PLATINUM2024

Schlow Centre Region Library

The Centre of Reading and Learning

aka Schlow Memorial Library   |   State College, PA   |  www.schlowlibrary.org

Mission

Schlow Centre Region Library is "The Centre of Reading and Learning." We value community, diversity, excellence, integrity and innovation.

Notes from the nonprofit

We are very grateful to supporters who prioritize the inclusive learning environment at the library, and support the programs and services that Schlow Library provides. Thank you.

Ruling year info

1985

Library Director

Lisa Rives Collens

Main address

211 S. Allen Street

State College, PA 16801 USA

Show more contact info

Formerly known as

Schlow Memorial Library

EIN

24-0857113

NTEE code info

Libraries, Library Science (B70)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is not required to file an annual return with the IRS because it is an arm of a state or local government.

Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

People need free and open access to comprehensive and accurate information for their personal education and recreation, including books, media, computer access, study and gathering spaces, and educational programs. The Schlow Centre Region Library provides these to all residents of Centre County.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Lending materials

Loaning from collection of books and media

Population(s) Served
Adults

Educational programs and storytimes.

Population(s) Served
Families
Children and youth

Where we work

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

# of new Library Card Applications per Year

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adults, Children and youth

Related Program

Lending materials

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

2021 numbers include new initiative with the school district for 6th grade and under to receive a library card. 2020 numbers were lower because of the closure due to the Pandemic.

Number of books distributed

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Population(s) Served

Adults, Children and youth

Related Program

Lending materials

Type of Metric

Output - describing our activities and reach

Direction of Success

Increasing

Context Notes

Number of items circulated

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

As the mission states, Schlow Centre Region Library is the community "Centre of Reading and Learning." Our goals are: To serve as the "Centre Region's Living Room"; foster the growth of "Children to Leaders"; enhance "Community Connectivity"; support "Enthusiastic Employees"; maintain a "Firm Financial Foundation"; allow residents to "Read It, Know It, Schlow It"; encourage offsite use by working to be "We Are Where You Are."

Maintain the comfortable and popular facility; provide a full range of programs and services for children and families; partner with community agencies and schools to provide services; employ customer-focused and passionate employees; grown endowments and investments; purchase additional new materials; provide a "virtual library" website and remote services.

35,000 square foot building; robust and secure website; children's play areas; 45 employees who exceed state standards for continuing education.

The Library is on course in following the 2017-19 strategic plan, which maintains current services, increases the collection budget, and provides a website, remote book drops, and other services to make it easy to use the library.

How we listen

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.

done We shared information about our current feedback practices.
  • How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?

    To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals

  • Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?

    We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We tell the people who gave us feedback how we acted on their feedback, We ask the people who gave us feedback how well they think we responded

  • What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?

    We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback

Financials

Schlow Centre Region Library
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

Schlow Centre Region Library

Board of directors
as of 01/23/2024
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Mr. Casey McClain

Representing: Patton Township

Casey McClain

Representing: Patton Township

Linda Trevino

Representing: Patton Township

Sue Werner

Representing: Ferguson Township

Naila Basa

State College Borough

Sharon Rovansek

Halfmoon Township

Sue Traynor

Harris Township

Barbara Ziff

Ferguson Township

Robin Barton

State College Borough

Kimberly Fragola

College Township

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes