Item 4DLibrary Board Report
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The Southlake Library Board respectfully submits this written report in an effort to maintain
communication flow between the Board and City Council.
The Southlake Library Board will hold their February Library Board Meeting on Wednesday
February 23, 2005.
Librarians Report: Library Administrator Kerry McGeath indicated the following programs
and statistics through January.
Checkouts or circulation were up 57% for January (12,187 vs. 8,183) compared to last year
and is up 67% year to date (44,871 vs. 26,902). Traffic was up 37% for the month and 20%
for the year to date. Computer use has continued to skyrocket with 450 users in the month, up
125% from last year. Programming, including the new Masterworks programs was up 92%
with a big upsurge in Storytime attendance. The inventory turns last year were about 2.8
turns of the inventory in the period of a year. Calculations based on our current circulation
increase show us to be at 4.8 by the end of the current year. Not only is much more checking
out - the inventory is a lot more effective meaning that we are better satisfying the latent
demand.
September 2003 was the month that we began to make effective changes in the library, by
dramatically improving our level of Customer Service and improving the product mix and
some rudimentary marketing improvements (which will be improved upon further this year).
It is interesting to note the output related to these changes since September 03. We have had
a 93% increase in circulation, 58% increase in traffic, 260% increases in Computer Use, 88%
increase in Programming attendance, and a 55% increase in Volunteer Hours. By every
measure we are waiting on considerable more people and we are better satisfying their
demand then we ever have.
Working with Carroll School District: The Southlake Library will begin to carry the CISD
Board meetings on Video. We have also created links to their website including direct links
to the Board Agenda's and Board Minute summaries. We are working with the district to
make hard copies of the School Board minutes available as well. Our goal is to provide one
stop shopping for information pertinent to the whole community, and working with CISD to
be that location in Town Hall is a no brainer. We will continue to develop that relationship in
order to provide needed information to our citizens. We have been working with Julie
Thannum, who will be providing promotional and informational materials provided by the
school district and made available in the library.
The Library and Artsnet provided the second of our Masterworks Series on February 8 and
it was attended by about 150 people. The Opera occurred in the Main Lobby of Town Hall
and was enjoyed by all. Following are some of the notes from the program evaluation, when
the question was asked if they were satisfied with the program:
"I was satisfied in everyway — thank you for the wonderful introduction to Opera for
children."
"It was very entertaining with lovely singing, a nice introduction to Opera for children."
Library Board Report
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The Southlake Library Board respectfully submits this written report in an effort to maintain
communication flow between the Board and City Council
"Very awesome — great way to bring the arts to children in and exciting and convenient
way."
"Excellent show, great all around music, production and stage."
"Excellent singers and stage adaptation."
"Tons of fun and good exposure to music."
Southlake Library hosts Public Library Administrators of North Texas (PLANT) meeting
in February. PLANT has about 70 library directors on its roster. Mr. McGeath was named
President for 2005/06. Library directors were given a tour of the library, and all were
impressed. The Director of Richardson said she listened at the counter to our staff as they
waited on customers, and she indicated she had never seen a staff as attentive to customer
needs. All were impressed by the cleanliness and neatness of our facility. 5 area Directors
asked me if we could have all the meetings in Southlake from now on. We have been
recognized for providing cutting edge service and a commitment to Customer Service
that is not seen in libraries.
Upcoming Events and information
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Southlake Library (FOSL) have kindly
Donated the wonderful Plasma Screen TV in the library.
FOSL has also just donated its 1,000th DVD to the Library
Stop in the Library for the on -going Book sale, and help support
FOSL as they support the Library
Coming up at the Library
Expand your world
Library Board Report
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
The Southlake Libras) Board respectfully submits this written report in tun offort to maintain
communication flow between the Board and City Council.
4th Annual Black History Month Celebration
Thursday, February 24th at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Main lobby Town Hall
Join us for Musical guests and speakers celebrating the
contribution of African Americans to our culture.
Masterworks performance
Amelia Bedilia - a stage play for the entire family
March 1st at 7:00 p.m.
in the library
National Acting troupe provides a perennial favorite for children.
Irish and Scottish dancing
March 14th at 7:00p.m.
in the Library
Come and enjoy this uniquely Celtic dancing experience.
SPL - uncommonly friendly service