HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-23 PSPL Annual ReportOne of the biggest upcoming activities in our near future is the main
library renovation. With the $6.5 Million Building Forward Infrastructure
Grant from the California State Library, our City’s matching funds plus
more from Measure J and the fundraising opportunity by our Palm
Springs Public Library Foundation, we look forward to developing a
renovation design that meets the needs of our community for years to
come. The Infrastructure Grant covers much-needed basics like roof,
windows, plumbing, electrical, HVAC replacement, fire sprinkler system,
and ADA updates, among other things.
Fundraising and naming opportunities with our Library Foundation are
available for those items or areas not covered by the grant. Naming
opportunities could be available for various rooms in the library, a new
theater-style event center, new study rooms or classroom spaces, or
outdoor spaces like our public patios.
We cannot wait to start gathering community input and expect to have
various input-gathering sessions. Be sure to sign up for our library
newsletter to be alerted about these sessions. Our goal is to have
something for everyone, and we need your help to shape the library for
future generations in Palm Springs.
STATISTICS
AT-A-GLANCE:
PLEASE NOTE: We continue to see effects from
COVID-19 impacting our numbers as people
were cautious to return in person.
Palm Springs Public Library
PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARYPALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY
2022-2023 ANNUAL REPORT
City Librarian Jeannie Kays
Palm Springs Public Library
300 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
760-322-READ (7323) www.pslibrary.org
Library Visits/Door Count: 120,225
Materials Checked Out: 311,189
Number of eBook Check-outs: 21,659
Public Service Hours: 2,425
New Library Cards Issued: 2,582
Public Computer Sessions: 18,358
Public Wi-Fi Sessions: 17,951
Number of Virtual Programs: 37
Virtual Program Attendance: 440
Number of In-Person Programs: 273
In-Person Program Attendance: 5,262
Volunteer Hours: 738
Number of Reference Questions: 9,210
Library Visits/Door Count: 29,389
Public Service Hours: 2,990
Public Computer Sessions: 4,416
Public Wi-Fi Sessions: 1,499
MAIN LIBRARY
WELWOOD MURRAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
On behalf of the Library Board of Trustees,
Friends of the Palm Springs Library, Palm
Springs Public Library Foundation, and Library
Staff, I present this Annual Report for Fiscal
Year 2022-23.
We are proud of the accomplishments of the
past year and look forward to new endeavors
this next year. Please read about three of our
programs, Summer Reading Program, Baby2
Baby Diaper giveaway, and Pride on the Page.
Jeannie Kays
Director of Library Services
SUMMER READING STATS:
TOTAL SIGNUPS: 457 (-81 less
than last year)
TOTAL BOOKS READ: 936
(Pre-K only, + 65 from last year)
TOTAL HOURS READ:
2,665 ( youth + teens + adults,
+5 05 hours from last year)
TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKLY
CHECK-INS: 1,160
This was our fourth year using
Beanstack, an online system for
registration and management of
the program. We continued with
weekly in-person programs, and
provided a code each week to
input as the check-in which
unlocked access to weekly books.
This year’s theme was ‘Find Your
Voice’ so programs focused on
finding your passion, causes, self-
care and more. Once again we
tracked books for the Pre-K group
and hours read for Kids, Teens and
Adults. Participants earned badges
and a chance to win grand prizes
generously provided by the Friends
of the Library and many local
businesses and organizations. At
the finale, staff, volunteers, the
City Manager and the Mayor all
celebrated our accomplishments
and assisted us in awarding the
grand prizes.Cookies were
provided by Aspen Mills along with
additional coupons and fun
giveaways to celebrate the end of
our summer reading program.
Diapers in multiple sizes were available, a pack of diapers
and two packages of baby wipes were distributed to families
at the Library along with a ‘Born to Read’ kit generously
provided by the Friends of the Palm Springs Library, which
included developmental information and two board books.
Once-a-week distribution to families began at the Library on
March 15, 2023 during regular library hours. Mayor Garner
and Councilmember Holstege were on hand to help us on
the first morning as families had lined up outside the library.
“The Library is a community resource and we are honored to
be participating in this program offered by Baby2Baby to
meet the needs of families in our community,” said Jeannie
Kays, Director of Library Services. “We know that families
are struggling to make ends meet these days so we are
excited to offer these diapers and wipes!”
In November 2022, the Palm
Springs Public Library Foundation
launched Pride on the Page Book
Festival, a signature event to be a
compliment to other Palm Springs
Pride festivities in the Fall.
Volunteer Author Coordinator
Corey Roskin worked with Library
& Public Services Manager Julie
Warren, to develop the event, to be
an official event of Palm Springs
Pride. Over the course of two days
at the historic Plaza Theatre, ten
panels of 40 LGBTQ+ and affirming
authors discussed their books,
sharing varied viewpoints, and
making new fans! Follett Books was
the official book seller for the event
and many books were sold. To
conclude the event on Saturday
evening, a special fundraising event
occurred featuring Emmy and
Golden Globe winning actor Sharon
Gless in conversation with Peter
Paige, her former co-star on Queer
as Folk.
Summer Reading 2023
'Find Your Voice'
Diaper Distribution at the
Library for Families in need
The Palm Springs Public Library applied for
and received a distribution of diapers and
packages of baby wipes from Baby2Baby
(www.Baby2Baby.org), a national non-profit
that provides children living in poverty with
diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities
that every child deserves.
Palm Springs Public Library Foundation
Launches Pride on the Page Book Festival