Photo: Bloomfield

ANNUAL REPORT2012

LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORThe 21st Century library exists right here in our community. Since moving into our new facility and reconnecting with our downtown roots, the Chelsea District Library has achieved a remarkable record as a respected, visionary, resourceful, and model public library. Here are just a few of the highlights from last year.

– William Harmer Library Director

FY 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

BOND REFUNDING SAVES LIBRARY $400,000 The Chelsea District Library took advantage of an opportunity to refund the 2004 building and site bonds, resulting in significant savings to Chelsea District Library taxpayers. Low interest rates created favorable economic conditions for the Library and we will save approximately $400,000 over the next decade.

5H COMMUNITY READThe partnership between Chelsea District Library and Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation continued, and this year expanded to include the towns of Stockbridge, Dexter, Manchester, and Grass Lake. The goal of the 5H Community Read is to bring our communities together in dialogue on the topic of wellness. By reading the same book, we create a common starting place to become a healthier, more active, and better connected community. The book chosen for 2012’s 5H Community Read was In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Nearly 6,200 people participated in the program. More than 500 copies of In Defense of Food were distributed in Chelsea, and another 1,000 copies in the communities of Dexter, Grass Lake, Manchester, and Stockbridge. We estimated that each book was read by or passed on to at least three people, and that nearly 4,500 people read the book in all five communities. More than 600 people attended programs in Chelsea, while over 1,600 attended the more than 70 programs that were hosted by all five healthy towns.

BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTERThe Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center of Washtenaw County helped us launch a new Business Resource Center. The resource center provides a wide variety of resources to businesses. Chelsea’s resource center features Reference USA, a database with valuable market research information, plus a collection of books for small business reference.

The 5H Community Read was In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan.

LIBRARY AWARDED GRANTS FROM MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRSThe Library was fortunate to receive a number of grants and donations to support its programs and services for 2012, including two grants from the Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs: $7,500 to support the Artist-in-Residence program and $6,000 to support the Authors in Chelsea program.

STORIES OF CHELSEAThe Chelsea District Library premiered two new documentaries, Korean War and Village Life. These documentaries bring together modern interviews, historical photographs, and video footage to document both the noteworthy events and every-day life of Chelsea citizens. The films are part of the Library’s ongoing community history project, Stories of Chelsea (www.storiesofchelsea.org).

BEST OF SHOW AWARDSThe Chelsea District Library added two more awards to its resume. The Library Leadership and Management Association, a division of the American Library Association, held its annual “Best of Show” competition for library publicity materials. Several hundred entries in print and electronic formats were submit-ted from a wide array of libraries including public, academic, school, state and consortiums. Entries were appraised on the quality of content, originality, design, format and effectiveness. The Library entered its fall 2011 newsletter and print materials promoting the library’s community history website, Stories of Chelsea. Both entries won “Best of Show” in the class of libraries with annual operating budgets under $2 million.

Village Life and Korean War documentaries premiered in 2012.

Best of Show for newsletter and promotion of a website categories.

“Now that I'm turning my passion for note card design

into a business, the library has provided me with some great information as well as

inspiration. Books on how to start your own business, how to sell online and information

on social media outlets have been of great help. I can find

books on my favorite artists to get inspiration or be pleasantly surprised when finding a book on, say, textile design or poster

art throughout history. There are so many areas that can

bring inspiration! ”

-Andrea CiskeOwner, aciskedesign

FY 2012 YEAR IN REVIEW

GEEK THE LIBRARY CAMPAIGNIn June of 2012, Chelsea District Library launched Geek the Library, a nation-wide public library awareness campaign sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and OCLC, a not for profit computer service and research organization. The Library kicked off the campaign by featuring Howdy Holmes, President and CEO of Chelsea Milling Company, on posters and banners throughout town. Participation quickly grew to feature over 400 community members: seniors, city workers, local business owners, kids, teens, and families.

CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY’S GEEK THE LIBRARY CAMPAIGN FEATURED IN CASE STUDYA case study documenting Chelsea District Library’s Geek the Library campaign was published by OCLC, detailing the library’s community collaboration and partnerships through-out the campaign. “We were very impressed with the Chelsea District Library team’s efforts to include and engage the local community in its campaign. The Chelsea District Library used Geek the Library as an opportunity to strengthen local partner-ships while solidifying the library’s position as an important community resource,” said Linn Haugestad Edvardsen, OCLC’s Geek the Library Program Manager.

