GEORGE HAIL FREE LIBRARY
LONG RANGE PLAN
2014 - 2019
Patricia Redfearn, MLIS
Library Director
530 Main St. Warren, RI 02885
(401) 245-7686
www.georgehail.org
Approved by the Board of Trustees
June 18, 2014
John Millard, President
John Chaney
Carol Gafford
Jane Harrison
Harriet Lapointe
David McCarthy
Tony Rego
Paula Rooks
Thomas E. (Tucker) Wright
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
VISION STATEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 3
MISSION STATEMENT .................................................................................................................... 3
WARREN HISTORY ......................................................................................................................... 3
DEMOGRAPHICS ............................................................................................................................. 4
POPULATION ................................................................................................................................ 4
INCOME ........................................................................................................................................ 4
EDUCATION.................................................................................................................................. 5
THE LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................. 6
COLLECTIONS AND CIRCULATION………………………………………………………………….…8
EVALUATION OF 2007-2012 PLAN…………………….…………………………………………..……9
STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY NEEDS ........................................................................................ 11
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS: 2014-2019 .................................................................... 11
PLAN FOR EVALUATION .............................................................................................................. 13
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VISION STATEMENT
The George Hail Free Library envisions a future in which the library’s collections, programs,
services, and leadership help to ensure that
 The community has the opportunity to enjoy an intellectually and culturally rich life
 Every child and young adult has the opportunity to experience the pleasure of reading and the
joy of learning
 Library users of all ages have equal access to information with assistance from a friendly and
helpful staff
MISSION STATEMENT
The George Hail Free Library is committed to providing materials and services that advance
intellectual discovery and meet the educational, recreational and technological needs of the library
community within the constraints of space, staffing and funding.
WARREN HISTORY
Warren, Rhode Island, is a small community of approximately 10,611 residents located on the
eastern side of Narragansett Bay. It is the smallest town in Bristol County, Rhode Island, with a land
mass of 5.8 square miles. Geographically, Warren is bordered by Barrington to its north and Bristol to
its south. Its eastern limits border the town of Swansea, Massachusetts, and at its western boundary
run the Palmer and Warren Rivers.
Warren is comprised of diverse ethnic groups. The town developed historically with the
immigration of various groups, which led to certain areas developing into ethnic neighborhoods.
Although these neighborhoods are less evident today than fifty or even twenty years ago, their
relationship to the evolution of Warren is important. Imaginary geographical boundaries divide the
town into several regions such as the North End, South End, Downtown, Metacom Avenue and East
Warren and Touisset. Each section has special needs and concerns which will be examined so the
library can respond accordingly.
The North End has seen succeeding ethnic populations come and go. This area had high levels of
ethnic concentrations, which settled the region, then, in later years, moved on. Redevelopment and
restoration projects were undertaken to revitalize this area of 19 th century mill, factory tenements and
older or historic homes. Proposed development of the Tourister Mill complex, if completed, will add
significantly to Warren’s population.
The South End, on and off Main Street, is an area featuring mostly single family homes along with
several upscale condominium complexes. Development over the last few years has been in mainly
in-fill housing, which maintains the area’s character.
The George Hail Library is located in the downtown area, a section built up before the concept of
shopping malls came into existence. In addition to homes, many historic, this area contains numerous
businesses, retail and antique shops, and restaurants and is considered a first class example of an
old New England business district. It remains to this day the center of operation for town citizens and
features town offices located in Town Hall, just north of the library. Also downtown is the Government
Center, once the site of Joyce Street School, which houses the Police Department, the main branch
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of the Fire Department and branch offices of the state Registry of Motor Vehicles and the state
Department of Children, Youth and Families. Pedestrian travel in this area is brisk.
Another significant area that has seen improvements and development in recent years is Water
Street, running parallel to the Warren River. The site of the Town Beach and waterfront-related
businesses, Water Street now features a Town Wharf along with shops, restaurants, artists' studios
and residences. Also of note are two renovated mill complexes on Cutler Street off Child Street that
have attracted small retail and other businesses along with artists' studios.
The Metacom Avenue area, which developed randomly on rural farmland, is lined with fast food
outlets, small commercial plazas and other sales-related establishments and is considered the town's
newest commercial center. The recent “Metacom Avenue Plan” is designed to control and order
development in this district.
