HomeMy WebLinkAboutIV. COW Agenda Item Community Connections Center Update
Village of Mount Prospect
Human Services Department
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: MICHAEL JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER
FROM: NANCY MORGAN, HUMAN SERVICES DIRECTOR
DATE: MARCH 18, 2010
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CONNECTION CENTER REVIEW
On March 29, 2010, the Community Connections Center (the Center) will celebrate its
seventh month anniversary. During the Center's two year development process, lead
by Clare O'Shea and Mike Dallas, a set of Program Goals were developed to measure
the accomplishments. The goals are:
· Increase services to a segment of the Mount Prospect community who has been
previously underserved or experienced barriers accessing Village and community
resources.
· Provide a diverse array of social services, education, and other types of
programming to meet the community's needs.
· In order to remove barriers to services and achieve societal integration, the
Center's staff provides services to all clients that are readily accessible and are
provided in a manner that is linguistically and culturally sensitive, and customer
service oriented.
· Cultivate a partnership of community agencies (Village of Mount Prospect, Mount
Prospect Public Library, Northwest Community Hospital, Consolidated School
District 59, District 214 Community Education and Elk Grove Township) to
provide services and educational opportunities for a segment of the Mount
Prospect community who has been previously underserved or experienced
barriers accessing Village and community resources.
. Make members of the community aware of the Center's location and the
comprehensive services it provides.
The Human Services and Police Departments and the Mount Prospect Public Library
will give presentations outlining the Center's progress to date. These presentations and
the attachments provided will substantiate the huge impact the Center has had with the
residents, businesses and the Village as whole.
;1
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER
STATISTICAL REPORT
AUGUST 2009 THRU FEBRUARY 2010
HUMAN SERVICES TOTAL CONTACTS -~,~Q~
SOCIAL SERVICES 1 1,566
--- --- :
NURSING/HEAL TH 42
----- --- ~-------- f--
-------- - .-.------.. " -- -----
POLICE TOTAL CONTACTS 1,461
--_,"-'--."-'--'--~" -----.._-"---- ..------
POLICE: CALLS FOR SERVICE 96
-- ------ -
POLICE OUTREACH 748
n_ ~ u.'__
COMMUNITY POLICING (at Center) 456
---- -. ----
POLICE INTAKE & REPORTS BY OFFICERS, 161
--
-----.---.-.-...-- ....------------
PARTNERS: # OF MEETINGS 94
--- ".-
PARTNER: ATTENDEES 831
-------_...._~..,._,-_..-.-- -------- - - -----
I
-- ----
LIBRARY GATE COUNT , 30,275
i
.-. . -r
LIBRARY CARDS ISSUED 501
.-.--- -I~~:~~:
LIBRARY MATERIALS CHECKED OUT
--~'- .---..".-----
LIBRARY COMUTER USE
. --....-.--
LIBRARY PROGRAMS W/IN CENTER 60
--_._--_.__.__._~
LIBRARY PATRON QUESTIONS 5,963
--------- . _d..___ __ ---------
H:\Community Connections Center\STATISTICS\AUG 09 thru JAN 10
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER SATISFACTION SURVEY
RESULTS: DECEMBER- HUMAN SERVICES
* PLEASE RATE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENTS BELOW BY CHECKING THE APPROPRIATE BOX
Strongly Strongly Percent
Statement Agree Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree Agree! Agree
1. The Center's staff
clearly explained the 66 33 1 0 99
Center's services to me.
2. The Center's staff
provided services to me 77 22 1 0 99
in my spoken language.
3. The Center's staff
was culturally sensitive 67 31 1 1 98
to my needs.
4. My specific needs or
problems were 70 27 2 1 97
addressed by the
Center staff.
5. I discovered the
Center offered services 62 33 3 2 95
that I didn't know
about.
6. The Center's current
hours of operation 55 35 9 1 90
meets my needs.
7. The Center is
conveniently located to 76 18 4 2 94
where I live or work.
8. I feel comfortable
and welcome at the 77 22 1 0 99
Center.
9. I will recommend the
Center to others who 80 20 0 0 100
are looking for help and
assistance.
10. Overall, I was
satisfied with the 78 22 0 0
Center's service, staff 100
and environment.
IF YOU STRONGLY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH ANY OF THE STATEMENTS ABOVE, PLEASE
DESCRIBE WHY
Feedback to Satisfaction Survey
1. Well there should be more computers. They should open until a later time. Should
open on the weekend that is all thanks.
2. We could use more weekend hours. There should be more hours, more space and
more seating room.
3. I strongly agree because the person who attended me was very friendly with me, the
person was excellent thank you.
4. Let me use the computer for a longer time.
5. It would be nice if the center was open everyday of the week. The Center should also
be larger. Would like the people to work more time so The Center can remain open
longer. (8AM-lOPM)
6. People need help and the Center provides help for the people. I am really content
with The Center.
7. Very happy to find this library. Would like to see some Japanese Books on stock.
8. I am satisfied
9. I have gone two times and they have treated me well.
10. Everything is good. Should make more publicity a lot of people know about The
Center because they are close to The Center but other people don't know of The
Center's existence.
11. I went to The Center and they treated me well.
12. I agree to help some people.
13. Increase the size of The Center a bit more and update the computers so there could
be a faster response.
