NEIGHBORHOODS
What’s going on in your part of Greenwich
Central Greenwich
It’s another award in the books for the Greenwich Library. The beloved institution has once gain received high marks from the Library Journal, earning a coveted five star ranking from the industrywide publication.
It is the 10th time Greenwich Library has earned that ranking. The award is based on data from 2016 that measured library visits, overall circulation, circulation of electronic materials, program assistance and public internet computer use. “Since the metrics are based on patron usage, the five-star library distinction is one that all our library users and stakeholders can feel proud of,” Greenwich Library Director Barbara OrmerodGlynn said. “I think it shows how adaptable the library has been to the impact of digital content and the changing role that the library plays in the community. And it validates all the extra work and dedication of our staff, trustees and Friends groups. It spurs us on each year to provide even better services.”
As part of the ranking, Greenwich Library was recognized as an outstanding library for the 11th time — a recognition it has earned every year of the award’s existence. They are “honored to be consistently recognized at the highest level” by Library Journal, she said.
The high marks come as Greenwich Library recently launched its new strategic plan. The plan, which covers 2018 through 2022, focuses on setting the highest standards of service and keeping the library’s collection, both in print and in digital, as its main asset.
The rankings show that the Greenwich Library is on the right track, Ormerod-Glynn said. Patrons will see a continued balance between the print and digital collection, which includes ebooks; streaming music, movies and television shows; and comic books, she said.
“The award recognizes the focused efforts of staff to carefully curate both our print and digital content to ensure that our collections meet the changing needs and interests of the community,” Ormerod-Glynn said. “The breadth and depth of our collection is an integral part of what makes the library so special.”
She also gave credit to the staff. “Everyone wants to be recognized for their hard work among their library world peers,” Ormerod-Glynn said. The staff, trustees, and members of the Friends of Greenwich Library “can all share in taking credit for this acknowledgment. It also motivates us to continue to look for ways to improve our key metrics such as circulation.”
Another priority is to enhance the quality of the library’s programs, she said.
“One area we are looking at is writing programs for local authors of memoirs, fiction and non-fiction and perhaps poetry,” Ormerod-Glynn said. “We are looking at a software platform that would allow local authors to showcase their works.”
According to the Library Journal, Greenwich Library was ranked 10th in the nation among the 220 scored public libraries that have budgets of $5 million to $9.9 million.
Greenwich Library operates its main branch on West Putnam Avenue, with smaller branches in Byram and Cos Cob. The Byram Shubert Library’s recent outreach to bilingual parents of students at New Lebanon School resulted in many new library card holders.
“The five-star ranking recognizes our community’s love of Greenwich Library,” Omerod-Glynn said. “It also honors our ability to remain flexible and adaptable in the face of constant change.”
Backcountry
It’s time for a unique annual holiday tradition — the Christmas Bird Count.
During Audubon’s 119th Christmas Bird Count, over 72,000 volunteers in 2,500 locations across the Western Hemisphere will count birds in the name of science. In Connecticut, about 15 counts will take place between Dec. 14 and Jan 5. The count in the Greenwich-Stamford area will take place Dec 16. To take part, contact Cynthia Ehlinger at cynthia.ehlinger@gmail.com or 203-2191963.
Greenwich-based Audubon Connecticut invites birdwatchers of all skill levels to take part in this fun tradition.
“The Christmas Bird Count is a rewarding way to get involved with Audubon in your community,” said Ana Paula Tavares, executive director of Audubon Connecticut. “We hope to see record numbers of volunteers participate in support of their local birds.”
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count uses the power of volunteers to track the health of bird populations at a scale that scientists could never accomplish alone. Data compiled in Connecticut will record every individual bird and bird species seen in a specific area.
“The Christmas Bird Count is a tradition that everyone can participate in,” said Geoff LeBaron, Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count director. “Adding observations to more than a century of data helps scientists and conservationists discover trends that make our work more impactful.”
Data from the count shows that 314 species of North American birds are threatened by global warming, Audubon scientists said.
Each individual count is performed in a count circle with a diameter of 15 miles. At least 10 volunteers, including a compiler to coordinate the effort, count in each circle. The volunteers break up into small parties and follow assigned routes, counting every bird they see. For information or to sign up, visit www.christmasbirdcount.org or ct.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count