MIDWEST LITERARY WALKAward-winning poet Thomas Lux headlined the 4th Annual Midwest Literary Walk in April, featuring internationally known poets and authors at venues in downtown Chelsea. Also read-ing at the event were Jerry Dennis, one of America’s most celebrated writers about nature and the Great Lakes; David MacGregor, playwright and resident artist at The Purple Rose Theatre Company; Rev. Robert Jones, champion of American Roots music; Lolita Hernandez, industrial Detroit poet; Jeff Kass, performance poet and Director of Literary Arts at Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone, and Onna Solomon, Ann Arbor poet focusing on families.

Rev. Robert Jones and M.L. Liebler lead Midwest Literary Walk attendees to the next reading. Photo: Sue Whitmarsh

Howdy Holmes, President and CEO of Chelsea Milling Company and Julian, St. Louis Center resident and library patron. Photos: Burrill Strong Photography

AUTHORS IN CHELSEAThe Chelsea District Library hosted three nationally-known authors and illustrators during its 3rd annual Authors in Chelsea pro-gram in March. This year’s line-up included: John Nickle, author and illustrator of The Ant Bully and Alphabet Explosion and illustrator of the recently-published Hans My Hedgehog; Tony Abbott, author of more than 75 books for elementary read-ers including The Secrets of Droon series and The Postcard; and Jim Ottaviani, an Ann Arbor-based author who writes about science in an approachable, enjoyable format: comics. The day-long event gave Chelsea students in second, fourth and sixth grades a chance to attend free workshops in the schools and get books signed.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCEFilmmaker Sharad Patel was the 2012 Artist-in-Residence. Patel’s expertise and passion for film resulted in a year-long series of innovative and exciting screenings and hands-on workshops featuring local and national independent filmmakers and educators.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM COMBATS SUMMER LEARNING LOSSOver 1,300 of the 2,700 students in the Chelsea School District participated in our 2012 Summer Reading Program. The Library’s program is essential to the reading achievement of many children, particularly those children who lack other reading resources. Through this program, the Library helps to foster a life-long love of reading and offers parents, educators, and especially children the tools they need to guarantee year-long learning achievement. Our Summer Reading Program puts books in the hands of children of all ages. By providing access to reading materials, and educational programs over the summer, the Library met its goal to improve reading skills and help children better prepare to return to school in the fall.

Kids getting ready for Summer Reading Program.

Photo: Burrill Strong Photography

Author John Nickle explains to students at Beach Middle School what

you should never do with a giraffe.

“I love going to the library and finding new books or movies on superheroes! It's fun to pretend to fly, being super strong, fight-

ing bad guys and saving the day! Every day we go to the library, it seems to have more and more books with my favorite heroes. Most libraries and stores do not have superhero books so I love going to

the Chelsea District Library! And it even has cool stuff on heroes like firemen and policemen. The people at the Library are superheroes

too–they tell me stories, help me find books and movies, and have fun things to do. I would wear my cape to the library

every day, if Mom would let me.”

-Massimo Cugliari, library patron

OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

We wish to thank all of our community partners for their dedication and generosity. You have helped us advance our goal of developing inventive approaches to connect citizens and bridge differences. Partnerships are an essential channel through which the Chelsea District Library delivers innovative and quality service to our broad customer base. By establishing relation-ships with groups and organizations throughout the district, we have the potential to enhance our customers’ experience with new program and service offerings that draw upon the collective strengths of partner organizations and the Library.

The Library welcomes inquiries regarding partnerships that can positively impact the mission of each participating organization. Please contact Anna Cangialosi, Marketing Coordinator, at acangialosi@chelseadistrictlibrary.org or Bill Harmer, Director, at bharmer@chelseadistrictlibrary.org for more information.

