DIRECTOR'S COLUMN One Year Later
APRIL IS NATIONAL
When we opened the doors to the renovated and expanded Indian Trails Library on April 10, 2017, we were greeted with a rush of enthusiasm from our community. More than 2,000 people visited us that day, and they are still walking through the doors. Here are a few takeaways from our first year: • • • •
30% increase in overall foot traffic in the building compared to the last full year we were in the building 28% increase in children registering for the Summer Reading Program and a 21 % increase in completion rate 30% increase in program attendance by people ages 18-45 30% decrease in gas and electric costs, even though the building is 15,000 square feet larger
We’ve worked out quirks in the building (normal in all new construction), made some staffing shifts to meet increased member requests and created new paths to expand member services.
MONTH Thank you to the 187 volunteers who shared their time and skills with Indian Trails Library in 2017 and 2018. 44 Middle School Volunteers 80 High School Volunteers 41 ESL Volunteers 10 Adult Volunteers (3 at the Branch; 7 at the main library) 12 Foundation Board of Directors Do you have time to spare and want to help out at the library? Volunteer applications are available online at www.indiantrailslibrary.org/aboutus/volunteer.html
So what’s next? Last fall, we began a new strategic planning process with community surveys and focus groups to aid in the development of our strategic plan for 2018-2020. This plan gives a framework for developing our services and finding innovative ways to serve our community. You can discover more about the library’s strategic plan on pages 9-12. The complete strategic plan is posted at www.itpld.org.
YOUR COMMENTS MATTER! The lifecycle of a comment card
60 Years Strong This year also marks a significant milestone in the history of our library district as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. (Look for more information about the “Book and a Buck” Campaign in the June/July newsletter.)
Members
COMMENTS. OPINIONS. SUGGESTIONS. QUESTIONS. COMMENT CARD
THEY MATTER.
Please complete the comment form on the reverse side. For a personal reply, let us know how to contact you. Name:________________________________ Phone:________________________________
Our community and library have come a long way in 60 years, and planning is underway to recognize all we have accomplished together. We look forward to celebrating this milestone “birthday” with you!
Brian D. Shepard
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Indian Trails Public Library District | April/May 2018
COMMENT CARDS
Managers & Board of Trustees COM CAR MENT D
Brian Shepard Executive Director