14. I disagree with the time on the weekend because they close early and I don't have
enough time to finish my homework. Improve your business hours.
15. Everything is good I was taken care of.
16. Good services are provided at The Center and the library provides educational
material for children.
17. I strongly agree with the help provided at The Center. Keep on helping people and
providing several services.
18. Provide more computers.
19. I agree because I need a closer library. Can the library stay open longer?
20. I strongly disagree with the hours of operation because The Center closes too early.
The Center needs more movies, books, and computers.
21. 'I strongly agree because the staff is very friendly and no matter what question I
have they are always there to help and solve my problems. I would like more events
provided for children.
22. The Center's staff is very friendly. I like The Center's service; I wish other centers
provided the same service.
23. I strongly agree because this is a great opportunity for our community. Every person
needs services and The Center staff is here to help us.
24. I recommend The Center providing a CPR & First Aid Class.
25. I would like free computer classes.
26. I strongly agree that The Village of Mount Prospect has come closer to the Hispanic
community Thank you for thinking of us.
27. Please keep the Center open later.
28. Everything is fine. The secretaries and staff are very friendly.
29. They should first take care of the emergencies that arrive to The Center. It takes too
long filling out a Medicaid application. We need more efficient financial assistance.
30. I received good service and was treated well. I hope that The Center can become
bigger and offer more services.
31. Up until now The Center is fine. The place is good because you can study English. I
think The Center helps us in a lot of ways.
32. I agree with all the questions I think The Center is a good place for Hispanics and
provides many benefits.
33. I am in agreement that the personnel of The Center are friendly and ready to assist
us with our questions and needs.
34. The only thing we need here is more time open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
because that is when the children are in the house and they want to come here but it
is closed. There are people who don't know how to read or write and they need help.
There are also women who are abused in their homes.
35. Extending hours later in the night time.
36. I am content and its fine the way it is.
37. I would like The Center to be open on the weekends during the winter. That way we
could spend more time with the children reading and enjoying ourselves.
38. I would like to have more flexibility in the hours that The Center is open. I agree
with asking questions because you can't help us if we don't tell you what's wrong.
39. We are very content with service. I am very grateful for the people that work at The
Center. I wish there was a lawyer who could help us with questions about the laws in
the United States.
40. I feel very good in The Center.
41. Everything is fine.
42. The personnel are very good. The service is very good, thank you for everything.
43. I am pleased that they provide services in Spanish.
44. I have always felt vey well with the attention I have received in The Center.
45. It would be helpful if we had more food for families.
46. They offer us excellent services. They have helped us and shared their support that's
why we must support them too.
What are the most 7-9 9-11 11am- 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-
convenient hours for you to 10
am am lpm pm pm pm
visit the Center? pm
11 22 31 41 49 59 35
How did you arrive here at Car Bus Taxi Bicycle Walked
the Center?
I 39 0 1 I 0 I 58
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER SATISFACTION SURVEY
RESULTS:jANUARY- HUMAN SERVICES
* PLEASE RATE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENTS BELOW BY CHECKING THE APPROPRIATE BOX
Strongly Strongly Percent
Statement Agree Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree Agreel Agree
1. The Center's staff
clearly explained the 45 5 0 0 100
Center's services to me.
2. The Center's staff
provided services to me 46 4 0 0 100
in my spoken language.
3. The Center's staff
was culturally sensitive 48 2 0 0 100
to my needs.
4. My specific needs or
problems were 48 2 0 0 100
addressed by the
Center staff.
5. I discovered the
Center offered services 40 10 0 0 100
that I didn't know
about.
6. The Center's current
hours of operation 33 15 0 0 100
meets my needs.
7. The Center is
conveniently located to 46 4 0 0 100
where I live or work.
8. I feel comfortable
and welcome at the 48 2 0 0 100
Center.
9. I will recommend the
Center to others who 48 2 0 0 100
are looking for help and
assistance.
10. Overall, I was
satisfied with the 48 2 0 0 100
Center's service, staff
and environment.
IF YOU STRONGLY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH ANY OF THE STATEMENTS ABOVE, PLEASE
DESCRIBE WHY
Feedback to Satisfaction Survey
1. For the moment everything has been satisfactory for our needs. The attention of the
employees is excellent and we appreciate the effort they make to speak Spanish.
2. We would like to have the hours extended a bit. My family is reading more and
watching more movies. The Center is a good fit for us.
3. I would enjoy classes in English since we have so many who can't manage in English.
(15 people mentioned this.)
4. I would like the library to be open all day every Friday.
5. I need the help of the clinic for my personal needs.
6. I would like GED classes.
7. I would like a stop light in the middle of the street opposite the Center.
8. I would like classes in computers. 3
9. I would like the nurse to come more often. 2
10. I would like the Center to be open more hours. 3
11. I would like a drop off box for books and videos. 2
12. I think the hours that the Center is open should be fixed so that the people aren't
confused. Center should open later and be open later. I believe the Center should be
open each Saturday, even if it's only four hours. 2
13. All the services are excellent with a good deal of help for us Hispanics. But the truth is
that when we approach the Center and see the police cars parked outside it restrains
us from coming closer and asking questions.
14. I see that everything is in very good condition and the people who work there are quite
kind and attentive to the needs of those who come there.
15. The program is excellent. The people are kind and attentive. Thank you.
16. They have helped me with my needs.
17. I don't have to go to the central library because the Center is so close to where I live.
What are the most 7-9 9-11 llam- 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-10
convenient hours for you to am am lpm pm pm pm pm
visit the Center?
0 14 6 6 7 17 16
How did you arrive here at Car Bus Taxi Bicycle Walked
the Center?
T 20 0 0 I 0 I 30
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER SATISFACTION SURVEY
RESULTS: FEBRUARY- HUMAN SERVICES
* PLEASE RATE YOUR RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENTS BELOW BY CHECKING THE APPROPRIATE BOX
Strongly Strongly Percent
Statement Agree Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree Agree! Agree
1. The Center's staff
clearly explained the 58 2 0 0 100
Center's services to me.
2. The Center's staff
provided services to me 57 3 0 0 100
in my spoken language.
3. The Center's staff
was culturally sensitive 55 5 0 0 100
to my needs.
4. My specific needs or
problems were 56 4 0 0 100
addressed by the
Center staff.
5. I discovered the
Center offered services 57 3 0 0 100
that I didn't know
about.
6. The Center's current
hours of operation 51 9 0 0 100
meets my needs.
7. The Center is
conveniently located to 53 7 0 0 100
where I live or work.
8. I feel comfortable
and welcome at the 58 2 0 0 100
Center.
9. I will recommend the
Center to others who 57 3 . 0 0 100
are looking for help and
assistance.
10. Overall, I was
satisfied with the 59 1 0 0 100
Center's service, staff
and environment.
IF YOU STRONGLY AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH ANY OF THE STATEMENTS ABOVE, PLEASE
DESCRIBE WHY
Feedback to Satisfaction Survey
1. Very good Service. They are responsible and they are cooperative with all we ask for.
2. Very good service. I am very happy with all the staff.
3. I am completely in agreement because a little while ago we never had a center like this
one. I would like them to close later on Fridays and Saturdays and to be open a little
while on Sundays.
4. I am in complete agreement. The Center explains things to us that at times we don't
know and the employees don't show any discrimination. I wish I there were more
computers and that it was open on Saturdays and Sundays.
5. The young women are very kind, patience, and also gift us with lovely smiles and good
wishes and always share what they have in the Center. They give us information,
direction and help.
6. I wish there were health services to people who can't pay and consultations, especially
men.
7. It seems quite good the way we are treated.
8. I agree with the fact that there is much help for us. I'd like more education in how to
teach young people to steer away from violence.
9. I wish there was more space.
10. I'm grateful for the help. Thank you.
11. The main library has each computer on separate tables. They should do the same
here too.
12. All the services which are offered in the library and quite good.
13. I'm very happy with everyone. My family and I are always well taken care of.
14. I'd suggest classes and opportunities for parents and children to learn more and to
share their experiences. One group should only be parents and the other group for
children.
15. I'm not very satisfied because the hours aren't just. If the Center is always full, then
why do we have to open late and close early on certain days and weekends? I'd like
more computers and longer hours open.
16. I'm very grateful for everything.
17. It would be helpful to have the Center open more on weekends.
18. Having more computers would be helpful for us to learn. Thank you for everything.
19. People are kind and generous with their time. I feel at home there.
20. I didn't know all the services that can be given from the Center. They explained to me
many things I didn't know.
21. I feel much respect by having the Center here near us.
22. I wish I could find a job but I'm glad I have the library to come to.
What are the most 7-9 9-11 11am- 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-10
convenient hours for you to am am lpm pm pm pm pm
visit the Center?
2 14 25 35 55 57 56
How did you arrive here at Car Bus Taxi Bicycle Walked
the Center?
I 27 0 0 I 0 I 33
MOUNT PROSPECT POLICE DEPARTMENT
FORMAL MEMORANDUM
CHF 10-31
TO:
MICHAEL E. JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER
JOHN K. DAHLBERG, CHIEF OF POLICE -
L NUMBER
FROM:
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER SIX MONTH ACTIVITY
SUMMARY - CSO CARLOS HUIZAR, POLICE LIAISON TO THE
CENTER
DATE:
MARCH 4,2010
Attached please find a copy of the Community Connections Center's Police Liaison
Carlos Huizar's six month activity summary. I am forwarding this document to you now
in light of the scheduled update on the Community Connections Center before the
Committee of the Whole meeting on March 23, 2010.
Please advise me if you have any questions.
JKD:dr
Attachments
C: Naoey:Morgan, Director of Human Services
Michael Semkiu, Deputy Chief of Police
John Wagner, Operations Commander
Carlos Huizar, Community Service Officer
Page 10f1
ADM 10-41
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Village of Mount Prospect
Mount Prospect, illinois
TO:
FROM:
DEPUTY CHIEF M. SEMKIU
COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER C. HUIZAR ~.:f98
FEBRUARY 18, 2010
DATE:
SUBJECT: COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS CENTER SIX MONTH REPORT
As you are aware, the Community Connections Center began operation in August,
2009. At that time I assumed the position of police liaison officer at the center. During
this time I have logged 687 citizens' contacts. These contacts included:
. Community Policing @ the Center 230
. Police Outreach @.Schools 159
. Police Outreach @ Business areas 161
· Mount Prospect Police Spanish Language Telephone Line 137
Since its opening the Center has encountered. many issues relating to the residents of
Mt Prospect. The following are just a few examples:
· The mother of a juvenile victim related a situation involving sexual assault to a
minor. The mother preferred to come to the center to meet with the police
instead of calling 911. The mother of the juvenile victim said that she was more
comfortable communicating in her native language (Spanish) and also that she
knew she could trust the Center.
