Item 3C
Southlake Public Library
Board Report – March 2008
Services
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The Southlake Public Library has kicked off the new book club kits - The library now supplies book
club kits that can be checked out. The kits include 12 copies of one of a number of available titles.
We include a biography of the Author, literary criticisms of the title, and discussion questions. We
deliver and will even provide a staff member to help introduce the title, or help with the selection.
Call or check out our webpage for details.
Playaways - are the first-ever, self-playing digital audiobooks. They are the newest and easiest way
to listen to audiobooks because it comes already loaded with the audiobook inside. All you do is
press the start button. Enjoy digital sound from the lightweight player with eight simple buttons that
can be worn around your neck or placed in a pocket.
Polaris upgrade – Staff upgraded to a new version of the Polaris catalog software on Thursday,
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February 14 and it went very smoothly thanks to Jesse Ephraim’s tireless efforts to make sure we
were properly prepped. The upgrade involves a lot of different functionality that is designed to make
the system more efficient in the backroom for staff and for the customer
The library is continuing to display art from each of the Carroll School District campuses. CISD
received a grant for museum quality panels to display art in various locations. Staff continues to be
excited about the excellent works of art that have been exhibited thus far. The library is also
displaying a rotating art exhibit by artists from the Senior Center.
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Hours have been well received – The Library opened extended hours on February 4 and they have
been very well received, particularly the Saturday hours. The consistent opening and closing hours
has made it much easier to remember when we are available.
Grants – Staff is working diligently to raise grant money, and have already exceeded the amount we
listed as one of our Key Accountability Indicators, but the library is always looking at ways we can
further leverage the money we receive from the city in our budget.
Visitor Stats – Year End:
Checkouts:
The Library saw a 2% increase in checkouts for January (19,810) and is up 7% (73,611) for
the fiscal year. There has been a 54% increase over the two year period. These increases are following a
3 year period where we saw 200% growth. The Library has seen a leveling off of new accounts and
traffic as we have come closer to the saturation point with 70% of the community holding library cards.
We are also reaching maximum limits on our traffic levels due to space limitations.
Programming:
Storytimes were up 76% over last year in January with 1,215 people attending
storytimes during the period. The library is up 57% for the FY so far. Youth programming has been very
strong with large increases month after month for the last year due to a reinvigorated approach.
Volunteer Hours:
The library was up 21% in volunteer hours in January.
Any questions please contact Kerry McGeath (8384)
Respectfully submitted by the Southlake Public Library Board:
Wanda SchaferLori BurrC.D. PeeblesBarbara Jeppe
Brenda FloresKim RobertsJune Koelker
Southlake Public Library
- Board Report - 2/25/2008 - Page 1 of 1