FY 2007 Proposed Bydget Summary - Laserfiche WebLink

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Cultural/Leisure Services Service Description Abroad range of unique recreational, cultural, artistic, and life-long learning opportunities are available to the citizens of Eugene through services provided by the Library, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. The Eugene Public Library supports an informed community, lifelong learning, and the love of reading by promoting access for all City residents to the universe of ideas and information. Services are provided at the downtown location and at two branch libraries, as well as through targeted outreach programs to special populations. These programs include several state-of-the- art tools for people who might otherwise have difficulty accessing library resources, including patrons who are blind or who have visual impairments, physical or learning disabilities, and are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Library houses a collection of over 400,000 cataloged items. Sixty-eight percent of the City's residents have a library card and 86% of community survey respondents are satisfied with library services. The Library offers programs for all ages, with a special focus on children, such as storytelling, music programs, and class visits to familiarize students of all ages with public library services. At the downtown Library, special events such as monthly "First Friday" activities help attract residents to downtown. Approximately 5,700 recreation activities and services are provided year round to meet the recreation and wellness needs of Eugene citizens. These activities and services include: • Life-long learning, fitness and social service programs for older adults. • Recreation programs adapted to serve people with disabilities and facilitation services that assist recreation staff and community groups with the inclusion of people with disabilities into their programs.. • Aquatic programs at Sheldon, Echo Hollow and Amazon Pools such as Recreation Swimming, Swim Lessons, Fitness and Wellness, Competitive Programs and In-Service Training. • Diverse neighborhood-based and city-wide recreational and educational programs for children, adults and families. Events and services are coordinated by staff at Amazon, Petersen Barn, River House, and Sheldon community centers. • Outdoor recreation and environmental education activities ranging from one-day trips to extended wilderness adventure programs. • Athletic leagues for adults and coordination of approximately 70 athletic venues. A diverse selection of cultural and entertainment activities are offered to citizens at the Hult Center for Performing Arts and the Cuthbert ;Amphitheater. In addition to providing performances by international artists, the Hult Center is home to-eight local Resident Companies, houses the Jacobs Gallery for the visual arts, and provides venues for community events and conferences. The Center also sponsors and promotes arts education activities. Cultural Services also hosts a variety of diverse community events such as the "Summer Concerts in the Park" series. The Hult Center remains one of the best performing arts center on the west coast, and along with the Cuthbert Amphitheater serves as an economic driver for the region with an average of 200,000 customers a year.