Touisset, in the easternmost section of town, was once primarily agricultural, with a summer
colony at its point. Today, the area has evolved into a year-round community. Touisset continues to
add single-family homes and small housing developments. Nevertheless, much of its rural character
has been preserved through purchase of development rights to farmlands.
DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION
According to the 2010 US Census, the Town of Warren is home to 10,611 persons. Warren’s
population has declined by 749 residents in the last decade. Adults over the age of 21 represent
78.5% of the population. Residents in Warren within the 35-44 year old category represent 11.8% of
the population, and those over 65 represent 26.5% of the population. These statistics indicate an
aging population from the 2000 Census, which calculated that only 18% of Warren’s population was
over 65. The number of children under the age of 19 residing in Warren has decreased over the last
decade from 24% in 2000 to 20.7% in 2010.
The ethnic background of Warren is mainly white, with 96% of the population. African-Americans
comprise 1.2% and those indicating two or more races is 1.6%. Other races include American Indian
and Asian. Interestingly, 54.3% of Warren residents were born in Rhode Island.
INCOME
The median household income for Warren, as of 2010 was $54,609. This is a decrease from the
median income for Warren at the time of the 2000 Census, which was $68,300. This decrease is
probably a result of the Country and State’s economic decline.
According to the 2010 Census, 6,253 residents over the age of 16 are employed. Of that
number, 5,366 residents commuted to jobs outside of Warren. The majority of Warren residents were
employed in management, business, science, and the arts. Other categories in which a large number
of Warren residents indicated employment included sales, office and service occupations.
In 2010, Warren had 4,502 households, with 6.8% of families having income below the poverty
level. These families included 10.9% of Warren’s population and 8.5% of children under 18 years of
age.
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Of Warren’s 4997 housing units, the majority are single family, detached homes. There are 1819
renter-occupied units, with most renters paying between $500 and $1000 per month.
EDUCATION
Of Warren’s population aged 25 and older, 14% did not graduate from high school, 30.55%
have a high school diploma, and 29.8% have a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
Between 2008 and 2012, Warren had approximately 2,293 students over the age of 3 enrolled
in school. Of these, 187 were enrolled in preschools, 95 in kindergarten, 463 in grades 1 to 4, 381 in
grades 5 to 8, and 502 in high school. The remainder were enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or
professional schools.
Warren is a part of the Bristol Warren Regional School District. Warren elementary students in
Kindergarten through Grade 5 attend the Hugh Cole School. There are 634 Warren students
attending Hugh Cole as of October 1, 2013. Although the Kickemuit Middle School is located in
Warren only 271 students are from Warren. The Mt Hope High School is located in Bristol with 392
Warren students in attendance.
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THE LIBRARY
Library service in Warren dates back to the 1790's. A reading room was opened to the
public in January 1871. Located in a building at the northeast comer of Main and Market
streets, it was incorporated as "The Warren Public Reading Room Association." In 1877, the
name was changed to the Warren Public Library and it was housed at the comer of Main and
Baker streets.
In 1882, Martha Hail, the widow of prominent Warren citizen George Hail, made a bequest
of $12,800 to the library in memory of her husband. The name was then changed to the
George Hail Free Library. It was not until 1888 that enough money was raised to erect a
building on the library's present site at 530 Main Street. With a fund of approximately
$18,000, the building was constructed in the style of the famed architect Henry Hobson
Richardson. The beamed interior and the stained glass windows are characteristic of the
Victorian period while the structure's exterior incorporates castle-like elements from
Romanesque architecture in the treatment of granite walls and rounded arches.
A substantial renovation and restoration project costing approximately $250,000 was done
in the late 1970's. At that time, a room on the second floor was dedicated as the Charles
Whipple Greene Museum and the children’s room and staff room located in the basement.
The first and second floors were restored to their original Victorian design.
An eleven-member Board of Trustees -- with two of its members appointed by the Warren
Town Council -- governs the George Hail Library. There is also a Friends of the Library
volunteer group, which assists with fundraising. Although not a town department, the library
receives the majority of its operating revenue from an annual appropriation from the Town of
Warren. These funds are supplemented by the Grant-in-Aid to Libraries from the State of
Rhode Island and from monies generated by the library through sources such as late fees,
donations and fund-raising events.
