Library reaches record circulation numbers
By Janine Harris- Wheatley

How does a library measure success? The number of items circulated is not the sole indicator of how well a library is serving its community but it does help to measure the impact of new initiatives and service enhancements.

Essa Public Library Branches in Angus and Thornton celebrated Canadian Library Month this October by setting a new record for circulation. From January 2007 to the end of Ontario Public Library Week 2007, more items had been borrowed from the two branches than in all of 2006. This 26 per cent increase is on top of the 100 per cent increase that occurred between 2004 and 2006.

The dedication of the library staff combined with the support and commitment of the library board and Essa Township council has allowed the library to make its services more responsive to community needs.

An increased collection budget now supplies a bigger and better selection of books, movies, and audio books.

The open hours have increased by five hours in Angus and nine hours in Thornton, following residents' requests for the branches to be open at more convenient times.

To provide an opportunity for both kindergarten streams, Storytimes are now being held two mornings a week in each branch location.

The community has responded enthusiastically to these improvements.

In Angus, plans are proceeding for a new 10,000 square foot branch, to be built at the Angus Recreation Centre. In Thornton, the Thornton Action Committee and the Thornton Hydro Fund joined with the municipality to fund a library expansion to provide the new Thornton Community Room and more space to house a growing collection.

Circulation is important but success is also measured by the number of people who visit the library in person or through our website to study or work on school projects, find information on the internet, ask staff for reference help or advice on books to read, exchange e-mail with their grandchildren, settle into a comfy chair to read a book, download an audio book to their MP3 player, hold meetings, and chat with friends.

For more information on the Essa library, visit www.essa.library.on.ca.