WADLEIGH MEMORIAL LIBRARYWADLEIGH MEMORIAL LIBRARY

2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS2009/2010 HIGHLIGHTS

Wadleigh Whirlers Library Book Cart Drill Team

CIRCULATIONCIRCULATION

Our usage rates continue to lead the state.– For NH towns with populations 15,000+, we have the

2nd highest circulation per capita in the state (15.92).– Who’s first? Portsmouth @ 22.24 circs per capita.

We’re smaller, but busier than NH’s more urban libraries.– Manchester’s population is 8x bigger, but we circulate 3x

more items than they do.– Nashua has 3x the residents we do, but we circulate

double the amount of materials.– Rochester has double the residents, but we circulate twice

as many items.

CIRCULATION GROWTHCIRCULATION GROWTH

Checkouts have increased nearly 35% since 2005– 10% increase from 2005 to 2007 (2 yr span)– 10% increase from 2007 to 2008 (1 yr span)– 13% increase from 4/1/09 to 4/1/10 (1 yr span)

Of particular note in 2009:– 29% increase in museum pass usage– 25% increase in magazine checkouts– 19% increase in young adult book checkouts

Abbreviated circulation statistics

1986-2009

***

Since our last addition, business is up from

75k checkouts/year to nearly

¼ of a million/year.

During this same time period, the town’s

population only increased 42%.

Visitors – Last year we had nearly 200,000 people come

through our doors, an annual increase of 8%. – Since 2005, it’s up nearly 20%. Weekly avg=~3600.

Registered patronsRegistered patrons– The number of people with Wadleigh library cards

jumped almost 20% in the last two years (’07-’09).– Of our nearly 11,000 cardholders, only 7.8% are

non-residents.– Half of the 7.8% work or own property in town.

CIRCULATION GROWTHCIRCULATION GROWTH

PROGRAMSPROGRAMS

To accommodate the increased demand, last year the Library held 797 programs for all ages (100+ than in ‘08).

While the number of programs increased by 16%, total participation jumped 30% (17,119 people).

Ongoing programs include:– Teen writing & anime clubs– Storytimes for children of all ages– Book clubs for all ages– Volunteer led ESOL classes– Computer skills workshops during school year– Celebrated our 10th season of Acoustic Café

Special programs this year (past & planned)– The Many Faces of Facebook with Officer Pepler– State-wide “Big Read” series on To Kill a Mockingbird– Adventure travel series– Summer Reading series, paid entirely by gift and grant $– Volunteer led Tax Assistance programs– Job search skill seminars– Teen Wii virtual tournament with area libraries– “September Project” series– Genealogy program series

PROGRAMSPROGRAMS

SERVICESSERVICES

Stats from 2009:

More than 27,000 logons to our pcs – Usage does not count our free wireless access– Nearly 10% increase over 2008

Over 20,000 searches using our databases

Nearly 10,000 reference questions answered

3,000 people used our meeting rooms – This statistic measures only non-library related meetings,

i.e. community groups such as scouting, area mothers’ groups, etc.

New this year:

Launched Envisionware, time & print mgmt. software– Problem: staff spending considerable time “policing” pcs– Problem: patrons printing in error and/or not paying– Result: more secure system; saves staff time– Result: can preview and pre-pay for print jobs; saves $

Increasing part time staff thanks to 2010 vote– Problem: 2005-2009, usage up 25%; staffing only up 8%.– Result: 3 PT staff members increased their hours and

began cross-training in other areas.

SERVICESSERVICES

SERVICESSERVICES

This year continuedcontinued:

Now offering BYKI online language learning. Learn 80+ languages (including ESOL) from any pc.

– Problem: Traditional language learning resources are cost prohibitive, only allow one user at a time, prone to damage or loss.

– Result: New online product allows unlimited users, it’s convenient, no worries about loss or damage. All for the cost of 3 complete language courses on cd.

FACILITIESFACILITIES

Late 2009, Library building project chosen by NH chapter of American Institute of Architecture (AIA) as part of annual design contest resulting in:

– 5 free sets of preliminary design possibilities– Renewed interest in project & positive press coverage

in state & local newspapers– Winning architects offer pro-bono planning assistance

FACILITIESFACILITIES

Early 2010, Trustees form Steering Cmte. resulting in:

– Regular meetings to further the planning process– Meetings with design winning architects– Trustee attendance at library design workshops– Site visits to new(er) area library building projects– Consulting with engineer to explore vertical expansion– Further prioritizing building needs for design planning– Plans for a community survey and/or focus groups

Space

– Main portion of building designed ½ a century ago when libraries were utilized much differently (and with no pcs).

– Knowing the ’86 addition was designed to last 20 years, plans for a future addition/renovation began 15 years ago.

– The project has been on the CIP since 1995 and been pushed back on at least 6 occasions.

– In the past 25 years, usage has outpaced population growth at a rate of 5:1 (see slide 5)

NEEDSNEEDS

So what does this translate to? Currently...So what does this translate to? Currently...

– Workflow in central areas restricts/prevents efficiency– Waiting lists for children’s programs– Groups turned away from meeting rooms– Frequent lines to check out materials– Delays in service– No “quiet space” for reading or studying– Not enough parking spots– Not enough rest rooms– Safety issues

NEEDSNEEDS

WHAT’S THE LIBRARY WORTH TO WHAT’S THE LIBRARY WORTH TO THE COMMUNITY?THE COMMUNITY?

CONCLUSIONSCONCLUSIONS

For every $1 Milford residents invested in their library last year, they received $4.67 in services (see previous slide).

Milford residents are increasingly & heavily utilizing their library & taking advantage of all it has to offer—a trend that started long before the current economic slump.

So that we can keep offering the citizens of Milford what they’ve come to expect from their public library, it is imperative that building needs are addressed in the near future.

Words of wisdom from our patronsWords of wisdom from our patrons

“The programs have become so popular and well attended that crowding has become an issue. I would love to see more space become available.”—C. Schwab

The library “is a gem. It has wonderful resources & programs for children, teens & adults. The staff is very helpful, friendly & dedicated. I only wish it was larger.” —Y. Wallace

“We would love to have additional parking for the library to make it easier to attend events.” –J. Mailloux

“I love the library because of all the things they do in the summer.” –Anonymous teen

“Would love more accessible bathrooms.”—Anonymous adult

“The library has the best programs for the family. Our family loves the library.”--S. Rolanti

7.12.2010