The George Hail Library is a participant in the Ocean State Libraries network, which
means the library is able to provide patrons with materials not available on the premises
through a shared network that includes public libraries in other cities and towns. Services to
patrons have increased over the past 25 years. In addition to lending books, the library also
lends DVDs and books on CDs, audiocassettes and videocassettes. There are also on-site
computers available for public use providing patrons with Internet access. In 2006, wireless
access was added.
In 1990, the library embarked on a project to computerize the entire collection. In 2002,
the library established its own website at www.georgehail.org, which furnishes patrons with
additional information concerning the library, its services and the availability of materials.
Today, nearly 100 % of the collection is available through the on-line catalogue.
Other services at the George Hail Library include children's programs, such as story
hours, programs geared to families, and adult programming, such as book club groups,
lectures and musical events.
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Adhering to a state mandate, in late 2002 the position of part-time reference librarian was
added to the staff. Presently three positions, namely the director, children's librarian and
reference librarian, require library science degrees.
In 2014, the George Hail Library remains committed to its mission, to meet the
educational, informational, recreational and technological needs of its patrons within the
constraints of its budget.
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COLLECTIONS AND CIRCULATION
2009 – 2013 (5-YEARS)
Adult
Kids/Teens
Other
Total
2009
34231
17159
152
51542
CIRCULATION STATISTICS
2010
2011
36254
37821
15122
11775
180
170
51556
49766
2012
38700
12103
886
51689
2013
36746
12616
81
49443
Table 1.This table demonstrates the number of items that are borrowed by either adults or
kids/teens. The figures represent the circulation of books, periodicals, DVD’s, music CD’s,
books on CD and downloadable items. Museum passes and use of microfilm are counted as
“Other.”
Adult
Kids
Teens
Total
2009
67
286
1
354
LIBRARY PROGRAMS
2010
2011
127
92
124
202
4
8
255
302
2012
125
250
12
387
2013
80
133
25
238
Table 2.The Library offers a variety of programs to its community. This table records
attendance at story hours, family programs, outreach to the community, adult programming
and the like.
Reference
Questions
2009
5306
REFERENCE QUESTIONS
2010
2011
4140
4493
2012
3226
2013
3154
Table 3.This table shows the number of reference questions asked and answered.
Reference questions look for a specific author, title, or information on a particular subject or
topic. It does not include technical help with a computer or other business machines.
Year
Total
Collection
2009
34014
TOTAL COLLECTION
2010
2011
39762
32207
2012
33320
2013
32731
Table 4.The collection consists of books, videos, DVD’s, audiobooks, reference materials
and magazines.
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EVALUATION: 2007-2012 PLAN
The goals of the previous plan were achieved except for the following:
Goal 1: Collections and Services for the Community
I. Collections and services for children and young adults (YA)
Objective B. Start programs for YA/teens
Strategy 1. Start a book discussion group in the summer to discuss
books on reading lists
Objective C. Work with English Departments in local schools to have summer
reading lists before the end of the school year
Strategy 1. Develop contacts with English teachers and school
librarians as to homework/assignments
Objective B and C were not met because students usually wait until the end of the summer to
start summer reading assignments and personnel changes at the schools made establishing
contacts and obtaining book lists difficult.
II. Collections and Services for Adults
Objective D. Improve patron access to new material
Strategy 2. Produce a monthly newsletter or list of new fiction and
non-fiction
Strategy 3. Develop a page on the library’s website for new fiction and
non-fiction lists
Strategies 2 and 3 were not achieved because of insufficient staff time and difficulty
extracting items from order forms.
Objective E. Find ways to improve the non-fiction circulation by 10%
Strategy 1. Contact local artists to talk about their area of expertise
Strategy 4. Start a memoir-writing group
Strategy 6. Start a film program series based on the Film Movement
Series
Strategies 1 and 4 were not achieved because of a lack of patron interest, and Strategy 6
was not achieved because the films are all foreign films rated R. However, the Library does
host other film programs.
Objective F. Increase access to library technology
Strategy 1. Start a computer-mentoring program with teens helping
adults
Although access to library technology was increased through acquisition of additional
computers, Strategy 1 was not achieved because coordinating teen and adult schedules was
impossible.
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Goal 2: Sufficient staff so they can work effectively in a positive environment
Objective B Increase staffing so that 2 people are on duty at all times in the Adult area
Strategy 1 Budget for Pages to assist the staff
The depressed economy and resulting budget constraints prevented achievement of this
objective and strategy.
