After nine months of exploratory conversations between Walker Memorial Library and Warren Memorial Library, a formal proposal has been completed regarding the possible future collaboration efforts between the two Westbrook libraries.

“The decisions were made with the help of two outside specialists,” said Westbrook City Administrator Jerre Bryant. “We are pleased with the analysis.”

The possibility of collaboration was studied by the board of each library and the two external consultants, Professor of Public Policy and Management at the University of Southern Maine Dahlia Lynn and District Consultant of the Southern Maine Library District Shirley Helfrich. The report recommends the two libraries improve communication, collaborate on programming and share resources.

“We are very fortunate to have two very good libraries in Westbrook, staffed by very good people,” said Bruce Saunders, president of the Warren Memorial Library Board of Trustees. The libraries could do better “if we can find ways to tweak our services to better provide for the community but still remain autonomous.”

This will “allow each library to have its own strengths. Westbrook can be proud of a first rate general library, Walker, and Warren has more space for arts and art performances,” said Mike Miles, chairman of the Walker Memorial Library Board of Trustees.

The report concludes that the ultimate purpose of the collaboration is that the members of Walker and Warren libraries have the best services that can be provided, stressing “networking, coordinating and cooperating.” More specifically, exchanging information, sharing resources, and alternating sites for activities are emphasized in the report.

Opportunities for enhanced communication, joint programming and sharing resources were all brainstormed at a meeting in May. Possibilities in each of these areas include joint staff meetings, creating mission statements for each library, cooperative planning of the music and arts programs and community events, consideration of staff sharing, and coordinated fundraising events.

Staff members from both libraries were asked to compile a list of the ideas brought up in meetings that they thought were most important. The top three responses were to begin staff meetings between the two libraries, to build better communication between the staff and members of the libraries, and to create a slogan that would show the connection between Walker and Warren libraries.

Communication between the libraries is stressed in the report, at a minimum of two meetings per year.

The libraries must also drastically alter their relationship in the areas of “grantsmanship, fundraising and programming efforts,” in order to ensure successful collaboration.

“The fact of the matter is a report is just a report,” said Jeff Christiansen Library Director of Warren Library. “The two boards will decide what to do with it.”

However, there are some changes that can begin to go into effect without the approval of the boards, for example linking the Web sites of the libraries and collaboration in their newsletters, said Saunders.

While patrons may notice some changes within the libraries, some of the proposed changes could take up to 10 years to be completed if approved by the two boards. The libraries will continue to explore collaboration, while still serving their respective niches within the Westbrook community.

“This collaboration is unique in the state of Maine,” said Miles. There is no other place in Maine where public and private libraries have explored collaboration as Walker and Warren have.

-Will Harte