· A complainant called the Center looking for counseling for her twelve year old
daughter due to some "bullying issues." An appointment was scheduled with a
Village Social Worker and the complainant later met with staff to discuss the
issue.
· A juvenile came into the Center with her father stating that before Thanksgiving
Day, she had been attacked by a classmate after being dropped off by the school
bus at Colonial Green Apts. The offender, also a juvenile, had slapped her in the
face. The victim related that a few days earlier she was told by a friend of the
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attacker that she needed to join a Mount Prospect gang, either the KINGS or the
SURENOS to avoid further problems. The friend explained to the victim "what
she needed to join." After talking with the victim and her father it was decided to
file a police report for battery. After the report had been completedJI asked the
father why he didn't call 911 when the incident occurred. He replied that he and
his family were afraid of any retaliation from any of the gangs if they saw the
police at their residence.
. A complainant came into the Center to report that his wallet "had been taken
from him by a group of Hispanic 'gangbangers' early that morning." The victim
related to an employee of the library that at approximately 0945 hours, while
walking between his friends' apartment at the 2006 W.Algonquin building and
2020 W.Algonquin, he was confronted by two Hispanic males who identified
themselves as Surenos 13 gang members. The victim related he was punched in
the face, thrown to the ground and then kicked in the head and face by these two
subjects, and then robbed. The subjects removed his wallet from his back rear
pocket while he was on the ground. Victim stated that he "ONLY" wanted to
report his library card lost to avoid any charges in the Mure.
The coordinator with the library suggested the victim file a police report since I
was working and I was a representative of the police department.
The victim agreed to meet with me and we talked about the incident. The victim
repeated his previous statement adding a vehicle description for the offenders, a
blue or black 1.5 cab truck. The victim also advised that there were other
subjects in the vehicle who didn't participate in the incident. The victim could
identify both the offenders and others within the offenders' truck.
As the victim was telling me this, I remembered that a few minutes earlier an
officer had been dispatched toareport of a "suspicious vehicle with occupants"
in the area of La Rosita. Officer Foley had conducted an area check with
negative results. However, a person in the area told him that the vehicle had left
the area and was traveling E1B on Algonquin Rd. Officer Foley then condl,lcted a
felony stop on the vehicle which matched the description of the vehicle
information provided by the victim. The vehicle, stopped on Busse Rd. south of
Algonquin Rd,was occupied by five passengers who appeared to be gang
members.
In summary, those subjects assaulted and robbed the victim earlier, bu~ he
believed that if he was to report the crime to the police there would be retribution
against him. He preferred to only notify the library and not to file a police report. I
contacted Sergeant Schmitz and notified him of the victim's location. Officer
Foley and Investigator Riordan came to the eec and talked to the victim through
me, as I assisted them with Spanish interpretation. At the Officer's request, I
transported the victim to the police department to assist in further investigation of
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the incident. During the duration of the transport, the victim related many
"reasons" why he didn't want to sign complaints.
In summary he related that his hometown in Mexico was "OWNED" by the drug
cartel and other violent groups, and that he feared retribution by those gang
members. I explained to him the differences between here and there to the point
thafwhen we got to the pOlice department, the victim wished to sign a criminal
complaint. Unfortunately due to time restrictions, the victim left the department
refusing to sign complaints because he needed to get to work. The complainant
was very pleased with Investigator Riordan and extremely happy when Officer
Foley returned his wallet to him.
· During the Center's time in operation, many people who wished to remain
anonymous have provided information regarding a variety of situations. Among
these were code enforcement issues where people were threatened with being
evicted if they were to say something and report living conditions to authorities,
and possible drug dealers in the area of Mount Prospect. One ofthose'tips
resulted in the arrest of a subject who was wanted by the DEA on an out of state
warrant.
Police Liaison Officer Outreach Activities with Crime Prevention Unit
Since the Center's opening, I have worked along with the crime prevention unit to
further the goals of the Center and enhance -the police department's outreach activities.
Some of the noteworthy activities were:
· I recorded a promotional announcement for the Center as part of a Crime Line
taping. I encouraged people to visit the center, explained the Spanish Line
services as well as state car seat requirements. Many phone calls were received
as a result of the Crime Line episode.
· I assisted in hosting three (3) "family movie nights" at John Jay, Euclid and
Robert Frost South Schools. Crime prevention and the police liaison officer
provide a brief safety message prior to showing the movie, and provide free
popcorn and refreshments to families and staff of the school. These events are
very well received, as evident in that an average movie night attendance is
approximately 300 people. Movie nights provide for great positive interaction
between. the police department and school community. During these events,
many people have the opportunity to talk with a representative of the police
department in their native language.
· Gang awareness presentations were conducted at John Jay and Euclid
Elementary schools, where approximately 40 people attended at each school.
Attendees were provided information on basic gang member recognition, signs
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when a juvenile becomes involved in gangs and information as to how to keep
children out of gangs.
. I visited John Jay, Euclid and Robert Frost South Elementary schools and
presented the officer friendly program in Spanish. This is a way to bring the new
generation close to the police and break barriers and stereotypes that may exist.
Children are encouraged to call 911, trust the Police, made aware of stranger
danger and other officer friendly program issues.
. On 12 September 09, I participated in the National Car Seat event where many
people were instructed in proper child safety seat installation. This is an ongoing
program that continued throughout the year. Many residents come to the center
with questions about car seats.
. On 19 November 09, I participated in National Reading Night at John Jay School
where 100 people were present.
Developing alliances with partner agencies at
the Center and neighboring businesses
While working with the Mount Prospect Library in ways to promote reading among
Spanish speaking residents and also promot~ the Mount Prospect Library south branch,
it was decided to make book marks with my picture, as well as to create tokens that can
be exchanged for a treat at the south branch library. These bookmarks and tokens are
distributed during officer friendly visits at the schools, while visiting local businesses and
any other opportunity. The tokens provide incentive for youths to visit the south branch
library.
On 28 January 10, I participated with the crime prevention unit and School District 59 on
a juvenile discipline workshop. This program at the Center provides information to
parents regarding the discipline of children as well as different resources available
regarding the subject. The first workshop drew 25 attendees. Based on its success, it
is anticipated that several more of these workshops will be scheduled.
On 30 October 09, information was obtained from a patron of Los Paisanos regarding a
subject who had in his possession a firearm, allegedly found at the Woodfield cinema.
The subject was contemplating discarding the weapon in the trash to avoid contact with
the police, since he does not have legal status to be in the United States. After a few
minutes of conversation, the subject admitted that he had the weapon at his apartment
and that he was the one without legal documents. I explained to him what I do with
schools as far as the officer friendly program, educating the children about never
touching a gun due to many risks and consequences. Officers were called to the scene
and accompanied the subject to his apartment where a loaded handgun was retrieved
. and taken off the streets.
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, '
On 16 December 09, the owner of Los Paisanos Discotheque at 1745 W Algonquin Rd;
related that he knew the identity of a subject the police department was looking for
regarding the investigation of an aggravated assault of a police officer at the Briarwood
Plaza. This information was turned over to Problem Oriented Policing Officer Addante
for further investigation.
Both of these incidents are good examples of the level of cooperation and trust Which is
being built between community businesses and the police department.
In summary, the Community Connections Center has exceeded our initial. goals during
the course of the first six months. The Center and staff have been accepted by the
community as evident by the number of contacts made at the Center, surrounding
businesses and schools. It is anticipated that the Center's acceptance will continue to
grow as current programs take place and new initiatives are implemented. I look
forward to being part of the Center in the upcoming months and years.
C: Chief Dahlberg
All Commanders
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Community Connection Center
Location of 2009 Clients
Legend
D 1 Mile Buffer from Center
D LowModCensusTracts
Location of Center Clients
QUANTITY
. 1 - 3
. 4 - 10
e 11 - 21
o
1
Miles
2
0.5
N
A
3-10-2010
To: Village Board
From: Marilyn Genther, Executive Director
i1~
Re: South Branch Library
Working with the Village to develop the Community Connections Center has been an exciting endeavor.
The strong response from the community for the Center has been rewarding. Opening this branch
fulfilled a long held outreach goal of the Library Board and staff. Enclosed are the staff reports on the
South Branch operations for 2009 which were presented to the Library Board in February.
I have also enclosed a copy of Your Guide from our Preview newsletter which featured an article on the
South Branch after six months of operation.
Let me introduce our South Branch staff:
Lawrence D'Urso - Manager of South Branch and Head of Fiction/AV/Teen Department
Jacquie Laramie Christen - Coordinator, Librarian
Helgi Marroquin-Garcia - Patron Assistant
Jorge Perez - Patron Assistant
Plus many of our staff from the Main Library also work shifts for training purposes, conducting
programming as well as to help maintain necessary staffing levels to meet the demands on the branch.
The 2009 Annual Report outlined the Library's achievements under the current Strategic and
Operational Plan for 2009 - 2012. The opening of the first branch facility was a highlight under the
second strategic path of the plan which is liThe Library will expand its presence in the community by
providing and connecting people to library services where they are needed." Until now, the Library's
extensive outreach has been provided by delivering services to offsite locations. The branch has
provided the first permanent offsite presence from which to provide library services.
Excerpt from the Mount Prospect Public Library 2009 Annual Report presented to
the Library Board on February 4, 2010.
South Branch
2009 saw the culmination of two years of effort to establish a branch library within the
broader structure of a new neighborhood resource center. The Village of Mount
Prospect conducted studies during 2007 that resulted in a series of organizational
meetings starting in January of 2008 which was the point at which the Library became
involved. We spent 2008 working with the Village and potential agency partners to
establish the vision, mission, the legal and organizational structure, finding a physical
location, and drawing up plans to remodel and staff what came to be called Community
Connections Center. Work on the physical space and establishing a working agency
were the goals for 2009.
A wiki for South Branch and Community Connections Center was the first wiki for staff
to use as a communication tool and planning resource. A steering committee of Larry
D'Urso, Cathy Deane, Kathy Murray, Martha DeFabio, Mary Smith, Tom Garvin, and
Tim Loga was established as well as a myriad of sub-committees to handle this new
initiative.
The library's 700 square feet was designed to provide books and AV materials for all
ages, computers, basic reference and reader's advisory services. Collection
development began in mid 2008 and continued into 2009. Preparations for hiring library
staff also began in 2008 and continued into 2009 with the determination of staffing
levels and writing job descriptions. The library facility was officially designated as South
Branch.
It was determined that the library services would include public computers with the
same services as those at the main library, a full service circulationlregistration desk,
basic reference and readers' advisory services, and a staffing level of at least two
people at all times. The collections were to include popular fiction and non-fiction (self-
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help, how-to, health, biography, homework related subjects, small business, job search,
immigration and citizenship, ESL, and general works on other subjects) in both print and
AV for all ages in English, Spanish, Polish, Gujarati, Korean, and Russian reflecting the
major languages spoken by the south side population.
Circulation and Registration staff was heavily involved in training and are continuing to
do so with the South Branch staff to ensure consistent policies and procedures between
the two facilities.
The cataloging and processing for the opening day collection for the South Branch (SB)
began in January 2009 and took six months to complete. The branch opened with a
total of 4,614 items in the collection - 3,151 books, 1,429 AV items, and 34 periodicals.
Reclassification and re-Iabeling of existing items from the Main Library to South Branch
collections was also an ongoing task.
Planning work for the physical layout of the South Branch at the Community
Connections Center started early in 2009. To assist staff in planning for the space at the
South Branch, a mock up of the space was laid out in our loading dock. We taped off an
area on the floor showing the exterior walls, service counter, book shelves, computer
counter, and some of the furnishings to assist staff with workflow planning. The
construction kick off meeting was on Monday, February 23rd. Construction work began
Monday, March 2nd with the demo work being completed within the first week. We met
weekly with Village staff for construction meetings at the site to address construction
issues. Through these meetings we were able to make adjustments to accommodate
the needs within the limitations of the space.
To help expedite the construction process, the Library took on some of the equipment
purchasing such as the movable wall, restroom equipment, staff lockers, and computer
server and rack. Equipment and furnishings used strictly in the South Branch were also
all purchased by the Library. The wall mounted shelving, reader benches for youth
books, movable storage/display racks for A V materials, as well as everyday use items,
such as wastebaskets and first aid kits all needed to be purchased. We did have some
furnishings from Youth Services for use at the South Branch, a small children's table
with chairs and a larger one for adults. KI Furniture supplied all new furnishings for the
Center. We worked with our KI representative to design and plan the service desk and
computer counter. Additionally, the design professional KI uses, Dina Tsiolis from EWS,
Inc., helped with the finish selections throughout the facility. Items such as carpet and
wall colors as well as the furniture were all included. We also participated in helping
develop a key plan for the entire facility.
July was the big move-in month. Construction at the facility continued throughout the
month. Mid-month we installed eight sections of shelving along the east wall to hold the
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collection. Move-in day was set for July 23rd. We rented a truck and plastic crates which
were filled with the materials for the South Branch. Throughout the day, trips were made
between the Library and the South Branch to deliver materials, furniture, and supplies.
The bulk of the move took place on the 23rd and 24th. By the end of July, the majority of
the supplies and equipment were in place and the final construction work was being
completed for the grand opening on Wednesday, August 5th.
Computer Services performed quite a bit of the cabling and connectivity work at the
South Branch location. A fiber-optic internet connection was installed and is used as the
primary link for outside access for both data and voice. The server cabinet, patch
panels, and all data jacks were installed by Computer Services staff. Engineers from the
Illinois Century Network helped segment the connection into two separate virtual circuits
- one for Library network traffic and one for Village network traffic.
From opening day on August 5th, South Branch was a success. The doors opened for
the first time at 10:30 a.m. and at 10:35 a.m. in walked a mom with her three children.
People continued to walk in during the rest of the day and every day thereafter.
Business has been brisk and has exceeded initial expectations. The heaviest traffic
tends to be after 3:00 p.m. when school is out, however, there has been a steady
stream throughout the course of the day. Most patrons have been as expected by the
project: new or recent immigrants, non-English speakers, lower income, lacking
transportation/access to services, etc. Many are first-time library users.
It is common to see entire families: mom, dad, and the children come in together to use
the library. Often, grandparents will tag along with the family or come in on their own
with their grandchildren in tow. They check out children's books (mostly picture books
and easy readers) and movies for their children and pick up a book and/or a movie for
themselves. Another regular sight is teens with their friends stopping in to use a
computer or to look for a good movie. Individual adults of various ages stop by to use a
computer and to check out books and movies. English as a Second Language (ESL)
materials have also been a big draw among the adults. Once school started, some
children have been regular visitors using SB as the place to do homework. The South
Branch web page has also been quite popular with page views ranging from 1,357 to
2,256 per month during the first five months of operation.
Most of the clientele has been Spanish speaking, who also comprise a large segment of
the south side population. Other language groups have also become regulars. Gujarati
speakers have discovered the Gujarati books and a frequent request to the Main Library
has been to send Hindi and Gujarati language movies. English speakers come for the
newer English fiction, movies, and to pick up holds sent from the Main Library. So far,
we have not seen many Polish speakers, who are also in large numbers in the area,
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and Korean and Russian speakers have been few. The latter three are not as limited
with transportation as the Spanish and Gujarati speakers. One of the apartment
complexes with a high number of Polish speaking residents is in an unincorporated part
of the neighborhood which is a limiting factor to their library use.
In December, the results of the client/patron surveys were tabulated. In a nutshell,
people indicated that they are happy with the facility, the staff is friendly and helpful, and
they would like more computers, open more hours of service, and a larger facility. This
information will be helpful when the planned first six-month evaluation is conducted in
the spring of 2010 which will also coincide with the start of FY2011 budget planning.
The creation of a new library service, i.e. the South Branch, was a landmark for the
Library. This service is on a good footing for development and success during the next
year. The public has been very positive in their response and usage has been
substantial. There is great potential for growth and we have the staff both at the Branch
and at the Main Library with the talent and abilities to make it happen. 2010 will be an
exciting year.
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Annually the state of the collection for adults and children is presented by the collection
librarians to the Library Board. Each selection area is reviewed and trends noted.
South branch collection was a new addition to this report for 2009.
Excerpt from the State of the Collection annual report presented to the Library
Board on February 18. 2010.
Selection Report 2009
South Branch Adult Collection
The South Branch was established as part of the Mount Prospect Community
Connections Center to serve the entire population that resides south of Golf Road with
the primary target being the underserved recent and new immigrant population that are
limited by barriers of language, transportation, and social/economic circumstances. The
intent of the branch is to assist the Village of Mount Prospect and member non-profit
service agencies with the settlement and integration of this population in their new
environment.
A popular collection of print and AV materials in English, Spanish, Polish,
Gujarati, Korean, and Russian for patrons of all ages and geared toward their
immediate needs and interests was established. The collection includes popular print
fiction, nonfiction (how-to, self-help, health, life skills, careers/job search/employment,
ESL, homework support, immigration/citizenship, small business), AV (ESL, movies,
music, documentaries, youth educational), graphic novels for teens and children,
magazines and local newspapers, and puppets. The purchase of new materials was
supplemented by approximately 1,200 items transferred from the collection at the Main
Library. A small, two-shelf, basic collection of standard print sources are available for
reference use. Reference service is heavily dependent on online sources. The total
collection as of December 31, 2009 totaled 5,296 items.
An important contribution to the collection was the donation of funds to purchase
ESL materials by the Sunrise Rotary of Mount Prospect. With these funds, a second
copy of the very popular multi volume Inqles sin Barreras was purchased along with first
copies of other highly rated Lexicon publications: Profesiones sin Barreras, and De la
Supervision al Exito. This donation, added to funds from our regular budget, enabled
us to build an ESL collection that has met the initial opening day demand.
The cover prices for purchased materials varied from under $10.00 for popular
paperbacks to over $1,000 for ESL multi-format sets. Paperbacks were purchased
whenever possible and the vendors of choice, and where we directed most of the
orders, were Baker and Taylor and Amazon.com because of their discounts resulting in
an average price of $12.21 per item. We stretched the dollar so much that George
Washington started to wince. The result was that we were able to buy more and start
with a good opening day collection.
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During the first five months of operation (August-December), patronage has
included many young moms and dads with children infant through elementary school
age. Entire families will visit at the same time and often, grandparents with their
grandchildren in tow will also stop by to check out materials and play with the games we
keep on the table. Also, many teens and younger single adults stop by to check out
DVDs and use the computers. The busiest times are after school, in the evenings, and
during the one open Saturday per month.
Patrons have been mostly Spanish speaking although regular Gujarati and
English language speakers have also visited. These three languages represent the
bulk of the circulation. A few Polish and Korean materials have also circulated but
Russian has had no activity. The really hot items so far have been ESL; movies for all
ages in Spanish, English, and Hindi (which were sent from the Main Library on patron
requests); Latin and Pop/Rock music; Gujarati language newspapers; adult self-help;
children's board books, early readers, picture books, and fiction in both English and
Spanish. There has also been a steady demand for cookbooks, adult fiction by
Hispanic authors, and a need for materials that will support school homework
assignments. Though not in high demand, there have also been requests for materials
on dream interpretation, religion, philosophy, books about dogs, and Spanish instruction
for English speakers.
Most popular sections of the collection as per the collection codes:
Anything identified as "New" was checked out whether it was adult or youth,
English or Spanish, print or AV. Quite literally for many new titles, no sooner had they
returned to the shelf then a patron picked it up and checked it out. Eight of the ten
"New" collection codes had turnover rates in excess of 100%! New DVDs and print
fiction were the most popular.
Popularity among the "old" items was similar to that of the "new" ("old" and "new"
as coded in Horizon). It comes as no surprise that adult and youth fiction and World
Language DVDs, and Spanish youth easy books experienced turnover rates in excess
of 100%. For example: adult Latin music CDs were at 87.6%, youth graphic novels at
93.6%, youth Spanish easy readers at 99.4%, youth Spanish paperbacks at 67.2%, and
youth Spanish baby books at 54.8%. The big surprises were adult magazines at 30.2%
and adult Gujarati books at 90.1 %. We underestimated the demand for Gujarati books
and should have attempted to buy new books instead of recycling books from the Main
Library, although appropriate vendors are hard to find. Other areas that experienced
respectable turnover rates were adult large print fiction, youth English baby books, adult
ESL materials, youth paperbacks, adult and youth Spanish print fiction and nonfiction,
English and Spanish parent/teacher materials, youth Polish books, and adult popular
music CDs.
Adult Korean and Polish books did not circulate as well as anticipated (youth
books in both languages did better). Also considering the dispersal of the Korean
population throughout the Village and the northwest suburbs, there is not a
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concentration or "central location" for this population in Mount Prospect. While Polish
speaking residents are also dispersed, there are enclaves of the population in specific
areas including an unincorporated residential complex in the neighborhood. For Polish
speaking residents, either having transportation or not having circulation privileges
because of living in the unincorporated area may be the reason for their low use of the
branch. Adult Russian language books have not circulated at all. Most of the south
side Russian population is west of the border and appears to be adequately served by
AHML's bookmobile. This may be the first collection to consider relocating to the Main
Library where there is demand for books in this language. It must be noted however
that this is merely observation and limited interaction with these groups so an
organized, systematic investigation is in order before making any collection decisions
regarding these three languages.
Regarding English audio books: is there a demand for a larger collection? There
are only 59 in the collection but those 59 have circulated multiple times and had high
turnover rates. Older English print fiction rates have been more modest.
South Branch is off to a good start. A good foundation has been laid and the
effort for 2010 will be tweaking and building the collection according to experience
gained in working directly with the south side community. Things to consider in 2010
include: 1) addressing the demand for Gujarati books and Hindi movies; 2) determining
specifically why the Polish, Korean, and Russian populations have not been active
visitors and adjusting our services accordingly; 3) investigating whether or not there is a
demand for English audio books; 4) monitoring community needs and demands and
adjust collection development goals when necessary; 5) developing a plan for
promoting the collections (and services) within the community outside, as well as within,
the physical facility of the branch. It will be an exciting year.
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YOUTH SOUTH BRANCH COLLECTION
YOUTH COLLECTIONS - SOUTH BRANCH
Opening Day Collection
The opening day collection for youth included a carefully selected group of about 1,700
books, 200 CDs, 425 DVDs, and 25 puppets. Since shelf space dictated the size of the
collection, paperback print editions were chosen whenever possible. About 50% of the
youth print collection was in English-language, about 40% was in Spanish, including
many translations of popular American titles (e.g., Very Hungry Caterpillar) as well as
some titles in their original Spanish. The remaining 10% of the youth print collection
included Polish, Korean, and Gujarati. The CDs included English and Spanish. The
DVDs included English and Spanish, all with multilingual capabilities.
The goal of the opening day collection was to provide popular and high-demand items
with emphasis on familiar titles that would appeal most to a browsing audience.
Consequently our largest collection was fiction for the youngest patrons, including
picture books, board books, and early readers, and juvenile fiction ("chapter books") for
older readers. English-language titles included familiar and newer classics (Goodnight
Moon, Fancy Nancy) and popular series (Scooby 000, Dora and Diego, Junie B. Jones,
Harry Potter). Spanish-language titles included translations of some of the popular
American titles (Jorge el curiosa/Curious George, Amber Dorado/Amber Brown, Capitan
Calzoncillos/Captain Underpants, Diario de Greg/Diary of a Wimpy Kid), as well as titles
in their original Spanish from popular authors such as Alma Flor Ada, Gary Soto, Pat
Mora. We also included some English-language books that incorporate some Spanish
words and/or culture, like those by Susan Middleton Elya. Popular holiday picture
books were included in English and Spanish. Most Polish and Korean youth books
were picture books in their original language, not translations from English-language.
Nonfiction titles were selected for high interest and browsing appeal rather than for in-
depth homework assistance, with the knowledge that Main would be able to quickly
transfer supplemental homework titles upon request. A mid-range reading/interest level
was the goal, with additional higher or lower levels for the most popular nonfiction
areas, like dinosaurs. The smaller collection of Spanish-language nonfiction books
included translations or bilingual editions of English- language titles. Holiday books and
picture dictionaries representative of the targeted languages were included.
CDs included English language and Spanish-language titles. Most were sing-along or
play-along titles for very young patrons and their and their parents. The DVD collection
included the most popular feature titles, such as Disney, and other recent theater
releases.
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Usage 2009
All of the Spanish-language fiction print materials are very popular, including board
books, picture books, early readers and juvenile "chapter book." Early readers in
Spanish are especially popular with South patrons.
Nonfiction books have not been in as much demand by patrons. For homework needs,
students will find one or two print titles to address the topic, then supplement by way of
a request from the collection at Main.
CDs have not been very popular and have a low circulation. DVDs, on the other hand,
are enormously popular and we continue to add new DVD feature titles as they are
released.
An additional collection of holiday books, especially Halloween, Thanksgiving, and
Christmas, was purchased in the fall to meet seasonal demand. This collection will
grow as other holiday books are ordered, and the books will be housed at Main and
rotated into South's collection for each approaching holiday.
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10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
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8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
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South Branch - Overview
Aug '09
Sep'09
Oct '09
Nov '09
Dec '09
Jan '10
Feb'10
. Visitors . Circulation . Questions
South Branch - Collection Activity
Adult/Teen Books
Adult/Teen AV
Youth Books
Youth AV
Other
. Collection . Circulation
South Branch - Collection
Other
1%
South Branch Circulation
Other
0%
South Branch - Public Computer Usage
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
o
Aug '09
Sep'09
Oet '09
Nov '09
Dee '09
Jan '10
Feb'10
. Sessions . Hours
1 First visitors to Library