Byron Public Library and Community Center

Informational Packet
For Byron City Council Meeting
April 25, 2017

Committee Members
Jane Cabaya, Chairperson (County) Gayle Jaben (City)
Judy Campbell Jacobsen Schmalzbauer (City) Jammie Henson (County)
Nancy Nehring (County) JoAnn Brooks (City)
Kelly McLain (City) Sue Briske (County)

Volunteers
Don Huston (City) Joan Skare (City)
Joni Prigge (County) Sue Conant (City)

Page 1 of 15
Table of Contents
Objective..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Envisioning a Public Library & Community Center in Byron ..................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................................................................. 3
Value of a Library ..................................................................................................................................... 4
The Status of a Library in Byron ............................................................................................................... 5
Byron Public Library & Community Center Journey .............................................................................. 7
Committee Findings .................................................................................................................................. 12
Committee Recommendation................................................................................................................... 12
Links to Helpful Library Information: ........................................................................................................ 13
Library Institutions in Minnesota: ......................................................................................................... 13
Minnesota State Government Public Libraries Information: ................................................................ 13
Pertinent, Current Literature Supporting Libraries: .............................................................................. 13
Grant Possibilities For Construction: ..................................................................................................... 14
Grant Possibilities After Construction: .................................................................................................. 14
References ................................................................................................................................................ 15

Page 2 of 15
Objective
The objective of this document is to provide information to support our request for the Byron City
Council to initiate a study in 2017 to determine the feasibility of establishing a public library and
community center in Byron. The total number of petition signatures collected and original copies of the
petition signatures supporting this request will be presented to the Byron City Council on April 25, 2017.

Envisioning a Public Library & Community Center in Byron

Welcoming, state-of-art, vibrant center for learning and enriching all

It is a place that extends far beyond checking out books it is a gathering place where all generations
and cultures can come together to explore/share common interests and be inspired to new heights in
their personal development and relationship with others in the community. It is the center of
community sociability, a third place between work and home. It is a place where many people may be
accommodated for meetings or programs. It would be a place for children to begin their journey
towards literacy with summer reading programs or taking part in the program of 1,000 Books Before
Kindergarten. It would provide a place for teens to hang out with friends while connecting to free Wi-
Fi. It would be a place for seniors to enjoy a cup of coffee, to socialize with others or to read one of their
favorite newspapers and/or magazines. It would provide Byron with a sense of community and identity,
a source of pride for Byron residents instead being viewed as just a bedroom community to Rochester.
It would offer life-long learning opportunities for every Byron citizen while providing a place for all
generations to come together; truly, a wonderful community asset!

Background

Historically, libraries in America were symbolic of enlightenment and the desire to spread knowledge to
all sections of society. They were part of an improving and moralizing culture. They were regarded as
safe and quiet places, distinct and separate from the pressures of daily life, where self-improvement and
study could flourish. The word LIBRARY was regarded as an emblem of a universal ideal, and of a
building type that was central to the idea of democracy and an educated citizenry.

Today a new kind of building is emerging - a meeting place for global technology, citizenship and cultural
democracy. The idea of the modern public library as a living room in the center of the city is becoming
a vital feature of modern urban culture. Green space and green buildings are key considerations in
determining architectural design and location. Libraries are moving away from formal distinct rooms, to
an open plan a meeting place of books, media, people and ideas (including talks, events, readings and
childrens activities). Libraries are as much about creating places where people meet, read, discuss and
explore ideas, as they are about the collection and administration of books in an ordered form. i

Page 3 of 15
A 2013 survey of Americans (6,224 people age 16 or older nationwide) reported that:ii

Most value the role of the public library in the community and have had positive experiences at
the library.
95% agree that the materials and resources available at public libraries play an important role in
giving everyone a chance to succeed
95% say that public libraries are important because they promote literacy and a love of reading
94% say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community
81% say that public libraries provide many services people would have a hard time finding
elsewhere

Value of a Library

Andrew Carnegie, an Industrialist, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist who funded the establishment of
over 1600 libraries in the United States, said A library outranks any other one thing a community can
do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.