4H Clubs of Washtenaw CountyAdult Learners InstituteAmerican Legion Herbert J. McKune Post #31Ann Arbor Comedy ShowcaseArt Meets BusinessBack 40 Acres Back to the RootsBurrill Strong PhotographyChelsea AlehouseChelsea Area Garden ClubChelsea Area Historical SocietyChelsea Area Wellness FoundationChelsea Center for the ArtsChelsea Area Chamber of CommerceChelsea Community KitchenChelsea Downtown Development AuthorityChelsea Festivals Chelsea Lions ClubChelsea Masons Olive Lodge #156Chelsea Retirement CommunityChelsea Rotary ClubChelsea School DistrictChelsea Senior CenterChelseaMichCommunity Farm of Ann Arbor Eddy Discovery Center Faith in Action

Friends of Chelsea District LibraryGarden MillGemini Hair Salon and Day Spa Gigi's FlowersGlobal Marketplace Jet's PizzaJust Imagine Bookstore KaplanManchester, Dexter, Grass Lake, Stockbridge LibrariesMichigan Small Business and Technology CenterMothers of PreschoolersNicola's BooksOzone HouseProQuestPurple Rose Theatre CompanyRed CrossRiver GallerySCORESilver Maples SRSLYSt. Louis CenterSusan Jacobs, CPATantre Farms The Pines Transition Town ChelseaUniversity of Michigan Museum of Natural History

“I’ve been a Trustee of the Chelsea District Library Board for 28 years. I’ve given my time, talent, and financial resources to the library because I’m committed to the continued success and sustainability of our

library assets: a superb staff, exceptional programming, a safe environment, a strategic plan, and prudent financial management. To me, stewardship is an ethic that implies giving.”

-Gary Zenz,President, Chelsea District Library

Board of Trustees

“As long as I can remember, the library has been one of my favorite places to visit. I grew up reading voraciously for both learning and entertainment.

As time went on, I discovered that I not only loved to read, but also enjoyed writing. Whether it was journaling my private thoughts, creating stories, or sharing information, writing became a major part of my life.

The library is a place where I can go to conduct research on whatever topic is of current interest. Not only does the building house a variety of resources, but the friendly librarians are always helpful in sharing their ideas as well.

The library offers computer classes, which have been extremely beneficial for learning word processing and spreadsheets. They also have high-speed internet access, which I often use when I need to send or receive large files. The library has been and continues to be an important resource that assists my development as a writer.

The library is still one of my favorite places to visit and I continue to read for both learning and entertainment. It is now also a place where my children and I share our common love for reading, writing, and learning new things. The library supports my needs and interests, both personally and professionally. ”

–Crystal Hayduk,freelance writer

Top: Chris Martinson, Chelsea Alehouse; Bill Harris, Just Imagine Book Store; Bottom: Crystal Hayduk, freelance writer; Camie Noah, Adult Learners Institute. Photos: Burrill Strong Photography

REVENUES GENERAL FUND DEBT SERVICE FUNDProperty taxes $1,224,044 $609,443State Aid $6,722 -

Penal Fines $17,906 -Fines and Fees $40,797 -Interest Income $83,074 $116Donations and Other Income $71,223 -Total Revenue $1,443,766 $609,559

EXPENDITURESPersonnel $825,848 -Collections of Books & Media $128,398 -Board Expenses $2,136 -Capital Outlay $25,198 -Maintenance Service Contracts $84,154 -Continuing Education $13,760 -Professional Fees $46,843 -Programming $57,094 -Volunteer Services $1,192 -Promotion $39,880 -Supplies $28,328 -Telecommunications $14,111 -Automation $42,824 -Utilities $61,513 -Bond Interest and Principal - $557,965Advance Refunding Escrow - $35,000Total Expenditures $1, 371, 279 $592,965Change In Net Position $72, 487 $16,594

FINANCIAL STATEMENTFISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012

Letter from the DirectorANNUAL REPORT FUND BALANCESFISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012 FUND BALANCES GENERAL FUND DEBT SERVICE FUNDNonspendable $13,748 -

Debt service - $69,378

Capital Improvement - restricted

$31,485 -

Other donor - restricted $5,375 -

Capital Improvement - committed

$123,815 -

Capital Reserve Fund - committed

$850,000 -

Unassigned $230,101

Total Revenue $1,254,524 $69,378

Balance - January 1, 2012 $18,884

Contributions $2,050

Fees -$178

Investment Earnings $2,669

Balance - December 31, 2012 $23,425

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ASSETSFISCAL YEAR JANUARY 1, 2012 – DECEMBER 31, 2012

“The library is a fabulous resource for us as a business, and a real asset when drawing people to the community. Business books and database services give us access to all sorts of information we can use for our research. We work with library staff on various committees and projects in town, and that gives our team members a connection to the community they might not otherwise have.”-Megan Torrance,Owner, Torrance Learning

ITEMS CHECKED OUT OF COURSE WE HAVE BOOKS. WE ALSO HAVE...

