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Brunswick Community Library 2005 - Annual Report
- We circulated 37,216 items, including books, magazines, audio books on CD and tape, movies on tape and DVD, music CDs, and large print books.
- Through the Upper Hudson library system, our patrons can request items from the 29 libraries in Albany and Rensselaer counties. Requests arrive by courier five days a week. Patrons can browse the catalog and place requests on-line, or we’d be happy to place a request for you. In 2005 about one quarter of our check-outs came from other libraries.
- Story Time for ages 0-5 was held 47 times. Join us for a story and simple craft on Wednesdays at 11:00.
- Programs for children and families included sessions on scrapbooking, origami, knitting, polymer clay, Legos, icky creatures, Make Your Own Book, Make Your Own Music Video, Mardi Gras and Hawaiian Luau parties.
- Children’s author Sylvie Wickstrom shared her experiences writing books, and Rob the Guitar Guy led us in song.
- 435 free Take Home Craft kits were distributed this year. Each month our Children’s Librarian Jane Chirgwin prepares a unique craft kit, with instructions and materials needed included. Instructions and templates to current and past projects can also be downloaded from our website.
- We were awarded $1,500 by the Arts Center of the Capital Region’s in support of the Summer Reading Program, Tune In @ Your Library, enabling us to present performers, and purchase program materials.
| Growth at a Glance | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population served | 11,093 | 11,093 | 11,664 | 11,664 | 11,664 | 11,664 | 11,664 |
| Budget | $84,450 | $85,943 | $109,124 | $125,692 | $161,792 | $139,710 | $151,381 |
| Circulation | 28,481 | 30,131 | 33,164 | 35,587 | 32,592 | 38,234 | 37,216 |
| Interlibrary Loans to our patrons | 1,832 | 2,039 | 2,813 | 4,137 | 7,306 | 9,292 | 10,007 |
| Interlibrary Loans to other libraries | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | 5,784 | 4,616 | 5,507 |
| Days of Service | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Nights of Service | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Holdings | 10,399 | 12,456 | 12,665 | 14,314 | 13,767 | 14,006 | 13,274 |
| Items Added | 2,283 | 1,782 | 1,652 | 3,296 | 1,830 | 1,732 | |
| Library Card Holders | 1,065 | 1,819 | 2,204 | 2,721 | 3,373 | 2,409 | 2,592 |
| Home Page Hits | 20,566 | 22,156 | 29,902 | 34,394 | 45,836 | ||
| Programs | 85 | 105 | 110 | 110 | 105 | 104 | 107 |
| Program Attendance | 1,670 | 2,501 | 2,574 | 3,459 | 2,589 | 2,591 | 1,674* |
| Staff | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 2.5 |
| Volunteers | 30 | 20 | 15 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 13 |
*Lower figure reflects changes in reporting attendance
- The Tuesday Book Group gathered 10 times to for a spirited and friendly book discussion. Join us on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00. Large-print and audio book versions of the selected title are usually available.
- We resumed processing new applications for U.S. Passports, and accepted 91 applications. Our convenient hours and child-friendly atmosphere has made this an especially popular service .See our website for more information, and links to online application forms.
- In January we sponsored a one-day Defensive Driving class with 45 in attendance, with a delicious lunch provided by the Library Board.
- In April we sponsored a Red Cross Babysitter Training Class. 19 youngsters were trained in first aid, diapering and feeding techniques, and handling bedtime issues.
- Our ongoing Basement Book Sale raised $1675.93. Visit the basement whenever the library is open, and buy gently used books, magazines, videos, and audio books.
- The Friends of the Brunswick Community Library sponsored a Garden Day Celebration on Mothers’ Day weekend in May, featuring plants, baked goods, and books for sale; children’s activities, soil testing and a raffle. Over $1200 was raised. The Friends purchased two video display racks and a children’s table and chair set for the library.
- We continue to struggle with the problems of lack of space. As in previous years we did not meet the state standards for collection size, shelving, and seating. We petitioned to bring a vote to the November ballot to authorize an annual allotment of $250,000 from the residents of Brunswick, to be used in support of a larger library; this did not pass.