Agenda for April 7, 2010 Public Meeting   Agenda for Feb. 11, 2010 Public Meeting   Feasibility Study Documents   Shared Library Value Calculator   Update - January 2010   Update - November 2009   Update - February 2009   Update - March 2008   Focus Groups   Focus Group Summary   Focus Group Attachment   1. Questions   Focus Group Attachment   2. Detailed Group Notes   Let Libraries Lead the Way   Background   Top 10 Reasons     to Support the JOINT Library   FAQs     (Frequently Asked Questions)   Meet Our Consultants   Meet the Joint Planning & Advisory Committee

Update - May 2010 On May 10, 2010 the Boards of Trustees of both libraries met and reached the following consensus: 1.) They would not pursue placing a referendum to create a Joint Library on the November ballot in 2010. 2.) The Boards still find merit in the concept of a Joint Library to serve both communities. 3.) The Planning and Advisory Committee, consisting of three trustees from each Board, will continue to meet to assess the advantages and potential problems in creating a Joint Library. They will examine legal and operational issues and identify any savings to be realized. 4.) The committee will work with legal counsel to draft an Interlocal Services Agreement that will be presented to both Councils before determining whether to proceed with the project. Since 2005 the Fanwood and Scotch Plains Libraries have used Interlocal Shared Services Agreements to:      *  SHARE a common library automation system and broaden reciprocal borrowing      *  MAXIMIZE the use of existing funds though cooperative efforts      *  FORGE a collaborative relationship with the existing joint school system      *  IMPROVE and upgrade materials, shared policies, programming & staff development      *  SUPPORT electronic connectivity and promote public awareness of joint services      *  EXPAND a joint digitization project of local historical materials           on the web at: www.thejointlibrary.org/archives      *  PROVIDE access to a rich resource of original autism & customer-service related materials.           The award winning project is on the web at: www.thejointlibrary.org/autism Based on these successes in sharing library resources, the Borough of Fanwood and the Township of Scotch Plains were interested in examining the feasibility of creating a joint public library in a new shared facility. The Library Boards recognized the need for a new joint facility which would more effectively serve the residents of both communities. This library would increase the existing combined square footage and allow for a dramatic expansion of services, materials, space and hours. A SHARE GRANT was obtained from the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to support the feasibility studies. Professional consultants were engaged to examine the issuesassociated with the establishment of a joint library. The results of the study will determine whether this project should move successfully toward implementation.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss our project with you. If you have any questions or comments, please don't hesitate to CONTACT us at any time: