Public Library Name and Location and a brief history:

Dobbs Ferry Public Library

55 Main Street
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522

During October of 1909 Colonel and Mrs. Franklin Q. Brown established the

Dobbs Ferry Free Library which was granted an association charter by the state board

of regents. The Browns appointed the first librarian Mrs. Louise Miller. The library had

been created in a room on the ground floor of a house owned by the Browns at the top

of Main Street.

During the 1920’s the library had expanded to the entire first floor of the Brown’s

property and was remodeled and updated by a cousin of Col. Brown. Over the next

many years realizing that many contributors were lost during the war, Col. Brown would

try to pursue funds for the library from many sources.

In 1957 the Dobbs Ferry Free Library board of directors and the Village came to

an agreement to terminate the Free Library, give the building to the municipality and

become a municipal public library. On January 25, 1957 the Dobbs Ferry Public Library

was granted an absolute charter by New York State board of regents.

During the 1970’s the friends group of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library was

established to help the library with its many needs including funding. In 1971 the library

would go through its second renovation using municipal funds appropriated by the

village.

In 2000 the Dobbs Ferry village board approved a plan to build a new library at

55 Main Street under the direction and guidance of Library Director Jeffery Ault, which

opened to the public on January 12, 2003.

 One week prior to opening library director Ault received a telephone call from an

attorney who provided Mr. Ault with great news. Mr. Ault was informed that Ms. Doris

Vollard a supporter of libraries had left the Dobbs Ferry Public Library two million

dollars. This money was used to pay for the construction of the new building.

System Library is in:

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library is a member of the Westchester Library System.

Type of library:

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library is a Municipal Public Library.

Funding:

The library receives funding by appropriation from the Village of Dobbs Ferry’s

budget. According to the 2010 municipal budget the total amount of appropriations for

the library is $794,715.00. Listed below is a chart that breaks down how the library

expends its funds.

 During the 2008 / 09 operating year the Dobbs Ferry Public Library received

$3,293.00 in Local Library Services Aid (LLSA) and $675.00 in Federal Aid received

from the Library System. Income from Investments $305 Library Charges $14,153.

Per capita spending.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library is chartered to serve 10,622 residents as of the

2000 census. Its total appropriations are $794,715. Its per capita spending therefore is,

$ 794,715.00 / 10,622 = $74.81.

Number of full time employees working in building.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library currently has 5 full time members on staff. This

includes a Director, three librarian II, and one librarian I.

Number of part-time staff working in building.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library currently has 19 part time staff. This includes 2

librarian trainees, 10 part time clerks, 4 pages, 2 librarians and 1 care taker.

Date and time of board meeting and site visit.

Our site visit was February 25, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. We looked around the library

and walked through the stacks. We then went to the reference desk and asked a

question which we received a great deal of information about.

Our board meeting was held at the Dobbs Ferry Public Library on Tuesday

March 2, 2010. We arrived at the library at 7:15 p.m. and were greeted by Library

Director, Jeffery Ault.

The library was having a friends meeting when we arrived. The meeting ended

early so Director Ault took both James and I on a tour of the building and gave us a

history of the library.

Who ran the board meeting? Director or president?

The Board meeting had a nice balance between Director Ault and board

president Elizabeth Gilmore. The board allowed James and I to discuss some issues

facing the Dobbs Ferry Public Libraries future.

If Executive Session was called, why was it called?

No executive session called.

Article you read in preparation for the papers?

Both team members researched through many databases to find articles about

the Dobbs Ferry Public Library, with no success. We were able to find some old items

located within the Journal News, but nothing that pertained to our needs. The only item

that was obtained and read was a copy of the libraries annual report.

Library Mission Statement:

The mission of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library is to provide a community-

centered environment where lifelong habits of learning, self-improvement and self-

expression are encouraged and where patrons can meet their educational, informational

and recreational needs.

The Library responds to the needs of users by providing clean and inviting

buildings, well-organized and up-to-date collections, friendly professional service and

well-trained staff.

Minimum Standards
 According to the 2008 Dobbs Ferry Public Library annual report the library has

met all eleven standards of section 90.2 of the regulations of the Commissioner of

Education.

During our visit to the library we were able to observe the written bylaws which

outline the responsibilities and procedures of the library board of trustees, the long

range plan, the annual report to the community, its written policies and procedures, and

its budget.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library is open an average of 54 hours per week and is

chartered to serve 10,622 residents. According to the minimum standards the library is

required to be open only 35 hours; therefore, they exceed this minimum standard.

Based on our observation and the annual report, the library has adequate space,

lighting and seating. The building has bathrooms which are handicap accessible and on

both the lower and upper levels of the library.

In open view are the libraries telephone, photocopier, computer terminals,

printers, fax machine, and print materials with libraries information including phone

number, web page, hours open, borrowing rules, services and location.

Last, the library does employ a paid director who meets the provision of section

90.8 of the commissioner’s regulations. Mr. Jeffery Ault is a registered New York State

Librarian whose New York State Librarian Certification registration number is 9174.

Community

The patrons of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library consist of all the Village of Dobbs

Ferry residents who hold a current library card. Also, the Dobbs Ferry Public Library

serves the residents of the 38 member libraries within the Westchester Library System.
Last, the library assists local residents who are homebound and who live in local

nursing facilities.

According to the U.S. Census bureau’s 2000 factsheet the ethnic breakdown of

the Village of Dobbs Ferry is, 8,572 or 80.7% White. 784 or 7.4% Black. 8 or 0.1%

American Indian and Alaska Native. 803 or 7.6% Asian. 10 or 0.1% Native Hawaiian

and Other Pacific Islander. 205 or 1.9% some other race and last, 240 or 2.3% two or

more races.

The majority of materials in the library are suited to the clientele of the

community. The Dobbs Ferry Public Library has a nice variety of materials for adults,

children and students which include a range of Fiction and Non-Fiction works for all

information seekers.

The one thing that the Dobbs Ferry Public Library lacks is staff that speaks

multiple languages. Currently, the library has no one staff member who speaks

anything other than English fluently.

Programs

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library Sponsors many programs at its library. Included

in these programs are Adult, Young Adult and Children’s. Some examples of programs

for children include toddler time, nursery rhyme time and story time. Programs for teens

include an annual poetry slam and Wii game night. Both the children and teens

participate in the summer reading clubs. For adults, there is two book clubs the colonel

brown and the town and gown. Included in these programs are special events that the

library host occasionally, which include, an author for book discussion, a special guest

for children’s entertainment and movies for adults.

 The programs that the Dobbs Ferry Public Library presents are very well

attended. According to the libraries annual report the total number of adult programs

was 30. The total number of YA programs was 15 and children was 138. The annual

attendance of each includes, adults with 787 participants, young adult participants

included, 387attendees. And children were 2,795 participants. There were other

programs that had a total of 726 participants. The Dobbs Ferry Public Library was host

to a total of 4,659 patrons who attended its programs.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library programs do meet the diversity of the patrons

within the community. The programs are very broad; therefore, any individual would be

able to participate and enjoy themselves greatly.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library does celebrate significant ethnic holidays, but it

is generally contained to the children’s and young adult events and programs.

Building

The Dobbs Ferry Public Libraries building was recently constructed around the

objective of best practices in library services; therefore, it supports library services

distinctively. This new building provides great space for programs and studying with

many areas being reserved for quiet reading.

It has great meeting rooms along with a nice seating area that faces the Hudson

River. The library also has an outdoor patio that allows patrons to read and enjoy the

views and weather during the summer.

The major dilemma of the library is its parking. Behind the building are about 8

spaces for staff and handicap individuals. There is limited street parking due to the high

use of the street the library is on. One must remember to bring meter change to ensure

enough time to complete all library tasks.

 The adult section of the library is named after Doris Vollard who was a great

contributor to the library. As previously stated, upon her death in 2001 she left two

million dollars for the library in her will which allowed the library to pay for its new

building.

The library has two rooms, one small for conferences and one large room for

community meetings. This is realized on its website along with information posted in

the library. The conference room can hold a maximum of 12 individuals, while the

community room is a large space that can hold 75 people.

The signage in the building is very neat and clean. All bathrooms are nicely

labeled along with elevator locations. The materials located within the stacks are easily

findable due to clear labeling also.

The libraries square footage is approximately 16,000 feet. This square footage is

maximized to ensure that the library is efficiently laid out for the best library usage.

Information Technology

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library provides digital and electronic resources for the

public. The first is an Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) that is available from a

kiosk located near the circulation desk. The OPAC is offered to the public at home

through the Westchester Library System. It can be accessed at the Dobbs Ferry Public

Library web site.

The library offers wireless technologies that assist those who come in with a

laptop computer or choose to sit outside. The library offers the ability to print any

materials that you select for a small fee.

 All of the libraries electronic services are offered using a fiber optic connection

with a connection speed between 6.0 – 10 megabits per second. All libraries in the

Westchester Library System use Optimum Lightpath for online connectivity.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library has three policies dealing with electronic access

and include a computer use policy, an internet access policy and acceptable use policy.

They provide all policies to the public online and within the library. All of these policies

are included in this report. Appendix C is the computer use policy. Appendix D is the

internet policy and appendix E is the acceptable use policy.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library currently has 7 public computers and one

computer with envision ware p.c. reservation software. 2 terminals in the children’s

room and five are available for adults.

Marketing/PR

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library uses a variety of creative and innovative

promotional strategies such as displays, publications, advertising, book sales, friends’

groups, contests, good media relations and a teen blog. Also, the library has a

knowledgeable staff with deep roots in the community.

The library sends a positive community centered message to its residents.

Amongst its publications for the public is a communication of being welcome to the

library as a community partner for many different things including learning, self –

improvement and self expression.

Web Page
 The Dobbs Ferry Public Libraries webpage provides a lot of information about its

library. Included are the libraries hours, its mission statement, its full time staff

members, its library board members, information about its homebound services, ability

to apply for a library card online, its calendar of events, its programs for Adult, Teen and

children. Last, its policies and procedures and links to other resources.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Libraries website is missing only a few things which

include the past board meeting minutes and its budget information although the budget

can be found on the Village of Dobbs Ferry’s home page.

 Appendix A
Copy of the last two board meeting minutes.
 Appendix B
Copy of the Dobbs Ferry Public Libraries Long Range Plan
 Appendix C
Computer Use Policy
Access to the Internet and its resources from the library is provided equally to all users. The
user's access to the library's computer network, wireless and Internet is a privilege, not a right.
All Library users are expected to use library resources, including the Internet, in a responsible
and courteous manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which the
resources are provided. Library users must abide by the Library's Rules of Conduct and Internet
rules and procedures. The library reserves the right to terminate a computer session at any time.
Staff is authorized to take immediate action to protect the security of computers and the network
and ensure the fair and reasonable use of Internet resources. Violations may result in the loss of
Internet use and/or library privileges. Illegal activities will be subject to prosecution by the
appropriate law enforcement authorities.

Wireless internet access is available. The access points are unsecured; personal information
should be used with caution. Please do not leave devices unattended. There are currently no
wireless printers available, however you may save your document to a flash drive, or email it to
yourself and print it at a public terminal.

Use of personal laptop computers in the library are also subject to the same user responsibilities.

The content of the Internet is unregulated, and the Library has no control over the resources
available there. Library staff cannot control the availability of information links that often change
quickly and unpredictably. Not all sources on the Internet provide accurate, complete or current
information. Parents or guardians, not the library and its staff, are responsible for the information
selected and the sites visited on the Internet by their children. Parents are advised to supervise
their children's Internet sessions.

The Dobbs Ferry Public Library endorses the Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read
Statement of the American Library Association (ALA), and ALA's "Access to Electronic
Information, Services, and Networks: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights", consistent
with all applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Computers are available during regular library hours and will be turned off ten (10) minutes
before closing. An "Express Kiosk" Computer is available on the main floor for 10 minute use
(no printer) on a first-come, first-served basis. Two children's computers are for use by children
in grade 5 and younger. Adults and children grade 6 and above must use the computers in the
Adult/YA Area.

The staff of the Dobbs Ferry Public Library will attempt to answer basic questions or help
patrons locate resources on the Internet, but they cannot provide in-depth computer training.

To ensure free access for all patrons, the library has installed software on all computers to
manage user time limits. All users must use their own library card to sign on to the computer.
Visitors to the area or those people without library cards should see the librarian for more
information about using the Internet. Please follow the posted instructions for the PC Reservation
System If you have problems logging on, or need a temporary card, ask at desk for help.

Computers are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis. You may make a reservation for a
time later on the day you wish to use the computer. If all the terminals are occupied, you may
make a reservation for the next available computer or ask a librarian to make a reservation for
you. Computer use is limited to a maximum of 1 hour per day, in two half-hour sessions.
Sessions may be extended at the discretion of the library staff.

Due to space limitations, no more than two (2) patrons may use an Internet computer at one time,
as long as their behavior and conversation does not disturb other users or library staff and they
do not physically block or impede access within the library.

The Library does not provide e-mail accounts. However, patrons may register for free, web-
based e-mail accounts via the library's internet access. The Library does not assure the security of
such accounts and will not support them or advise users. Those who choose to use these sites for
financial transactions or for other confidential matters do so at their own risk.

We do not allow the user to save documents or personal files to the hard drive.

Use of individual earphones is permitted. You may bring your own, or purchase a set for $2.00.

Use of portable hard drives (flash drives) is permitted. All documents that are saved must be
saved to a USB key-drive belonging to the user.

Use of cd-roms to upload pictures software, files, games or instructional software is not
permitted.

Patrons are not allowed to download, or upload any software programs, (such as shockwave or
macromedia flash).

In Order to assure information access to all patrons, only two designated computers at a time can
be used for online games or gaming sites.

The Library is not responsible for any damage or loss of data that results from the use of the
Library's equipment or software.

Printing is available for ten (10) cents a page; you must pay for each copy made. Color printing
is available by request for twenty five (25) cents per page. Please make sure you want material
before clicking the print icon. You can retrieve and pay for your printouts at the Reference Desk.
Patrons are not allowed to bring their own paper, labels or envelopes for use in the laser printers.
 Appendix D
Internet use policy
The Dobbs Ferry Public Library provides free access to the Internet in accordance with its
mission to provide information of all types in a wide range of formats. This Internet Policy
affirms the principles of intellectual freedom, equity of access, and confidentiality of information
about users and their use of library resources.

The Internet is a vast and unregulated information network. The Library does not monitor and
has no control over information on the Internet. Not all the information is accurate, current or
complete. Users are encouraged to exercise critical judgment in evaluating accessed information.
The Library cannot protect users from information and images that they may find offensive or
disturbing. The Library assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home
page.

Since the Library Internet terminals are located in public areas throughout the building that is
shared by persons of all ages, backgrounds and sensibilities, individuals are asked to consider
this when accessing potentially controversial information and images. The Library reserves the
right to require individuals to discontinue the display of information and images that cause a
disruption.

Parents or legal guardians must assume responsibility for deciding which Library resources are
appropriate for their children. Internet access in the Children's Room is limited to children and
their accompanying parents or caregivers. Children who use the Internet unsupervised may be
exposed to inappropriate and disturbing information and images. We encourage parents to learn
about the Internet so that they can teach their children how to use technology properly and to
make wise choices.

To assist parents, the Library website provides links to sites specifically designed and
recommended for young people. The Library also has available online and in print the pamphlet
The Parents' Guide to the Information Superhighway, published by The Children's Partnership.

Library users are cautioned that the Internet is not a secure medium and all transactions, files and
communications are vulnerable to unauthorized access and, therefore, should be considered
public. The Library will not release information on the use of electronic resources by members of
the public except as required by law.
 Appendix E
Acceptable use policy
All individuals are expected to use the Library's Internet terminals in a responsible
and courteous way, consistent with the educational, informational and recreational
purposes for which all Library resources are provided. Use of the Internet for
activities that violate local, state or federal laws is prohibited. This includes
activities such as viewing child pornography, committing fraud, hacking, libeling or
threatening.

The following rules, regulations and procedures have been established for acceptable use
standards:

• The number of Internet terminals is limited and will be available on a first-

come, first-served basis.
• The Library reserves the right to limit the amount of time an individual may
use library equipment.
• Rules for use are posted on or near terminals and include information on time
limitations and printing costs.
• Individuals may not alter or damage hardware, software or data or in any way
interfere with, disrupt or degrade the network.
• Library terminals may not be used to transmit threatening, harassing or
abusive language and images.
• Individuals may not invade the privacy of others by 'hovering' over them
while they use the terminals. No more than two people may use a terminal at
the same time.
• Individuals may not misrepresent themselves as another user or attempt to
modify, gain access or reveal passwords or personally identifiable information
belonging to others.
• U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) prohibits the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of copyrighted materials, except as permitted by
the principles of fair use. The Library expressly disclaims any liability or
responsibility resulting from copyright infringement or any violation of local,
state or federal laws in the use of terminals.

Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in the suspension or loss of Internet terminal and
other Library privileges.
 Appendix F
Library Publications