named programs · 9 · from sources
What they call their work
Adult Programs & Exhibits
Hosts quilting groups, trivia nights, art exhibits, and painting classes for adults.
Book Bundles
Personalized book selection service where staff curate reading materials based on patron preferences.
Digital Archive of Local Sidney Papers
Digitized historical collection of the Sidney Record, Sidney Enterprise, and Tri-Town News from 1882–1936.
Employment Help
Offers recorded computer skills classes, access to Coursera training, and job search resources through CDO Workforce.
Genealogy Resources
Free in-library access to Ancestry Library Edition and curated online genealogy databases.
Library Card Access
Free library cards for residents allowing access to physical and digital collections across the Four County Library System.
Public Access Computers
One hour per day of free computer access with internet for cardholders.
Smart Community Room
Meeting space available for reservation by local nonprofits, organizations, and private events.
Transparent Language Online
Online language learning platform offering over 100 languages to library cardholders.
activities · 6 groups
What they do
-
Transparent Governance Meetings 1 activity
- Conduct strategic planning and board governanceConducts monthly public board meetings, publishes approved minutes, and maintains a publicly available long-range strategic plan covering 2023 to 2027.
-
-
Local History Archival Access 1 activity
- Digitize and publish local historical materialsDigitizes and provides online access to historical documents and images, including local newspapers from 1882 to 1936, historic photos of Sidney, and 1817 Erie Canal planning maps.
-
-
Recurring Craft and Fiber Arts Groups 1 activity
- Host community events and lifelong learning programsOrganizes and hosts regular community events such as monthly quilting groups, movie screenings, book discussions, and recorded computer skills classes aimed at adult learners.
-
-
Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
- Produce and distribute library newsletterProduces and distributes a monthly newsletter to keep patrons informed about library services, events, and resources.
-
-
Public Access to Digital and Physical Library Collections 1 activity
- Provide public access to educational and community resourcesOffers access to educational materials, community spaces, and digital resources to enrich and engage the public, including through shared library systems and local programming.
-
-
Public Access Technology Services 1 activity
- Support digital literacy and technology accessProvides public computers with one hour of daily use per cardholder, offers printing and copying services, and delivers instructional resources for using digital platforms like Libby and Overdrive.
-
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$1.20M
Contributions & grants$1.17M97%
Program service revenue$8K1%
Investment income$25K2%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$971K
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead12%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$477K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$1.06M
Cash$1.06M
Investments$0
Liabilities$9K
Net assets$1.05M
Liquid reserves13.2 mo
5 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +94.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 1
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PATRICK MCGOWAN | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | 40 | $93K |
board members · 7
- ANN ZIENO — PRESIDENT
- EMELINDA GRONWALL — TRUSTEE
- MARY JANE PLUMMER — TRUSTEE
- NANCY HORNUNG — SECRETARY
- PAMELA GILBERT — TRUSTEE
- PATRICIA SMITH — TRUSTEE
- SUE RUESTOW — VICE PRESIDENT
relationships · 18
Who they work with
- Board of Regents Government — References governance guidance from the Board of Regents on trustee roles.
- CDO Workforce Partner — Provides career development resources including resume-building, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
- Delaware County Civil Service Government — Administers job applications for library positions.
- Four County Library System Network — Member of the Four County Library System, enabling access to shared digital resources including eBooks, audiobooks, and databases.
- Four County Library System Network — Member of the Four County Library System, participating in shared catalog and account services.
- Four County Library System Network — Member of the Four County Library System, which provides consolidated services to libraries in four counties.
- Friends of the Libraries Partner — Sponsors monthly movie and book discussion programs at the library.
- Friends of the Sidney Libraries Funder — Provided matching funds for an O’Connor Foundation grant to support the digitization of local Sidney papers.
- Friends of the Sidney Libraries Partner — Provided matching funds for an O’Connor Foundation grant to support the digitization of local Sidney papers.
- NOVELny Government — Accesses electronic resources through NOVELny, the New York Online Virtual Library, a state-funded public information network.
- New York State Department of Labor Partner — Partners with Coursera to provide online training opportunities for unemployed New Yorkers.
- New York State Library Government — References the Handbook for Library Trustees of New York State published by the NYS Library.
- Sidney Central School District Government — Library operates as a School District Public Library, with voters in the Sidney School District approving its annual budget.
- Sidney Central Schools Alumni Association Funder — Provided matching funds for an O’Connor Foundation grant to support the digitization of local Sidney papers.
- Sidney Central Schools Alumni Association Partner — Provided matching funds for an O’Connor Foundation grant to support the digitization of local Sidney papers.
- Sidney Historical Association Partner — Collaborated on the digitization of local Sidney papers, with physical archives held by the association.
- Sidney Historical Association Partner — Collaborated with the library to digitize local Sidney papers previously stored on microfilm at their organization.
- Transparent Language Partner — Provides access to Transparent Language Online for library patrons.
strategies · 4
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Community Resource Connection and Engagement Modelmethodology: community_resource_connectionBy connecting community members with educational and enrichment resources, the library fosters sustained engagement because access to integrated services strengthens community participation and lifelong learning.
- Digital Access Equity through Continuous Outdoor Internetmethodology: digital-access-equityBy providing continuous outdoor internet access, the library extends its services beyond physical hours and supports digital equity because removing temporal and access barriers enables underserved populations to participate fully in digital life.
- Personalized and Exploratory Reading Supportmethodology: personalized_selectionBy using patron reading history to personalize book bundles and offering opportunities to explore new genres, the library increases engagement and reading discovery because tailored recommendations combined with serendipitous exposure balance familiarity with growth.
- Self-Directed and Discussion-Based Learning Pathwaysmethodology: self-directed learning, discussion-based_learningBy offering self-directed language learning and discussion-based cultural events, the library supports deeper learning and community connection because flexible, interest-driven formats increase motivation and retention.