WHO BENEFITS FROM A BYRON PUBLIC LIBRARY AND COMMUNITY CENTER

A library is an equalizer; a source for enrichment and personal development Free services; Gathering
place; Access to information (local/statewide), Wi-Fi, computers, and printers; safe place to be;
accessible to everyone

Byron citizens a community identity; a place to meet, providing important life skills visual and
reading, and information use. MakerSpace for all ages.

Readers, listeners and views of all ages print and non-print collections of all subject areas of fiction,
nonfiction, magazines, newspapers and newsletters that they can use freely any time and check out

Computer and internet users a collection of technology equipment and general computer technology
including access for the visually and auditory-challenged that can be used onsite and/or checked out

Learners year-round, cultural, information, and literature gathering place to work, read, and share.
Offerings and programming during days, evenings and Saturdays tutoring, book and literature
discussions

Organizations, clubs, and groups Presentation areas for local, regional and state-offered programs of
culture, literature, art, music, history, environmental, and subject-related issues; i.e. regional art
exhibits, poetry and literature offerings

Parents and children Story and activity times, early literacy programs, i.e. 1000 Books Before
Kindergarten, summer reading programs for children, maker space for construction

Page 4 of 15
Families tutoring, book and literature discussions, information and materials in child development,
adulthood, and aging

Students homework space and help, literacy/tutoring support, sample tests, college training
information

Teenagers and pre-teens collections and programs for young adults

Senior citizens gathering, reading, discussion and socializing material and space. Historical center
archives.

Researchers and organizations a resource place for local area literature, social, political leaders, and
experts to use, present and share in our community i.e. leading forum discussions, holding debates

Workers collections of unique or local items; i.e. seed collections, specific utensil collections such as
kitchen items, repair tools, valuable occasional-use tools such as metal detectors that they can use
freely any time and check out.

Volunteers opportunities to serve Byron community: to assist with reference, service information and
collections, and/or work in the library, on the library foundation or the library board

Local businesses increased consumer traffic, business/marketing research, opportunities to donate

Artists, Poets, Writers, Musicians - collections and access to materials of interest in their field, a place to
display art work, inspire people with poet readings, host local authors for a book review/signing, hear
special performances by local musicians

Taxpayers attractive community asset supporting property taxes, community gathering place,
workplace development resource

The Status of a Library in Byron

The need for a public library in Byron was identified as a priority for new services in the 2001 Byron
Community Mail Survey and was also documented in the 2030 Byron Comprehensive Plan. However,
the City of Byron does not have a public library in its current plan. City officials have expressed concern
with raising taxes to support a library and have communicated that significant community support for a
library is needed before they could consider funding a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a
library in Byron.

Libraries are visibly important to the Byron community when we look at usage of the services currently
available. The Rochester Public Library (RPL) reported that they currently have 2,910 people with RPL
library cards in the 55920 zip code area. SELCO reported 334 of their library cards in the same area
noting that some individuals may also have a RPL card.

Page 5 of 15
The library materials currently available in Byron are:
Rochester Public Library Bookmobile (Every other Wednesday 1 hours, Saturdays 2-3 hours)
o Average patrons visits per year 3,222
o Average materials circulation 13,478
o Limited handicapped access
12 Neighborhood little Libraries that are supplied with ten or so books that people in the
neighborhood have donated for others to read.

In looking at the table below, a public library in Byron is notably absent when comparing it to other
small towns in Southeast Minnesota.

Southeast MN Towns with Public Libraries

Population 2015

Hokah 560 Spring Grove 1,293 Plainview 3,237

Brownsdale 684 Hayfield 1,320 Pine Island 3,337
Lanesboro 734 Rushford 1,712 Zumbrota 3,365
Mabel 760 Kenyon 1,814 St. Charles 3,709
West Concord 774 Blooming Prairie 1,193 Cannon Falls 4,062
LeRoy 921 Spring Valley 2,413 LaCrescent 4,826
Houston 966 Wabasha 2,451 Lake City 5,027
Harmony 994 Dodge Center 2,690 Byron 5,328 No Library
Grand Meadow 1,149 Chatfield 2,799 Stewartville 6,037
Preston 1,299 Caledonia 2,787 Kasson 6,123

Page 6 of 15
Byron Public Library & Community Center Journey

9/24/15 Committee was formed under the leadership of Jane Cabaya, who has extensive library
experience. Her career began in Byron with the K-6 library and music education. She built
3 school libraries in conjunction with SELCO (Kasson-Mantorville High School 7-12, Century
High School 9-12, St. Charles Schools K-12). She worked part-time at the Rochester Public
Library and Rochester Community Technical College. Jane also did database work at SELCO
and two Mayo Clinic library projects.

