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IMCPL Announces Record Usage of Library Services in 2007

Library News & Announcements RSS Feed March 21, 2008


Library patrons checked out more materials than ever before and continued visiting local branches in near-record numbers, according to 2007 year-end statistics announced by the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library.

Over 14.1 million books and other materials were circulated at IMCPL's 22 branch locations, the Interim Central Library, the newly-transformed Central Library and through the Library's bookmobile service in 2007, a near three percent increase over the previous record circulation in 2006.

Over 5.3 million patron visits were recorded in 2007, down slightly from the 2006 record of 5.4 million. However, the 2007 attendance was achieved despite the three-month closure of the Interim Central Library in late summer prior to the opening of the new Central Library in December, and the reduction of hours at the Glendale Branch, one of IMCPL's largest branch facilities, beginning in January 2007.

"Patrons continue to view the library as a community information center," said Laura Bramble, IMCPL's Chief Executive Officer. "The increased usage is testimony to the richness of the Library's collection and our ability to provide enhanced services to meet the demands of patrons in today's digital world," she added.

In addition to the opening of Central Library, IMCPL celebrated numerous milestone events in 2007.

The Library spearheaded the community-wide "Year of Kurt Vonnegut," highlighting the life of the City's favorite literary son with discussions of Vonnegut's works, lectures, exhibits, films and craft programs. Vonnegut's son, Mark Vonnegut, presented the McFadden Memorial Lecture at Clowes Hall on the Butler University campus and used the very words his father had planned to present as the scheduled lecturer.

Over 55,000 children and families participated in the Library's 2007 Summer Reading Program, "iREAD: The Future Is Now," inspired by the newly-designed interactive learning environment at Central Library, The Learning Curve. This and other reading incentive programs introduced children to the world of books and language.

IMCPL presented 10,783 free programs, such as storytimes, craft programs, book discussions, musical programs and author appearances, which were attended by 239,640 individuals.

The number of IMCPL facilities with self-check machines increased, freeing staff to provide more one-on-one service to patrons. Over 738,000 hours were logged on library computers, as patrons increasingly used the library for Internet access or word processing activity.

Thanks to a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, the Glendale Branch obtained special equipment to improve public computer and Internet access for those with vision, mobility, hearing and other impairments. A similar workstation was installed at Central Library in time for its Grand Opening in December.

In 2008, IMCPL's 135th year of service, the Library is embarking on a new five-year strategic plan to identify the community's future information needs and determine how to allocate resources according to community priorities. A 30-member Strategic Planning Committee will produce a recommended plan by July 1. The plan would then go before the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library Board of Trustees for adoption.