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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-24 PSPL Annual Reportmaking a comeback with a 17% increase in foot traffic. Library patrons checked out 6.5% more physical books and media and 13% more downloadable electronic items than the previous fiscal year. We issued 19% more library cards and hosted 19% more programs, with 29% more people attending those programs. We expect this year’s statistics to continue the upward trend. Be sure to download our new mobile app to access your account, our list of events, and downloadable resources , all free of charge! We spent a significant amount of time working on the library renovation project this year. Community outreach events and online surveys provided tremendous input on what our community wants and needs from their public library. Roughly 1,800 participants provided input on important features for the library, as well as interior and exterior design palettes. Our next steps are to take the designs and convert them to construction documents, put the project out to bid for a contractor, and get busy! We look forward to locating a temporary location to continue our quality service to our patrons, both long-time library users and new card holders. Visit EngagePalmSprings.com to get updates about the library renovation project and to see renderings of what the renovated library could look like. Thank you for your support! STATISTICS AT-A-GLANCE: Palm Springs Public Library PALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARYPALM SPRINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY 2023-2024 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 MAIN LIBRARY Library Visits/Door Count: 140,274 Materials Checked Out: 331,403 Number of eBook Check-outs: 24,508 Public Service Hours: 2,509 New Library Cards Issued: 3,064 Public Computer Sessions: 20,983 Public Wi-Fi Sessions: 22,475 Number of Virtual Programs: 30 Virtual Program Attendance: 937 Number of In-Person Programs: 326 In-Person Program Attendance: 6,783 Volunteer Hours: 803 Number of Reference Questions: 8,994 Passport Applications Processed: 819 WELWOOD MURRAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY Library Visits/Door Count: 28,330 Public Service Hours: 3,010 Public Computer Sessions: 4,618 Public Wi-Fi Sessions: 1,975 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 2023-24. We experienced significant growth in several statistical categories including door count, circulation, new library cards, and program attendance. Although our door count remains lower than pre-pandemic numbers, we are Jeannie Kays, Director of Library Services SUMMER READING STATS: TOTAL SIGNUPS: 527 (+70 participants from last year!) TOTAL BOOKS READ: 1,678 (Pre-K only, + 742 from last year!) TOTAL HOURS READ: 2,299 ( youth + teens + adults) TOTAL NUMBER OF WEEKLY CHECK-INS: 1,001 checked out for two weeks; the passes offer free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating California State Parks. Research shows that spending time in the outdoors is associated with better mental and physical health, and that many Californians face barriers to accessing their parks. “California has a wealth of state parks, and many public libraries are likely within driving distance of one. By reducing barriers to park access and partnering with entities such as public libraries, the state can help more Californians This year we continued with Beanstack, our online registration tool, as well as with weekly in-person programs and weekly FREE books. This year’s theme was ‘Read. Renew Repeat.’ so several of our programs were focused on sustainability and being good stewards of our resources. 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. This year the Sustainability Commission provided funds to buy 8 bicycles and an electric scooter, all also included a helmet and bike lock. This year participants could enter their ticket in bins for the grand prize they wanted to try and win. At the finale grand prize winners were drawn live and half of the winners were present! We all celebrated the end to summer reading with cookies from Aspen Mills along with other giveaways. The Friends of the Palm Springs Library applied for and received a grant on behalf of the Library from Anderson Children’s Foundation (ACF). Notification was received in June 2023 that the application was successful and a $25,000 grant for S.T.E.A.M. materials for a Teen Maker Space was received in August. This grant funded robots and iPads and other supplies and S.T.E.A.M. programming for the year focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. Items purchased included iPads, Snap Circuits, Sphero Robots, Cricut Machine, Hue Animation Studio, Circulating S.T.E.A.M. Kits, Mobile Maker Space cart, and other craft and painting supplies. Monthly programs were hosted in the Teen Zone as well as Maker Space Open Play events. Special Tween and D-I-Y Kids programs also took place. Summer Reading 2024 Read. Renew. Repeat Library Receives Grant for $5,000 for Discovery Backpacks. In support of the California State Parks Pass initiative and collaboration to remove barriers to allow people to access and enjoy our state natural resources, the Library offers fifty (50) Hangtags and ten (10) Discovery Backpacks that can be checked out for FREE with a library card. The Discovery backpacks and the materials inside were purchased with funds from a $5,000 grant awarded to the Library to enhance a visit to a State Park. The backpacks and hangtag passes can be Teen Maker Space Grant from Anderson’s Children’s Foundation for $25,000 In the picture, left-right: Brianna Uhlhorn, ACF Director of Grants and Media, Stephanie Laing, Teen Librarian, Jeannie Kays, Library Director, and Diane Schlesinger, ACF Trustee. explore the outdoors and generate positive impacts in the areas of health, natural resource stewardship, and historical and cultural connections” said a State Library Spokesperson.