Monday, December 24, 2007

Annual report

It's quiet around here right now. Time enough to gather a few facts and give an annual report.

The actual report is much longer and more detailed, but I can share a few statistics with you.

Our year runs from October 1, 2006 to September 30, 2007 as we follow the county's fiscal year for purposes of budgeting.

Libraries like to collect statistics to see how we are doing. During this past fiscal year the libraries in the three counties circulated 212,299 items to library users. (Our system that checks books out and in counts everything for us.)

This figure was down somewhat from the previous year. A few factors influenced that. One: Bradford County Library was closed for a month while the library moved into their new building. And two: computer use was up. Almost 37,000 uses of the public access computers in the libraries.

That's quite a bit of contact between library staff and the public. Consider that each library item must be handled twice--once as it is checked out, and once as it is returned and shelved in the proper place. This shows many people using the library and finding good books to read, videos to watch, or books on tape to listen to.

And quite a few computer users...each one must be logged in, timed, and logged out. Many times staff are instructing users on how to use the computer or how to find a website. That's many people finding and using information valuable to their lives.

To say the least, it's been a busy year.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Holiday closings

Libraries and bookmobiles will be closed from December 22 through December 25 for the Christmas holiday. Bradford County Public Library will be open on December 22.

In addition, libraries are closed on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 for the New Year's Day holiday.

Book drops are located at the front of each building and are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

A busy time of year...

Libraries see fewer people in December. Not that we want to, but many people are involved with holiday preparations and libraries and books move down on their list of priorities.

But remember, we have books to help you with holiday preparations no matter what holiday tradition you celebrate. We have audio books and videos and DVDs to help keep little ones entertained while parents are busy. And don't forget Dial-a-Story for young children (1-888-4ATALE1). This month Dial-a-Story features holiday stories.

Bookdrops at all libraries are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that you can drop off library materials.

See you soon!

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Dial a Story

Let you child listen to a story on the telephone. This service is ideal for busy parents who need a short break. We can help!

Stories are for young children and last 3-4 minutes. Stories are changed weekly.

Dial the number, put the phone on speaker and you can listen together. Let your child listen in the car while you drive. Have your child listen when you need to get a quick job done.

In Union County dial 496-2542.

In Baker and Bradford County dial 1-888-428-2531 (1888-4ATALE1)