11/5/15 Received a letter from Mary Blair-Hoeft & Mayor Ann Diercks as a follow up to an informal
discussion between Jane Cabaya and Mary. The letter referenced a comparison of the
operating budget and associated property taxes to support Stewartvilles public library
with the property values in Byron and estimated property taxes for Byron residents. This
comparison confirmed the need to identify a significant number of supporters for a public
library in Byron before the Byron City Council would consider taking any action.

Early 2016 Received Byron Community Foundation, Byron School District, and Byron Lyons Board
support for surveying Byron residents on their interest in having a Byron Public Library.

Early 2016 Committee members consulted with directors of Rochester Public Library, SELCO
(Southeastern Libraries Cooperating), Byron Community Education Director, Byron Public
Schools Superitendent, the President of the Minnesota Public Library Association,
Directors of the public libraries of Kasson-Mantoriville, Hayfield, Blooming Prairie,
Owatonna, Lonsdale. Various Library resources and funding sources were also
investigated.

Spring Used Rochester Public

2016 Librarys grant to create a 3-
D printer model of a library

5/10/16 Sought direction from Byron City Council, received approval to survey Byron area residents
of their opinion concerning the establishment of a Byron Public Library. KAAL was present
for the Council meeting and did a feature story on this effort.

6/25/16 Held Informational session at the Byron Citizens Luncheon

Page 7 of 15
Summer Visited 9 Minnesota public libraries (Zumbrota, Plainview, Wabasha, Lake City, Kasson,
2016 Stewartville, Chatfield, Spring Valley, and Lanesboro) and 2 Wisconsin libraries (Sherman &
Ruth Weiss Community Library in Hayward and Shirley M. Wright Memorial Library in
Trempealeau). The visits validated the value of a public library to the community and
that a community center is an integral part of a library.

Summer Byron Community

2016 Foundation funded the
development of a bookmark
for the Byron Public Library
Campaign

Summer Local media coverage: Byron Review, Post Bulletin

2016
Vision statement developed for the Byron Public Library: Welcoming, state-of-art,
vibrant center for learning and enriching all.

Page 8 of 15
7/17/16 Float in Byron Good
Neighbor Days Parade. It
included handing out
bookmarks and a contest for
the best dream library
drawing.

8/25/16 Information table at

PTO on the Playground.

Individuals began sharing

their contact information as
a sign of interest in
supporting the campaign.

9/30/16 Informational table at the Primary School Open House

Fall 2016 Byron phonebook survey

conducted by Byron High
School Statistics Class (Mr.
Warneke). Conclusion:
Survey is a measure of
effectiveness of
marketing
There is a slight majority
that would support the
pursuit of building a
library
Survey via a voluntary 11/15/16 Byron City Council Minutes: Byron Public
response (mail/email) is Library Interest Survey - FYI - Council felt that there is not
a poor use of resources enough information in the survey to move forward with
it
12/21/16 The following statement was received in response to discussions related to the creation of
a public library in Byron: The Rochester Public Library Board of Trustees believes that
public libraries strengthen community and enrich lives by sparking imagination, creativity,
engagement and learning. We welcome the conversation in how we can assist you to
create the best outcomes for your community. We are open to discussions regarding
different models of providing library services. Approved by the Rochester Public Library
Board of Trustees on December 21, 2016

Page 9 of 15
Jan 2017 Following a review of the 11/15/16 Byron City Council minutes, we informally sought City
Council direction from Dan Mesenburg and Mary Blair-Hoeft on doing a petition.

