Final Report – Ventura County Library*

R01

The Grand Jury recommends that a strategy to expand the most successful summer reading program be established. The Blanchard Community Library's summer reading program, as noted above, is very successful due in large part to the vision of Ms. Gavenman. Parents who took part in the summer reading program when they were kids are now bringing their own kids to the program. As noted above, Blanchard's program attracts kids from all over the County to take part in the summer reading program.

R02

The Grand Jury recommends that a means to reach out to potential volunteers be initiated. There are a number of programs that could be staff with volunteers. Also, the VCLS may find that the community will help support the development of new programs, such as: used booksales; tutoring for remedial reading, English and mathematics; to relieve the VCCCD and enhance the services provided by the VCLS; enhanced study programs; research assistance and guidance; encourage more help from the list of organizations, identified as "Friends of the Library" and the local public; provide programs that showcase the library and expand public awareness, such as professional workshops and entertainment; pursue electronic and Internet programs that offer the library participants volumes of information and references that could not be housed within a small library; The Honorable Brian J. Back August 14, 2013 investigate the potential of linking the libraries within the VCLS, whereby every library in the system has total access to the collective information sources of the system of libraries; and pursue and encourage book clubs, business groups and organized educational entities to use the facilities in their local libraries. The Blanchard Community Library has a large group of dedicated and supportive volunteers who assist with the operation and programming of the library and conduct fundraising activities. The Blanchard Community Library makes effort to reach out to new volunteers to expand its current volunteer base. The City is supportive of VCLS's efforts to do the same. <b>R-03</b> The Grand Jury recommends that the library system be viewed on the basis of what it can provide to the community rather than from a monetary position. This may provide the incentive to find a means to allow libraries to meet or exceed the claims of independent systems and to become a credit to the County. As noted above, libraries are vital meeting places within the community that provide a wealth of information, activities and services to Santa Paula citizens of all ages, incomes and ethnic backgrounds. The Blanchard Community Library is always looking for ways to improve in this regard.