporation. We are totally supported by public
contributions, primarily through our "Friends of The Library", and by
local fund-raisers like our annual rummage sale in June, and our "Why
Bake for Thanksgiving" bake sale on the Monday before Thanksgiving. We
receive absolutely no support from, nor are we associated with,
government at any level. This is a community enterprise..
Almost all the books are donated but we buy a few each year, mostly on
request from our users. We have the "NO MORE BOOKS" sign up, but if you
have any very late books, or ANY children's books, we'd like to talk to
you about them. If they turn out to be duplicates, we will donate them
to other free libraries like ours.
If you are home-schooling, please discuss it with us. We have made
permanent loans of lots of text-type books, and we have access to them
from time to time.
We allow our users to check out 3 hardbacks for two weeks. In cases of
families, that means 3 books per family member. you may also take out 4
paperbacks for 3 weeks on the honor system. We are very flexible in our
check out rules. You may renew a book over the phone for 2 more weeks.
In the event that you return a book late, we ask that you donate an
item of food (box under front table) as a "fine". This food is given to
the Community Food Pantry for distribution to needy families.
If you would like to help, you can do it in several ways:
1. Make one-time donations (box behind desk),
2. Become a "Friend of The FRV Library" and donate $25 per quarter.
This is the main source of continuing support for the library,
3. Become a "regular" or "standby" volunteer librarian. No experience
necessary. People move, and conditions change, so we do need help from
time to time,
4. Donate "new" books, ANY children's books, or "this month's"
magazines to the library. Book donations are the largest source of new
reading material for our users.
The library hours are posted on the door, and may vary slightly to
accommodate our volunteers needs. It is suggested that you call the
library (XXX-XXXX) before coming down - especially in bad weather, to
make sure we're open. The reason we ARE open is so that you, and your
children, have a library to come to. So PLEASE come often - that's what
makes it all worthwhile.
..................................
XXXXXXXXXXX
President, XXXX Library
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT
The material in this file is Copyrighted 1993-2007 by E. F. (Gene)
Lucas. No commercial use of the material on this file, of any kind, can
be made without the express written consent of E. F. Lucas. However,
the material may be used freely for any public or non-profit purpose
with both the blessing and encouragement of Gene Lucas, who is
available for consultation at lucasent1@peoplepc.com or (530) 891-5223