321,046

PATRON VISITS

LIBRARY CARDHOLDERS

9,891PROGRAM ATTENDANCE

23,024

5,855HOURS VOLUNTEERED

227, 906

CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARYCHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARYFY 2012FY 2012

e-Books audiobooks

large print books music

movies video games

magazines early literacy kits

storytime kits Kill-a-Watts

low vision equipment

park passes museum passes

REFERENCE TRANSACTIONS

19,987Our staff provided information

ranging from computer help to book recommendations to

how to download e-books and more.

7 out of 10 members of our service area are library card holders compared with the national average of 4 out of 10.

PROGRAM ATTENDANCE

CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARYCHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY

REFERENCE TRANSACTIONS

Nicola’s Books Performance PersonnelQuilter, David & MarciaQuilter, MarciaRiver Gallery Sons of American Legion, Herbert J. McKune Post #31Staebler, LauraStohl, DonnaStrutt, MarcTargetTreehouseUAW Local #1284VFW Post 4076Winkler, NoelWord, RubeYoung, Chris & AngelaZou Zou’s

Korean WarAmerican Legion Herbert J. McKune PostAnn Arbor Eagles Ann Arbor Eagles Auxilary 2154 Burg, J. Vincent & ShirleyChelsea Lions Club Chelsea Rotary Club Friends of CDL Lindauer, Jason & AmyMaier, JoanMerkel, JohnSons of The American Legion Herbert J. McKune PostUAW Local 1284 Vargas, JeanVFW Post 4076

Annual GivingAlseth, Barbara & DeanAnonymousBatzdorfer, Eric & CindyBroshar, Scott & WendyBrown, SusanButcher, Craig & TerryCaplis, ElizabethCarr, Janice & MarshallCorbusier, Barbara FoxCoyl, SusanDils, Jeff & LynnFeeney, Ann & MichaelFox, BruceFox, Lynn & RandyGerman, Robert & MarjorieGotts, VictoriaGreer, DorothyHarmer, BillHirth, JoAnn & RichHolder, WallaceHopp, Melanie C.Howe, ArleneHowe, Ray & MickyHoyt, JacquelineKeim, AntoinetteKleanthous, CostasKoepele, Mr. & Mrs. JohnLancaster, Dan & TerriLanni, DeborahLedebur, Larry Leslie, JeannetteMann, John & AnneMcCort, JanetMcKenzie, Greg & RoseMeloche, Linda & ChrisMoore, SusanMunce, JoAnn & GaryNoah, CamiePeyton, Terry Pignanelli, Frank & SharonPrescott, Jr., MertonSchmidt, Mr. & Mrs. RichardSchumann, Nancy & Dale

DONORS

Sensoli, Tony & Elizabeth Sporer, Kathryn & DavidTorrance, Meganvan Reesema, FrederikWagner, RobinWhitelaw, NancyWhitelaw, SusanWhitmarsh, SusanWright, Steve & Dayle

EndowmentBallagh, William & AnnetteFrisinger, Paul & KathyJohnson, Karen Staebler, JudyTarasow, Lauralyn & Mikevan Reesema, Kristin & Willem

GeneralAberdeen Bike & OutdoorsAmerican LegionArctic ColiseumChelsea American LegionChelsea Area Historical SocietyChelsea Area Wellness FoundationChelsea Community FoundationChelsea Education FoundationChelsea Education FoundationChelsea LanesChelsea Masons Olive lodge #156CHS Class of 1948 Cottage InnFriends of CDL Friends of Elaine Kerr Hodder, DaphneKiwanisMartel, RobertMichigan Council for Arts & Cultural AffairsMike’s DeliNational Endowment for the ArtsNelson, Sara

THANK YOU

221 South Main St. | Chelsea, MI 48118(734) 475–8732 | chelsea.lib.mi.us

Serving Dexter, Lima, Lyndon, and Sylvan Townships and the City of Chelsea

Photo: Bloomfield

CHELSEA DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Susan BrownJanis MillerElizabeth SensoliMary BudzinskiDawn CaplisLynn FoxGary Zenz

City of Chelsea | Dexter Township |

Lima Township |Lyndon Township |

Sylvan Township | At Large | At Large |