Goal 4: Increase Marketing and Funding to support the above goals and to enhance
visibility for the library
Objective A Increase membership in the Friends of the Library
Strategy 1 Improve publicity for Friends
Strategy 2 Recruit parents who use the Children’s Room for membership in the
Friends
Strategy 3 Establish a Board with a rotating membership and rotating elected
officers
Objective A and strategies 1 through 3 were not achieved because strong leadership did not
evolve.
Goal 5 Maintain Museum Collections
Objective A Improve access to museum collections
Strategy 1 Recruit 1-2 more volunteers so the Museum can be open more often
Lack of volunteers prevented achievement of this goal.
Goal 6 Sufficient Space for the Library’s Collections and Services
Objective 1 To find the most efficient use of Croade Street property
Strategy 1 Hire a Library Building Consultant to advise the Board on space
needs and the best use of this property.
This objective was not pursued because the Board of Trustees worked on a plan for a library
addition.
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STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY NEEDS
Based on the Warren Comprehensive Plan’s recognition that the George Hail Free Library
should continue to expand and update its resources, analysis of community feedback, and
observations of other East Bay libraries, the following needs were identified:
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A separate meeting room for programming for adults, children or teenagers.
Quiet spaces for studying.
Dedicated space for young adults.
An elevator for access to the upper floors
More computers for public use
Additional parking
Updated and improved outside signage and lighting
Greater outreach to the community
More active Friends of the Library
Extended hours of operation
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND ACTIONS: 2014-2019
Goal 1. Maintain the physical library structure
Objective 1.1: Conduct a complete building assessment to determine repairs, upkeep
and preservation of this historic structure
Action: Approach Roger Williams University about doing a building assessment
Objective 1.2: Formulate a schedule to prioritize needed work
Action: Develop a list of maintenance projects and associated costs
Objective 1.3: Research funding options to get the work done in a timely fashion
Action: Develop possible grant funding sources
Action: Budget to include major repairs and maintenance
Goal 2. Maintain technology resources
Objective 2.1: Keep technology current
Action: Develop a log of technology, both hardware and software
Action: Design a schedule for replacing computers, peripherals, and office
equipment
Action: Develop a budget to purchase and replace equipment as needed
Action: Create a budget line item to purchase and replace equipment
Goal 3.Increase participation in and use of social media to promote the Library
Objective 3.1: Encourage the community to interact with the Library on social
media
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Action: Encourage the public to register online for programs and museum
passes
Goal 4. Increase Services and Hours of Operation
Objective 4.1: Increase both adult and kids/teens programming by 5% per year
Action: Add 4 new programs for adults
Action: Add 7 new programs for kids/teens
Objective 4.2 Increase outreach to the community
Action: Develop service for the homebound
Action: Encourage the staff to speak or provide services outside of library
Objective 4.3: Fund extra hours or reallocate existing hours
Action: Investigate alternate scheduling
Action: Determine best hours of operation
Goal 5. Provide sufficient staffing
Objective 5.1 Maximize staff hours
Action: Increase funding to bring Reference Librarian position to full time
Action: Increase funding to have all part-timers work same number of hours
Action: Increase number of staff
Goal 6. Maintain the Library’s collection of materials
Objective 6.1 Continue to develop, evaluate, and weed the collection to stay current
Action: Find space for an additional DVD shelving unit
Action: Request the staff to create displays that encourage circulation
Goal 7: Raise awareness of the George Hail Library and the Charles Whipple Green Museum
Objective 7.1: Create informational pamphlets highlighting the Library and its services
Action: Contact artists and writers to work with the Library to develop
brochures
Objective 7.2 Increase staffing for the Museum
Action: Develop a docent program
Goal 8: Reinvigorate the Friends of the George Hail Library group
Objective 8.1 Recruit a leader to Chair the group
Action: Publicize the leadership opportunity
Goal 9: Support and promote the George Hail Free Library
Objective 9.1: Advocate in the Community for the Library and Museum
Action: Be more visible in the Library and at programs
Action: Advocate for funding and assist fundraising efforts
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Action: Consult the director on a regular basis
Action: Attend Town Council budget hearings and the Financial Town Meeting
PLAN FOR EVALUATION
The Board of Trustees will evaluate the plan annually and update it as necessary.
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