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ITEM 2 |
Library Board Community Services
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Date: |
11/15/2022 |
To: |
Library Board |
From: |
Courtney Allen, Management Analyst |
Subject: |
Library Manager's Report |
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Overview |
Happy Fall! We have so many exciting things happening at Chandler Public Library, some in the moment and some in our vision for service in the future. Engaging with community members outside the physical space of the four branches is a primary focus as we consider 2023 and beyond. Our leadership team is leaving no stone unturned as it considers the many ways that we can bring the library TO people so that they, in turn, will visit our libraries and see themselves in our people, programs, and service. We want to be inclusive, responsive and innovative in everything we do. The study rooms in our libraries have been upgraded to include new technology that creates quiet, private space for users to attend online meetings, conduct job interviews, video chat with friends and family or virtually attend college programs...the online opportunities for virtual networking are endless, and we now provide the technology to facilitate these experiences in addition to the space. Wireless printing is also being installed in all locations. Our launch of Beanstack, a reading tracker and challenge platform, was delayed, but we are now ready to go! Staff are in the testing process, creating their own accounts and exploring the experience so that they can assist patrons with their questions when the first challenge is open to customers on December 1st. As always, I have so much appreciation for the service our library staff provide to the community every day. The team we have in place today is exceptional...in diversity, depth of knowledge, commitment to service, and desire to constantly improve and evolve. With the season of gratitude upon us, I am thankful for the amazing people who show up to work in our libraries every day to make a difference in the lives of others, and I am so incredibly lucky to be a part of it. Season's greetings and best wishes for ALL of the holidays in the coming weeks. |
Branch Updates |
Basha Branch
- Assisted Department of Equity and Inclusion with a Diwali outreach program. Great time / experience fo the community. Provided crafts that coincided with the cultural event.
- New Programs: Edible Plants in the Southwest, Walking Book Club, Henna Art, Scrunchie Design with Instagram Influencer that focuses on indigenous culture.
- Continued partnership with Basha High school. Multiple school visits that include crafting, database instruction and informal book checkout. Looking to provide a Mesa Center of the Arts grant to the community -- a night with Zuill Bailey (more details to come).
- Focusing on ways to say yes and bring more people into the library. Working with the kids afterschool to enjoy the space but be respectful of others who might be using it.
Downtown Branch
- CUSD Food Services is proving snack/lunch bags for our literacy based After School Book Adventures program for school age children.
- New Library Pages: Cathleen Flora, John Biewer, Karen Williams, Kylee Webb and Susan Janke.
- New Technology Clerks: Samantha Kroeger and Gabby Wells.
- Promotions: Kenny Robertson, Alex Szoenyi and Miranda Moore promoted to Part-time Library Aides.
- Recruitments: Security guard and Technology Clerk.
Hamilton Branch
- On October 15th our Teen Advisory Group hosted a Diwali program. The 147 attendees enjoyed crafts, henna, treats and lots of dancing.
- We partnered with Hamilton High and hosted a mock voting event for the teens. More than 2000 students voted.
- Thanks to the Friends we now have a "Cozy Mornings at Hamilton" coffee cart. The patrons are loving it!!
- We recently hired a new Page, Kris Feller, and she is doing a fantastic job.
Sunset Branch
- The new patio and ADA ramp are complete. We will be adding benches, tables, and other features in the near future.
- We hosted a Corona del Sol student art exhibit, installed by the Vision Gallery. It was on display for six weeks with great reviews. Artists and guests attended an after-hours reception. 87 people attended.
- Sunset staff members presented at the Arizona Library Association Conference in Prescott about the StoryWalk project.
- Sunset participated in the vintage book sale for the first time. Patrons were very appreciative.
Outreach
- The Stories @ The Market has been successful averaging around 75 participants.
- Spooktacular: 10/28 – The library is always the most popular booth! We fill the coffin with candy and giveaways. We will have over 1000 visitors to our booth.
- Woofstock: 11/19 – We make library cards, check out books and talk about all the amazing resources the library has to offer! We are bringing a StoryWalk, Dog’s Colorful Day for participants to experience.
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Collections and Statistics |
Active Cardholders
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Increase / Month |
Increase / Calendar Year |
November 1, 2022 |
63,315 |
1.18% |
4.57% |
October 1, 2022 |
62,549 |
1.46% |
3.36% |
September 1, 2022 |
61,676 |
1.75% |
1.87% |
August 1, 2022 |
60,618 |
1.81% |
.12% |
July 1, 2022 |
59,538 |
.92% |
-1.67% |
Physical Item Circulation
October 2022 |
112,839 |
September 2022 |
114,057 |
August 2022 |
118,906 |
July 2022 |
100,357 |
Cloud Library Checkouts
October 2022 |
21,205 |
September 2022 |
20,120 |
August 2022 |
21,002 |
July 2022 |
20,990 |
Auto-renewals (started August 10, 2022)
October 2022 |
52,687 |
September 2022 |
51,100 |
August 2022 |
35,258 |
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Programming |
- The Library participated in the City of Chandler Contigo (Hispanic Heritage) Celebration, between September 1 and October 15. The library held 46 programs that were themed for Hispanic Heritage, which included storytimes, author talks, arts and crafts programs, family games, cultural events, movies, STEAM programs, special grab and go activity kits, themed Storywalks at Desert Breeze Park and Amberwood Park, and outreach activities. Over 1500 people participated or were engaged in these programs!
- Beginning in September, the library offered a registration-only Preschool Time. Between September 1 and November 30, we are offering a drop-in version and a registration required version of this storytime series (for ages 3-5) at each branch. This effort is to explore whether registration is a good fit for storytimes in the future at all the branches. A customer survey was just completed and is being reviewed. Below are some attendance stats:
Registered Preschool Time September- 467 October - 398 Drop In Preschool Time September - 487 October - 459
- Supervsiors and Branch Managers will look at feedback from customers, staff and attendance numbers to determine if registration will continue as an element of storytimes in 2023. There will be a break for storytimes, STEAM Club and STEAM Jr. starting December 5, 2022 and resuming the week of January 9, 2023.
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Friends of the Chandler Library |
- City Council made a proclamation recognizing National Friends of Libraries Week.
- Friends of Chandler Public Library launched the annual end of year giving campaign, Season of Friendship, during National Friends of Libraries Week.
- Through the Friends Community Bookshelves initiative, used books were given to the Library for outreach efforts for children and seniors in our community.
- For the second year, Friends of Chandler Public Library board members attended the COC Employee Appreciation Luncheon/Workplace Giving event, giving out free cookbooks and connecting with COC staff.
- The Vintage Book Sale brought in $3,000 in support of Library programs and services.
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