Ferndale Community Lunch Discussion

The New Ferndale Library Project project hosted a community lunch on October 11 to gather ideas and questions about the new library from a cross section of the local community.	The luncheon was co-sponsored by Intalco.
Lunch speaker Mr. Jon Aarstad, City Administrator from neighboring City of Burlington, shared stories and insights about their community's recent new library construction project.
	Mr. Aarstad was joined by Ms. Christine Perkins, who had been librarian of the Burlington Library during the project, who shared ideas about ways to involve the community at every step of the way.

Following the presentation about the Burlington Library discussion, lunch guests discussed among themselves various ways the New Ferndale Library Project could reach out to various community groups. The notes from these discussions follow, and are divided into descriptions of "target audiences", messages, and general questions/ideas about the project:

Target Audiences

People who use or need human services. DSHS, food bank, big Brothers/big sisters, boys/girls club
New citizens: Hispanic, Slavik, Native American, marginalized
New young voters, at high school, community college, middle school -- high school, to involve in community; human relations.
Heritage/history groups -- an idea for a promotion to the new library might be called a "home for our heritage" -- a new library should have space for file and display of local historical documentation, and a presentation space for oral tradition literature/poetry.
Lummi Nation; invite to talks about ways they might participate and be represented as a partner in the library.
Exploit the PR potential of the effort to move the old library from Intalco to Pioneer Park -- lots of potential interest to be provided
The Whatcom North Rotary historically identifies itself in the Ferndale area, they raised money for her most of the Ferndale food bank; and $300,000 for the teen center at the new Ferndale Boys and Girls Club. Ask them to ask other rotaries locally to team up.
Allied arts: maybe a friendly competition (jury) for a donated art piece from local artists.
Bellingham Technical College: holds an art show on campus from faculty, staff and students. Perhaps one or more of these artists would donate a piece? The welding rodeo: editors and artists would be asked to consider donating a piece to the library?
People not currently using the library
The older people
New citizens
Boys And Girls Club, church groups, Whatcom literacy Council, Alcoa, refineries, Lummi tribe.
Preschools, day care, Senior centers, Art groups, Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, museums, tour groups
Age group of 3 to 8 years, early childhood education
Adolescence
Retired
English as a second language, Russian, literacy, PTA/PTO/home school Association, Workforce retraining clients, small business owners, Art docents

Messages

Messages for all target audiences: "It's yours". S ervices provided/envisioned for; what would you like to see -- ask for input.
For each audience above, answer the questions: What do you offer?" "How will the new library benefit ME?" e.g. teachers, parents, small business owners, etc.
The library district should include the entire school district because that's the population who has served
How will you publicize that the facility is designed for " a period of growth"?
Answer the question: "Didn't we just build one?"
"Build it they will come..."
"Look, learn, read ..."
"Enjoy the reading experience and learn ..."
"Teach them to read and they will learn ..."
List expansion opportunities coming down the road
publicize the expansion of computer and Internet technology, higher bandwidth, sophisticated workstations for public use
New citizens need information about what the community has.
perhaps refer to this facility as a "community library center" to avoid using the word traditional
A letter going out with the first water bill that lists services available
Meet with schools to spread information via PTAs, school newsletters to parents, etc.
Meet with the editor of the Ferndale record Journal
Meet with Ferndale community service Cooperative and Association; Chamber
Senior center has a speaking slot on Tuesdays
Real estate agents, bring new people, understand what the sellers want
Inside and outside the city of Ferndale
Describe the "library - shed", like a water-shed
Reach out to the neighborhoods and the library shed, through fire districts
Better communication that helps to focus on services available for free because the taxes are already being paid, for example databases, current DVD is available, etc.
As the campaign progresses an essay contest might be an idea. Ask for responses from age groups, service groups, school classes, etc. This would provide material for a weekly item in the record Journal and the Bellingham Herald, enough to continue an interactive for the entire duration of the campaign.

Comments and Questions

At the end of the first week in November there will be jillions of signs available that say "yes we can". Library project should see about turning this phrase to use, need to do politically correct deletions it might be a fun resource to have around for support meetings occur for the new library initiative.
Will there be rooms for community projects?
The old settler's society needs to be kept informed.
Community churches need to be informed of the project
Would the PSE. and the city water department be willing to put general information of new library into Ferndale utility bills?
Any contractors working on the library project should be asked to donate to art, furnishing fund, etc.
What is the tribal connection to seek a donation to the project?
Some or all of the above targeting elderly programs at the senior center, outreach by volunteers to old folks homes.
Record Journal, community services co-op, food bank, library and on and on when Council meetings are -- which city officials are a contact for each.
For 1,2,3 above, an annual letter in the water bill describing the above.
As we have a lack of options for teens in this community, I would like to see a strong effort to involve both middle and high school age young people in the design of the new library area.
Perhaps have talented art students into a permanent mural. I'd like to see occasional opportunities for book and poetry readings for this age group.
These are not voting community members, but our future voters who can learn much from the experience, including networking and about the multifaceted decision-making process.
Concern: where is the parking in the architectural drawing? Please make sure there is more than adequate parking and secure bicycle space.
Celebrate the cultural diversity in our community and invite people to participate at this stage.
There is little for youth and families to do in Ferndale. We need a central meeting place for community organizations.
Many families cannot afford computers
books and reading are the future of our community
book clubs can use this resource
Trails, sidewalks, parks, schools, bike racks.
Hold community focus groups for all types of citizens.
Look at Amherst Massachusetts family center
We need more than one meeting room for multiple use so adults and youth alike can have sessions
Service organizations North Whatcom chamber (note: friends of the library are members)
What is the future of children's programs in the new library?
What about a home school resource Center, a learning lab?
Will there be a stage for performances?