Library Board Update 6 28 07
Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Library Board of Trustees Update
From the Meeting of
June 28, 2007
Present: Alan Avery, President; Sue Lindsay, Vice President; Kristen Smith, Secretary; Diann Guns,
Becky Hauder, Beverly Kolz
Excused: Michael Shubatt
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June 30, 2007 closed the fiscal year with the Library’s budget coming in at 98.56 percent, or 1.44
percent under budget. Revenues exceeded projections coming in at 113 percent of revenue
estimations.
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The fiscal year ended with an overall 5 percent increase in library visits.
Circulations were up 3 percent and represent the highest number of transactions in the Library’s
history. Much of this increase can be attributed to Dubuque residents whose circulations were 4
percent ahead of last year. Print material loans were down for the year, only 1 percent for Adults,
but a 7 percent decrease for Youth. This mirrors studies completed at the national level
documenting that leisure reading has declined, particularly with the younger population. Reading
is essential. Over the next few years we will focus on, and work with, youth of all ages to
encourage them to read.
Internet use over the past fiscal year is up 9 percent, in large part due to increased use in Adult
Services. Perhaps the classes held by Adult Services have been a positive influence on computer
use.
Registrations for library cards increased 9 percent.
Areas of decline were in Reference and Volunteer hours.
Significant increases in library use are in all fields of electronic media, from DVDs (increase 62
percent in circulations for Adult, increase 45 percent for Youth) to database use.
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The Art Audit is expected to be completed in August and that the final total will be between
$72,000 and $85,000. Furniture and art sculptures/bronzes will be valued separately and that phase
will begin in later August.
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The Library held a Harry Potter party held on Friday, July 20. It is estimated that between 700
and 800 people attended this event.
Library Board of Trustees
___________________________ _____________________________
Alan Avery, Board President Susan Henricks, Director
Sue Lindsay, Vice President
Kristen Smith, Board Secretary
Diann Guns
Becky Hauder
Beverly Kolz
Michael Shubatt