By Dick Goodman | On behalf of the entire board of the Gwinnett County public library board, (myself; Betty Atkinson, Lawrenceville; Babs Wagoner, Duluth; Suzanne Skeen, Duluth and Deborah Oscarson, Lawrenceville), I’d like to report on recent developments at the Gwinnett County libraries. Many of these may appear minor, but cumulatively they represent major improvements in the level and quality of service for our patrons. Significantly, they have come about as a result of the leadership and professionalism of our library director, Charles Pace.
Goodman
Charles joined us in January, 2013. Since then he has worked to make Gwinnett’s library system a model of the 21st century library. Many of the things Charles has done have taken place behind the scenes. The net effect has been better and more services for all library patrons. It started with his re-assessing the staffing needs in the branches and adjusting them to better utilize the library’s limited financial and personnel resources.
Recently he restored Saturday morning hours. Now all branches are open at 10 a.m., where previously they opened at noon. It was a simple fix that gave patrons something they’ve been clamoring for.
One of the first actions he took was to replace some of the public service librarians with “early education literacy associates.” This saved money, but most significantly it added a dedicated children’s specialist in each branch. With these changes, the children’s program attendance has doubled over the past two years.
The library has created an “assistive learning center” at the Lawrenceville branch to provide resources for patrons with disabilities. This included special software and adjustable height furniture to help people with physical or visual impairments.
Charles has encouraged individual initiatives by staff members. In the Centerville branch, for example, the manager and another staff member implemented a STEM initiative to give kids hands-on experience with science and technology. It may be a model for similar programs in other branches.
Library trustees include, from left, Deborah Oscarson, Babs Wagoner, Suzanne Skeen, Dick Goodman and Betty Atkinson.
The library is now making much more effective use of volunteers. Charles has expanded opportunities for volunteers, no longer limiting them to just shelving books. Today, volunteers are invited to take on more responsibilities, such as doing story times, and other programming functions. This is a much more satisfying experience for them, and importantly, it encourages more volunteerism and frees up staff for higher level tasks.
In April, the library went through a strategic planning process. Three years ago was a long, drawn out undertaking. This most recent one, a one-day retreat with nearly 60 recognized community leaders (instead of a series of sparsely attended multiple focus groups), has given the library a clear road map for the next three years. And notably, this one came with an implementation plan that assigns specific tasks, goals and time-lines for implementation. It was the best strategic planning process I’ve ever been through.
A terrific communicator, Charles has strengthened the library’s relationship with funding authorities by, among other things, for the first time ever, meeting with the entire board of county commissioners to explain the library’s mission, services, plans and challenges.
And very importantly, behind the scenes he made a number of important management level changes. He hired a new business services director (CFO), a human resources director and a marketing specialist. These people have brought new energy, professionalism and insight to the way the library conducts business and delivers services.
The board is pleased with what has been accomplished in less than two years, and we hear that our patrons are as well. We are confident that this is only the beginning.
Dick Goodman is chair of the Gwinnett County Library Board of Trustees.
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