Jan Feb 1/27/17 Senior Citizen

2017 luncheon.

Conducted four
Informational Meetings with
varying numbers of
attendees. Flyers posted,
advertised in Byron

After starting these sessions,

we were told petitions could
not be signed on school
property. Implemented a
plan for signed petitions to
be sent to a PO box or
deposited in collection box at
Ottos Bakery.

Mar 2017 A community center is an integral part of a modern public library and important to the
vision of a Byron Public Library. However, during the campaign, it became apparent
that many individuals were not aware of this and there was a need to be more explicit.
With that in mind, the campaign title was changed to Byron Public Library and
Community Center.

Jan-Apr Sought petition support:
2017 Informational tables at
school conferences, Project
Kids, School Play, Post Prom
Breakfast, and initiated
personal and door to door
contacts.
Note: Focus has been on
gathering city resident
support per City Council
advice.
Byron Public Library Petition to the Byron City Council
Build a Library Build a Community
We, as members of the Byron community, request the Byron
City Council initiate a study in 2017 to determine the feasibility
of establishing a public library in Byron.
Throughout Minnesota, a multitude of communities have
recognized the value of having a public library and made it a
priority to support such an endeavor. Support for a public
library in Byron has been shown through previous community
surveys and the use of the Bookmobile in Byron. We feel a
public library in Byron would not only benefit us as individuals,
but it is a laudable investment in building a stronger community!
We welcome this opportunity show our support for this petition
with the understanding that our property taxes will increase if
Byron chooses to establish a public library.
Thank you!

Page 10 of 15
4/1/2017

Flyers posted around town,

letters to businesses,
advertised in Byron Review.
Approximately 100
attendees.

3 Nyberg sketches to choose

from. Sketch below chosen
by attendees to represent
future library.

4/25/17 Byron City Council Presentation: Communicate a summary of committee activities,

findings, and petition results to date along with recommendation to initiate a feasibility
study in 2017.
Byron City Council to determine next steps.
Committee will communicate the outcome to community supporters.

Page 11 of 15
Committee Findings

We have been pleasantly surprised by the level of support we have received to date for a public library
and community center in Byron. The majority of the people we have connected with are positive
towards Byron establishing a library -- we have even heard some say they know of people who did not
move to Byron because it did not have a library and others say I was surprised to learn Byron did not
have a library after we moved here. Some have expressed no interest in a library they dont read, the
bookmobile meets their needs, they read e-books.

Our strategy for raising community awareness has been positive. We have found that with the busy
lifestyles people lead today, it is important to meet people where they are at (i.e. co-located with
existing community activities such as the Bookmobile, school conferences, Project Kids, Post Prom
Fundraiser Breakfast, etc.). Recently we initiated some door-to-door visits in a small area of Byron and
have been amazed at the number of supporters identified and their level of enthusiasm for this effort.
We will continue to seek support over the next two weeks with plans to present our petition results to
the Byron City Council on April 25, 2017.

We have established several positive/supportive relationships with a number of local libraries and
agencies associated with libraries (i.e. SELCO, Rochester Public Library, Kasson Public Library, etc.) in an
effort to gather information, best practices, and lessons learned for establishing a public library.

Funding the establishment of a public library/community center and what that would mean to property
taxes is certainly on the minds of people in Byron. It is our understanding that the Olmsted County funds
used to support the Bookmobile would be reallocated to the public library in Byron if it is established. It
is important to note that there are several grants and funding sources that can be explored along with
individuals in our community who may wish to contribute funds to this effort. Byron also has a number
of small businesses with valuable expertise that may be willing to donate services. Many of the libraries
we visited have been established or renovated using significant funds from individuals (i.e. Friends of the
Library, legacy donations) and businesses. During our campaign, we have received requests from
individual supporters on the process for donating money to the establishment of a public library in
Byron. We explored the option of creating a non-profit account with the Byron Community Foundation,
but were told this cannot be considered until a project for this effort exists.

Committee Recommendation

In response to the Byron community and local agencies supporting this effort, we recommend the Byron
City Council initiate a study in 2017 to determine the feasibility of a public library and community center
in Byron. Members from our Committee would be happy to share our experience, knowledge, and
information we have gathered during the feasibility study. Knowing that property in proximity to the
Byron City Hall is either for sale and/or being planned for development, it is an opportune time to do a
feasibility study and create the vision for where the Public Library and Community Center should be
located keeping in mind our findings related to modern day libraries.

Page 12 of 15
We wish to thank the Byron City Council and all who have supported us in this effort. We truly believe
this would greatly benefit the entire community and position it well for integration of new people into
our rapidly growing community.

Links to Helpful Library Information:

Library Institutions in Minnesota:

SELCO, Southeast Minnesota Library System: http://www.selco.info/
MLAMinnesota Library Association, Public Library Division:
http://www.mnlibraryassociation.org/?page=PLD

Minnesota State Government Public Libraries Information:

Minnesota State Statues concerning public libraries:
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=134
Minnesota Public Libraries Annual Reports:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/Lib/sls/stat/

Pertinent, Current Literature Supporting Libraries:

Books:

Contemporary Library Architecture: A Planning and Design Guide, Ken Worpole, Routledge,
2013.
Strategic Planning for Results, Sandra Nelson for the Public Library Association, American
Library Association, 2008.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr Morris Lessmore, William Joyce, Simon & Schuster, 2012.
(Famous book that won an Emmy for Moonbot - a small media company that no longer
exists. Its a whimsical, great message on the value of literature and books.)

Articles:

100 Great Ideas for the Future of Libraries A New Paradigm for Civic Engagement,
HuffPost Impact Blog, 1/29/2015 : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rebecca-fishman-
lipsey/100-great-ideas-for-the-for-the-future-of-libraries_b_6551440.html
Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town,
Public Libraries Online, 4/30/2013:
http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2013/04/community-centered-23-reasons-why-your-
library-is-the-most-important-place-in-town/
How Libraries Fit into Community Education Ecosystems: PewResearch Center,
1/8/2016; http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/01/08/how-libraries-fit-into-community-
education-ecosystems/

Page 13 of 15
 Libraries and Learning: Majorities of Americans think local libraries serve the educational
needs of their communities and families pretty well and library users often outpace
others in learning activities. But many do not know about key education services libraries
provide, PewResearch Center, 4/7/2016:
http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/04/07/libraries-and-learning/
Why Public Libraries Matter: And How They Can Do More, Forbes, 1/16/2013:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidvinjamuri/2013/01/16/why-public-libraries-matter-
and-how-they-can-do-more/#756c6a5d69be

Grant Possibilities For Construction:

Blandin Trust: http://grants.blandinfoundation.org/
Bremer Trust: http://www.ottobremer.org/grantmaking/grantmaking-overview
Byron Community Foundation: http://www.ottobremer.org/grantmaking/grantmaking-overview
Glen A. Taylor Foundation: http://www.taylorcorp.com/home/general/about/social-
responsibility/community-involvement.aspx
Minnesota Library Construction Grants: http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/Lib/sls/con/
Minnesota Library Services and Technology Grants:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/dse/Lib/sls/LSTA/
McKnight Foundation: https://www.mcknight.org/grant-programs
People's Energy Cooperative Operation Round Up: https://peoplesrec.com/content/operation-
round-up%C2%AE

Grant Possibilities After Construction:

Literacy for a Life Time Grants with Usborne Books:
http://www.bookskidslove.com/grantmatching.htm
Minnesota Association of Library Friends: http://mnlibraryfriends.org/index.php/what-we-
provide/grants-and-awards/
SELCO Library Foundation: http://www.selco.info/services-for-libraries/selco-library-
foundation/

Page 14 of 15
References

i
Worpole, Ken, Contemporary Library Architecture: A Planning and Design Guide, Routledge Taylor &
Francis Group, New York, 2013, pages 4, 32, 42, 52, 76, 98

ii
K. Zickuhr, L. Rainie, K. Purcell, and M. Duggan. How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their
Communities, Pew Research Center. Released December 11, 2013. Retrieved from
http://libraries.pewinternet.org/2013/12/11/libraries-in-communities/

Page 15 of 15