Tillsonburg Public Library Annual Report 2004

Prepared March 6, 2005

Matthew Scholtz - Chief Librarian

Part A: Statistics

Memberships:

These statistics represent active members only.

Residency:

Resources:

Unreturned = materials not returned
Lost = presumed stolen

Projector Use

As expected, projector equipment use continues to decline, as new forms of technology becoming available.  We remain, however, the only source of such equipment, so that people are very grateful to have this access.

Other Services

Circulation

Circulation for this year proved to be the highest in the Library’s history, exceeding the previous record of 131,034 set in 1995.  After seeing years of dropping circulation, it was very gratifying to see an increase in 2003, but I never felt that we could go on the following year to set an all-time high record.

Much of the credit for this dramatic increase is due to staff’s greater emphasis on readers advisory and reading promotion. Special recognition must be given to Mary Stevens for her skills and passion in promoting reading.

Circulation may also have increased because of a new book ordering process I have put in place in 2004.  This process has allowed us to accept and more easily expedite book title requests from the public.  At this time, I have more than 100 titles on order specifically recommended and requested by our patrons.  It is a new service that appears to be very much appreciated.

In comparing 2004 with 1995, the only category which was not exceeded was nonfiction (1995: 21,204), Clearly, this confirms the trend of decreasing demand for nonfiction.                    

Interlibrary Loan

An increase in interlibrary loan this year has been absolutely amazing.  This can easily be attributed to the efforts of staff in general, and Mary Stevens in particular, to assure that no reasonable book request is left unsatisfied.  The new Reading Club requirements for multiple book titles have also increased interlibrary loan. 

Part B : Highlights

Staffing

Changes in staffing have been considerable this year.  Lauren Byl replaced Severen Fathers in January, and Keely Armstrong replaced Jill Buchner in the summer.  Jill has been a wonderful library page for a number of years, and we will miss her. Honey Just left in October, replaced by Katharine Goulet.

Partnerships

With the change in ownership of the Tillsonburg Retirement Centre, the monthly large book deposit rotations were cancelled when new management indicated a lack of interest in maintaining the service.  A new deposit was created at the newly opened Woodingford Lodge.  At the same time, we have helped the Tillsonburg Hospital and Maple Manor Nursing Home establish a large print collection by providing them with some discarded books from our resources.

Mary Stevens has been very successful in establishing liaison with the local elementary schools.  A number of joint Library-school programs were held in the Library to promote childrens reading.

The Library helped to initiate a Book Reading Club, which now meets monthly in the Library, mentored by Mary Stevens.

Summer Reading Program

Because of the extraordinary efforts of Mary Stevens, the 2004 Summer Reading Program set new records for number of children enrolled in the program (285 vs 155) and circulation (July’s circulation of 14,702 was the highest ever for the library).

Mary is to be commended for her special interest in promoting childrens reading.

Trillium & Sustainability Grant

Two substantial grants were received in 2004:

Trillium ($10,000) : this allowed us to install: additional; paperback and hardcover fiction shelving; automatic door openers and comfortable chair for Childrens Section;

Internet Sustainability ($4,000): This grant allowed us to purchase two computers.  All the old computers have now been replaced with computers of the same kind, bringing a greater deal of uniformity.

Library Board

Retiring Board members were : Amanda Boult, Jane Brown, Verne Reybolds, Andrew Stancek, Brian Stephenson.

New members of the Board include : Marg Moylan, Marion McLean, Diane Patenaude, David Stubbs, Linda White.

Board members returning for another term were: Sandra Andrews, John Ash and Bob Marsden

Appreciation

On behalf of the Library staff, I would like to thank the members of the Library Board, for their continuing interest in effective and efficient library service for our community.

Thanks are also extended to Cynthia Hildebrand, Director of Community Services, and other Town staff for their continuing support.

Respectfully submitted

Matthew Scholtz - Chief Librarian

2005 March 6