I am honored to represent you on the Minneapolis Library Board. I work hard on your behalf to help keep Minneapolis a great library system. My accomplishments include: successful passage of the library referendum for improvements to all of our libraries; circulation, library usage and outreach have dramatically increased, and expanded hours including evenings and Sunday afternoons have been added. I also have provided for a balanced approach to technology use while continuing the tradition of building and preserving our award-winning book collections. I am a results-oriented leader, helping shape a positive future to ensure responsive library service for all.
I have lead the way in doubling computer access, further expansion of library hours, promotion of sustainable architecture or "Green Libraries", community outreach, access,preservation of historic libraries and community library improvements. I have always demanded effective use of your (taxpayer) dollars and I am fiscally responsible. Important Issue in planning the new library? An important issue in planning the new downtown library is the balance between the new central library and other services and attractions that will be offered in this two block development. We need to keep the focus that this is a new library we are building, which is primarily funded through taxpayer’s dollars as a result of last years referendum and campaign, “Vote YES for Libraries”. The new central library is the hub of our library system and supports all of our community libraries. Library service that is provided to the public as part of this development is my number one priority. That being said, there can be benefits to this library development project such as housing, retail shops, an eatery, parking, skyway access, and the planetarium and space discovery center. These are wonderful opportunities that can compliment the library, but must not overtake or shadow the important needs of our current and future library patrons. Library services and programs Libraries offer life-long learning: from story times for young children to research for students to leisure and information for adults, and are free to all. The library provides wonderful activities for all audiences. We strive at the library to be able to continue our current service level as well as meet the expanding needs of the community. The demand for library programs includes: more library hours, children programs, Homework Helper, bookmobile, internet training to seniors, new technology, the summer reading program, story times, new formats, books, historic preservation, technology centers, book and poem readings, as well as increased service to new immigrants, seniors, families, and students. All these services can put strain on library resources. There are three ways to improve our programs; first we must know what programs the public is interested in, we must continue to survey the public to give their input, viewpoints, and feedback. Second, we must establish a grant and program office to assist with on going funding options to pay for our programming. Third, we need to seek out and cooperate with other established programs and entities, forming partnerships with the private sector, NRP, non-profits, stronger relationships with the Friends (of the Minneapolis Public Library), and other government bodies, such as the city, schools and park systems. Together we can provide the best possible services and quality programs to all of Minneapolis. Internet / Filtering The Internet has raised new challenges for all public libraries. I support a common sense & balanced approach to internet and technology use that respects First Amendment rights with appropriate and legal access. Illegal use of the Internet at the library has always been and will continue to be prohibited. Our policy works to balance the rights of individuals to access information and the need to provide a welcoming environment for patrons and library employees. In our children’s area, the Library offers assistance and training to help children experience the Internet in a safe and rewarding manner, including providing Web safety tips both in printed form and online and providing links to recommended sites for children. I would support a policy that provides patrons with a choice to have to have a filtering experience, but I do not support mandatory or required filtering, such as those in CIPA (Children Internet Protection Act). Mandatory filtering or censorship does not provide a sensible solution as filtering software is not an effective tool, because there is no proven technology that both blocks out all illegal content and allows access to all constitutionally protected material. Filtering blocks information that it shouldn’t and doesn’t block information that it should. Filtering can bring a false sense of security. To insure that all persons have fair access to the Library's finite computing resources, the Library Board has established a successful on-line internet signup procedure. As technology changes, the Library Board does continue to review this policy on a regular basis. BUDGETS / FUNDING I do favor seeking funds from foundations, non-profits organizations, individuals, the business/corporate community, and having a strong relationship with the Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library. The Friends is a separate 501 (c)(3) with it's own board, officers, and bylaws. The Friends is a wonderful organization that supports many programs for the library and also runs the planetarium. I do support the establishment of a Grant office. Grants can bring in much needed funds but also require lots of staff hours to work through the various requirements and reports. When the grant money has been spent, any new programs would have to end or then would be part of the operating budget (which increases our expenses), so grant funding must be chosen wisely. MPL does have a foundation and also has Trust Funds. The Minneapolis Library Foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) with it's own bylaws, it is currently inactive as the Library Board has hired a fundraising consultant to review and advise the best possible options for funding. A Campaign Planning Committee will be established that will serve to identify and recruit leadership for a Campaign Steering Committee, which will develop the case statement, plan strategy, tactics for the campaign, and will take leadership in raising funds for MPL. Operating budgets and funding options will always be of concern as we meet the service needs of the public. We strive at the library to be able to continue our current service level as well as meet the expanding needs of the community. The demand for more library hours, children programs, new technology, new formats, books, preservation of our historic collections, new technology, as well as increased service to new immigrants, seniors, and students does puts strain on our budgets. We (the entire board, staff, and community) must look for the best possible ways to provide quality services within our budget constraints. We have not, and will not overspend our budget and as we always have, will live within our budget. The 2010 plan is a model that was based on certain assumptions such as ideal staffing and branch sizes. While there is always the chance that operating cost may increase from year to year, especially with renovations, there is an opportunity for cost savings in operations. These adjustments may come from more efficient and better building design, savings from new heating/cooling and environmental friendly systems, patron self service options, flexible and creative staffing, and hours of operation based on demand. The board takes a review at all budget implications prior to starting renovations. I agree with “City Pages” as it named the Minneapolis Public Library the “Best Use of City Tax Dollars.” Our library’s accounting office has been recognized for it accurate financial statements and financial reports. As far as the referendum, the public was given complete, proper, and legal information in all matters related to the Library Referendum. I look forward to working with you, as we find creative options and solutions to make effective use of the your hard earned tax dollars at MPL. Please vote for me on Tuesday, November 6th to re-elect me to the Minneapolis Library Board. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly. Thank you for your time and consideration. Krueger for Library Board 4420 Nokomis Avenue South Minneapolis MN 55406 Phone: 612-721-8076 Fax: 612-722-8988 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] p.s. If endorsements mean anything to you here they are: StarTribune, Minneapolis Central Labor Union (AFL-CIO COPE); Library Workers - AFSCME Local 99; Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council; DFL Feminist Caucus; Teamsters DRIVE; Stonewall GLBT Caucus; Victory Fund; Minneapolis Municipal Retirement Association; AFSCME Council 14 (PEOPLE); Minneapolis Fire Fighters Local 82; Lakes & Plains Council of Carpenters & Joiners Union; and Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis. __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Find a job, post your resume. http://careers.yahoo.com _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
