Brunswick Community Library 2006 - Annual Report

We circulated 37,634 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
Story Time for ages 0-5 was held 42 times. Join us for songs, stories and simple crafts.
Programs for various ages included sessions on knitting, birdwatching, polymer clay sculpture, campfire songs, sewing, long-term care insurance, and a pumpkin recipe contest.
The theme of the Summer Reading Program was "Books: A Treasure". Children's author Matt McElligott introduced us to Backbeard the Pirate, and how books are created, while Merdwin the Mediocre dazzled us with his magic tricks. The Leapin' Lizards of the Children's Museum came to visit, as did Rowdy the River Rat. We capped off the program with ice cream, and juggling.
406 free Take Home Craft kits were distributed this year. Each month you can pick up a unique craft kit, with instructions and materials. Instructions and templates to some past projects can also be downloaded from our website.
The Tuesday Book Group gathered 12 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 are an Acceptance facility for U.S. Passports, and processed 105 applications this year. 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 and October we sponsored one-day Defensive Driving classes with a delicious lunch provided by the Library Board.
In April we sponsored a Red Cross Babysitter Training Class. Youngsters were trained in first aid, diapering and feeding techniques, handling bedtime issues, and client negotiation.
Our ongoing Basement Book Sale raised $1394. Visit the basement whenever the library is open, to buy gently used books, magazines, videos, and audio books.
A Garden Day Celebration was held on Mothers' Day weekend in May, featuring plants, baked goods, and books for sale; children's activities, soil testing and a raffle. Over $1000 was raised.
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.
To celebrate the Brunswick Bicentennial, the Library produced a calendar, featuring scenic views of our town.

Growth at a Glance	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006
Population served	11,093	11,664	11,664	11,664	11,664	11,664	11,664
Budget	$85,943	$109,124	$125,692	$161,792	$139,710	$151,381	$150,396
Circulation	30,131	33,164	35,587	32,592	38,234	37,216	37,634
Interlibrary Loans to our patrons	2,039	2,813	4,137	7,306	9,292	10,007	10,312
Interlibrary Loans to other libraries	n/a	n/a	n/a	5,784	4,616	5,507	4,366
Days of Service	6	6	6	7	7	7	7
Nights of Service	3	3	3	3	3	3	3
Holdings	12,456	12,665	14,314	13,767	14,006	13,274	12,372
Items Added	2,283	1,782	1,652	3,296	1,830	1,732	1,723
Library Card Holders	1,819	2,204	2,721	3,373	2,409	2,592	2,131
Home Page Hits		20,566	22,156	29,902	34,394	45,836	49,721
Programs	105	110	110	105	104	107	127
Program Attendance	2,501	2,574	3,459	2,589	2,591	1,674*	1,974
Staff	2.0	2.0	2.0	2.5	2.5	2.5	2.5
Volunteers	20	15	12	10	11	13	15

*Lower figure reflects changes in reporting attendance