BROKEN BOW
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ANNUAL REPORT 2006-07
SERVICES:
More than 1,334 items were added to the Broken Bow
Public Library's collection, a 75.6% increase over the number added the previous year. Items added include fiction
and non-fiction books, audiobooks on CD, videos and DVDs, and discovery packs for children.
Nearly 8,600 individuals
used the free public access computers at our library for a total of 5,683 hours. And, we offer free Internet wireless
service to those who bring in their own laptops.
Over the last four years, there has been a 14.8% increase in the
individuals using the library as well as a 36.5% increase in children's program attendance and an 18% increase in those
attending programs for young adults and adults.
4,260 children and youth were served through the summer reading
program, after-school story times, our lapsit program, mobile story time visits to preschools and daycares, book discussions
for 6-8th graders, and school visits.
1,380 young adults and adults attended Humanities programs, enjoyed presentations
by well-known authors and poets, participated in book discussions, viewed art exhibits, and took part in the teen program
"Library After Hours."
115 groups used the library meeting room for Mid-Plains classes, continuing education
classes for area professionals, civic gatherings, and Scout meetings.
Nearly 3,000 visits were recorded to our
Broken Bow Public Library website.
News in 2006-07:
In May, thanks to funding from our city budget and a donation from the Broken Bow Library Foundation, we achieved
a long-time goal of automating our card catalog.
In order to encourage more timely returns of materials, the Broken
Bow Library Board started "Fine-Free Fridays" in July. This policy change has generated a significant increase
in the return of overdue materials and decreased the number of materials that needed replaced.
We held a week-long
celebration in September for the 35th anniversary of our current library building. Among those attending a special open
house were many family members of Library Board trustees who planned the new building in 1971-72.
During the summer,
our library was one of the official sites across Nebraska to host four "Saving Nebraska's Treasures" workshops
for the public. These workshops were a cooperative effort of the Nebraska State Historical Society's Ford Conservation
Center, the Nebraska Library Commission and NET. It was funded in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
and the Corporation of Public Broadcasting.
For the third consecutive year, we participated in One Book One Nebraska
by hosting a book discussion on the 2007 selection Crazy Horse by Mari Sandoz. UNK Professor of English, Susanne
George Bloomfield, riveted our local audience when she presented her research on Native American literature in September.
Kim Dunning Blackburn, who handles our children's and young adult services, started a new program for teens only.
"Library After Hours" began in February 2007 and is held the second Saturday of each month from 2-4:00 p.m.
The program allows teens to have the library to themselves and participate in the various activities planned for each month.
Some of the "Library After Hours" programs from February through September 2007 included computer game contests,
board games, movies based on teen books, and a presentation by Omaha slam poet, Matt Mason. "Library After Hours"
has been extremely successful and involves a diverse group of teens.
FACTS AND
FIGURES:
Library card holders...4,951
Items in collection...26,812
Items check out...44,718
Library visits...27,817
Reference questions answered...6,277
Program attendance...5,640
Individuals using
public access computers...8,599
Hours public access computers used...5,683
REVENUES:
City
of Broken Bow...$147,372
Nebraska Library Commission state aid...974
Other (non-resident fees/library fines)...2,063
TOTAL.....$150,409
EXPENDITURES:
Personnel and benefits...$104,957
Library materials...18,744
Operating expenditures...15,171
Equipment...6,435
TOTAL.....$145,309
